All who are believers are called to "Go Therefore."

I so enjoy John 21 where Peter, a believer in that day, is simply worn out. It has been through too much. He, in so many ways, has failed and what does he tell all the others who are with him? He tells them he's going to do, what we all do when life just gets too hard > Peter says he's returning to what he knows: Fishing.

How many of us have been in that very same situation where we just tossed it all and said, "I'm outta here."

And what does the Lord do with Peter, the disciple who has failed in many regards? Jesus is standing on the beach, far enough away, that those on the boat can't make Him out and he helps them. He doesn't abandon those who have given up on Him.

And then He cooks them breakfast. Can you imagine. Peter, who failed at crucial moments, and three times in particular where he denied Jesus is the wonderful context for this passage that John and Luke record.

Jesus, looks at all Peter's boat stuff... nets and boat and all of it, and asks Peter, if Peter loves Jesus more than the fishing gear.
Three times Jesus asks the man who has failed and the three times is crucial, not as judgment, as some misread this text, or as some sort of test of Peter.
Nope. This is the Lord healing and loving a man who is not perfect (all of us) by allowing Peter to restate three times, that Peter is now ready.

Then Jesus tells Peter, who has told the Lord three times he is ready... to tend His Sheep. The Isaiah 53:6 imagery of sheep, an animal that wanders, and who always stray and are prone to attack from wolves. In other words, Peter, go tend my people, who always have a habit go astray and protect them from the wolves.

So Jesus the Christ, in whom all authority is given because of the cross, tells a simple fisherman who hardly can catch a fish ever, and who fishes all the time with poor nets,
and who failed at key times, that God restores broken things. God restores failing people. Because in it, the Glory of God is evident.

A whole world system was changed by a handful of men who were far from stellar.

When God restores us, Go Therefore. All of us. Each of us. However you can. Wherever you can.
All of us can assist the sheep because we know exactly what we sheep are prone to do.

Blessings,
Mark

Amen

I know what you're talking about and it is so very real.

Yes
Discernment

Thank you Mark June, thank you very much...

A Mark of the church is Edification. We all need to help one another when times get tough. Especially when times get tough.


Blessings,
Mark

Really have enjoyed the dialog in this post. Thank you Mark.

You're welcome Charles2.

Blessings,
Mark

I listen and learn from the husbands and wives who have been married for decades. Some nearly 70 years. What a testimony to the Genesis 2:24 "one-flesh" covenant between a husband and wife they are to me and others. I applaud them as a minister of the God of the Bible. Well done good and faithful ones.

I ask them if the path was easy, and they always look at each other when I ask this. Of course not they say.
I ask if was all worth it. They always look at each other again and answer 100% of the time - yes. Usually this is where their tears tell what their bodies can't bottle up. Tears are emotions that speak volumes.

Wow. What isn't easy and what is full of ups and downs... is always worth it.
How about that for good teaching.
Doesn't get better y'all.

If our life is hard. If our families are not perfect. If our churches aren't perfect. If our nation is struggling as immorality cloaks itself as being good.
Take heart.
From those who have gone before us.
It's ok.
It's not easy. Not easy at all.
But it's all worth it.


Blessings,
Mark

Good Stuff Mark...
Stay open and Blessed

You also 330-T.
I know your path has been rocky lately but my prayer for you is that you find Rest (capital R), even if for a little while, as the blur of life hums on.
Grasp the small things which are right there in front of us BIG as can be.

Blessings,
Mark

Amen

Danny I have no dog in this race, but I often wonder for a professed non believer why do your spend so much time on threads about God?

X2. That is something that has always baffled me about a few non believers that I know. They are intelligent people that put a lot of effort into studying the Bible then denying what is free for the taking and worth more than words can describe.

Mark June,
I am most at peace and satisfied is when I am following The LORDS calling for me.
In the years I have known you I believe you have found yours.
Prayers of support my Brother in Christ.

Ron,
How you holding up these days? Any more dancing with the docs?
You realize, Donna and I miss that beautiful PA countryside you call home.

Blessings from our Lord to you brother.
Mark

I am doing better. The boss (Sandy) is going to let me go to the shop today for a while.
Like you bring refreshed by the Lord daily.
Blessing to you

Ron, that is so good to hear friend.
We miss seeing you in the cargo trailer puttering away on all the fine gear you make.
Maybe we'll get back to the PA show one of these years.

Listen to the boss lady now!

Blessings
Mark

If I posted a video of a pagan ritual or an Asatru gathering, everyone of you would look at it and comment. I thought about doing that but whats the use? You will continue to make ridiculous claims like the covid shot will link people telepathically to the internet and the hippie peace sign is really being perpetrated by satan worshippers, and I read these posts for a reason other than curiosity as to what ridiculous claim is being made now.

learch said

Like most of you I was subjected to Sunday school, Sunday sermons, verse memorization and bible study when I was a kid. Even after I figured out it was all false I was to young to refuse to go.

If you dont like the truth then block my posts so you dont have to read them

Danny, I pray you see GOD for who HE really is, not what man has portrayed upon you as a young child.