The holiday is over and I am back to work. My body didn't want to get up this morning so I'm taking some time for lunch and to write to you. A lot has happened this week. I saw family, entertained, and finally got some much needed rest. I did manage to pick myself up yesterday and go to church. What a blessing the message was? The question that has resonated on my heart is, "Do I believe that God is faithful."
Christ did promise his disciples that someone would betray Him and that Peter would deny Him three times. Jesus was betrayed by Judas and Peter did deny Him. Peter chose the road to forgiveness because His bond with Jesus was strong. He had learned that Christ loved Him and even warned Him prior to His death. Jesus already knew what would happen. On the other hand, Judas betrayed Jesus and upon that betrayal he chose to take His life. His sorrow was too great and he forgot about mercy.
Many Theologians think that Judas went to Hell. The Bible isn't very clear. The author knew how Judas died and that he was so sad he took his own life but who are we to say what transpired those last moments before he died. I think we witness many things in this world and we put our own spin on those events. It would be easy to say that an adulterer can't change or even someone on Meth. But some people do change and their lives are forever changed. They find Christ and the past is forgiven. I am going to leave the argument up to the the scholars for now because all I know is that Christ does save and that even when we sin, He forgives.
Hurt, anger, and resentment have driven nations to war, while men have fought over power and greed. Numerous lives have been lost for a belief. We can argue all day long about faithfulness but when I look around there is only one person faithful to human kind and it's God.
If you're losing hope because of sin or circumstance, choose to look up. That's what Peter did. He never thought that he would deny Christ and yet he did. He learned from that moment and realized that his fear ruled him but his life wasn't determined by his sin; it was determined by his journey. We all are on a journey. Our hope must rely on Jesus because without His faithfulness we really don't have anything to stand on.
Peter might have let down Christ but in the end he walked the path of righteousness. We are on the same journey ladies and it's what we do with it that matters. I hope you find encouragement in the following passage. I have a client that may be getting divorced and I sent it to him today. See, I believe that God is faithful, even when we aren't. I'm praying for his marriage and hoping that God corrects their paths. I know He can. The real question is, "Do we believe He can?"
May your day be full of hope for tomorrow. Please pray for the Congo today. There are missionaries with families there and the country is in turmoil. We have sisters we have never met probably full of fear and waiting to see what corruption will bring to their land. Don't forget that even though you may live in a peaceful place the world is far from being peaceful. God is faithful so I'm praying for His protection and a spiritual movement in a corrupt world. As always, I think of you my sisters and pray that wherever you are God is ministering to your needs.
Psalm 119:116 NIV
Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will
live; do not let my hopes be dashed.
My prayer today:
O, Lord, we come to you as one. We pray for the lives that are full of sin and for those that are contemplating taking their own lives. We know you are faithful but often, we forget that faithfulness is not always seen. We want miracles and showings of your work and yet, you show us daily. The sun continues to rise up and set. The birds sing to You a new song and the wind blows through the trees. All these are signs of Your mighty power and Your continued faithfulness across the world. Be with us today and convict us of our sins. We want to be one with You. We desire to know You and to feel You and to be with You. You are our Savior. There is no one better than You. Your love continues to shine through all the darkness and I for one am glad You're with me. I, like many, look for the answers. They aren't in this world, they reside in the Holy Spirit and in the Scriptures. Be with me today and place women on my heart. I am praying for the countries where unrest lives. I'm praying for safety for my sisters and for their families. I would ask that You would encourage our missionaries and help them to continue to spread the gospel. They are Your hands and feet. Help us all to lift them up and to encourage their mighty deeds. I love You Lord and for every day you live within me, I am so grateful. Spread hope and encouragement among the nations and unite Your soldiers to be one with You. In Jesus name, AMEN
Until tomorrow...
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