Devotional: Week 1, Day 5

John 21:15-23

Growing up - or maybe still in the process of- hopefully you had fantastic parents and an amazing family. Typically, we have disappointed one another. However, you were likely never "disqualified" from being part of the family; you were always accepted.
Same goes for the Father in Heaven. Imagine how Peter must have felt when he denied Christ.. In chapter 21, we see that he is restored in his relationship with Christ.
He isn't just restored to relationship, but also to mission. Jesus, in His commissioning Peter to feed His sheep, reminds the disciple that not only has his sin not disqualified him from God's love, but also that it has not removed Peter's calling.
Jesus calls us to a life of laying down our lives passionately for the sake of His Kingdom. Our failures, sin, mistakes, shame, etc., doesn't separate us from His invitation to live the life He has for us.

• Remember a time you have felt justifiably ashamed over your own actions. What emotions or thoughts were primarily taking place for you?
• Dream of what specific purposes God may have for your life. In what ways have you allowed shame or fear to rob you form that experience?
• In what ways is God reminding you that you are, in Christ, still being forgiven, qualified and eternally invited to follow Jesus and live on mission for Him?

God, I praise you for both your perfect forgiveness and Your ongoing invitation for me to live as a part of Your family. Forgive me for believing the lies of my guilt and my shame. Forgive me for allowing the enemy to ensnare me in traps that keep me from living to advance Your Kingdom. Set me free and remind me that I am welcome to share Your story of redemption. I am seeking to follow You with my life, time, passion, energy, dreams. Use me as Your missionary to a world in great need. Amen.

(Note: I have been paraphrasing and using segments from Cuyahoga Valley Church's devotional booklet Missio Dei. I am in no ways trying to "steal" their work. Just share it.)