SIMON, SIMON
Today’s Reading: Luke 22
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).
Tourists look down into what is believed to be the ruins of Peter's house in Capernaum. There is evidence that there were several enlargements of the space. This may have been the place of worship for the earliest Christian Church in the Galilee. I preached in a church building in a village in Russia that was still a private home. It had been enlarged several times. Building permits were not given for church buildings, but you could add to an existing house.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verses: Luke 22:31-32
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, (Peter) that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Believe it! Jesus prayed for Peter, and He prays for us too. Here is the statement of that fact! “Therefore, He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, [you and me] since He ever lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). What confidence we have in His intercession! The Lord Jesus was fully aware that Peter was about to curse and swear, declaring that he did not even know who Jesus is! So how does Jesus respond to Peter…in anger and judgment? Not at all. The Lord looked beyond Peter’s failure to his repentance, and his faith and bold leadership was restored. Jesus knew that in just 50 days, Peter would be filled with the Holy Spirit and would preach a powerful message on the street to thousands. Jesus has a plan for each one of us. He sees restoration following failure. Never give up! Repent and move forward. Judas gave up after his failure. Peter or Judas…which example will we follow?
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Dear Lord, I confess my failure. Just as You saw Peter’s tears and witnessed his repentance, even so I repent and I am confident that You pray for me that my faith will not fail. I receive, by faith, Your forgiveness and restoration. I’m ready to start this new day in my service for You. Fill me with Your Spirit I pray. I praise You. I worship You. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I am continuing to exalt Your Holy Name…….
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I identify with Peter. He tried to help by attacking the servant of the High Priest. He tried by following Jesus after His arrest and stood where he could see Jesus before the High Priest. He failed to stand up for Jesus. After eye contact with Jesus, he went out into the darkness and wept bitterly over his failure. How I thank God for His mercy and grace. Peter saw Jesus crucified, buried, and resurrected from the dead. How else could anyone explain Peter’s transformation? Jesus baptized Peter with the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God became like a fire inside him! I know 100% for sure that Jesus is alive!!! I, too, have been filled with the Holy Spirit! Now, all I have to do is open my mouth and share Jesus wisely and boldly with others. Jesus intercedes for me as He did for Peter, and Jesus’ prayers are always answered “YES!!!” WOW!!!
Yours for a consistent, clear, thoughtful, mostly gentle and always bold, witness for Jesus,
David
P.S. Here’s another powerful witness with Moira Brown interviewing Dr. Andy Bannister on this week’s 100 Huntley Street. The Bible is reliable and our faith in God is totally reasonable! (click here).
Many times I remember Peter saying to Jesus that he would never deny knowing Jesus in these last days when persecution comes God help us to be faithful servants to follow after our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and say Yes Im a follower of The Lord Jesus Christ
To God be All the Glory Amen
Hi David, just wanted you to know that you inspire me. Don’t let your age define the projects and plans the Lord guides you to undertake. You are such a blessing to me through your blog. I thank God for you!
Amen
I do pray that my husband and I and our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will be strong in these challenging times. Thank you Jesus for your prayers for us – (thank you is not strong enough). Amazing, incredible, mind -boggling, to think that Jesus prays for us.
Amen!
My prayers go with you Doreen, that all of you will feel the presence of God through the challenges you face with your dear husband’s illness. God s our refuge and strength. Catherine
thank you Catherine.
Amen
It was interesting how Jesus said in today’s reading, if you have no sword, sell your cloak to buy one. The disciples were armed with two swords when the soldiers came for Him. Yet, Jesus refrained His disciples from using any resistance, even healing the ear of one soldier struck by the sword. Not My will but Your will be done. Amen and praise Our Lord!!
36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a money bag, let him take it, and likewise a knapsack; and he who has no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that this which is written must still be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’[d] For the things concerning Me have an end.”
How amazing that God sent an angel to strengthen Jesus in his time of great need.
Love the plant sitting in the middle of the dome covering Peter’s house in today’s pic.
God bless Canada this fine Fall day.
I am humbled and yet REJOICING that Jesus us my Intersessor.
Thank you once again for your prayer Pastor David and expounding The Word to us. Blessings blog buddies.
There is no retirement here on Earth for believers. We must continue until He calls us home. God bless you!!
Thanks, for your commitment !❤️
in my Bible there is no verse 43,44 in Luke 22…the comment mentions that these verses were not true….interesting…thank you so much for this blog and blessings to all.. having a very difficult time with this over cast weather….trying to rest in the Lord……
Thanks for the picture Reynold…thank you Pastor David for your explanation.
Thank you Lord Jesus, for your mercy and grace, when I am weak, you are strong, Praise Your Holy Name.
And remembering Ger in Bulgaria giving out Bibles. May they go into hands who will really cherish them and read them (in their own language)! Lord, give favour to Ger and to the group. Amen.
David-there is no word for slowing down or retiring in the Word-go where He leads and walk through the door He opens
Hello from Bulgaria! Thank you for your prayers. Am seeing God answer them. Is 6 hours ahead here and have attended two services already. The people are very friendly and receptive and one saved last night. Is a great privilege to be here and worship and encourage the people as the Lord is coming soon. Please pray that the Word of God and the testimonies we give will be what God wants to say as He knows what is ahead. Thank you David for your words and the opportunity to share. The Word is powerful! God bless.