April 14 Devotion

Good Friday

...If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

Peter experienced great things in his walk with the Lord. But he also failed at times, most notably when he denied the Lord three times just before His crucifixion. (Matthew 26:69 - 75).

Peter's failures, however, did not ruin him or disqualify him from future ministry. The Lord recommissioned him -- His resurrection. When Jesus confronted Peter about his unfaithfulness and lack of love, Peter affirmed his love for Christ three times. The Lord did not give up on Peter. He reassured him that he was still an apostle and commanded him to exercise faith and obedience - as Peter had done in the past - and to follow Him.

Have you fallen down in your walk with the Lord? He hasn't abandoned you. He will cleanse you and restore you in response to your sincere prayer of confession (1 John 1:9).

You can bounce back and know the joy of following Him once again!

Guide our feet, O God, on your path, for we are tempted to stray. We turn toward the cheap success, the fleeting fame, the passing fad. We are always looking to someone, or to some purchase, or some experience to fill our souls. But nothing lasts except the constant pull of your love.

Holy God, tune our hearts to your commands, fill our minds with your counsels, keep our eyes on Jesus, our companion and guide. Amen.

Amy Inghram


The flowers and the trees
bend down to their knees
as he walks through the garden.
All the children come to see
why the Lord is at his knees.
As the darkness comes and creeps
the light of the world is deep in darkness.
While my master hangs from the tree
He looks to the heavens to plea,
"Father, forgive these sinful people."
As he shouted to the sky
the Lord Almighty began to cry.
His tears feel from the sky as rain
The Father's son had been slain.

A Johnson Memorial Youth