When the Word is living and active.

We all know this story, but this morning I lived it. 

“Then Jesus and his disciples walked to the villages near Caesarea Philippi.m On the way, he posed this question to his disciples: “Who do the people say that I am?” 28They replied, “Some say John the Immerser, others say Elijah the prophet, and still others say you must be one of the prophets.” “He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Petero the Rock spoke up, saying, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God!”30Then he warned them not to breathe a word of this to anyone.” From then on, Jesus began to tell his disciples that he, the Son of Man, was destined to go to Jerusalem and suffer great in justicer from the elders, leading priests, and religious scholars. He also explained that he would be killed and three days later be raised to life again. 32Jesus opened his heart and spoke freely with his disciples, explaining all these things to them. Then Peter the Rock took him aside and rebuked him.t 33But Jesus turned around, and glancing at all of the other disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, “Get out of my sight, Satan! For your heart is not set on God’s plan but man’s!”
It was a warm pleasant day as we were all talking together talking and laughing about something or another, John was in his normal places up close to JC (that’s what we call him). Judas, Tim, and Barth were lagging behind as normal and had just shouted wait for us.
when JC asked us “who do people say that I am”? I can’t remember what the other said.
It was as if everything went still, it was like even the leaves were listening to what was about to be said… It was as if JC was looking straight at me, and said who do you say that I am, who do you say that I am, who do you say that I am. As I looked back into those eyes which went on and on you could just get lost in them for hours. But from nowhere I felt God speak deep from with in and out of my mouth came “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God! JC just looked at me and smiled & nodded.
I felt such closeness and warmth I looked around at the other guys, they were just looking at me; I can guess what they were thinkings! at last pet, you hit the nail on the head and James came up and punched me on the arm. and I notice that John just caught JC eye and nodded.

but then JC started to talk about Jerusalem, and being arrested, and then cruixfied. and I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, and I shouted inside NOOOOOOOOO. I get hold of JC arm and pulled him aside It can’t happen, I won’t let it… NO way will it ever happen.
Then it happened, JC looked at me but this time those eyes were so very different, I felt scared, and then those words hit me, I will never for them as long as I live, “Get out of my sight, Satan! For your heart is not set on God’s plan but man’s”. I didn’t know what to do or where to go, my mouth opened, but nothing came out, I knew what the others were thinking, peter you were doing so well.
but them Jesus came put his arm around me, smiled and I just knew it was going to be ok.

A Prayer for our Nation

Dear Lord
Have mercy on us we pray, that in our hour of need you would hear the cry of your people and that you would answer us.
Lord forgive us for turning our backs on you and going are own way.
As a nation, we choose to turn around and to seek your face once again.

Almighty God, we come today to honour you. We come to acknowledge that you are the only one who can rightly lead and guide our nation.

The time has come Lord for us to seek your face, to humble ourselves as we listen to your wisdom, and ready to walk in integrity and love towards you and each other. Lord, we pray that all the hatred and violence in our country would give way to a new season of godliness – overflowing with an abundance of your love and peace.

We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them your wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people.
We pray for your great healing on our land. Shine your face on us dear God. We need you now, more than ever before. Our times are in your hands.

Lord, would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, providing your protection, and empowering with your strength. We ask that you’d bring about an awakening of your presence as never seen before. We ask that your Name be proclaimed, that all plans to silence the Name of Jesus would be thwarted and crushed.
We pray that many would come to know you as Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your Light, that you would open blind eyes and release those still imprisoned.

Thank you, Lord, that you are for us and not against us. Bring honour to your name we pray and let his nation be great once again we pray.
In Name of Jesus, Amen.