Good morning. It’s Friday, March 26th, aka National Joe Day, yes the name Joe.

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— Romans 3:23

There’s a quote that goes like this:

You’re either going to be a Peter… or you’re going to be a Judas.

And before we talk about what that means, let’s learn about Peter and Judas.

Peter, also called Simon Peter, was a Galilean fisherman, the son of Jonah (Matthew 4:18, John 1:42). He was one of the twelve disciples and part of Jesus’ inner circle (Matthew 17:1).

On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter denied Him three times, just like Jesus said he would (Luke 22:34).

“I do not know him,” he said (Luke 22:57).

After realizing what he had done, “he went outside and wept bitterly” (Luke 22:62). But later, Jesus restored him: “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17).

Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve disciples and the group’s treasurer (John 12:4–6). He is known for betraying Jesus.

Judas agreed to hand Jesus over for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14–15) and identified Him with a kiss (Luke 22:47–48). After realizing what he had done, “he was seized with remorse” and returned the money (Matthew 27:3–5), but he did not return to Jesus.

Both Peter and Judas were chosen as disciples, walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles, and heard His teaching firsthand. Both failed Him in a real and personal way. The difference between them was not their access to Jesus or the weight of their failure, but how each responded after it.

What this quote means is that failure is not what separates people, everyone falls short.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

The real separation is in the response.

“godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation… but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Peter’s failure led him back to Jesus, while Judas’s failure led him away. One allowed his mistake to change him and return, while the other let it isolate him and consume him.

So remember this quote. The next time you fail at something, you’re either going to be a Peter… or you’re going to be a Judas.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, you are merciful.

Confession: I’ve failed and gone my own way.

Thanksgiving: Thank you that I can still come back.

Supplication: Help me turn to you, not away from you.

In Jesus name, Amen

“I Know A Name” by Elevation Worship & Brandon Lake

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God