by John Smith, Worth Valley Community Church

IT'S around this time, New Year's resolutions are usually broken.

Our good intentions seldom last for more than a week or two. But the good news is that God's resolutions are everlasting. His promises remain certain and his word endures forever.

Peter, a disciple of Jesus, was resolved to follow Jesus even if others didn't. But for all his sincerity and his moments of outstanding leadership, Peter fell spectacularly. Denying Christ before the cock crowed, as Jesus had predicted he would, Peter's ministry ended in tears. A defeated and deflated follower of Christ who denied even knowing Jesus.

But Christ was resolved to rescue Peter from his dreadful fall from grace. Restoring and recommissioning him as a disciple, he would be entrusted to care for the spiritual welfare of the church Christ would build, using the teachings Jesus had given to Peter and the other Apostles.

If, like Peter, you feel lost and far from God, remember this, he is only a prayer away. God longs to welcome and restore you into a loving relationship with himself.

Three things Peter had to remember were:

* Love Christ above all else.

* Keep his commandments

* Keep following him and not to worry about what others should be doing.

(Read in the Bible, John chapter 20 verses 15-22)

So let us stop trying to fix the past and start trusting God, the restorer of our souls, for all our tomorrows.