Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 30, "Fresh Starts", Page 142.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.
PHOTO: Time was, I shrank from what was right,
From fear of what was wrong;
I would not brave the sacred fight,
Because the foe was strong.
But now I cast that finer sense
And sorer shame aside;
Such dread of sin was indolence (laziness),
Such aim at heaven was pride.
- John Henry Newman
I read Stephan Donaldson's Lord Foul's Bane last summer, the first volume of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, in which Donaldson tells the story of Thomas Covenant, a young novelist who is inexplicably stricken with leprosy. Although his leprosy is eventually arrested, he's taught that his only hope of survival lies in scrupulous visual self-examination.
Covenant is devastated when his wife abandons and divorces him to protect their son from exposure. Furthermore, people around him cast him in the traditional role of a leper: unclean, outcast, unwanted. Unable to write, he struggles to go on living; and as the pressure of his loneliness mounts, he begins to experience episodes of unconsciousness during which he enters an alternative world known as "the Land."
In the Land, Covenant is fully healed and is greeted as the reincarnation of an ancient hero known as Berek Halfhand. But because he refuses to believe that he has been cured and believes himself tainted and destroyed, Covenant can do nothing for the Land and its people.
The Land has an ancient enemy, Lord Foul the Despiser. Against him stands the Council of Lords, who have dedicated their lives to acquiring the wisdom by which they may stave off his attacks. Yet Thomas is unable to take up his call to face Lord Foul the Despiser and can only give half-hearted support to the council as he bargains his way out of involvement. He is paralyzed by his inability to accept the fact that he has been made thoroughly clean. He is controlled by his unbelief.
I know folks like Thomas - downcast in their sins, struggling in the discouragement and lethargy that grows from over scrupulous self-examination and morbid fixation with their own sin and guilt. Some have given up on themselves and have withdrawn into inertia and isolation. They do little more than watch television, sleep, and eat three meals a day.
I like to remind these dear folks of Peter's three-fold denial and subsequent encounter with Jesus on that beach by the Sea of Galilee. Think of Jesus' cordial greeting to Peter, the warmth of the fire, the hearty meal - and no mention of Peter's failure. (John 21:15-22)
"Do you love me, Peter?" Jesus asked.
Peter, humbled by denial and defeat, could only murmur, "You know that I love you, Lord."
Jesus answered, "Go feed my sheep."
It may be that some of us, humiliated by sin and failure like Peter, question our credibility as Christians. We minutely scrutinize our souls and find ungodliness, and wonder if our struggle with sin has disqualified us and rendered us useless.
The answer is that sin itself does not disqualify us. Forgiveness and renewal are always at hand if we are truly repentant. George MacDonald said that the man or woman "Who, after failure, or a poor success, / Rises up, stronger effort yet renewing - He finds thee, Lord, at length, in his own common room." When we turn from our sin and ask for His help, our Lord is there to welcome us and lift us up.
Repentance, of course, is the essential element. We must be "converted," to use Jesus' word: We must hate our sin, turn from it, and ask for our Lord's forgiveness. (Luke 22:32) We must rise from our fall and begin again. Then, like Peter, full of our Savior's affirmation, we can strengthen our brothers.
It comes to me that what God is after is not perfection (that awaits heaven), but the humility that comes from self-awareness. Failure cures us of our illusion of near-perfection - "aiming at heaven," John Henry Newman would say. "We learn, on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven."
We should, of course, strive for "moral excellence," the standard of goodness in the ancient world and Peter's first-word, (2 Peter 1:5 NASB) but we must be content with occasional failure. And we must be patient while God himself chooses and works at those aspects of our character that give Him the greatest pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) In time He will deal with all that shames us.
If someone falls into some error, he does not fret over it, but rising up with a humble spirit, he goes on his way anew rejoicing. Were he to fall a hundred times in the day, he would not despair - he would rather cry out loving to God, appealing to His tender pity. The really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong. Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving God, and would rather run the risk of doing His will imperfectly than not strive to serve Him lest he fail in the attempt.
Jesus, as always, has the last word: "I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give then a fresh start." (Luke 22:32)
From fear of what was wrong;
I would not brave the sacred fight,
Because the foe was strong.
But now I cast that finer sense
And sorer shame aside;
Such dread of sin was indolence (laziness),
Such aim at heaven was pride.
- John Henry Newman
I read Stephan Donaldson's Lord Foul's Bane last summer, the first volume of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, in which Donaldson tells the story of Thomas Covenant, a young novelist who is inexplicably stricken with leprosy. Although his leprosy is eventually arrested, he's taught that his only hope of survival lies in scrupulous visual self-examination.
Covenant is devastated when his wife abandons and divorces him to protect their son from exposure. Furthermore, people around him cast him in the traditional role of a leper: unclean, outcast, unwanted. Unable to write, he struggles to go on living; and as the pressure of his loneliness mounts, he begins to experience episodes of unconsciousness during which he enters an alternative world known as "the Land."
In the Land, Covenant is fully healed and is greeted as the reincarnation of an ancient hero known as Berek Halfhand. But because he refuses to believe that he has been cured and believes himself tainted and destroyed, Covenant can do nothing for the Land and its people.
The Land has an ancient enemy, Lord Foul the Despiser. Against him stands the Council of Lords, who have dedicated their lives to acquiring the wisdom by which they may stave off his attacks. Yet Thomas is unable to take up his call to face Lord Foul the Despiser and can only give half-hearted support to the council as he bargains his way out of involvement. He is paralyzed by his inability to accept the fact that he has been made thoroughly clean. He is controlled by his unbelief.
I know folks like Thomas - downcast in their sins, struggling in the discouragement and lethargy that grows from over scrupulous self-examination and morbid fixation with their own sin and guilt. Some have given up on themselves and have withdrawn into inertia and isolation. They do little more than watch television, sleep, and eat three meals a day.
I like to remind these dear folks of Peter's three-fold denial and subsequent encounter with Jesus on that beach by the Sea of Galilee. Think of Jesus' cordial greeting to Peter, the warmth of the fire, the hearty meal - and no mention of Peter's failure. (John 21:15-22)
"Do you love me, Peter?" Jesus asked.
Peter, humbled by denial and defeat, could only murmur, "You know that I love you, Lord."
Jesus answered, "Go feed my sheep."
It may be that some of us, humiliated by sin and failure like Peter, question our credibility as Christians. We minutely scrutinize our souls and find ungodliness, and wonder if our struggle with sin has disqualified us and rendered us useless.
The answer is that sin itself does not disqualify us. Forgiveness and renewal are always at hand if we are truly repentant. George MacDonald said that the man or woman "Who, after failure, or a poor success, / Rises up, stronger effort yet renewing - He finds thee, Lord, at length, in his own common room." When we turn from our sin and ask for His help, our Lord is there to welcome us and lift us up.
Repentance, of course, is the essential element. We must be "converted," to use Jesus' word: We must hate our sin, turn from it, and ask for our Lord's forgiveness. (Luke 22:32) We must rise from our fall and begin again. Then, like Peter, full of our Savior's affirmation, we can strengthen our brothers.
It comes to me that what God is after is not perfection (that awaits heaven), but the humility that comes from self-awareness. Failure cures us of our illusion of near-perfection - "aiming at heaven," John Henry Newman would say. "We learn, on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven."
We should, of course, strive for "moral excellence," the standard of goodness in the ancient world and Peter's first-word, (2 Peter 1:5 NASB) but we must be content with occasional failure. And we must be patient while God himself chooses and works at those aspects of our character that give Him the greatest pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) In time He will deal with all that shames us.
If someone falls into some error, he does not fret over it, but rising up with a humble spirit, he goes on his way anew rejoicing. Were he to fall a hundred times in the day, he would not despair - he would rather cry out loving to God, appealing to His tender pity. The really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong. Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving God, and would rather run the risk of doing His will imperfectly than not strive to serve Him lest he fail in the attempt.
Jesus, as always, has the last word: "I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give then a fresh start." (Luke 22:32)
Picture posted by La Obra de la Iglesia
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https://laobradelaiglesia.org/rostro-la-iglesia-2/
Time was, I shrank from what was right,
From fear of what was wrong;
I would not brave the sacred fight,
Because the foe was strong.
But now I cast that finer sense
And sorer shame aside;
Such dread of sin was indolence (laziness),
Such aim at heaven was pride.
- John Henry Newman
PHOTO: Time was, I shrank from what was right, From fear of what was wrong; I would not brave the sacred fight, Because the foe was strong.
But now I cast that finer sense And sorer shame aside; Such dread of sin was indolence (laziness), Such aim at heaven was pride. - John Henry Newman
Picture posted by Cambridge Scholars Publishing
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwiJY6I0PPyrFkCoMw3xnmgS9-TX-oPdj4YAQGHR5GfHrzGlTPMx7lq0Mi2GmrYnFckdJ2sTJvLN5v6Rk-gf5ImzTRo16L0CTIyTv8fXDwf9V6Gf-W-mTQCYkw03ljyzyUYOxqN-vTbM/s2235/9781527536319_1.jpg
https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/covers/9781527536319.jpg
https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-3631-9
I read Stephan Donaldson's Lord Foul's Bane last summer, the first volume of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, in which Donaldson tells the story of Thomas Covenant, a young novelist who is inexplicably stricken with leprosy. Although his leprosy is eventually arrested, he's taught that his only hope of survival lies in scrupulous visual self-examination.
Covenant is devastated when his wife abandons and divorces him to protect their son from exposure. Furthermore, people around him cast him in the traditional role of a leper: unclean, outcast, unwanted. Unable to write, he struggles to go on living; and as the pressure of his loneliness mounts, he begins to experience episodes of unconsciousness during which he enters an alternative world known as "the Land."
But now I cast that finer sense And sorer shame aside; Such dread of sin was indolence (laziness), Such aim at heaven was pride. - John Henry Newman
Picture posted by Cambridge Scholars Publishing
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwiJY6I0PPyrFkCoMw3xnmgS9-TX-oPdj4YAQGHR5GfHrzGlTPMx7lq0Mi2GmrYnFckdJ2sTJvLN5v6Rk-gf5ImzTRo16L0CTIyTv8fXDwf9V6Gf-W-mTQCYkw03ljyzyUYOxqN-vTbM/s2235/9781527536319_1.jpg
https://www.cambridgescholars.com/resources/covers/9781527536319.jpg
https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-3631-9
I read Stephan Donaldson's Lord Foul's Bane last summer, the first volume of The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, in which Donaldson tells the story of Thomas Covenant, a young novelist who is inexplicably stricken with leprosy. Although his leprosy is eventually arrested, he's taught that his only hope of survival lies in scrupulous visual self-examination.
Covenant is devastated when his wife abandons and divorces him to protect their son from exposure. Furthermore, people around him cast him in the traditional role of a leper: unclean, outcast, unwanted. Unable to write, he struggles to go on living; and as the pressure of his loneliness mounts, he begins to experience episodes of unconsciousness during which he enters an alternative world known as "the Land."
PHOTO: Thomas Covenant, a young novelist is inexplicably stricken with leprosy. Although his leprosy is eventually arrested, he's taught that his only hope of survival lies in scrupulous visual self-examination.
Covenant is devastated when his wife abandons and divorces him to protect their son from exposure. Furthermore, people around him cast him in the traditional role of a leper: unclean, outcast, unwanted.
Picture posted by Mirk0 on 16 November 2007 - Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob_dPaa7erjmDyxY-qKdEpsTWebHf1MnfpwLDdmCXxtOVPC6B3AVXhG3sU87f-Sn-daijFCuLpGp-XgvSsy9jeBiwuignr-Rn1TNwOYsT-63csodGKfwQTx_P7HnttrBU1jbk4MLreWI/s800/thomas_covenant_the_unbeliever_by_mirk0_d15mqad-fullview.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/fbea9f23-9917-4139-bf1f-fe5d1eb4f861/d15mqad-8cc8eb87-af2e-4de5-839a-b6db10d912ee.jpg/v1/fill/w_612,h_800,q_75,strp/thomas_covenant_the_unbeliever_by_mirk0_d15mqad-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9ODAwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvZmJlYTlmMjMtOTkxNy00MTM5LWJmMWYtZmU1ZDFlYjRmODYxXC9kMTVtcWFkLThjYzhlYjg3LWFmMmUtNGRlNS04MzlhLWI2ZGIxMGQ5MTJlZS5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NjEyIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.nQZ5qvx1et_NaXQe3YEhKyNHUNH7iqYvBApdR__U_UI
https://www.deviantart.com/mirk0/art/Thomas-Covenant-The-Unbeliever-69924757
In the Land, Covenant is fully healed and is greeted as the reincarnation of an ancient hero known as Berek Halfhand. But because he refuses to believe that he has been cured and believes himself tainted and destroyed, Covenant can do nothing for the Land and its people.
The Land has an ancient enemy, Lord Foul the Despiser. Against him stands the Council of Lords, who have dedicated their lives to acquiring the wisdom by which they may stave off his attacks. Yet Thomas is unable to take up his call to face Lord Foul the Despiser and can only give half-hearted support to the council as he bargains his way out of involvement. He is paralyzed by his inability to accept the fact that he has been made thoroughly clean. He is controlled by his unbelief.
Covenant is devastated when his wife abandons and divorces him to protect their son from exposure. Furthermore, people around him cast him in the traditional role of a leper: unclean, outcast, unwanted.
Picture posted by Mirk0 on 16 November 2007 - Thomas Covenant The Unbeliever
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhob_dPaa7erjmDyxY-qKdEpsTWebHf1MnfpwLDdmCXxtOVPC6B3AVXhG3sU87f-Sn-daijFCuLpGp-XgvSsy9jeBiwuignr-Rn1TNwOYsT-63csodGKfwQTx_P7HnttrBU1jbk4MLreWI/s800/thomas_covenant_the_unbeliever_by_mirk0_d15mqad-fullview.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/fbea9f23-9917-4139-bf1f-fe5d1eb4f861/d15mqad-8cc8eb87-af2e-4de5-839a-b6db10d912ee.jpg/v1/fill/w_612,h_800,q_75,strp/thomas_covenant_the_unbeliever_by_mirk0_d15mqad-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9ODAwIiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvZmJlYTlmMjMtOTkxNy00MTM5LWJmMWYtZmU1ZDFlYjRmODYxXC9kMTVtcWFkLThjYzhlYjg3LWFmMmUtNGRlNS04MzlhLWI2ZGIxMGQ5MTJlZS5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NjEyIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.nQZ5qvx1et_NaXQe3YEhKyNHUNH7iqYvBApdR__U_UI
https://www.deviantart.com/mirk0/art/Thomas-Covenant-The-Unbeliever-69924757
In the Land, Covenant is fully healed and is greeted as the reincarnation of an ancient hero known as Berek Halfhand. But because he refuses to believe that he has been cured and believes himself tainted and destroyed, Covenant can do nothing for the Land and its people.
The Land has an ancient enemy, Lord Foul the Despiser. Against him stands the Council of Lords, who have dedicated their lives to acquiring the wisdom by which they may stave off his attacks. Yet Thomas is unable to take up his call to face Lord Foul the Despiser and can only give half-hearted support to the council as he bargains his way out of involvement. He is paralyzed by his inability to accept the fact that he has been made thoroughly clean. He is controlled by his unbelief.
PHOTO: Thomas is unable to take up his call to face Lord Foul the Despiser and can only give half-hearted support to the council as he bargains his way out of involvement. He is paralyzed by his inability to accept the fact that he has been made thoroughly clean. He is controlled by his unbelief.
Picture posted by Loren Rosson on 16 January 2021
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https://rossonl.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/1118full-the-wounded-land-the-second-chronicles-of-thomas-covenant-1.jpg
https://rossonl.wordpress.com/2021/01/16/reading-roundup-2018/
I know folks like Thomas - downcast in their sins, struggling in the discouragement and lethargy that grows from over scrupulous self-examination and morbid fixation with their own sin and guilt. [150] Some have given up on themselves and have withdrawn into inertia and isolation. They do little more than watch television, sleep, and eat three meals a day.
Picture posted by Loren Rosson on 16 January 2021
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcasSPKrNsWq-7R3gO-bj8pZrxobPqSQWucHcpe8H5a6bSxGedpAGvJg5WThueHOf-pb9whvxZQnHXPiiXN6oNeNJzpGJie3VrJw9JD0K6yDYtaLqiR3PISZBaaelWN2L6099IwJDg8vs/s959/thomas-covenant-1.jpg
https://rossonl.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/1118full-the-wounded-land-the-second-chronicles-of-thomas-covenant-1.jpg
https://rossonl.wordpress.com/2021/01/16/reading-roundup-2018/
I know folks like Thomas - downcast in their sins, struggling in the discouragement and lethargy that grows from over scrupulous self-examination and morbid fixation with their own sin and guilt. [150] Some have given up on themselves and have withdrawn into inertia and isolation. They do little more than watch television, sleep, and eat three meals a day.
PHOTO: People like Thomas - downcast in their sins, struggling in the discouragement and lethargy that grows from over scrupulous self-examination and morbid fixation with their own sin and guilt. Some have given up on themselves and have withdrawn into inertia and isolation.
Picture posted by Livejournal - Original taken from postmodernism in The Master and Margarita by Elena Martynyuk
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla6FLy8Wf6mEkXWbF-jrnWK-sP7VLfmRbwWFD6K6gvMUtymxSq6VkVSn9ja7dY9lWpfeDDDkwiB_hiQXwr45MpFbVEYHZp09KiblM7ouySPB7XhOlSnMd14G6aRNq7_TazswyOA0Oya8/s1061/868503_original_1.jpg
https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/postmodernism/12007536/868503/868503_original.jpg
https://atarigrey.livejournal.com/28982.html
I like to remind these dear folks of Peter's three-fold denial and subsequent encounter with Jesus on that beach by the Sea of Galilee. Think of Jesus' cordial greeting to Peter, the warmth of the fire, the hearty meal - and no mention of Peter's failure. (John 21:15-22) [151]
"Do you love me, Peter?" Jesus asked.
Peter, humbled by denial and defeat, could only murmur, "You know that I love you, Lord."
Jesus answered, "Go feed my sheep."
It may be that some of us, humiliated by sin and failure like Peter, question our credibility as Christians. We minutely scrutinize our souls and find ungodliness, and wonder if our struggle with sin has disqualified us and rendered us useless.
Picture posted by Livejournal - Original taken from postmodernism in The Master and Margarita by Elena Martynyuk
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhla6FLy8Wf6mEkXWbF-jrnWK-sP7VLfmRbwWFD6K6gvMUtymxSq6VkVSn9ja7dY9lWpfeDDDkwiB_hiQXwr45MpFbVEYHZp09KiblM7ouySPB7XhOlSnMd14G6aRNq7_TazswyOA0Oya8/s1061/868503_original_1.jpg
https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/postmodernism/12007536/868503/868503_original.jpg
https://atarigrey.livejournal.com/28982.html
I like to remind these dear folks of Peter's three-fold denial and subsequent encounter with Jesus on that beach by the Sea of Galilee. Think of Jesus' cordial greeting to Peter, the warmth of the fire, the hearty meal - and no mention of Peter's failure. (John 21:15-22) [151]
"Do you love me, Peter?" Jesus asked.
Peter, humbled by denial and defeat, could only murmur, "You know that I love you, Lord."
Jesus answered, "Go feed my sheep."
It may be that some of us, humiliated by sin and failure like Peter, question our credibility as Christians. We minutely scrutinize our souls and find ungodliness, and wonder if our struggle with sin has disqualified us and rendered us useless.
PHOTO: It may be that some of us, humiliated by sin and failure like Peter, question our credibility as Christians. We minutely scrutinize our souls and find ungodliness, and wonder if our struggle with sin has disqualified us and rendered us useless.
Picture posted by PICRYL
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https://cdn23.picryl.com/photo/1759/01/01/christus-geeft-petrus-de-sleutels-502b2e-1024.jpg
https://picryl.com/media/christus-geeft-petrus-de-sleutels-502b2e
The answer is that sin itself does not disqualify us. Forgiveness and renewal are always at hand if we are truly repentant. George MacDonald said that the man or woman "Who, after failure, or a poor success, / Rises up, stronger effort yet renewing - He finds thee, Lord, at length, in his own common room." [152] When we turn from our sin and ask for His help, our Lord is there to welcome us and lift us up.
Picture posted by PICRYL
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqzqRJDMZ13QFx6HBltJ82R31LOvfuChot1QGQqwK25Qp_HiN-Y8zzc4ADIJ8ua-Nu7cyfmde-pMTCknhOwZBpskzL7y43l9XPN1T9ZyLJ_hCAA7eLyCuEdVBSqJdbNo2hG6ALpuMY-8/s843/christus-geeft-petrus-de-sleutels-502b2e-1024_11.png
https://cdn23.picryl.com/photo/1759/01/01/christus-geeft-petrus-de-sleutels-502b2e-1024.jpg
https://picryl.com/media/christus-geeft-petrus-de-sleutels-502b2e
The answer is that sin itself does not disqualify us. Forgiveness and renewal are always at hand if we are truly repentant. George MacDonald said that the man or woman "Who, after failure, or a poor success, / Rises up, stronger effort yet renewing - He finds thee, Lord, at length, in his own common room." [152] When we turn from our sin and ask for His help, our Lord is there to welcome us and lift us up.
PHOTO: The answer is that sin itself does not disqualify us. Forgiveness and renewal are always at hand if we are truly repentant. When we turn from our sin and ask for His help, our Lord is there to welcome us and lift us up.
Artwork by Peter Paul Rubens - Christ giving the Keys to St Peter
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAkRFnuPURDEOhGAuOTVLONZTmIaPEkeDSMGQ1I1kTy62OQkqjzNi2dGQdJ1bnoMqv5ah2ehuIkkCpvHFhjvLq_GchJl-Yls8wRj96l3-k7fopYwMmtfmZx0CCqDXzC4Q4N-7yJIh5cI/s1024/MeisterDrucke-306729.jpg
https://www.meisterdrucke.nl/kunstwerke/1200w/Peter Paul Rubens - Christ giving the Keys to St Peter - (MeisterDrucke-306729).jpg
https://www.meisterdrucke.nl/image_getborder_hard_V04.php?id=603&iid=306729&rahmen=4&form_width=48&form_height=62&zusatzrand=0&zusatzrand_farbe=0&passepartout=0&passepartout_farbe=0&passepartout_two=0&passepartout_two_farbe=null&glas=0&prop=0&remove_image=0&fillet_zr=0&fillet_pp=0
Repentance, of course, is the essential element. We must be "converted," to use Jesus' word: We must hate our sin, turn from it, and ask for our Lord's forgiveness. (Luke 22:32) [153] We must rise from our fall and begin again. Then, like Peter, full of our Savior's affirmation, we can strengthen our brothers.
Artwork by Peter Paul Rubens - Christ giving the Keys to St Peter
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQAkRFnuPURDEOhGAuOTVLONZTmIaPEkeDSMGQ1I1kTy62OQkqjzNi2dGQdJ1bnoMqv5ah2ehuIkkCpvHFhjvLq_GchJl-Yls8wRj96l3-k7fopYwMmtfmZx0CCqDXzC4Q4N-7yJIh5cI/s1024/MeisterDrucke-306729.jpg
https://www.meisterdrucke.nl/kunstwerke/1200w/Peter Paul Rubens - Christ giving the Keys to St Peter - (MeisterDrucke-306729).jpg
https://www.meisterdrucke.nl/image_getborder_hard_V04.php?id=603&iid=306729&rahmen=4&form_width=48&form_height=62&zusatzrand=0&zusatzrand_farbe=0&passepartout=0&passepartout_farbe=0&passepartout_two=0&passepartout_two_farbe=null&glas=0&prop=0&remove_image=0&fillet_zr=0&fillet_pp=0
Repentance, of course, is the essential element. We must be "converted," to use Jesus' word: We must hate our sin, turn from it, and ask for our Lord's forgiveness. (Luke 22:32) [153] We must rise from our fall and begin again. Then, like Peter, full of our Savior's affirmation, we can strengthen our brothers.
PHOTO: Repentance, of course, is the essential element. We must be "converted," to use Jesus' word: We must hate our sin, turn from it, and ask for our Lord's forgiveness. (Luke 22:32) We must rise from our fall and begin again. Then, like Peter, full of our Savior's affirmation, we can strengthen our brothers.
Picture saved by Дмитрий Завалишин to Елена Мартынюк "Мастер и Маргарита"
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0t59DcgQmKM_biYoNOi5VAJJsPLGR280gac-tCZLfNaArxS82Ni1qzL4t578DX3GE8nfJbCbf1z6CY9qIOSOBhDhGyAMlW3hMcgna-3RHtwmepuOYEAK7j1waTLvQPpYg0tWUKtCcvk/s1204/pilat_1.jpg
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6100/125705038.134/0_1052fb_8230316a_orig.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/304274518547429674/#details?amp_client_id=amp-FHAoLRvq0o10ZU-MCSjfWA&mweb_unauth_id=5495b677b55e41268bd2bf17e00d9cb3&_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Famp%2Fpin%2F304274518547429674%2F
It comes to me that what God is after is not perfection (that awaits heaven), but the humility that comes from self-awareness. Failure cures us of our illusion of near-perfection - "aiming at heaven," John Henry Newman would say. "We learn, on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven." [154]
We should, of course, strive for "moral excellence," the standard of goodness in the ancient world and Peter's first-word, (2 Peter 1:5 NASB) [155] but we must be content with occasional failure. And we must be patient while God himself chooses and works at those aspects of our character that give Him the greatest pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) [156] In time He will deal with all that shames us.
Picture saved by Дмитрий Завалишин to Елена Мартынюк "Мастер и Маргарита"
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0t59DcgQmKM_biYoNOi5VAJJsPLGR280gac-tCZLfNaArxS82Ni1qzL4t578DX3GE8nfJbCbf1z6CY9qIOSOBhDhGyAMlW3hMcgna-3RHtwmepuOYEAK7j1waTLvQPpYg0tWUKtCcvk/s1204/pilat_1.jpg
https://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/6100/125705038.134/0_1052fb_8230316a_orig.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/304274518547429674/#details?amp_client_id=amp-FHAoLRvq0o10ZU-MCSjfWA&mweb_unauth_id=5495b677b55e41268bd2bf17e00d9cb3&_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Famp%2Fpin%2F304274518547429674%2F
It comes to me that what God is after is not perfection (that awaits heaven), but the humility that comes from self-awareness. Failure cures us of our illusion of near-perfection - "aiming at heaven," John Henry Newman would say. "We learn, on the one hand, that we cannot trust ourselves even in our best moments, and, on the other, that we need not despair even in our worst, for our failures are forgiven." [154]
We should, of course, strive for "moral excellence," the standard of goodness in the ancient world and Peter's first-word, (2 Peter 1:5 NASB) [155] but we must be content with occasional failure. And we must be patient while God himself chooses and works at those aspects of our character that give Him the greatest pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) [156] In time He will deal with all that shames us.
PHOTO: We must be patient while God himself chooses and works at those aspects of our character that give Him the greatest pleasure. (Philippians 2:13) In time He will deal with all that shames us.
Picture posted by Loving and Praise God.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-_gNuQvDrMIbRAjATH6532R-XqlzdVkqomheNHm2iX2P3gFXwVGmJdqpZXoyjnR5kj3WOL-wtrVe9CeUq6l01hbWyBgGt5wHdkdbKXcZX-gmqeaoIKsrdfLLTkzsNZN-Zt5nQ4xy7Jw/s1000/010-e4ba94e9a5bce4ba8ce9b1bc-e4b8bbe880b6e7a8a3e7a6bbe5bc80e4ba94e58d83e4baba-160920.jpg
https://lovingandpraisegod.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/010-e4ba94e9a5bce4ba8ce9b1bc-e4b8bbe880b6e7a8a3e7a6bbe5bc80e4ba94e58d83e4baba-160920.jpg?w=1000
https://lovingandpraisegod.wordpress.com/2018/06/08/lord-jesus-appearance-ordinary/
If someone falls into some error, he does not fret over it, but rising up with a humble spirit, he goes on his way anew rejoicing. Were he to fall a hundred times in the day, he would not despair - he would rather cry out loving to God, appealing to His tender pity. The really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong. Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving God, and would rather run the risk of doing His will imperfectly than not strive to serve Him lest he fail in the attempt. [157]
Picture posted by Loving and Praise God.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-_gNuQvDrMIbRAjATH6532R-XqlzdVkqomheNHm2iX2P3gFXwVGmJdqpZXoyjnR5kj3WOL-wtrVe9CeUq6l01hbWyBgGt5wHdkdbKXcZX-gmqeaoIKsrdfLLTkzsNZN-Zt5nQ4xy7Jw/s1000/010-e4ba94e9a5bce4ba8ce9b1bc-e4b8bbe880b6e7a8a3e7a6bbe5bc80e4ba94e58d83e4baba-160920.jpg
https://lovingandpraisegod.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/010-e4ba94e9a5bce4ba8ce9b1bc-e4b8bbe880b6e7a8a3e7a6bbe5bc80e4ba94e58d83e4baba-160920.jpg?w=1000
https://lovingandpraisegod.wordpress.com/2018/06/08/lord-jesus-appearance-ordinary/
If someone falls into some error, he does not fret over it, but rising up with a humble spirit, he goes on his way anew rejoicing. Were he to fall a hundred times in the day, he would not despair - he would rather cry out loving to God, appealing to His tender pity. The really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong. Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving God, and would rather run the risk of doing His will imperfectly than not strive to serve Him lest he fail in the attempt. [157]
PHOTO: If someone falls into some error, he does not fret over it, but rising up with a humble spirit, he goes on his way anew rejoicing. Were he to fall a hundred times in the day, he would not despair - he would rather cry out loving to God, appealing to His tender pity. The really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong. Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving God, and would rather run the risk of doing His will imperfectly than not strive to serve Him lest he fail in the attempt.
Picture posted by atarigrey on 29 Jyly 2015 at 10:58:00 - Original taken from postmodernism in The Master and Margarita by Elena Martynyuk
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2grRLaaFWNYb8YM2Y-Cq-sw0GziLeLvatFBJoRA__ee_e5smN1MnMhy1EkYzCSY5ul4eSCQp2RSpTYlPrWleuyQgYNozW25vtGPqoh3MrSznZ4xDlV8VVjfHovYbxeOpiKu_N5zWswug/s1200/873688_original.jpg
https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/postmodernism/12007536/873688/873688_original.jpg
https://atarigrey.livejournal.com/28982.html
Jesus, as always, has the last word: "I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give then a fresh start." (Luke 22:32) [158]
Picture posted by atarigrey on 29 Jyly 2015 at 10:58:00 - Original taken from postmodernism in The Master and Margarita by Elena Martynyuk
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2grRLaaFWNYb8YM2Y-Cq-sw0GziLeLvatFBJoRA__ee_e5smN1MnMhy1EkYzCSY5ul4eSCQp2RSpTYlPrWleuyQgYNozW25vtGPqoh3MrSznZ4xDlV8VVjfHovYbxeOpiKu_N5zWswug/s1200/873688_original.jpg
https://ic.pics.livejournal.com/postmodernism/12007536/873688/873688_original.jpg
https://atarigrey.livejournal.com/28982.html
Jesus, as always, has the last word: "I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give then a fresh start." (Luke 22:32) [158]
PHOTO: Jesus, as always, has the last word: "I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give then a fresh start." (Luke 22:32)
Picture posted by World Christian Prayer Network on Sunday, 29 January 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWEwUrOYG8cFqlpaLUu5OJr4ak2J3SI6NHLCK1VXorh1H55fmf_DwUDm1SzISNkH6tdLXwOKXrUUoKo0k2kMbDdBJobd80U8DPPyG07sYj4MWh6AmpWVKpGp_Y4Y7ixgCjWewq7NG7s8/s1601/orando-2.jpg
https://redmundialcristianadeoracion.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/orando-2.jpg
https://redmundialcristianadeoracion.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/santo-rosario-por-los-enfermos/orando-2/
Picture posted by World Christian Prayer Network on Sunday, 29 January 2017
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWEwUrOYG8cFqlpaLUu5OJr4ak2J3SI6NHLCK1VXorh1H55fmf_DwUDm1SzISNkH6tdLXwOKXrUUoKo0k2kMbDdBJobd80U8DPPyG07sYj4MWh6AmpWVKpGp_Y4Y7ixgCjWewq7NG7s8/s1601/orando-2.jpg
https://redmundialcristianadeoracion.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/orando-2.jpg
https://redmundialcristianadeoracion.wordpress.com/2017/01/29/santo-rosario-por-los-enfermos/orando-2/
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that we will not be like Thomas Covenant in The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever, who is paralyzed by his inability to accept the fact that he has been made thoroughly clean. He is controlled by his unbelief.
May we be not like Thomas, downcast in our sins, struggling in the discouragement and lethargy that grows from over scrupulous self-examination and morbid fixation with our own sin and guilt. We then give up on ourselves and withdraw into inertia and isolation.
It may be that some of us, humiliated by sin and failure like Peter, question our credibility as Christians. We minutely scrutinize our souls and find ungodliness, and wonder if our struggle with sin has disqualified us and rendered us useless.
Thank You Lord, the answer is that sin itself does not disqualify us. Forgiveness and renewal are always at hand if we are truly repentant. When we turn from our sin and ask for Your help, You are there to welcome us and lift us up.
Lord, help us to repent, which is the essential element, and to convert. We ask for your forgiveness, to hate our sin, and turn from it. Help us to rise from our fall and begin again. Then, like Peter, full of our Saviour's affirmation, we can strengthen our brothers.
Lord, we learn that what You are after is not perfection (that awaits heaven), but the humility that comes from self-awareness. Failure cures us of our illusion of near-perfection – ‘aiming at heaven.’
Help us to strive for ‘moral excellence,’ the standard of goodness in the ancient world and Peter's first-word, and to be content with occasional failure. Help us to be patient while You himself chooses and works at those aspects of our character that give You the greatest pleasure. We learn that in time You will deal with all that shames us.
Lord, we pray that if we falls into some error, may we not fret over it, but to rise up with a humble spirit, and go on our ways anew rejoicing. Were we to fall a hundred times in the day, may we not despair – may we rather cry out loving to You, appealing to Your tender pity. For the really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong. Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving You, and would rather run the risk of doing Your will imperfectly than not strive to serve You lest he fail in the attempt.
May we be able, as Jesus had prayed for us, not give in or give out. When we have come through the time of testing, turn to our companions and give then a fresh start.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture saved by Brenda Speirs to Church-y Art I Love :)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s_c2SZ7y9Mo8tkAqfaF_Q5YLwyDL4wGHI2fU5V6lp3guSw0PFhNt89F-_N5bnyA0dq0gadOYQlJuivOCcs6Y1ShZUFAKkWLgRYLikbb1msuh6aE7sa_v7ZJtRrOecj6Z1i48dYDVVV8/s1061/a3943dacb305b49978ae53f6b3fb8433.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a3/94/3d/a3943dacb305b49978ae53f6b3fb8433.jpg
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/461267186830666767/
May we be not like Thomas, downcast in our sins, struggling in the discouragement and lethargy that grows from over scrupulous self-examination and morbid fixation with our own sin and guilt. We then give up on ourselves and withdraw into inertia and isolation.
It may be that some of us, humiliated by sin and failure like Peter, question our credibility as Christians. We minutely scrutinize our souls and find ungodliness, and wonder if our struggle with sin has disqualified us and rendered us useless.
Thank You Lord, the answer is that sin itself does not disqualify us. Forgiveness and renewal are always at hand if we are truly repentant. When we turn from our sin and ask for Your help, You are there to welcome us and lift us up.
Lord, help us to repent, which is the essential element, and to convert. We ask for your forgiveness, to hate our sin, and turn from it. Help us to rise from our fall and begin again. Then, like Peter, full of our Saviour's affirmation, we can strengthen our brothers.
Lord, we learn that what You are after is not perfection (that awaits heaven), but the humility that comes from self-awareness. Failure cures us of our illusion of near-perfection – ‘aiming at heaven.’
Help us to strive for ‘moral excellence,’ the standard of goodness in the ancient world and Peter's first-word, and to be content with occasional failure. Help us to be patient while You himself chooses and works at those aspects of our character that give You the greatest pleasure. We learn that in time You will deal with all that shames us.
Lord, we pray that if we falls into some error, may we not fret over it, but to rise up with a humble spirit, and go on our ways anew rejoicing. Were we to fall a hundred times in the day, may we not despair – may we rather cry out loving to You, appealing to Your tender pity. For the really devout man has a horror of evil, but he has a still greater love of that which is good; he is more set on doing what is right than avoiding what is wrong. Generous, large-hearted, he is not afraid of danger in serving You, and would rather run the risk of doing Your will imperfectly than not strive to serve You lest he fail in the attempt.
May we be able, as Jesus had prayed for us, not give in or give out. When we have come through the time of testing, turn to our companions and give then a fresh start.
Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
Picture saved by Brenda Speirs to Church-y Art I Love :)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6s_c2SZ7y9Mo8tkAqfaF_Q5YLwyDL4wGHI2fU5V6lp3guSw0PFhNt89F-_N5bnyA0dq0gadOYQlJuivOCcs6Y1ShZUFAKkWLgRYLikbb1msuh6aE7sa_v7ZJtRrOecj6Z1i48dYDVVV8/s1061/a3943dacb305b49978ae53f6b3fb8433.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a3/94/3d/a3943dacb305b49978ae53f6b3fb8433.jpg
https://www.pinterest.es/pin/461267186830666767/
Reflection - Number Our Days - Fresh Starts
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 30, "Fresh Starts", Page 142.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.
Source (book): "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Chapter 30, "Fresh Starts", Page 142.
By David Roper, Pastor, and regular and popular writer for Our Daily Bread.
"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html
"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html
"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
Reference
[1] From "Teach Us to Number Our Days", Copyright © 2008 by David Roper, ISBN 978-981-11-7184-0, Chapter 30, "Fresh Starts", Page 142-146.
[150] I'm reminded here that leprosy is the only disease singled out by the biblical writers and linked with sin. It's not that leprosy itself was sinful, or that sin necessarily led to leprosy. Rather the disease was thought of as a symbol of sin - sin come to the surface. If you could see sin, it was thought, it would look exactly like leprosy.
[151] John 21:15-22
[152] George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul, May 16.
[153] Luke 22:32
[154] C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (San Francisco: HarperCollins Edition, 2001), 101-102.
[155] 2 Peter 1:5 NASB
[156] Philippians 2:13
[157] Jean-Nicolas Grou (1731-1803), Manual for Interior Souls.
[158] Luke 22:32 The Message
[150] I'm reminded here that leprosy is the only disease singled out by the biblical writers and linked with sin. It's not that leprosy itself was sinful, or that sin necessarily led to leprosy. Rather the disease was thought of as a symbol of sin - sin come to the surface. If you could see sin, it was thought, it would look exactly like leprosy.
[151] John 21:15-22
[152] George MacDonald, Diary of an Old Soul, May 16.
[153] Luke 22:32
[154] C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (San Francisco: HarperCollins Edition, 2001), 101-102.
[155] 2 Peter 1:5 NASB
[156] Philippians 2:13
[157] Jean-Nicolas Grou (1731-1803), Manual for Interior Souls.
[158] Luke 22:32 The Message
Links
New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
2 Peter 1:5 NASB - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Peter+1%3A5&version=NASB
John 21:15-22 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+21%3A15-22&version=NIV
Luke 22:32 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+22%3A32&version=NIV
Matthew 11:28-29 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+11%3A28-29&version=NIV
Philippians 2:13 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A13&version=NIV
- https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjcovb57doKPu-5fQEa-adywrWDxW-xZSjI4qUY4mPGqd-9_DrzsDcneiR6EX0xpwkQfNhvW7z_DP9wiFmyoko6QRsZRxcmxyE3oNRK7q-W19B6ml3gP2hBsYTEzVdkPTfXCdb1TfmQ8/s2048/008_LLaves_SPedro.jpg
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- https://laobradelaiglesia.org/rostro-la-iglesia-2/
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