Monday, December 31, 2012

Here’s a Resolution

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend My lambs.’ He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Shepherd My sheep.’ He said to him the third time, ‘Simon, son of John, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Tend My sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.’ Now this He said, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’

Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them; the one who also had leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, ‘Lord, who is the one who betrays You?’ So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, ‘Lord, and what about this man?’ Jesus said to him, ‘If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!’” John 21:15-22   
   

Someone said, “The trouble with turning over a new leaf is that once you’ve done it twice, you’re right back where you started..” There’s a big difference between turning over an new leaf and turning over your life to Jesus Christ.

Twice in our passage Jesus said to Peter, “Follow Me!” We have too many Christians who want the blessings but no the responsibilities. The gifts but not the goals. The comforts but not the commitment!

You want to make a New Year’s resolution? Make up your mind that by the grace of God your going to be a follower of Jesus Christ! Walk the talk, live the life, and be all you can be for the glory of God.
This year -
1. Have a daily quiet time.
2. Spend time in prayer.
3. Get involved in church.
4. Invite your friends to church.           
5. Be a witness for Christ.
6. Invest your time, talents, and money.
7. Enjoy your relationship with Christ.

Don’t be a hearer of the Word, be a doer - and you will be blessed!

Happy New Year!