Luke 22:60-62 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

John 21:15-17 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.” 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.” 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.

Picture this in your mind. Peter has confessed that Jesus is the Messiah and followed him for three years. He denies Jesus three times, as predicted by Jesus. And Jesus looks at Peter. Three times Peter denied Jesus. Three times he said to Jesis: I love you. Even when we fail, God offers forgiveness and a chance to be renewed in our purpose.

Question: How can you seek restoration and forgiveness when you’ve made mistakes?

There is much discussion about the end times. When and how it is going to be. This post will direct you to some of the main points in the Bible about end times.

1. Revelation 22:20-21 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

These are the last two verses of the Bible. The Bible ends with a promise. Jesus is coming back. The first time Jesus came as a humble servant. He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords.

2. 2 Timothy 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

Before Jesus comes back there will be times of difficulty, of tribulation. The Bible warns that people will be led astray and Christians will face much persecution. There are also warnings about wars and natural disasters.

3. John 11:23-24 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”

When Jesus comes back on the last day, the Bible speaks of the resurrection of the dead. Jesus showed that it is true by raising Lazarus from the dead after four days, just before going up to Jersualem for his death and resurrection. 

4. Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak

We will all stand before Jesus and be judged. We are all guilty of sin, from which we must repent and ask for forgiveness. It is by God’s grace we are forgiven.

5. 2 Peter 3:13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

The heaven and earth will be set on fire and dissolved. The Bible gives us a promise of a new heaven and a new earth.

6. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

For those with their name in the book of life, the new Jerusalem will come down from heaven and will dwell with God forever. 

7. Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Although words of coming tribulation and judgement may worry you, do not worry about tomorrow. Christians are called to be lights in the world and share the Gospel today.

Are you hurting right now? Know that the Word of God can speak to you in every situation of your life. Here are some reminders for you.

1. Psalm 34:18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Remember this, you are not hurting because God has left you, or is far away. God is near. Invite him in your life, especially when you are hurting.

2. John 11:35 Jesus wept.

When Jesus saw the grief that people had when Lazarus had died, his love and compassion for us made him cry. This is our God, who feels with us, who weeps with us when we are hurting and who smiles with us when we rejoice.

3. Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

God doesn’t want you to hurt or mourn. There is comfort.

4. Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Give your pain and hurt to Jesus. He doesn’t want you to carry it, but will give you peace instead.

5. John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

Jesus doesn’t promise us that everything in this world will be fine, quite the opposite, there will be hardship. That’s when you need to turn to Jesus, because he has overcome the world

6. Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Here is something challenging when we are hurting. To have peace, find it in your heart to forgive the person who hurt you. Forgiveness is not earned or deserved, but given anyway, just like God forgives us.

7. Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Ultimately, we live with the hope that one day there will be no more pain, no more crying. One day we will be with Jesus in the new Jerusalem. There is an end to pain, hurting, suffering. But there is no end to God’s love and grace.