The Forgiven Forgive

Fall Forward

   Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

   "You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. 

   He replied, “I am not.”

John 18:15-17 NIV

Much has been made about the fact that Peter denied Christ three times. But, I am always struck by the little noticed truth that Peter was following Christ when that happened. Yes, he "fell", but, at least he fell forward, following Christ.

Sometimes, despite our best intentions and most honorable desires, we sin. Occasionally, even though we are following Christ, we don't act like it. This is not an excuse or a rationalization of sin. Like I John 1:8-2:2 teaches, sin happens. There is a difference between falling away or, some would say, backsliding, than simply sinning. Falling away is when you cease believing and choose solely to live according to your sinful nature. 

Peter denied that he knew Christ. We know from history that he definitely didn't stop following Christ. I know it's common to say that in John 21 Jesus reinstated Peter, but, where does the Bible say that Christ ever let him go? 

What is the lesson for us? The lesson is that even though we falter, even though we fail, Christ still loves us. Yes, we should confess our sins. Christ is faithful and will forgive us. At times, our actions in effect deny Christ because we definitely are not acting like a Christian.  Christ doesn't reject us. He died for our sins, for that sin. Confess your sin, be forgiven and repent. You may fall, but like Peter, fall forward.

Righteousness and Restoration

I stand, by and in your righteousness. Your righteousness restores me. Thank you, Lord Jesus, reign in me and my family today.

What We Have to Give

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 

Acts 3:6-9 NIV

The crippled beggar was hoping for money. Peter, didn't have money, but, what he did have was far better. What Jesus gave Peter, and I believe Jesus gives us, is the authority to restore people in His Name! II Corinthians 5:18 tells us that, "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Chris and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." When you see someone in need, you give them, in Jesus' Name, what you have. 

One time, I was walking down town when a homeless man came up to me and asked for some money. I didn't have any on me. I asked him if he new who Jesus Christ was and immediately his eyes cleared up and he told me that he used to walk with Jesus but he had chose to do some bad things and he ended up there on the streets. I happened to have a little copy of the New Testament and Psalm in my back pocket. It actually was a pretty nice leather bound one that I received when in college, so it had a sentimental value to me. I ended giving it to him and praying with him right there in the middle of downtown LA. 

The point is that just at the mention of Jesus' Name the mans complete countenance changed. I am not sure what happened to him, but I know he remembered how much God loved him and wanted to restore him. 

Be Restored, Rebuilt and Repaired!

“In that day “I will restore 
   David’s fallen shelter
I will repair its broken walls 
   and restore its ruins
   and will rebuild it as it used to be,
so that they may possess the remnant of Edom
   and all the nations that bear my name,”
      declares the Lord, who will do these things.
Amos 9:11-12 (NIV)

Sometimes we reap what we sow and the fruit of our choices results in messing up our lives. Sometimes it's just a trial and in the end we are out of sorts and everything is out of place. Whatever it is we know we aren't where we used to be or where we know we are supposed to be. 

The good word is that God wants to restore you, to repair you, to build you up so you may possess what he has called you to possess.

Father, Spirit of the Living God, we call upon you to restore us, to repair our broken places, to build us up again, and help us to possess that which you have given us. Praise be to you in us today!

The Enemy Gets a Victory, Not the Victory

I knew something was amiss when an assistant pastor read Psalm 51. Not a few verses, all of Psalm 51 and asked the congregation to really think about what the verses meant. The enemy had a victory. One of the leaders sinned and was resigning. 

A marriage, a family, people, a ministry all decimated by sin, by the actions of people, real people. I can't imagine the depth of pain, betrayal and loss his wife is experiencing. That she chose to forgive and try to work through this has got to be one of the single greatest examples of love, forgiveness and grace I have ever seen. 

I called a friend of mine who I have known a long time and we have been through a lot, seen a lot and worked through a lot. We talked at least an hour. Sometimes it's not about pointing out the sin because that is obvious. Sometimes it's just about connecting in Christ.

Passion, like all emotions can be a two-edged sword. Unfortunately many people do not realize that a person who has a passion to serve Christ, see people come to know him as Savior and Lord, and then shepherd them to growth in Christ, is a passionate person. I think lust is uncontrolled and unconcerned passion. Pastor's can be easy prey for the enemy because they are passionate people. Some people might think that pastors, priests and preachers are almost immune to passionate desires and lust. No, they are human and just like everyone else. Here's a question or two: Who do you talk to when you are dealing with passion, temptation? Who can your pastor talk to? 

I hope to be able to help in some way. I think my relationship with him was just a bit beyond acquaintance because we were only able to talk a few times. But, if I can I will walk along side to help. In the battle for our faith, it is a loss. The enemy won a battle. Not the war, a battle. The war still rages. We fight on in faith, battling with mercy, grace and forgiveness. 

Father, may your grace abound. Praise be to you in us today.

Far or Near, God Restores

I have seen their ways, but I will heal them;
   I will guide them and restore comfort to Israel’s mourners,
   creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,”
   says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”
Isaiah 57:18-19 (NIV)

God saves us because. Because of his grace, not our goodness. 
He sees our ways, but, he still will heal us. 
We go astray and he still guides. 
We wander and he restores and comforts us.
We could be far or we can be near and he still offers us peace with him in Christ. 
Whatever the wound, he will heal. 

Father, help us to walk with you in humility and willingness. Thank for your healing love for us. Praise be to you in us today!