Dr H Reflections

The Lord will provide – Yahweh-Yireh ∙

The Lord will provide – Yahweh-Yireh ∙

I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. – Philippians 1:19

Genesis 22:6-14

6 So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together,
7 Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?”
8 “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

9 When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood.
10 And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice.

11 At that moment, the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!”
12 “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now, I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

13 Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son.
14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

The tragedy at Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, was a heartbreaking event that profoundly impacted lives and properties. This disaster underscored critical issues in building construction, maintenance, and regulatory oversight. The catastrophic pancake collapse obliterated 55 of the building’s 136 units.

Since the 1990s, the building has been subsiding at a concerning rate of approximately two millimeters (0.079 in) per year. In 2018, an inspection revealed a significant flaw in the pool deck: it lacked the proper slope needed for effective waterproofing. Over time, accumulated water severely compromised the concrete slabs beneath the deck. The report indicated that the waterproofing had exceeded its lifespan and required complete removal and replacement. The firm warned that “failure to replace waterproofing in the near future will cause the extent of the concrete deterioration to expand exponentially.”

How can we prepare for such eventualities? How can we assist those in need? In the corporate world, particularly within banking, companies make use of “provisions” to prepare for potential future setbacks.

But what are provisions?

Provisions are funds set aside by businesses to cover anticipated future losses. A provision represents a commitment to a liability, even when the timing and amount are uncertain. Examples include funds for income tax liabilities, warranties, potential loan defaults, asset write-downs, expected legal costs, and more. To protect against these financial uncertainties, companies must allocate provisions to ensure they have adequate resources to handle these potential setbacks.

The Scriptures vividly illustrate the Father’s boundless power and unwavering love for each child of the King. He has generously provided for us and assured us that our needs will be met. But how is this divine promise realized in our lives?

Consider Abraham, who had journeyed with the Father for many years, learning invaluable lessons along the way. Yet, in Genesis 17, he faced a challenge that seemed utterly impossible by human standards. Both he and Sarah were past the age of childbearing, making the hope for a child seem unattainable.

In Genesis 17:17, Abraham chuckled in disbelief, pondering, “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” Likewise, in Genesis 18:12, Sarah laughed to herself, questioning, “How could a worn-out woman like me experience such joy, especially when my husband is also so old?”

Yet, human limitations are no match for the Father. He accomplished the impossible, triumphing over their seeming human inadequacies. Against all odds, they were blessed with a child, and in a miraculous turn of events, Isaac was born.

The Bible is replete with accounts of the Father doing the impossible. Take a moment to reflect on why He acts in such ways. The simple answer is to demonstrate that He is real and that He is actively involved in our lives.

Such acts serve as powerful reminders of His reality and active presence in our lives. As children of the King, we are called to cultivate faith and trust in His promises and provisions. The challenges He sets before us are meant to strengthen our faith and deepen our reliance on Him. By trusting His guidance, we find ourselves exactly where we need to be, with the right mindset, as the Father orchestrates everything else.

“At the age of 75, Abraham enrolled in the ‘School of Faith.’ Now he was over 100, and he was still having soul-stretching experiences. We are never too old to face new challenges, fight new battles, and learn new truths. When we stop learning, we stop growing; and when we stop growing, we stop living” (Wiersbe).

REFLECT & PRAY

“Life is difficult. Once we truly know that life is difficult – once we truly understand and accept it – then life is no longer difficult” (M. Scott Peck).

Father, I find myself wrestling with trust. It’s all too tempting to seize control and take matters into my own hands. Encourage me to remember that You have already provided for my needs and that Your promises are sure I am re-enrolling in the school of faith.

INSIGHT

In Genesis 22, Abraham reaches a point where his belief in the Father’s promises is unwavering, regardless of the circumstances. He has matured in his faith, ready to exhibit the depth of his trust. This chapter captures a rare and profound moment where the Father enters the time-space continuum. He reveals Himself to Abraham, engaging with him personally. Moreover, He sends His angel to prevent a horrendous tragedy, underscoring His divine intervention and care.

The lesson of Genesis 22 is straightforward and clear. The Lord will provide (Yahweh-Yireh).

Genesis 22:8 “God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.”

Genesis 22:14 Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”).

Yahweh-Yireh literally means “The Lord will see to it,” that is, “The Lord will provide” (Wiersbe).

In the 21st century, we have an analogous expression. When we make a promise, we say, “I’ll take care of it.” Regarding His provision, the Father says, “I’ll take care of it.” to each child of the King. Amazing! He’s got our back.

“In times of testing, it is easy to think only about our needs and our burdens; instead, we should be focusing on bringing glory to Jesus Christ. We find ourselves asking, ‘How can I get out of this?’ instead of ‘What can I get out of this that will honor the Lord?’ We sometimes waste our sufferings by neglecting or ignoring opportunities to reveal Jesus Christ to others who are watching us go through the furnace” (Wiersbe).

“The Lord will provide – always. He may surprise us, He may perplex us, He may make us wait. But He will always provide exactly what we need when we need it” (Stanley).

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Hearts ablaze ∙∙

Hearts ablaze ∙∙

So, they said to each other, “Weren’t our hearts ablaze within us while He was talking with us on the road and explaining the Scriptures to us?” – Luke 24:32

Luke 24:13-35

13 That same day, two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem.
15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them.
16 But God kept them from recognizing him.

17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces.
18 “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.”
19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people.”

21 “We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.”

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment, he disappeared!
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

Rocky IV, starring Sylvester Stallone, was released in 1985. It quickly soared to remarkable heights, becoming the most financially successful sports film of its time and the highest-grossing sports movie for 24 years. In the film, Rocky comes out of retirement to fight a formidable Russian fighter named Ivan Drago. The fight was slated to occur in Moscow on Christmas.

Unexpectedly, this epic heavyweight championship bout had profound repercussions for both the fighters and the world. While the audience fully expected Rocky to emerge victorious—and he did—the fight went on to change the lives of both characters and have wider implications on a global scale.

The theme song is Burning Heart. The final lyrics are as follows:

In the burning heart just about to burst.
There’s a quest for answers and an unquenchable thirst.
In the darkest night, rising like a spire.
In the burning heart, the unmistakable fire.

Every member of the human race is born spiritually blind, insensitive, and unaware. We are fallen creatures living in a fallen world. In our natural, fallen state, we live with veiled perception, blinded to the Truth. We walk by sight, not by faith. Sometimes, something touches our hearts, igniting a fire within us. But does that feeling last? Sadly, it does not. These moments of fervor are transient. The sparks fade, the embers grow dark, and we return to our former indifference and insensitivity.

The cold, lonely darkness deepens when we feel sad, discouraged, or confused. The Gospel of Luke tells the poignant story of two people walking on the road to Emmaus, clouded with gloom and despair. Why? They had once walked with the Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples in Jerusalem, harboring high aspirations and expectations, believing Jesus was the awaited Messiah, the Hope of Israel. But then something terrible happened: He was betrayed, falsely accused, handed over to the Romans, and crucified. When Jesus died, all hope and joy seemed to die with Him.

The two travelers were utterly dejected, grappling with the turmoil and astonishing events of the past few days. Suddenly, something marvelous occurred: the Lord Jesus Christ Himself appeared, joining them on their path. However, the Father supernaturally prevented them from recognizing Him.

When someone is confused and distressed, simply talking about it can provide relief. The Lord Jesus is a master at helping people open up. What does He do? He engages them in conversation, asking questions that create a safe space for their emotions to be expressed and understood. They unload their innermost thoughts and concerns, revealing what they knew and believed.

Their hopes and expectations had been shattered, leaving them profoundly disillusioned. Unmet expectations can be devastating to our souls and spirits. Jesus had not only been rejected and crucified, but now it was the third day. Wasn’t something significant supposed to happen on the third day? Yet, as far as they knew, nothing had.

They heard rumors: an empty tomb, a missing body, and sightings of angels. But who could trust such seemingly fanciful tales? Doubts crept in, leading them to conclude that these accounts were nothing more than the imaginative musings of disillusioned and possibly hysterical disciples, their faith shaken by discouragement.

Pause for a moment. Can you imagine the thoughts swirling in their minds as they pondered the enigmatic identity of their new companion? Was He entirely out of touch? Was He dense? Was he the only guy who didn’t have a clue about what had been going on?

It seems paradoxical that those lacking insight and understanding would accuse another of being similarly unaware.

REFLECT & PRAY

But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! – Jeremiah 20:9

Father, I want my heart to burn within me and never be extinguished. Please ignite and maintain a fiery chain reaction to the Truth and the nourishment Your Word alone provides.

INSIGHT

The Word of God is profound and sublime. It often employs simple, easily understood stories to convey profound truths.

In the Gospel of Luke, a humble yet powerful narrative unfolds. The value and impact of this story far exceed the events themselves. It highlights the sadness and despair of shattered human hopes while demonstrating the power of God’s Word to illuminate and provide truth about many of life’s mysteries. Even a tiny amount of truth, when understood and internalized, can warm our hearts and ignite a passionate flame within us.

A touch of traditional faith and a brief Sunday school lesson can change everything. The Lord Jesus Christ asked probing questions that whetted the disciples’ appetites. A little spark was all it took to set things in motion.

Luke 24:27,32

27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”

The Holy Spirit used gentle persuasion to prepare their hearts and minds to receive. Then came the rush of insight, and the eyes of their hearts were opened. It was a profound aha moment. Then, something even more extraordinary happened that left them forever changed. Their spiritual hunger was satisfied through the nutritious food of the Word of God. They wanted more!

How can we get excited about God’s Word? It must be read with understanding. Sometimes, this requires a tutor to show us the way. The Father provides teachers just for this purpose. We begin where we are and let the Truth of the Word speak to our hearts.

Spiritual fire deep within is available to every child of the King. Only you can prevent spiritual fires from burning hot and bright.

¯_(ツ)_/¯ 4-25-1

Our dependable North Star ∙∙

Our dependable North Star ∙∙

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. – James 1:17

Psalms 136:3-9

3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His faithful love endures forever.
4 Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever.
5 Give thanks to him who made the heavens so skillfully. His faithful love endures forever.
6 Give thanks to him who placed the earth among the waters. His faithful love endures forever.
7 Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights – His faithful love endures forever.
8 the sun to rule the day, His faithful love endures forever.
9 and the moon and stars to rule the night. His faithful love endures forever.

For millennia, people looked to the heavens quite literally for “guidance.” From the perspective of being planted firmly on the earth, the sun, moon, and stars have “moved” through the heavens in an orderly and predictable pattern. Based upon these observations, ancient civilizations often ordered their lives and religious practices. The silent presence of iconic ancient architectural structures like Stonehenge, the Great Pyramid, Machu Picchu, and the Temple of Kukulcán is a testament to the importance of the stars.

In the northern hemisphere, a captivating celestial dance unfolds. Stars near the Earth’s celestial North “move” in a methodical counterclockwise circle, moving from left to right around a central point. The Earth is tilted. As it rotates, it rotates around the center of this tilt. If you were to draw a line from the South Pole, the southernmost point of tilt, to the North Pole, the northernmost point of the tilt, it would point directly at celestial North. In the center of the orderly procession is the “North Star.” Remarkably stationary in appearance, this star appears not to move at all, and therefore, people deduced that they would always know where “North” was by finding this star in the night sky.

In the sky of the 21st century A.D., at just about the center of celestial North, we find the North Star. But the North Star has not always been Polaris. Over time, the Earth’s rotational axis undergoes a shift known as “precession.” To picture this, imagine a bull’s-eye target projected onto the night sky. Over millennia, different stars in the Northern Hemisphere take turns occupying this central spot. Currently, Polaris holds this position. However, back in 2700 BC, it was Thuban that marked true north. If this cycle continues, by 14,000 AD, Vega will assume the role of the North Star.

This long-exposure photo shows how the North Star,
Polaris. It stays fixed in the night sky as other stars appear
to move during the night due to the rotation of the Earth.

A bit of clarification is required here. First, the stars do not “move.” Instead, the earth itself rotates on its axis and provides the appearance of stellar motion. The stars are so far away from Earth that, for all practical purposes, they do not “move” over short periods.

However, in the 21st century, it’s understood that all stars and galaxies are in motion. Yet, these movements are so minute from our perspective that they go unnoticed.

The only motion of heavenly bodies that we are capable of observing with our naked eye is the movement of the moon, the sun, planets, meteors, and comets. The word planet comes from the Greek word planetes, which means wanderer. To ancient man, the planets, such as Mars, Venus, and Saturn, seem to wander, even stagger, through the skies among the ordered and predictable movements of the stars.

In the ancient world, the most permanent and reliable things known to mankind were found in the signs of heaven. Nola Taylor Redd, SPACE.com Contributor, “The North Star has remained an eternal reassurance for northern travelers over the centuries.”

The movement of the sun, the moon, and the stars allowed ancient man to navigate his way through his world. While the stars do not appear to move over short periods of time, they do, in fact, move over long periods.

What then remains constant and certain?

REFLECT & PRAY

“The lights change, but the one who created them never changes” (Barclay).

Father, You are absolutely dependable. Encourage me to trust You more fully every day.

INSIGHT

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, neither shadow of turning.

Notice that the word lights is plural. It does not refer to light itself but rather the lights in the sky: the sun, the moon, and the stars. Modern translations use “heavenly luminaries” or “the lights in the heavens.” The Father is the giver of every good and perfect gift. An alternative translation would be, “It is God who [has] created the lights in the sky [or, heaven], from where he sends down every good and perfect gift” (UBS).
The Father is the source and creator of both light and the lights.

The phrase “shadow of turning” or “shifting shadow” conveys the idea of change or inconsistency. This imagery stems from the natural world, where shadows shift and change as celestial bodies like the sun and moon move across the sky.

Unlike the “shifting shadows” created by the sun, moon, and stars, the Father “does not change.” With Him, there is no variation at all. The shadows cast by the sun are minimal at noon, but just before sunset, they stretch for yards across the landscape (Burdick). God is not like that; He remains constant. In His unchanging nature, there is no variation or turning. He provides steadfast illumination amidst the ever-changing twilight of the world.

James emphasizes the Father’s steadfast and certain Snature and reliability because He alone never alters. In a constantly fluctuating world, the pace of variation seems to be increasing and becoming more and more volatile. The Father, who created everything, is the one constant: the firm foundation, the rock upon which we stand, and our infinite reference point. Everything changes except Him. He alone is absolutely trustworthy and dependable.

Before I knew the Father, I had nothing permanent and lasting to trust in. I wandered in darkness. Indeed, heaven came down, and I met Jesus, my Savior. He became my anchor, my tender, compassionate friend. He met the need of my heart and dispelled the darkness and shadows.

Heaven came down – John W. Peterson

O what a wonderful, wonderful day, day I will never forget
After I’d wandered in darkness away, Jesus my Savior I met.
O what a tender, compassionate friend, he met the need of my heart
Shadows dispelling, with joy I am telling, he made all the darkness depart.

Heaven came down and glory filled my soul
When at the cross, the Savior made me whole
My sins were washed away, and my night was turned to day
Heaven came down and glory filled my soul.

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Choices reveal character ∙

Choices reveal character ∙

After all the land was divided among the tribes, the Israelites gave a piece of land to Joshua as his allocation. For the LORD had said he could have any town he wanted. He chose Timnath-Serah in the hill country of Ephraim. He rebuilt the town and lived there. – Joshua 19:49-50

Genesis 13:5-12

5 Lot, who was traveling with Abram, had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents.
6 But the land could not support both Abram and Lot with all their flocks and herds living so close together.
7 So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. . ..

8 Finally, Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!
9 The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.”

10 Lot looked at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)
11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram.
12 So Abram settled in the land of Canaan, and Lot moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain.

Reflecting on all Joshua accomplished in service to the Father and the nation of Israel, one might expect two outcomes regarding Joshua’s land allotment. First, he would claim the finest for himself. After all, he deserved it. Right? Second, out of gratitude, the Israelites would offer him the best of what was available. Yet, reality unfolded differently. Joshua chose a rugged, unyielding, barren land. His choice revealed his heart, a heart of humility and service. Conversely, it also showed the hearts of the children of Israel. They were content to let God’s servant settle for the leftovers. This scenario, unchanged over 3500 years, speaks volumes about human nature.

Little has changed.

REFLECT & PRAY

“Your ideal is what you wish you were. Your reputation is what people say you are. Your character is what you are” (anonymous).

Father, I desire to fall in love with Your Word and consume it as food for my spirit. Give me Jeremiah’s passion and David’s love and delight for Your Word.

INSIGHT

We are inherently flawed people living in a fallen world, with fallen DNA permeating our thoughts, emotions, and actions. If our choices reflect our essential fallen nature, there should be no surprise. They show who and what we really are, and our self-absorbed motivations are clearly exposed.

This reality is evident in daily life. Consider a family sharing a small home with a single bathroom; who gets access first? Or when a meal of chicken is served, who has the first choice of the preferred pieces? During Thanksgiving, who gets the turkey legs?

The true nature of our character is often revealed under stress and uncertainty. Robert McKee encapsulates this idea well when he states, “True character is revealed in the choices a human being makes under pressure – the greater the pressure, the deeper the revelation, the truer the choice to the character’s essential nature.” In high-stress situations, our authentic selves emerge, painting a vivid picture of our values and priorities.

Risk is a crucial factor that reveals character through decisive actions. When faced with uncertainty, individuals respond in various ways: some boldly go all in, fully committing to their choices, while others retreat to their comfort zones, prioritizing safety and caution. These reactions tell a story about our core values.

Cultivating a godly character is essential to becoming better individuals and making selfless choices that align with the Father. Richard G. Scott articulates this beautifully when he suggests, “Above the television were used to be.”

Our journey toward righteousness begins with a commitment to understand and embrace the eternal truths of the word of God. As we nurture our higher selves and aspire to a righteous character, our choices begin to align more closely with selflessness and godly principles.

Psalms 119:9 How can a young person his way pure? By living according to your word.

The Hebrew term orach, often translated as “way,” typically denotes a path. In the Old Testament, orach is frequently used metaphorically to represent a way of life, implying a way of living, behavior, or life course.

The word “pure” in Hebrew is zakah. Zakah appears exclusively in poetic contexts and always in a moral sense. It signifies being clear, clean, or making oneself clean, denoting faultlessness and freedom from sin.

Psalms 119 suggests that we can keep our lives and behavior clean and pure. Is this even possible? Solomon has his doubts.

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, “I have cleansed my heart; I am pure and free from sin”?

The answer underscores our inherent imperfection because of our fallen DNA. Absolute purity may elude us, but we can set perfection as a goal and strive for it. It is like aiming for the bull’s eye, knowing we will not always hit every time.

David shows the way.

Psalms 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

To truly make choices in line with the Word of God, one must first know its teachings. Yet, mere knowledge is insufficient; it must be internalized and cherished.

But there’s more. Memorizing the word of God by rote is one thing, but understanding the scriptures goes beyond memorization. Reciting God’s Word by rote is a great foundation, but to fall in love with it and find immense joy within it is something entirely different. David had fallen in love with the Father and His Word. He registered his delight and his love and passion for the Father and His teachings.

In Psalms 119:47, David exclaims, “How I delight in your commands! How I love them!” This devotion drove him to immerse himself in the scriptures, not only reading and meditating on them but committing them to memory. Imagine holding the Word of God so dear that it becomes an integral part of your heart and mind.

Psalms 119:15-16 illustrates this dedication:

15 I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

Jeremiah also exhibited a profound zeal for God’s Word, a fervor that seems almost beyond belief.

Jeremiah 20:9 reveals, “But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”

For every child of the King, it is imperative to commit to memorizing and living by the scriptures. This commitment is the cornerstone of making wiser, more godly life choices.

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Epic failure ∙∙

Epic failure ∙∙

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12

Luke 22:32

31 Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat.
32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.

Luke 22:60-62

60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.”
62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

For over three decades, Intel Corporation reigned supreme as the unparalleled titan of computer microprocessor and chipset innovation. Nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara, California, Intel epitomized the “Made in the USA” standard, showcasing America’s formidable prowess in the semiconductor realm.

Intel’s competitive edge was forged through a masterful combination of cutting-edge design and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities proudly situated on American soil. While other chipmakers opted to move their operations overseas in pursuit of cheaper labor, Intel stood resolute, a beacon of American industriousness and ingenuity.

Yet, the landscape shifted dramatically, and Intel found itself grappling with monumental challenges that threatened its once-unshakable position. The very traits that once fueled its dominance, unwavering commitment to domestic manufacturing and a steadfast reliance on proven strategies, have contributed to its recent challenges.

In a striking blow to its legacy, July 2020 marked a crisis point for Intel. The company announced a significant delay of over a year in the launch of its cutting-edge 7-nanometer CPUs, a setback that sent shockwaves through the industry. In a world where technological advancement waits for no one, Intel’s supremacy has been challenged by both domestic rivals and ambitious international firms that have risen to the occasion.

As Intel stood at this critical juncture, a question looms large: could it surmount these formidable obstacles and reclaim its throne as the vanguard of innovation? The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Intel’s journey from the pinnacle of success to its current crossroads is a testament to the relentless pace of technological advancement and the ever-present demand for adaptation in the face of change.

Any child of the King can and does experience failure. Failure in this life, at one point or another, is regrettably the norm. We all stumble and fall. The real question is: “What do we do when we encounter significant failure?”

In martial arts beginners learn to follow the adage, “Fall down seven times, stand up eight.” We are to consciously decide to rise after each fall and persist in our efforts.

Peter was the undisputed leader of the twelve apostles, yet he experienced egregious failure when he denied the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures reveal an important truth: his failure was both inevitable and predicted, but so was his recovery. Peter had someone very significant and powerful praying for him. The Lord Jesus Christ had his back.

Luke 22:32 states, “I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

This same assurance applies to every child of the King.

Romans 8:34 tells us, “Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 37:8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper – it only leads to harm.

Father, how many times have I stumbled and felt the weight of discouragement pressing down on me? Yet, time after time, You were there, lifting me from the depths and setting my feet on solid ground once more. Your unwavering presence has strengthened my confidence in the plans and dreams You hold for my life. Thank You!

INSIGHT

This narrative shifts the spotlight from epic failure to epic recovery. “Peter will falter for a short period, after which he will turn back and strengthen the disciples. By telling this story, Luke prepares the reader for the leadership of Peter in the early chapters of Acts” (Black). Servant leadership emerges from the ashes of recovery.

Peter’s path to leadership is laid out for all of us to see. Epic leadership grows out of our epic responses to failure and loss.

Peter possessed inherent leadership qualities, but such strengths can become hurdles for those called by God. When Jesus foretold Peter’s failure, Peter’s disbelief wasn’t rooted in pride. It was simple naivety. He couldn’t imagine letting down the Lord and disappointing him in such a way. Take a moment and visualize Peter, resolute in his heart, declaring, “I will prove my loyalty. I will not fail, my Lord! Count on me, no matter the cost!”

Peter forcefully asserted, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you” (Luke 22:33).

Peter recognized Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, with unwavering certainty. The thought of betrayal was inconceivable to him.

Matthew 16:15-16 captures this conviction:

15 Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?”
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Peter’s unwavering resolved was unmatched. When Jesus was arrested, Peter unsheathed his sword, ready to fight to the death. His actions were impulsive and brave, yet he misunderstood the divine plan. The Lord Jesus Christ had come into the world to be arrested, tried, condemned, and crucified (Matthew 26:51-56). Peter initially sought to thwart prevent such an antithetical outcome for the Messiah, the King of Israel.

Matthew 16:21-23

21 From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that he needed to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day, he would be raised from the dead.
22 But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”

Peter rose to the occasion in his brash, bold, brave way, and blood was spilled. He cut off the ear of Malchus, the high priest’s servant. Rather than receiving praise, he received correction from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Luke 22:51 But Jesus said, “No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

As the Lord Jesus Christ was arrested and led away, imagine the turmoil that must have overwhelmed Peter. He was ensnared in emotional turmoil. Conflicted, he was struggling with clashing emotions of embarrassment, disillusionment, and deep despair; Peter found himself on a downward path to epic failure.

But why did Peter falter so profoundly? Fear wasn’t the issue. After all, he had been ready to lay down his life for Christ in the garden. No, it was confusion and a heavy heart that clouded his judgment. Peter had just witnessed the unimaginable: the arrest of the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, leading to certain judgment and death.

This once-confident and natural leader faced his darkest moment, yet this failure was not the end. It was the crucible in which his future leadership and strength were forged. Such is the journey for every child of the King, where epic failures pave the way for epic transformative recovery and growth.

¯_(ツ)_/¯9-24-2

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