GOD’S WORD FOR DECEMBER 29

Our  book this month  is a continuation of “Chiseled by the Master’s Hand ~ Lessons From the Life of Peter,” by Erwin  Lutzer.  Dr. Lutzer is  Canadian-born and served as Senior Pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago for 36 years, until his retirement in 2016.   He now serves as Pastor Emeritus of Moody Church.  He’s written many books and has radio and internet teaching programs.

*** ***

FROM REGRET TO RESTORATION

(Read Luke 22:31-62)

CHRIST RESTORES US

Haddon Robinson tells the story of a man named Roy Riggles, who caught a football and ran sixty-five yards in the wrong direction while playing in a Rose Bowl game for UCLA.  One of his teammates outdistanced him and tackled him just before he scored for Georgia Tech, the opposing team.

Since that play came in the first half, the crowd wondered what coach Nibbs Price would do with Roy Riggles in the second half.  In humiliation Riggles put a blanket around his shoulders, sat down in a corner, put his face in his hands and cried like a baby.  When it was time to return to the field, the coach said simply, “The same team that played the first half will play the second half.”

Riggles didn’t budge.  The coach repeated his instructions but the weeping player said, “I can’t do it;  I have humiliated you.  I’ve ruined the university of California;  I’ve ruined myself;  I couldn’t face that crowd in the stadium.”

Then Coach Price put his hands on Riggles’ shoulders and said, “Roy, get up and go back.  The game is only half over.”  When Roy went back, the Georgia Tech players will tell you that they have never seen a man play football like Roy Riggles played in that second half.

In one of the most tender scenes in the Bible,

Jesus lets Peter know that the game is not yet over.  Peter had gone back to fishing, evidently thinking that his work for Christ was over.  But Jesus met him along the shore of Galilee just as He had three years before.  Once again He gave the instructions, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat, and you’ll find a catch. (John 21:6).   They obeyed and caught 153 fish!

Incredibly, after they came to shore they noticed that Jesus ALREADY had breakfast prepared for them!  We don’t know where the bread and fish came from, but why should we speculate, since we are speaking of Christ, the Lord.  Over breakfast the Lord had a few words with Peter. 

(that’s for tomorrow)

*** ***

Psalm 34:7-8

The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him,

And delivers them.   Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good;

Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

*** ***

Philippians 4:12-13

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

*** ***

Isaiah 40:31

But those who wait on the Lord

Shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

*** ***

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

*** ***

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

*** ***

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

*** ***

Romans 5:3-5

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Published by liveinthelightofourlord

View all posts by liveinthelightofourlord