Have you stopped to wonder why Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him in John chapter twenty-one? When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, Peter affirmed three times that he loved Jesus, and he was advised to feed His lambs and tend His sheep, so too, if we affirm that we love Jesus we must keep His word and look after one another.

“Lord, do not let evil people have their way. Do not let their evil schemes succeed, or they will become proud. For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the Lord. Do not deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and such as breathe out violence.”

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the Lord. We should not make any decision without asking God’s advice. Know that we can make all of our plans, but it is the Lord who determines our steps. This is what the Lord says; “Woe to the rebellious children, declares the Lord, to those who carry out a plan, but not Mine, who form an alliance, but against My will, heaping up sin upon sin.” Many plans are in a man’s heart, but only the purpose of the Lord will prevail.

My brothers and sisters, God has a plan and a purpose for our lives; we who are called according to that purpose must walk in it! “He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will. In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will; in order that we who were the first to trust in Christ, would bring praise and glory to God.” Amen!

Lord, teach me Thy way! “When doubts and fears arise, teach me Thy way; when storms o’erspread the skies; teach me Thy way; shine through the cloud and rain, through sorrow, toil, and pain; make Thou my pathway plain; teach me Thy way. Long as my life shall last, teach me Thy way; where’er my lot be cast, teach me Thy way; until the race is run, until the journey’s done, until the crown is won; teach me Thy way.” Thanks You, Lord!

“I’m pressing on the upward way, new heights I’m gaining every day; still praying as I onward bound, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. Lord, lift me up, and let me stand, by faith on Canaan’s tableland; a higher plane than I have found, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground. My heart has no desire to stay, where doubts arise and fears dismay; though some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim, is higher ground. I want to live above the world, though Satan’s darts at me are hurled; for faith has caught the joyful sound, the song of saints on higher ground. I want to scale the utmost height, and catch a gleam of glory bright; but still I’ll pray till rest I’ve found, Lord, lead me on to higher ground.”

“As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Heavenly Father, we come into agreement with you this morning, bringing before you our needs and concerns, and we are confident oh God, that whatever we ask in your name and believe, we shall receive. Lord, we understand that there is  nothing too hard for you; so we bring before sickness, trouble, unemployment, divisions, hunger, destitution, homelessness, pride, arrogance, lying lips, dishonest hearts, and especially for those needs which in our blindness we cannot ask, grant us your favor oh Father, in your precious name we pray. Amen!

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. 2 Corinthians 9:8-9

What has God done for you lately that’s got you singing his praises? Every day, God gives us reasons to praise him. What is your reason this morning? Are you thankful for what he has done? Then don’t keep silent! Go! Tell out your soul the greatness of the Lord, for all that he has done and continue to do for you. Amen!