Thursday, April 17, 2014

Jesus, the God of Second Chances

Last night I spoke to the College and Career Youth.
The title of my talk was 
Jesus: The God of Second Chances.

Aren't you glad?

One of my favorite Bible characters
(and I do say that he was quite a "character.")
is Peter.

Peter truly loved the Lord.
Although just a little bipolar,

Willing to follow Jesus to death
or denying that he even knew His Lord...

Walking or the water, 
or sinking in despair.

Back to the boat, 
or feeding His sheep.

He truly loved the Lord
even though 3 times he denied Him.

There are several messages here, 
but bottom line is this, 
Jesus loved Peter.

I think that when Jesus looked at Peter 
after the third expression of 
"I have no idea who you are talking about?"
he looked at him with hurt, sorrow, but compassion.
There was no condemnation.

It was that look of love that drew Peter to repentance.

Peter is not mentioned again until after the resurrection.
While the other disciples may have continued to follow
at a distance, I believe Peter was out somewhere
pouring his heart out to God, repenting.

Peter has gone back to the only thing he knows-
fishing and mending nets.
But Jesus has greater plans for Peter, 
redemption and restoration.

That's really what the message of Easter is all about,
the story of Redemption, Restoration, Reconciliation
and Love,
a love that will never let us go,
continues to seek us and draw us to Himself, 
the love of a God of second and third and fourth chances. 

Easter


eggs, the promise of New Life.


Baby Bunnies,


New Birth.


Jesus-
our cover, our protection 
from the enemy.


Jesus-
Spiritual food for a hungry heart.
Life that sustains us.


He desires for us to eat at His table, 
until was are satisfied.

Today I am in awe of Jesus,
the God of second chances, 

Bonnie:)

The photos are from last year's Easter photos. 








11 comments:

  1. Oh Bonnie...How grateful I am that our Lord is the so willing to give us second, third, on and on...how he loves us and always welcomes us back it we stray.

    How fortunate your Youth and College group is to have you share this message..

    Your message and your pictures are such an expression of your love of Jesus.

    Have a great day.

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  2. Heaven knows that I have been given many second chances!

    Have a Blessed Easter!

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  3. Such a beautiful and meaningful message, my friend!

    I am thankful to you for sharing the reminder and always such inspiring words.

    Blessings for a beautiful and peaceful Easter.

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  4. Sweet photos and I like the words "The God of second chances." I can relate to Peter, being bold for Jesus and then hiding his faith when threatened with arrest! Or drowning, etc., yet Jesus set him for a strong role after His death.

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  5. Bonnie, what a lovely post, and what a beautiful reminder and just as lovely pictures. Thank You Jesus for loving me and giving me so many second chances to make things right. Blessings

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  6. Wonderful they let you give the talk.Very cute little Bunnies.

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  7. Bonnie...Amen! What a blessed people we are to have a God of second chances...and third...and fourth...and fifth...etc! Thank you for this wonderful post. The photos are wonderful too! :)

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  8. What a very good lesson. Thank you for sharing and the extra insight. God bless. ~:)

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  9. I can see you gave a very good talk. I'm so thankful God gives us second chances too!

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  10. I'm so grateful that the Lord has given me so many "chances". I can relate to Peter... I'm doing Bible Study Fellowship and we are studying Matthew, so this is so fresh. Almost brings tears to my eyes on how Awesome God is! I'm so Thankful of His Love and Grace.
    Enjoyed the vignettes.
    Easter Blessings!
    warmly,
    deb

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  11. I am thankful today and every day for each chance I am blessed with! Thanks for sharing this with me! HUGS!

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