A Fragile Stone
Peter's Confession of Christ
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ,[a] the Son of the living God."
17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. 18And I tell you that you are Peter,[b] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades[c] will not overcome it.[d] 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be[e] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[f] loosed in heaven." 20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Tommy's Thoughts:
We may think all opportunities coming our ways are God’s blessings for us. But, if they take away our time with God - making it shorter and less committed, they are usually opportunity best not to be pursued.
We may think we can handle them with our own strength and wisdom, but normally we’ll end up, not only spending less time with God, but totally burn-out in exhaustion and discouragements. Our endeavors, even good and kind deeds to others, if not supported by our faith and dependence in Christ, they will always fail.
Dear Father, thank You for reminding me through Peter, that no amount of my own strength or talent can make me adequate for this life and its challenges. Teach me to trust and rely on Your strength and wisdom in making every decision or pursuing any endeavor. Guide me not to neglect my time with You and always keep me focus to You and Your leading. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Bee's Thoughts:
Our confession of Christ makes a great deal of difference. It shows our knowledge and confidence in Him. Upon this confession God is going to build His church, to bring people to His kingdom. So we need to proclaim the gospel wherever we are, and even Satan can't stop us from doing so. God promised that when we confess Christ what we bind on earthe will be bound in heaven, and what we loose will be loosen in heaven too. God will hear our prayers in faith.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your promise again. May I truly know Christ and the power of His suffering, and share Christ with others. Let me not take Your blessings for granted. Thank You for my work, for the people I know, for the peace in my heart, and for all the good things that come from You.
Thank You in Christ's name. Amen.
