November 6
Scripture focus: When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." He pressed them, "And how about you? Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter said, "You're the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus came back, "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. "And that's not all. You will have complete and free access to God's kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven." He swore the disciples to secrecy. He made them promise they would tell no one that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:12-20 The Message
Have you ever noticed that some people who know a lot about God’s word still struggle with getting along with God’s people? In my neck of the woods, I’ve heard folks like this referred to as “bible thumpers.” I’m not a big fan of name calling, but I do think embedded in this particular story is a clue as to how we could all improve our love intelligence.
Jesus praises Peter for recognizing him as the Christ, the Messiah, the son of the living God. So knowing God is a key element in the spiritual renewal process.
And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock…
Peter’s life post-resurrection proves that Jesus spoke truthfully when He described for Simon Peter his own true, God-created identity. The spiritual renewal journey isn’t just about learning bible verses. It’s also about discovering our true, God-created self – and trusting God knows best.
I would love to be an awesome singer but I can’t sing a note.
I long for the gift of hospitality but clearly, if I can’t buy, rent or borrow the accoutrements of hospitality, my guests are in big trouble.
I’ve often thought that if I could be a bit more introverted, less opinionated, more sweet than spicy the world would be a better place. Alas, none of these areas of my being have seen an ounce of transformation.
There are things about myself that I believe God has revealed to me much like Jesus did for Peter. I am learning how to trust that God knew what he was doing when he knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Spiritual renewal – knowing and loving God, knowing and trusting God with self, learning to love others within the limitations of our creatureliness, trusting God to supply what we lack…
Recommended reading: Isaiah 44 - 46
Scripture focus: When Jesus arrived in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "What are people saying about who the Son of Man is?" They replied, "Some think he is John the Baptizer, some say Elijah, some Jeremiah or one of the other prophets." He pressed them, "And how about you? Who do you say I am?" Simon Peter said, "You're the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Jesus came back, "God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn't get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. "And that's not all. You will have complete and free access to God's kingdom, keys to open any and every door: no more barriers between heaven and earth, earth and heaven. A yes on earth is yes in heaven. A no on earth is no in heaven." He swore the disciples to secrecy. He made them promise they would tell no one that he was the Messiah. Matthew 16:12-20 The Message
Have you ever noticed that some people who know a lot about God’s word still struggle with getting along with God’s people? In my neck of the woods, I’ve heard folks like this referred to as “bible thumpers.” I’m not a big fan of name calling, but I do think embedded in this particular story is a clue as to how we could all improve our love intelligence.
Jesus praises Peter for recognizing him as the Christ, the Messiah, the son of the living God. So knowing God is a key element in the spiritual renewal process.
And now I'm going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock…
Peter’s life post-resurrection proves that Jesus spoke truthfully when He described for Simon Peter his own true, God-created identity. The spiritual renewal journey isn’t just about learning bible verses. It’s also about discovering our true, God-created self – and trusting God knows best.
I would love to be an awesome singer but I can’t sing a note.
I long for the gift of hospitality but clearly, if I can’t buy, rent or borrow the accoutrements of hospitality, my guests are in big trouble.
I’ve often thought that if I could be a bit more introverted, less opinionated, more sweet than spicy the world would be a better place. Alas, none of these areas of my being have seen an ounce of transformation.
There are things about myself that I believe God has revealed to me much like Jesus did for Peter. I am learning how to trust that God knew what he was doing when he knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Spiritual renewal – knowing and loving God, knowing and trusting God with self, learning to love others within the limitations of our creatureliness, trusting God to supply what we lack…
Recommended reading: Isaiah 44 - 46
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