Jesus Uses Failures

Wednesday at our ALIVE meeting, the girls and I had a TERRIFIC bible study, I just HAD to share about it. I am thoroughly loving this group we’ve got right now. They’re consistent, committed, teachable and uplifting. But anyway, back to the bible study from last night. I’m not quite sure why this question popped into my mind about a week ago, but suddenly I thought to myself “Hmmm, I wonder why, after Peter had denied Christ the evening of his seizure, did Jesus later respond to Peter with ‘Feed my sheep’?” Or to put it in another way, why, of ALL the things Jesus could have said to Peter - such as “you idiot…” or “you’re forgiven, no worries…” or “told ya so…” or “Hey bud, I love ya…” did he say “Feed my sheep?”

John 21 - Feed my sheep.

Could Peter have ever seen that one coming? And when we fail big time like Peter (especially when we’re sturdy and self-assured like Peter was during the Last Supper - ‘Oh no, I will NEVER fail YOU, Lord!’) what might it mean to us that Jesus said “Feed my sheep” to his fallen disciple?

So we discussed this question. Here are some of the points we made:

- Peter needed to know that Jesus was confident in his ability to continue as a leader

- Peter needed to be reminded that he was called to do in the first place - despite a failure along the way

- Peter needed to get past the self-pity, not wallowing in his failure and focus on the future

- Peter was chosen to be USEFUL, not paranoid about failing

- Peter needed to be strong for the other disciples and ministry leaders he would coach very soon

- Peter had already been taught and shown what he needed during his years with Christ, he didn’t need to be reminded of all of that, he just needed a statement of send-off

- Jesus knew the Holy Spirit would be sent soon, Peter would soon have that resource to help him in temptation

Above all, we concluded that Peter is a perfect example of how Jesus DOES and CAN use us - even after we fall or have failed. Here is a fantastic article from Desiringgod.org that sums up our conclusion: Jesus Chooses and Uses Failures

James Dobson Focuses on Obama

Dobson accuses Obama of ‘distorting’ Bible

Excerpt - “COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - As Barack Obama broadens his outreach to evangelical voters, one of the movement’s biggest names, James Dobson, accuses the likely Democratic presidential nominee of distorting the Bible and pushing a “fruitcake interpretation” of the Constitution.”

FC Snow Day

The fourish inches of snow outside is the biggest thing happening around here to write about. I live in an area that is on the low edge of snow weather and we are usually left with ice or nothing. Every once in a while - usually once or twice every winter - we do get a light covering and it gives everyone an excuse to stay home from work, cancel school, drink too much hot chocolate, do movie marathons, and sleep in.

It’s as though the white blanket over grass and cars outside says “hush. be still. i’ll be your excuse to rest.i’ll stop traffic and remind everyone of peace. just stay in and be warm today. that’s your only obligation.”

Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it,) the projects i’ve received from The Company all only require internet access and a phone - both of which I have at home. So I did get some things accomplished today, but I think i’ll take Snow up on his urges for all the little details I didn’t get done

“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’

So that all men he has made may know his work, he stops every man from his labor.” - Job 37:6-7