Jesus questioned Peter's love - but how?

In John 21 Jesus asks Peter three times if he (Peter) loves me (Jesus) more than "these." The reference to "these" is pretty open-ended. Maybe Jesus was referring to the objects nearby that represented Peter's professional life (fisherman), thus asking if Peter loved Jesus more than his old life. Maybe Jesus was making a reference to the others around Peter - asking if Peter still believed that he loved Jesus more than anyone else could. Both questions are worth our consideration - do we love Jesus more than anything or anyone, and are we aware of others who love Jesus like we do.

What words do those around you hear?

In Paul's second letter to young Timothy, he reveals the kind of words Timothy was used to hearing from his teacher. The opening is filled with words of encouragement and affirmation. Paul thanks God for Timothy and fondly recalls their work together. What words do you give those around you?

It's not too heavy for Jesus Christ

The weight of death leans heavy on all of us, and often colors our life choices. In this way, we live in bondage to the concept of death. The Bible declares that the one person who managed to lift the burden of death from himself and from others is ready to help us with that weight (Eph 2:1-10). How do you feel the weight of death? How would you live differently if you no longer had to fear death?

But will there be enough for ME?

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He encouraged them to ask for their daily needs. When we consider our resources, like our food, emotional strength, or health, we should remember that it's God who supplies these resources, and He has an unlimited supply from which to draw. How might you rely less on your own resources this week and believe God will supply your needs? 

Fill us up - with what?

Sometimes we spend much of our time recognizing sin and seeing its damaging effects. The Bible reminds us that we are to be filled with God's presence, especially his love (Eph 3:19). The more time we spend thinking of God's love and HIS great gift to us, the less time we have to dwell on the failures of sin. How much time will you spend this week meditating and thinking about God's love?

Nurturing the Fruit of the Spirit

While sound doctrine and strong knowledge of the Bible are important to Christians, we should remember that these are not what usually attracts others to Christ. We support our charity and desire for justice on the truths we find in scripture (Phil 1:9), but it is the evidence of Christ in us that others find attractive. Can you think of a time when winning an argument cost a friendship?

Too desperate to pray

When we find ourselves in times of anguish and desperation, our words may fail us. God knows what we need before we ask and He gives us His Holy Spirit to speak the words we cannot Rom 8:26-30. We all experience pain and desperation, but we don't need to fear these times because we have a voice, even if we have trouble hearing it.