Peter ...

If I was to ask you what you know about the man called Peter in the Bible; chances are you may say something about walking on the water; the one with the big mouth; the one who questioned Jesus or perhaps the one who promised to never deny Jesus, and yet denied Him three times.

Do you know that Peter's name was first Simon. Simon meaning "tossed to and fro". Those of us who know the stories of Peter in the Bible know that there were times when Peter was tossed about; he wasn't resting; he questioned the Lord and yes, when pressured he did indeed deny Jesus.

One of the most well known stories with Peter is found in Matthew chapter 14 where Peter once again is the one to step out and declare his "bravery" and "boldness". He sees someone walking on the water to them, and after being encouraged that it is Jesus and not a ghost; Peter asks Jesus to invite him to walk on the water to come to Him.

(I often wonder why Peter gets such a bad reputation in some sermons? do we really think he is that different then some of us? or perhaps, some of you wish you were alittle more comfortable telling Jesus how you feel and asking Him your questions? Maybe you wish you were more like Peter?)

The story continues to say that Peter was walking on the water until he stopped looking at Jesus and began to look at the waves around him. It was then that he began to sink.

In our journey, when our eyes are focused on Jesus, we will not sink. When we have our eyes either focused on the waves or our own abilities we will sink. There will be results that are full of conflict and frustration.
I have to admit that this has been a weekend for me full of reminders of the times that I still attempt to walk in my own abilities. That the very thing I want to do, I Wasn't doing. And the very thing ( or being like the very person I didnt want to be like) I didn't want to do; I found myself doing.

Friends, we were never meant to live this life on our own resources; we are told over and over again to be plugged into the vine; to abide, rest and lean on Jesus.

Peter is a good lesson for me. Today as I write this, I am thinking about how I lost my patience this weekend and wishing I could turn back time.
How I struggled for answers, struggled to come up with a solution; when the whole time Father was waiting for me to sit, rest and ask Him what He wants to do in the situation.

Mark 4:16 tells us "and He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom He gave the name PETER)." Do you know what Peter's new name was; As a chosen disciple of Jesus Christ? He was renamed by Jesus - His new name means ROCK - firm, solid (opposite to being tossed to and fro).

Are we living up to our new name? The new name the Lord has given us a new creations in Christ? Are we walking out of our new identity because of what was accomplished on the cross? or do we continue to walk in the old? The old way of doing things even though that old person was crucified with Christ? (Galatians 2:20)

It would appear, that like us, Peter sometimes struggled to always live in accordance to his new name; but take note; even when he did struggle, he continued to be a dear apostle of Jesus Christ. For it was Peter who confessed Jesus as Saviour (Matthew 16:16 - Peter says "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God".)

Father, Thank you that our acceptance is not based on how well we walk and behave. I thank you for your love and forgiveness. Father, I ask that you continue to remind us of our new identity and how we are to walk; that is how we are to live being fully devoted and plugged into you for our life in EVERY situation. For you are a way better parent, friend, spouse, sibling, boss, student, church member and employee then we could ever be. We invite you to come live in us and through us; that your life may be manifested in and through us. Amen

That's all for now,

In Him

Jacqueline