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?" -John 21:17


Peter's answer to Jesus was, "Lord, you know all things.  You know that I love you."  And indeed Jesus DID know, so why did he ask?  Why do we need to tell God what we want in prayer?  He already knows, right?  Why do we need to confess our sins?  God knows our sins before we do.


All these things are for us, not for God.  We need to articulate these things in our own hearts and minds.  They help us to grow.  They help us to see our true priorities and to make changes if needed and then to focus on those priorities.


When in my heart I hear Jesus ask, "Karen do you love me?"  I know it is because I am not living in a way that shows my love for him.  I know it is time to look at my life's priorities and place Jesus at the top once again.


This question to Peter caused Peter to refocus.  He was dwelling on his failure... his denial of Jesus.  Peter's priority was this failure and Jesus told him his priority ought to be his love for Christ.  When we focus on our love for Jesus, our lives will be as changed as Peter's life was.


Lord,
You know all things.  You know I love you.  Help me to make that love my greatest priority in life.  Amen.


Joys:  Being caught in a downpour during a hike... great way to cool off and there is just something playful and energizing about being caught in the rain; yummy homemade seafood/veggie stir fry for dinner last night; having a really great summer