You Have a Place

I was reading in my journaling bible this evening and came across Acts 1:15-17 and Peter really stood out to me in this moment but so did Judas.

The fact that Peter could stand there and address and defend Judas to 120 people is #goals! Peter was hot tempered but in this moment his leadership skills and the power of God flowed through.

I wonder what it must have been like to be Peter in those days leading up to this moment.

Did he feel defeated?

Did he feel guilty?

Did he feel hatred towards his fellow brother who sold out his teacher, leader, friend, Messiah?

Did he feel completely forgiven, reconciled wholly to Jesus?

Did he feel completely redeemed of his mistakes and flaws just a few scriptures before when he denied knowing Christ three times?

Something tells me by the way he spoke he must have.

He spoke with certainty. He spoke with courage & boldness.

He spoke with an understanding only God could have given him.

Then there is Judas.

He wasn't there, but the result of his life certainly was.

He is part of why they were all there, just moments before watching their Savior go up into the clouds, fulfilling scripture/prophecy.

He was appointed even though he was flawed.

He was trusted even though he was untrustworthy.

He had a purpose and that purpose changed every believer's life.

He came to deliver the Lamb to those who would slay Him as the final sacrifice for sin.

DO NOT EVER let your past define you.

DO NOT EVER let religion or people keep you from knowing the kind of Man who would welcome a thief and betrayer into His circle.

DO NOT EVER think your mistakes are too unforgiveable.

I am Peter.

I am Judas.

Guilty of both denying Christ at times with my actions and making mistakes I've felt were too unforgiveable to seek a true relationship with Christ.

I am also forgiven.

I am loved.

I am cherished.

I am 1 of 99.

Jesus loves you.

Jesus cherishes you.

And if you ask Him into your life and your heart...

You are forgiven.

And He will take the mess and turn it into a message.

Jesus redeemed Peter and if Judas had the opportunity, I know He would have redeemed him too. There's too much evidence in the Word of God that proves His character.

If you don't know Him, but want to, please reach out to me. I would love to introduce you to Him. He is a life changer.

❤️✝️🙌🐑

Love - Christi McLain