Passage of the Day:
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” – John 21:15-19
Reflection:
Life is often filled with a series of cycles that you go through. Such is the case of a caterpillar which must experience a Chrysalis before this creature is transformed into a butterfly. Following the resurrection of Jesus, Peter went through his own spiritual transformation. While Peter believed that Jesus would become an earthly king of the Jews, the resurrected Christ changed him. Peter went from a man who lied about his relationship with Jesus to dying a martyr’s death, crucified upside down. This is how Christians can fly with Christ.
Prayerful Action:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:2.
Preparing Your Fields to Bear Spiritual Fruit:
Chrysalis is a non-denominational Christian community where high school students experience a three-day retreat. Following this weekend, students are encouraged to join an accountability group with other teens from their weekend. When I was in college, I mentored teenagers who attended this amazing experience. One of the guides used in these accountability groups goes through a series of questions, challenging students to bear spiritual fruit weekly. One of the calls to action before ending in prayer is to fly with Christ.
Song of the Day:
Spiritual transformation takes time, often longer than you expect. Therefore, as you wait to bear spiritual fruit, keep your eyes on the prize, eternity, as you fly with Christ.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 