Update: Hello Mornings Challenge is up and going

I can't tell you how blessed I have felt this week by being a part of the Hello Mornings challenge. I have enjoyed how simplistic and rich the study is. The study is over 1 Peter, but we have been reading in the Gospel of Matthew and the book of Acts.

I really appreciate the way the study is laying the ground work. We are retracing some of Peter's steps and looking for the footprints of Jesus. I have noticed something new each day in my quiet time that I had never picked up on in previous times. 

The week started and I found myself able to identify with Peters intentions. He truly wasn't trying to be tricky. He thought he was strong enough to withstand the pressure. Without Jesus at his side he was devastated to realize he was weak, human and all he thought of was self preservation. He knew 2 things...he had crumbled under pressure, and he needed Jesus. He was not strong enough on his own. As strong as I think I am I am nothing with out the strength that Jesus breathes into my soul. I NEED Jesus in my life.

Loving, patient and kind...thats Jesus. He didn't say silly Peter, you are going to fall apart. You think I don't know what I am talking about. I am one with my father. I know...you are not as tough as you think. He let Peter live it all out. He let Peter face himself in the mirror. He needed Peter to know that he needed Jesus. He is just as patient with me when I loose sight of all that I am not. When I think I can take matters into my own hand, only to arrive at the same point. Aware with out a shadow of doubt that I can't do life without him. He quietly waits for me to discover on my own that I am nothing without him. I NEED Jesus in my heart.

As we continue we encounter another Peter, he is strong, able to stand on his own and focused on more than just saving himself. Regardless of what could come as a result of his choice in that moment he chooses to trust. He knew Jesus, and this time he didn't have to speak about it. There was no denying it. The people could see it, they could feel the presence of the Lord when near Peter. He had Jesus in his life. I love this. The thought of the people knowing that Peter had been with Jesus because of his actions, his demeanor, his character. These are things I want to shine out of me. I want there to be no mistake who I am hanging out with for my morning tea. It should be obvious to others that 

I HAVE Jesus my life.

Obviously the name of Jesus was the power we see now in Peter. Just the speaking of his name struck fear into some of the most powerful people around. They warned Peter and John not to speak it. They were speaking his name and spreading his power. It was shaking things up and calling people out...to change. No denying there was power in his name. All I could think about was how similar this is to me deciding to put Christ on in baptism. Just as the people on the council were acting towards Peter and John as though they were Christ...thats what should be seen in me. I am a new creation clothed in Christ. His crown over my heart. When the Father looks at me he sees a son with whom he is well pleased. None of that because of who I am. It is all to do with who he is. They were not scared of Peter. They were worried about Christ the King of his heart. They also knew Christ. He changes things. They were running from that. He touches people and they are never again the same. He is not afraid to go to them where they stand in filth to make them clean, to heal their hearts and help them stand.  I have been touched by him. I have been changed. I too find it hard not to share my story. I love that he wants me to be an ambassador of his. Talking about him to my kids, showing him off in my everyday life.

I HAVE Jesus in my heart.

I am an AC for a Twitter group and I have truly enjoyed getting to know my group as well as talking all day about the scriptures with them. My once silent phone brings me back again and again over the course of the day to the presence and the mark of an irresistible Jesus. We all want to talk about him, how far he came for us, how he changed us and how amazing having him in our lives makes us feel.  

The transformation of Peter from the time of the denial, to being called out by the Council is pretty remarkable. I love what it shows about how we can change when we put on Christ.

I have been inspired, and despite the chaos in my life right now I have been getting up and starting my day out right. I can't wait to get back at it after the weekend.

I like to doodle in old books...... Here is my latest morning doodle!