Comment from MissMerri

Exceptional

This is such an inspiring piece, Dennis! I loved every word of it, and thought of course, of my own failures, and how Jesus always lifted me up out of the mess I'd made. I've always enjoyed Peter's passionate personality. He was all in, and a bit over the top, but Jesus obviously loved him so much, and the feelings were mutual. Your writing brings that out so beautifully. I love how you end with the elaborate promises and emphatic command to not give up. I have to wonder, who would ever want to turn away from the one who loves us so much? Yet I know people do. You are doing such a wonderful work. I hope you will never stop. ;p God bless you. MM

 Comment Written 25-Sep-2016

---

reply by the author on 25-Sep-2016

Thank you sweet MissMeri. Yes, its true our hearts can grow cold to the One who loves us most, but we cannot stop Him from loving us and as He does, He calls for us to grow in grace and understanding thru His Word. I too know all about failure but am encouraged that our Heavenly Father lifts us up and helps us to learn how to keep our balance and walk with Him. I am so glad you share this wonderful faith in Jesus too! God bless you, Dennis

Comment from Fridayauthor

Excellent

This is a nice message, very well written. The image is also, in my mind, an important part of the posting.

As a role model, he was well chosen.

Thank you.

 Comment Written 27-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 28-Aug-2016

Thank you!

Comment from Abby Wilson-hand

Excellent

i wish i had six stars for you not only a beautiful picture but the words so beautiful almost like raeding my trusty Bible hope to see more of your awsome work thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 27-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 27-Aug-2016

Thank you for your kind words. All glory to God! Blessings, Dennis

Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

Peter was truly a great assess to God. He made mistakes, but he learned from them. This is very well written with a smooth flow of words, making for a very interesting read.

 Comment Written 27-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 27-Aug-2016

Thank you for your kind review. Learning is the key thing here in his reaching maturity in Christ. God bless you, Dennis

Comment from Dean Kuch

Excellent

A wonderfully preached sermon, Dennis.
You should be pastoring in a church somewhere (if you're not already), or on television.
The Trinity Broadcasting Network could sure use a few good televangelists.

On the same token, I heard God's voice as clearly as I can hear my own heartbeat, and it was on the day I was about to take my own life. But God intervened on my behalf, which I am convinced is the only reason that I am still here today.
He wasn't through with me yet.
I still had work to do.

What I do outside of FanStory to honor and praise God's holy name is no one's concern but His, and my own.
He knows my heart, just as He knows the hearts of all of His children.
And that's all that really matters to me.

A well written sermon, Dennis...
God bless.

 Comment Written 26-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Aug-2016

Thanks Dean, your comments are valued but your conclusion that it's no ones business it yours and God how you conduct yourself is not truly Biblical. We Christians are all part of the body of Christ and what we do affects the whole body. I appreciate your testimony of God's grace in your life but I would not be true to God or you as. Brother if I didn't admonish you to keep on learning God's Word to the end you might continue to grow in grace and understanding. I say this with all respect and very aware of my own weakness but also having seen God do things in my life and others that whet my spiritual appetite for more of Him. Please don't be angered at my frankness, it's meant for good regardless of my clumsiness in saying it. YBIC, Dennis

reply by Dean Kuch on 27-Aug-2016

Conduct myself?
The way I conduct myself...

Are you referring to how I help volunteer at my church to visit elderly shut-ins in nursing homes who have no family who care enough to come and visit them?

Or perhaps it's the love, admiration and respect I show my parents that you're referring to?

Maybe it's the way I treat people here who seek my help, or how I minister wayward troubled youth?

You know absolutely nothing about me except for what I write, and what I write isn't who I am.

I love God, and God knows it, as does anyone who truly knows me. I don't need to go around professing how "righteous" great, and Godly I am. He knows my heart, not you, and He is the only one who truly matters.

Judge not lest ye be judged in kind, sir.

reply by the author on 27-Aug-2016

Dean, I think we misunderstand each other. I was referring to your comment that it's no bodies business but yours and God's what you do. I was trying to point out that in fact the scriptures show we are a part of a body, the body of Christ, the church, so it is important to others what we do. In fact, we are not our own but we are bought with a price as you know. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine that God is glorified by your good works." God bless you, Dennis

Comment from TheWriteTeach

Excellent

God is a friend, indeed. When you are down and out, stressed, filled with worry, or uncertainty, just give it all to God. He will take your problems and things will work out as He sees fit.

This is a very preachy piece. It made me feel as though I were sitting in church on Sunday listening to the priest deliver the sermon. This is almost a fire and brimstone piece.

Suzanne

 Comment Written 26-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Aug-2016

True biblical preaching is the grace of God offering a free salvation against a black backdrop of fire and brimstone. Otherwise, "let us eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die".

reply by TheWriteTeach on 26-Aug-2016

Maybe in your belief system, but not mine.

Comment from GE Parson

Exceptional

Hey Big "D"
Tremendous message to all those who believe God has called them into His ministry.

I have experienced every on of the points you mentioned and thinking back on them,if I had not been convinced ed that God laid His hand on my shoulder and said, (as it were) Jerry "Preach the Word" I might not have made it through to the other side.

MARANATHA!!Any day now what do you think? I

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Aug-2016

Hi brother Jerry,
Is there any believer NOT called into some kind of ministry? :) Maranatha, indeed! Thanks brother, Dennis

Comment from Ric Myworld

Excellent

It's always nice to see one of God's children witnessing every chance they get, concerned with all us weak and wayward sinners of the world. Although most of us stumble every day, or a few times a day for many, it's so wonderful to know He is strong, and waiting for us with open arms. Thanks for the pleasure of reading your fine post. :-)

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Aug-2016

Thank you for your kind words...just a reminder, the Bible says to all us weak and wayward sinners, to "be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might". We are all weak, even as you say, but weakness should never be used to keep us from becoming strong through His work in us. God loves to strengthen and use weak people to His glory as it encourages everyone who sincerely wants to know and love God more intimately. God bless you, Dennis

Comment from Loren (7)

Excellent

This has always been one of my favorite passages (among many) of the Bible and one I come back to time and time again. Keeping one's eyes solely focused on our Savior is not always easy, but it is always fruitful! Thank you for sharing and reminding - Loren

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Aug-2016

Thank you for your kind words! It's also well to remember that Christ chose and prepared the Apostle Paul to show us how to continue to grow in our faith and overcome things which once held us back in our service for Him. Christ has saved us but He also has an agenda He wants us to know and understand. Please keep on reading and studying His Word...He died to make it accessible to us. God bless you, Dennis

Comment from Heather Knight

Excellent

Thanks for sharing this, I have enjoyed reading it. My favorite bit is when you say Jesus is a friend.
It's very courageous of you to write about this topic. Well done!

 Comment Written 25-Aug-2016

---

reply by the author on 26-Aug-2016

Thank you....He indeed is a Friend above all others. And He said, "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father." Let us go on to know Him more completely through His Word. God bless you, Dennis