Pastor Bell's Words To Live By

The apostle Peter exemplifies the need to balance the development of our character against our ability. Having the right attitude is far more important than having the charismatic gifting. Although Peter became a gifted spokesperson for the disciples he often ‘put his foot’ in it by either being too hasty or speaking out of turn. His progression for a rough and ready fisherman to a considered reflective practitioner had many peaks and troughs and bumps along the way.

Because of his humble beginnings, I believe that every day Peter spent with Jesus was like celebrating Christmas. Jesus came to his house for a coffee and some cakes and healed his mother-in-law and many more people who were demon possessed or had other diseases (Matt 8:14-17). Then when they went across the Sea of Galilee in his boat and a great storm threatened to capsize the boat. Jesus woke up spoke to the storm and everything was back to normal.

This was by far the most exciting time of Peter’s life, but there are more peaks and troughs to come.

So today spend time developing your character. You can do this by ensuring that:

1.  What you say match up with what you do.
2. You develop a spirit of moral excellence and
3. You cultivate emotional intelligence! 

Read Matthew 8 and try to see it through the eyes of Peter