Perceptions Matter
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Have you heard someone say,
“I never knew he(or she) was that nice until I got close to him (or her)?”
Often, what we think, and what the reality is, can be worlds apart. It is part of our fallen nature and human limitations.
In crisis theory, we are told that the perception of events, and not the events themselves, lead to crisis. Two people whose perception of events made a huge difference in their lives were Peter and Judas Iscariot.
Judas Iscariot stole from Jesus and the disciples (John 12:6); and later sold Him for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-15)! That was betrayal.
Peter also opposed Jesus going to the cross so strongly that Jesus addressed him as “Satan” (Matthew 16:21-23); and although Peter promised he would not abandon Jesus (Matthew 26:33-35), he made a u-turn and denied Jesus three times when it mattered most (Matthew 26:69-75)! That was betrayal too!
Both Judas and Peter betrayed Jesus. One repented, and one committed suicide!
Jesus would definitely have forgiven Judas if he had asked, but he felt unpardonable and unforgivable! It did not end well, and he died a horrible death (Acts 1:18). Perceptions!
Peter regretted his action, repented, and was forgiven. He became one very powerful apostle of Jesus Christ.
How do you perceive the Christ? As some mean taskmaster, or a loving friend, Lord and saviour?
The way you perceive Him informs the way you relate with Him, and present Him to others. The fourth stanza (third in others) of John Newton’s song “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds,” in the Baptist hymnal reads:
Jesus, my Shepherd, brother, friend
Our Prophet, Priest, and King
My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
Accept the praise we bring.
How do you perceive Jesus?
MEMORY VERSE
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.“
(John 15:15 )
QUESTIONS
How do you perceive Jesus; does it reflect who He is as presented in the gospels?
Do you know that your perception informs the way you relate to Him, and present Him to others?
PRAYER TIP
Jesus, please help me to see and perceive you right: a Shepherd, brother, friend, Prophet, Priest, King and Lord.
URGENT CALL
Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!
God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.
The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.
Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.
It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.
If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!
Do you want to make that decision today?
Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer” for guidance if you want to make that decision.
Then develop your new relationship with God through your Quiet Time.
Then find a Bible-Believing Church where you can Fellowship with like minded people.
We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!
God richly bless you
SPECIAL GRATITUDE
Thank you for visiting the Testimony Devotional Website.
We would not have gotten here without your prayers, goodwill and overall support. We are grateful, and humbled.
We thank God for counting us worthy to share in His Great Commission; and we thank you for sticking with us through this journey.
God richly bless you.
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