This week we are in Romans 8:1-11. Years ago, I was driving through unfamiliar territory and mostly relying on Google maps to get me where I was going. I was on a mostly rural highway which I knew should take me to a right-hand turn onto a second highway. A couple miles from my anticipated turn, my phone told me to take a right. It didn’t feel correct, but I followed the app. I spent the next ten minutes on a road across which you might expect to find a shepherd leading a flock of sheep and eventually turned right onto the anticipated second highway. What I later discovered was that my app was set to prioritize routes that maximize fuel economy, and apparently this ten minute “shortcut” through the countryside at twenty-five miles per hour did just that. I gained a few cents in gasoline in return for quintupling my risk of colliding with livestock. Everything worked out OK, but the lesson here is that we often face a choice between two paths; and while sometimes the decision is trivial, other times it most certainly is not. For those who live according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, about the things of the Spirit. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind-set of the flesh is hostile to God because it does not submit itself to God’s law, for it is unable to do so. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8 HCSB) What’s described here are literal choices between life or death, Spirt or flesh, obedience or defiance. While those of us who have chosen to follow Jesus made that very important decision one very important time, we still must continue choosing what path we’re following every day. I allow myself to get stressed by the busyness of a workday without consideration of what path I’m walking. I don’t have a mindset of life and peace. I’d be better served to call timeout when I feel this way, take a deep breath, and pray for help in returning to the right path. I have learned now that before I take a long trip, I should double-check the settings on my app to ensure I will follow the path I want. Before walking into a difficult situation, I need to get better at checking the settings of my heart. The mind-set of the flesh is death. The mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. By Mark Stuart Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11. One of my very favorite movies is The Shawshank Redemption . In addition to the shocking and famous plot twist I won’t spoil here, I love how the movie portrays people and relationships and motivations. (Public service note: this is a very gritty prison movie, so please do not go watch it without being fully aware of what you’re doing.) In the movie there is a character named Brooks who, by the time we meet him near the end of his fifty years in prison, has become a kind, gentle, old man who pushes a cart from cell to cell offering books to his fellow inmates who love him. Brooks learns he is going to be paroled and instead of being overjoyed he starts acting erratic and lashing out, which confuses some of his friends. Later these friends are discussing his behavior in the prison yard, and the wisest character explains to the others that the reason why Brooks is troubled by his imminent parole is that he’d become “institutionalized” which he described like this: “This is all he knows. In here he’s an important man. He’s an educated man. Outside he’s nothing. Just a used-up con with arthritis in both hands. Probably couldn’t get a library card if he tried… I’m telling you these walls are funny. First you hate 'em, then you get used to 'em. Enough time passes, you get so you depend on them. That's institutionalized.” Over time Brooks had grown so comfortable in his confinement that freedom terrified him. Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain, and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4 HCSB) Sin’s power over us has been broken, but if we’re not careful we can live as though we’re still under its control. Our prison doors have been destroyed but we remain in our cell with our familiar companions: guilt and shame. It was sin that was defeated. We’ve been paroled. Let’s go outside. By Mark Stuart Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11. I have never been much of an aggressive driver, but I for sure have slowed down as I’ve aged. Part of it is a natural decline in reflexes, and part is that I don’t feel much in a hurry anymore. And part is the realization that if I’m driving slower than most people around me, very seldom is anybody in my way. But there was a time long ago when I was returning to college and failed to see a school zone sign and was rightfully ticketed for speeding. The heart races when those flashing lights appear in the rearview mirror. This happened in a town so small that when approaching it from the 55 MPH zone on one side of the town, one could see clear through to the 55 MPH zone on the other side of town. This event rattled me as a teenager for quite a while, but with time I put it behind me and moved on. For sure some mistakes are bigger than others and harder to forget, but as Christians we are taught to move on. Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. (Romans 8:1-2 HCSB) To be sure, being free of the eternal consequences of our sins does not mean it was good that we committed them in the first place, nor is it a free pass to do whatever we want in the future. And the freedom from eternal consequences does not mean that mistakes we make won’t have immediate consequences, as evidenced by my humble college bank account after paying for that speeding ticket. We should always be on the lookout for the warning signs telling us to change our behavior and attitudes, but sometimes we’re going to mess up either by accident or willful disobedience and need to seek forgiveness from a God willing to grant it to the repentant. And then it’s time to start looking out the windshield again instead of the rearview mirror. For the mind-set of the flesh is death, but the mind-set of the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:6 HCSB) By Mark Stuart Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

This week we are in Romans 8:1-11. If given the opportunity to choose a “last meal,” what would you pick? It’s a question I’ve heard as an icebreaker in a group setting. Some people really get into describing their favorite foods, prepared a specific way by a family member or restaurant. I have a hard time answering this question for a couple reasons. First, I really like a lot of different foods so it’s just not obvious to me which I would call my single favorite. Second, I get distracted when thinking about this question because, while not the intent of the exercise, it elicits thoughts of a condemned prisoner awaiting execution. Instead of focusing on that juicy cheeseburger or big bowl of Cajun chicken pasta, I imagine a guard handing it to me through an opening in my cell door where I am counting down my final hours. I breathe deeply the aroma of the meal before me, but the spell is broken by the echoing footsteps of the executioner somewhere out there in the spartan, concrete hallway. I realize this is a dark thought. (As a quick aside, this is an example of why we introverted over-thinkers are not great at icebreakers). My difficulty in answering this as a fun question is partially due to my introversion and partially due to the emotional weight of condemnation, even if only imagined. But sometimes the condemned are granted pardons. Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. What the law could not do since it was limited by the flesh, God did. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His own Son in flesh like ours under sin’s domain. and as a sin offering, in order that the law’s requirement would be accomplished in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-4 HCSB) The harsh footsteps of the executioner have been replaced by the gentle footfalls of nail-pierced feet. From the hymn “I Stand Amazed in the Presence”, written by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel: I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene, And wonder how He could love me, A sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous! How wonderful! And my song shall ever be: How marvelous! How wonderful! Is my Savior’s love for me! OK, now hand me that bowl of Cajun chicken pasta. By Mark Stuart Mark is the husband of Laura, father of Shelby and Jacob (Bailey), and grandfather of Charley.

When I was in college, I hit a rough patch spiritually. I was making poor life choices, running from the Lord, and, in general, heading for disaster. Thankfully, right when I needed it most, God placed a professor in my life who came alongside me and spoke biblical wisdom into my situation and helped guide me back to deeper waters in my faith. He went above and beyond what most professors would have done. He wasn’t just a teacher; he became a real spiritual mentor, investing in me personally. He poured into my life, offered counsel, and modeled what a faithful walk with God looked like. For that, I am eternally grateful. Now, years later, as I’ve grown older and matured in my faith, I’ve come to understand something vital: what my professor did for me is part of the calling God has for all of us. We’re not meant to just walk the path of faith alone—we’re meant to walk it together. Scripture is full of examples of people who took this call seriously, investing in others and helping to shape their spiritual journeys. One of the clearest pictures of this is Moses and Joshua. As Moses prepared to pass the leadership baton, he didn’t leave Joshua to figure things out on his own. He encouraged him, reminded him of God’s promises, and prepared him for what was ahead (Deuteronomy 31:7-8). Moses’ words of wisdom steadied Joshua, modeling for us how to intentionally support those in our sphere of influence. Paul’s relationship with Timothy further exemplifies this. Paul didn’t just teach; he empowered and affirmed Timothy by reminding him of God’s promises and urging him to cultivate the spiritual gifts the Lord had given him (2 Timothy 1:6-7). Discipleship involves speaking truth and purpose into others, enabling them to mature in the calling that the Lord has for each person. The account of Paul and John Mark offers a lesson in grace for those in our care. Despite John Mark abandoning an early mission (Acts 13:13), Paul later recognized his growth and deemed him “useful” (2 Timothy 4:11). This highlights that spiritual mentorship sometimes means offering grace with the end goal of restoration after failures . Jesus is the ultimate example of grace and a reminder that grace should always be our first response. As you think about your sphere of influence and those God has placed on your path, who is it you can pour spiritual maturity and wisdom into? Seek out these relationships and be intentional. By Paky Kramer

Each time Peter affirmed his affection for Jesus, Jesus gave Peter an important assignment. First, He said: “Then feed My lambs ” (John 21:15), Then He commanded: “Shepherd My sheep” (John 21:16). And finally, He told Peter: “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17). Some naturally assume that feed my lambs means that Peter was told to feed (or teach Truth to) little children. But because of the way the conversation continued, it more than likely referred to new believers – new lambs in the faith. Since we know that sheep are grown-up lambs, we can readily assume that Jesus was telling Peter to also feed (or teach Truth to) more experienced believers – a reminder that no matter how long we’ve been a follower of Jesus, there will always be more Truth to feed upon. And when Jesus said shepherd My sheep , it may mean to take care of both the new believer and the more experienced believers. But it also may mean to discipline and disciple the grown-up sheep; because if the grown-up sheep are joyfully and obediently doing what the shepherd wants them to do, the little lambs (the new believers) will follow the path of the grown-up sheep (the more mature believers). Peter must have thought to himself, If Jesus is commanding me to feed His lambs, shepherd His sheep, and feed His sheep, isn’t that the work of a shepherd? What? Does that mean I’m a shepherd? In his book, A Million Little Miracles , Mark Batterson made this statement that I want you to sit with for a bit: “Don’t let anyone label you that didn’t make you.” And that includes you – you didn’t make you, so you have no right to label yourself either. Peter went into this conversation with the label “betrayer” or “denier” – and perhaps with some self-labels like “hopeless,” “failure,” “disappointment.” But note that he came out of this conversation with a new label, a label given him by the One who actually created him -- a label that would stick: shepherd. The Lamb of God was entrusting into Peter’s care the lambs and sheep He would soon be leaving behind. Not only did Jesus cover Peter’s shame, He also restored him to a purpose far beyond himself. Let’s listen to Peter’s words as he continues to shepherd us in the 21st century: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV) Chosen. Royal. Holy. Special. Live into the label God has given you, and don’t let anyone else (including yourself) label you differently. By Judy Shrout

“Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You. ” (John 21:15) When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, He was using the Greek word for love, agape , asking Peter if he had a totally committed love for Him – the highest kind of love. When Peter answered Jesus, he used a different word for love, phileo , meaning the deep personal affection as for a close friend. Do you think perhaps Peter is remembering the moment when he boasted, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away” (Matthew 26:33) – followed by the moment when he denied Jesus three times? Do you think he has been humbled by those denials and is not about to declare a kind of love he’s not sure he can give? Jesus posed the question a second time, and Peter responded in the same way once again. Jesus asked the question a third time; but this time, He asked Peter if he could at least say he had phileo love for Him – a deep personal affection as for a close friend. Peter was deeply hurt because Jesus’ third question to him was “Are you my friend?” (John 21:17b Phillips) Again, Peter responded with “Yes, Lord; You know that I am Your friend.” At this point, I believe Peter finally gets it. Three times I denied my Lord – three times I did something I thought I’d never do. And now He has given me the opportunity three times to declare my love for Him – He is covering over the shame of my denials – covering that shame three times with His grace. He still loves me! Dear friend, have you ever done something you thought you’d never do? We are all Peter at some point – yet as we come to Jesus in repentance, we too, like Peter, can experience His grace and His love. Be assured that our Lord does not want us parked in the parking lot of shame – He died to cover our sin, our guilt, and our shame. Let’s leave it all at the foot of the cross and quit picking it back up again. Let today be the day you put your full trust in His perfectly perfect love and His completely complete work on the cross – and live in the freedom and joy He intended for you. By Judy Shrout

After breakfast on the beach, we can imagine Jesus making eye contact with Peter and saying, “ We need to talk” – and then Peter thinking to himself, “I knew this was coming- He’s going to tell me I’m not cut out for all this – and for me to go back to what I know -- fishing.” Maybe Jesus then says something like, “Walk with me, Peter ” – or maybe He just moved a little closer to Peter as they sat on the beach so the conversation could be private. Maybe He gently but firmly put His arm around Peter. In reading the Bible, we often misunderstand what’s being said, because we assume a certain tone of voice. You and I both know that tone of voice matters. And it really matters in this conversation between Jesus and Peter – because it greatly impacts our understanding of a loving God. Do you hear Jesus talking with Peter in a harsh and commanding voice, embarrassing him in front of his friends (although Peter had no doubt heaped plenty of shame on himself)? Or do you hear Jesus talking privately, softly, clearly, and lovingly with Peter as He begins the process of restoring Peter to his purpose in God’s Kingdom? Let’s listen in – and imagine Jesus’ loving tone with the friend He loved dearly: “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” (John 21:15) Did you notice that Jesus called his friend Simon – not Peter, not the Rock, the name He had given him earlier (Matthew 16:15-18)? Peter probably wasn’t feeling much like a rock on this day, much less feeling he should be called by that name. Even still, I imagine it hurt. When Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him “more than these,” He could have meant “more than these other followers do” or He could have meant “more than these things” – implying the things of this world – such as fishing and hanging out with the other guys. Either way, Jesus is asking Peter if there is anything in the way of loving Him fully. Before we continue listening in on the conversation, let’s put ourselves in Peter’s sandals and hear the conversation as if we were there instead of Peter. What would your answer be if Jesus asked you if you loved Him more than anything – more than any person, more than your success, more than your fitness, more than any comfort, more than any possession? Ask God to show you where you are focusing your priority love – and then ask Him to help you love Him the most. He is so worth it (Revelation 5:12). By Judy Shrout

One morning, my husband came down the hall with a vaguely familiar aroma wafting in his wake – an aroma that took me back many decades. I asked him, “WHAT are you wearing?” And he told me, “I saw some Old Spice on sale, and I bought a bottle of it – what do you think?” To which I replied, “You smell like my grandfather!” Some smells bring back memories of people or places. And I think that might have happened to Peter on this day that John is recording for us. The header for the beginning portion of John 21 in my Bible is “Breakfast by the Sea” – but I decided to temporarily rename it “The Smell of Burning Coals” – because I imagine that’s one of the first things Peter noticed about this day. Peter and his friends had gone back to fishing, since they did not yet have their commission from Jesus – and Peter might have believed that Jesus no longer had a purpose for him. While they were fishing, they heard a voice calling out from the shore. (It was Jesus, and John was the first to quickly figure that out.) As soon as Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, dove into the sea and swam quickly to the shore – where he saw Jesus cooking fish and bread over a charcoal fire. The smell of those burning coals must surely have been a reminder of the night not that long ago when Peter, warming himself by the fire in the courtyard of the high priest, denied that he knew Jesus – not just once, but three times. He no doubt wished he could stay away from charcoal fires, because they would forever be a reminder of his denial of Jesus.  However, on this day, something was going to change. That same smell would become a new memory – a new reminder – a memory of the time when Jesus would forgive Peter not once, but three times – and restore him to his purpose. I hope you too have a memory of the time when you fully realized that Jesus had forgiven you – completely – not once, but many times over. Cherish that memory and fully embrace the joy of being forgiven – and then let the rest of your life be a big thank you note for His grace. By Judy Shrout