I'm left handed
I am the better looking location pastor
My favorite condiment is mayo

John 8: 31-31 (ESV)  //  So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”


I am not qualified
I am too far gone to be used by God
I am who He says I am

 

God doesn’t call the qualified — He qualifies the called.

Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV)  //  While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 16:15-18 ESV  //  He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.


Failure doesn’t define me
Peter tries to change the plans (Matthew 16:21 –23)
Walking on water (Matthew 14:28 –31)
Peter denies Jesus (Matthew 26:69 –75)

John 21:3-11 (ESV)  //  Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off. 9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.


God’s restoration has no boundaries

John 21:15 - 19 (ESV)  //  When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”


Your history doesn't hinder your purpose
Acts 2:14 –41
What does God say about you

You are loved – (Jeremiah 31:3)
You are never alone – (Hebrews 13:5)
You are forgiven – (1 John 1:9)
You are chosen – (1 Peter 2:9)
You are God's child – (1 John 3:1)
You have a purpose – (Jeremiah 29:11 )
You are strong in Him –  (Philippians 4:13 )
You are not condemned – (Romans 8:1)
You are God's masterpiece –  (Ephesians 2:10 )
You are protected –  (Psalm 91:2)