This is How You Can Live a Meaningful Life Despite Your Failures

Pride always goes before any spiritual fall, and, unfortunately, it’s often the one who thinks he is the greatest that falls the furthest. As well, it seems pride causes us to stumble perpetually. Despite all the warnings of pride’s danger, humanity continues to be tripped by it over and over again. Pride itself convinces us that it can’t happen to us personally. Simon Peter is an excellent example of this sinking thinking.

We can see Peter’s pride in the Upper Room during Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Jesus gathers his closest followers together, and He informs the group that one of them will betray Him. The gathering’s response is bewildering. But, almost immediately, they divulge into a conversation about who is the greatest among them.

Nothing much has changed among Jesus’ followers. There is still betrayal in our midst, yet we continue to argue about who deserves the most recognition, likes, views, or fame. It happens in churches, workplaces, and even in our families.

As I revisit Luke’s account of the events that were transpiring, I can’t help but wonder if Simon Peter was winning the debate that night because it seems that amidst the argument about greatness, Jesus singles Peter out as the one who would fall soon.

The FALL

Then after about an hour had passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Surely this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying!” Immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times. So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” -Luke 22:59-62 (NKJV)

Simon Peter proceeds to deny Jesus three times. Only when he hears the rooster crowing in the background that he fully understands what Jesus was trying to tell him. Can you relate to Simon Peter? Have you ever experienced what you were warned would happen because you ignored every warning?

If so, just like Simon Peter remembered what Jesus had told him when the rooster crowed, aren’t you glad you have a history with God? Thankfully, He helps us remember what He has spoken, and from his Word, the work of the Holy Spirit brings conviction into our life. The tears of repentance in failure give way to the joy of restoration.

But, something we can’t miss about Peter’s story is that he was only given the opportunity for restoration because he was not immediately incarcerated.

When those around Him saw what was going to happen, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword? And one of them (Peter) struck the high priest’s servant (Malchus) and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear and healed him. -Luke 22:49-51 (NKJV)

When the army had come to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter had already become his fall from Godly character when he arose in anger and cut the ear off of Malchus’ the High Priest’s servant. This sinful act was punishable by death. Yet, Peter was never arrested. Why? Because Jesus destroyed the evidence! This action is remarkable because in doing this, Jesus is saving Simon Peter’s life! Had this moment not happened, there may have been four crosses on Calvary, not just three. Despite what the servant may have accused, Jesus destroyed the evidence of the fall!

We have all been under attack. And many of us may have fallen. In fact, we have all fallen at one point or another. Scripture clearly says, “we have all sinned, and we all come up short of the glory of God.” And “Anyone who denies this is a liar.” But the incredible thing about our God is that He takes everything the enemy meant for evil and uses it for our good! God transforms us, just like He did Simon Peter on the other side of his fall!

Simon Peter went on to become an outstanding servant of Christ. He had to be sifted, churned, and shaken so that every particle that did not belong in him could be broken. But on the other side, he preached a 10-minute sermon that saved 3,000 lives, and he demonstrated great faith in adversity! He knew that Jesus would not fail him.

We should praise God for the sifting happening in our lives because the fall can’t prevail. God wants to bring you into a period of restoration! Jesus is faithful and just to forgive you if you confess your sins. He not only forgives, but He forgets. The blood of Jesus wipes away the fall.

1. You can have a meaningful life despite the attack.

2. You can have a meaningful life despite the fall.

3. You can have a meaningful life because of God’s power of restoration.

We have a God who is willing to destroy the evidence! Let Him in. He is ready to heal whatever you’ve torn up.

Simon Peter’s ups and downs serve as an inspiring example of the relationship we can have with God. DESPITE falling, the beauty of God’s true restoration can be manifest in each of our lives.

I invite you to view this message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/6bd3yscBYWw

We want to connect with you and help you take your next steps!

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving peace in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.

3. Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin

4. Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.

5. Subscribe to EricGilbert.org using this link:https://www.ericgilbert.org/subscribe. You’ll be able to receive updates directly to your email inbox as we post additional blogs each Thursday and Friday morning.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE| MESSAGE NOTES

The Danger of Ignoring This One Thing that Scripture Warns Us About

Pearl Harbor was a horrific event in history. Taking place on American soil, December the 7th of 1941, it transpired as Japanese bombers flew over, dropping bombs on the naval base and destroying all types of ships and aircraft. But, if the military had heeded warnings, the entire event could have most likely been prevented.

Radar technology indicated that aircraft were moving towards the base, but military leaders took for granted it was American soldiers returning and not a foreign enemy. In addition, an American Destroyer was making practice rounds and perceived a Japanese submarine. They even fired shots at it, but nothing transpired. So they went on with life, as usual, having no idea the horrific events that were about to happen moments later.

Several warnings occurred before Pearl Harbor’s destruction, yet senior naval leadership and soldiers anticipating weekend furloughs overlooked them. Many historians believe the only reason the event took place is that no one within Pearl Harbor’s administration believed it could! How could they miss it so badly? How did they not see the warnings?

Yet as we read through Scriptures, we are repeatedly given warnings that we ignore and look over!

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. -John 10:10

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. -1 Peter 5:8

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. -2 Corinthians 10:4

Straightforwardly, Jesus tells us that we have an enemy. Likewise, over and over again, we are told in the New Testament that spiritual warfare is raging perpetually throughout time and space. Yet, we seem content to ignore the warning signs and the unseen battle.

You can't just ignore the enemy; you have to resist the enemy. He will attack!

Simon Peter's life is an excellent example of what happens when we ignore the warning and don’t formulate a resistance against the enemy’s attack.

The ATTACK

And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith should not fail, and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and death.” Then He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know Me.” -Luke 22:31-34 (NKJV)

Jesus tells Simon Peter there will be an attack but notice that Jesus does not say that He will prevent the attack. Instead, Jesus only states that He will pray for Peter in the middle of the challenge. This event is powerful, and we need to understand that just because we have accepted Jesus as our Savior – and He loves us – this truth does NOT mean we will never come under attack.

Jesus tells Simon Peter, the enemy will sift him, meaning he will be churned and shaken. But, even as Jesus is telling Peter the enemy will sift him, Peter continues to struggle with his pride, brushing Jesus off with overconfidence. But Jesus rebukes Peter by telling him he will deny Him.

It can be very unpleasant when the enemy comes into our lives, and we experience this shaking effect. So many of you are going through this experience right now. It feels like your life is being churned, stirred up, and shaken by the enemy. Sifted. (I would venture to say that the Church as a whole from 2020 forward has been in a period of sifting!)

If you’re not familiar with the term sifting, Bonappetit.com explains it as “an action done to promote consistency in recipes by removing the large particles that could potentially result in a baked good sinking in the middle.”

“Sinking.” An interesting word considering who we are referencing! (See Matthew 14.) But, just like God allowed the sifting to take place in Simon Peter's life, He allows it to happen in our lives too. The sifting removes parts within us that are not of Him. More specifically, it removes anything prone to sink!

You won’t break during the sifting; you will become spiritually stronger!

For many of us, because of the last two years, our relationship with God is presently more vital than it’s ever been. The pandemic itself has been nothing more than a sifting in your life. And, now we are entering a period in Church history when the hot are getting hotter, and the cold are getting colder. But, thankfully, there are people like you that continue to seek God with fervency! So, press onward and upward, allowing everything that can be shaken to be shaken so that which can not be shaken will be all that remains!

I invite you to view this message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/6bd3yscBYWw

We want to connect with you and help you take your next steps!

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving peace in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.

3. Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin

4. Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.

5. Subscribe to EricGilbert.org using this link:https://www.ericgilbert.org/subscribe. You’ll be able to receive updates directly to your email inbox as we post additional blogs each Thursday and Friday morning.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE| MESSAGE NOTES

Here’s Why You Might Want To Be Careful About Who You Talk To

Genesis tells the story of God’s 7-day creation process. Detailing the formation of man in God’s image, it unveils man’s fall when he encounters a snake. Amazingly, the author provides the details in subtle simplicity regarding Satan’s ultimate temptation. The snake, possessed by Satan, only spoke two times.

Two times.

Read that reality again.

Two times.

Two statements were enough to knock the entire race of humanity off its pedestal of moral purity.

This reality shows us how crucial it is to be wise about engaging in conversation.

As my momma might say, “You better be careful who you talk to!”

The enemy can bring people into your life who shift the way you think -- and not in a good way. These conversationalists begin to influence you negatively just through their words.

Ephesians Chapter 6 teaches us additional truth. We don’t wrestle with flesh and blood but with powers and principalities and powers of the heir. Personalities are manifestations of spirits. Jesus taught, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” That means what comes out of a person’s mouth is what is in a person.

Have you been talking to snakes?

Don’t be deceived. There’s no doubt that there are snakes within your life. My life. Everyone’s life. It happens because the snake is crafty. Creation’s story describes him in that way.

Crafty is another word for wise. Eight times the Hebrew word for describing the snake’s craftiness is used in the book of Proverbs. It is not associated with a negative connotation. Craftiness is not a bad thing. Being wise is a good thing! However, when wisdom comes from the wrong source, it becomes counterfeit. There is a wisdom of this world, and there is a wisdom of God’s Word. You want the latter, not the former!

The enemy operates in the wisdom of this world. He is sly as a fox, and he will set a snare to trap you.

In the Garden of Eden, the enemy appeared beautiful, like an angel of light. But, what seems to be beautiful isn’t always what it appears to be. The enemy can even make his way into the flock of sheep disguised as a wolf. This exemplifies how crafty he can be!

Jesus warned that the enemy is so crafty that he will deceive even the very elect in the last days if it were possible. (Ref. Matthew 24:24).

But, here’s a probing question that you have probably not asked yourself...are you the snake in someone's life?

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. -Ephesians 6:12 (NLT)

One of the ways darkness and wickedness manifest on Earth is through spiritual hosts. Without the Earthly host, the wickedness would stay in high places. However, it comes low when we give it a portal to work through.

We have to ensure that we are not hosting darkness -- the things of this world -- in ourselves.

What are you speaking into other people's lives?

Be careful to notice what you're consuming. What is your social media feed “feeding” you?

Out of the abundance of your heart, you will speak. Yes, even YOU. So speak life into other people’s lives. Avoid grumbling and complaining. Praise the name of Jesus! Do not allow the enemy to use you as a host.

I invite you to view this message from our new sermon series A Wise Christmas, “There’s Something You Don’t See,” in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/2Dm0_NyhsHE

We want to connect with you and help you take your next steps!

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving the anointing in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.

3. Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin

4. Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE| MESSAGE NOTES