Don't let someone else's unbelief keep you from believing. Don't let other people talk you out of your dreams. It's time to get into agreement with God. He says you are well able. He says you are equipped. He says you are qualified. He says you are anointed, called and appointed to fulfill every dream and desire He's placed in your heart!

Dedication of St. Mary Major in Rome

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

M atthew 16:13-23 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesare'a Philip'pi, he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (14) And they said, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Eli'jah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." (15) He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" (16) Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (17) And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. (18) And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. (19) I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth  shall be loosed in heaven." (20) Then he strictly charged the disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ. (21) From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (22) And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." (23) But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men."

Meditation by Daniel Patrick O'Reilly

T oday’s scripture readings are an interesting contrast showing God’s love and power and how we often do not trust in God’s love and power.  In Jeremiah, God promises a new covenant with Israel.  No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives how to know the Lord.  I will forgive their evil doing and remember their sin no more.

The psalmist proclaims a heart contrite and humbled, “O God, you will not spurn.”  And in Matthew, Peter, in response to Jesus’ question of who do you say I am, proclaims Jesus as the Christ.

I love Peter.  I think part of it is I see so much of myself in Peter.  He is just so human.  Peter boldly proclaims to Jesus, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.  And then when Jesus says he is headed to Jerusalem to be killed, Peter takes him aside and boldly proclaims, that is a horrible plan, I can come up with a better plan than that.  Imagine, telling God you have a better plan.  Good thing I never do that.

Son number three recently returned from eight months in Chicago.  I joked with him that we would kill the fatted calf on his return.  At a dinner conversation it became apparent that Kyle, who I thought had a solid spiritual foundation, had essentially discarded his faith.  I was furious. Eight months? Are you kidding me? This kid’s mom and I, not to mention a legion of friends, family and church members, have spent decades building this child’s faith and now it is gone?   Immediately I went into “I have to fix this kid mode.”

I started to plot strategy in my head. Kyle is a college student, so he is susceptible to intellectual arguments. I started to go over arguments for faith, the existence of God, Jesus as Savior. I thought, I’ll do some internet searches to get some back up evidence and documentation. Oh, when I spring these arguments on this kid, he won’t know what hit him. Arguments? What am I arguing about? Why can’t I just encourage? What am I trying to win? So, if I prove myself to be more clever or smarter than Kyle, that will re-establish a relationship between Kyle and God? My pride is more important than Kyle’s soul? Sort of a God may have a plan for Kyle, but I’m sure I have a better one? When you look at it that way, my plan sounds pretty ridiculous.

No one has ever been argued into a relationship with God. I know that. When someone establishes a walk with Christ, it isn’t my doing, it is the awesome power of God’s grace.  I know that, too.  So, why was I plotting out my argument?  I think it comes down to control and trust. I want to be in control and I’m not sure I can trust God.  Which is strange. I know that I am at my best as Christ’s ambassador when I simply pray and open myself up to the Holy Spirit.  When I submit fully to God’s hand is when things seem to work out best. So, if that is my experience, why is control and trust such an issue?  Why don’t I fully entrust myself into God’s hands?  Why do I think I have to fix this or I have to do this on my own? I wish I knew. I’m an imperfect creation on a walk with my creator. And I don’t always seem to be able to follow the path He has laid out before me. Good thing we worship a loving, forgiving God.

My prayer today is for all of us who don’t seem to be able to relinquish control and simply trust the God who loves us.

Supplementary Reading

He Holds Your Destiny

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way - (Psalm 37:23, NKJ)

O ftentimes, people who aren't fulfilling their destiny will try to discourage you from fulfilling yours. They may not do it intentionally, but they'll tell you what you can't do and how things won't work out. They're quick to remind you of all your impossibilities.

Your relatives, co-workers and friends may try to talk you out of your dream, but that's because God didn't put that promise in them; He put it in you. You have to remember that other people don't determine your destiny; God does. He holds your destiny in the palm of His hand. If you will keep believing, God will not only bring it to pass, but He will do more than you can ask or think. Friend, don't let someone else's unbelief keep you from believing.

Don't let other people talk you out of your dreams. It's time to get into agreement with God. He says you are well able. He says you are equipped. He says you are qualified. He says you are anointed, called and appointed to fulfill every dream and desire He's placed in your heart!

Father in heaven, I trust that You are leading and guiding me today. I trust that You hold my future. I choose to tune out the discouraging voices and tune into Your Word. Fill me with Your peace and joy as You direct my steps. In Jesus' Name. Amen.—Joel & Victoria Osteen

GOD BLESS US ALL!

O Theos Na Mas Evlogisi!
PRAY as if everything depended on HIM. ACT as if everything depended on YOU.

For past gospel meditations, you may visit the following:

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http://his-ways-better-than-our-ways.blogspot.com