Sunday, September 25, 2016

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 100 Huntley Street. The Bible is reliable and our faith in God is totally reasonable! (click here).

 

11 thoughts on “Sunday, September 25, 2016

  1. Remember David’s brothers? And Saul and all Israel quaking in their boots at the sight of Goliath?
    I feel like that when faced with opening my mouth and sharing the Gospel.
    Please pray for me, ’cause when I do open my mouth, I feel like Eric Liddell, the great Scot runner, when he ran.
    Remember, “God made me fast”?
    Maybe God made me to share the Gospel.
    Please pray.

    • Praying for you, Rob. If it is any encouragement, I think you have come a long way, just on the blog. Perhaps that is how God is getting you ready, by loosening you up, so to speak, with us, on this forum, first–getting you more comfortable. Have faith because your willingness to speak as a saint of God has developed in front of us and I believe your testament will come from your mouth when God needs you to speak for Him and draw others to know His Name. God bless you, dear brother-in-Christ!

  2. Wonderful vlog, today, Ron–thank you! Thank You, Jesus, for interceding for us and praying on our behalf. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for living and breathing in us. Thank you to my Pastor, Andrew Belair, for delivering such an awesome sermon on Romans 2, today. Could I ask saints to pray for my mom, Jean, please? She is not doing well and I pray she no longer has to be in pain and suffering. Wishing all a most blessed day–enjoy the sunshine.

    Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? 1 Cor 3:16 ESV

    Simple Gospel, United Pursuit (Man, I LOVE this worship band)!!!!! 😀
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcJV7j5D3PU

    • Dear precious Father in heaven I pray that you in your mercy, would reach down and heal Beverlee”s dear Mother Jean. Please take away the pain and shelter her under your wings. Help her to feel your loving presence in her body.
      I ask this all in the name of your dear son Jesus. Amen

    • Lord we lift up a mom her name is Jean, be with her and give her comfort, peace, a feeling of contentment, we thank you for all the care she is receiving, bless her family,
      Lord You are her Shepherd, she shall not want, you will make her lie down in green pastures, You will lead her beside still waters, You will restore her soul, You will lead her in the paths of righteousness for Your Name’s sake!
      Even though she will walk through the valley of the shadow of death, She will fear no ill for You are with her, Your rod and staff comfort her.
      You have prepared a table before her enemies, You anoint her head with oil, her cup over flows, Surely goodness and mercy will follow her all the days of her life and she will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever!
      Thank you Lord, thank you,
      God bless you Beverlee Kay and thank you for asking us to pray! THE POWER OF PRAYER MOVES MOUNTAINS!

  3. sah on September 25, 2016 at 6:04 am said:

    Praise and thanks to our Lord God! I found my ear rings! I checked my swim bag many times but nothing! Today after swimming I opened the bag and there were the ear rings! I have to chuckle! God cares about every aspect of our lives! TY Lord,
    Bless the life guards and their families! We are so blessed to have a wonderful place to swim! TY Lord

  4. Thanks for the photo Reynold and your comments about it: Its amazing all the evidence there is about the fact that the Bible is true, and the people of the Bible did really exist, and yet there are so many who just can’t accept that truth.

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