The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Barnabas, the Encourager

Tom Graves

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August 7, 2026

Barnabas, the encourager, is an example for every believer. In Acts 9:27, we meet Barnabas at a critical moment in the early church. Saul, once a fierce persecutor of believers, had encountered Christ and been transformed. Yet the believers in Jerusalem were understandably afraid of him. They doubted his conversion and kept their distance. It was Barnabas who stepped forward, took a risk, and stood in the gap. He listened to Saul’s testimony, believed his story, and then advocated for him before the apostles.

Barnabas didn’t just offer kind words; he offered trust, courage, and presence. He saw what God was doing in Saul’s life and chose to encourage rather than suspect. How often do we hesitate to embrace someone because of their past?

Celebrating Growth and Calling Others Forward

Later, in Acts 11:22-25, Barnabas went to Antioch to investigate reports that Gentiles were coming to faith. What he found could have drawn skepticism or criticism. Instead, Barnabas rejoiced. He saw the grace of God at work and encouraged the new believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Barnabas didn’t criticize these new believers for what they didn’t know. He strengthened them in their growth. He understood that encouragement builds faith, while criticism often tears it down. Recognizing the church’s growing needs, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to help teach and lead. He wasn’t concerned with recognition; he was concerned about helping people grow in faith.

As believers, God calls us to do the same. Encouragement is not passive. It actively fosters others’ growth. It celebrates progress, invites participation, and helps people step into their God-given purpose.

Encouraged by God, Encouraging Others


Ultimately, our ability to encourage flows from the Lord Himself. Scripture reminds us that God is our greatest encourager. Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. [1] And later Paul instructed the believers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up.[2]

Barnabas may not be as well-known as Paul or Peter, but his quiet influence profoundly shaped the early church. Without his encouragement, Saul’s ministry might have been delayed or diminished. Without his support, the church in Antioch might not have flourished as it did.

His life reminds us that encouragement is not merely a personality trait but a calling. You don’t need a spotlight to make an impact. Often, the most powerful ministry happens quietly, through steady faith, genuine care, and the courage to believe in others. Be like Barnabas, the encourager, and be bold. Build faithfully. Trust God to use your influence to change lives.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Gospel is for the Gentiles, Too

Tom Graves

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August 6, 2026

As the message of Jesus spread, the believers began to understand that the Gospel is for the Gentiles, too. What seemed chaotic was actually God’s quiet strategy. After Stephen’s death, believers were scattered by persecution, carrying wounds, grief, and uncertainty. Yet as they traveled to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, they carried something stronger than pain: the Gospel of Jesus.

At first, many shared only with fellow Jews. It felt natural, safe, and expected. But some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene stepped beyond those boundaries. They spoke to Gentiles! These were people outside their tradition and comfort zone, and something remarkable happened: the Gentiles believed.[1]

Human fear or circumstances can’t limit God’s purposes. Even in suffering, He is at work. This challenges us to see our disruptions differently. When life scatters us through hardship, change, or uncertainty, God may be sending us. The places we didn’t plan to go may be the very places where He wants the Gospel to take root through us.

A Gospel for All People


Antioch was no small village; it was a bustling, diverse, and deeply pagan city of about 500,000 people. By many standards, it seemed an unlikely soil for spiritual awakening. Yet it became a thriving center of faith. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions or receptive audiences. They shared what they knew. Acts 11:21 the power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. [2] This moment marked a turning point. The church in Antioch would go on to commission and support Paul on his missionary journeys, reaching nations far beyond what those early believers could imagine.

We often assume certain people won’t be interested, won’t understand, or won’t believe. But Acts 11 reminds us that the Gospel does not belong to a select group; it is for everyone. The power lies not in our ability to persuade but in God’s ability to transform hearts. Our role is simple: be willing.

Boldness for Today’s World


Our world today is marked by stress, anxiety, and a constant search for meaning. People are overwhelmed, yet often unaware of the hope available to them. The message of Jesus meets that need. It transforms lives, reshapes priorities, and lifts our vision beyond the present moment to eternal hope in Jesus. Just as God brought good from Stephen’s death and the scattering of believers, He is still weaving redemption through the brokenness we see today.

The question is whether we will participate. Wherever we live, we are placed there with purpose. Like the believers in Antioch, God calls us to carry the good news on our lips and in our lives. We may not feel bold, but boldness grows as we trust God. When we step out in faith, His power meets us there. Let our eyes be outward, our hearts open, and our voices ready. The Gospel is for all, and God still uses willing people to share it.

To learn how the Gospel is for the Gentiles, too, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1] Acts 11:19-30 Summary from the Holy Bible

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 11:21). Tyndale House Publishers.

God’s Mission for Saul

Paula K. Graves

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August 5, 2026

God had revealed His mission for Saul to Ananias before Ananias prayed for Saul. Acts 9: 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.[1] Paul gives his testimony of the Damascus road experience three times in the book of Acts. The first telling is Acts 9:1-19, the second is Acts 22:3-21, and the third is Acts 26:9-20.

In the third telling, Paul shares more details about what Jesus told him on the road to Damascus. Acts 26: 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ [2]

A Vision in Jerusalem

God’s plan to send him to the Gentiles and not the Jews must have been shocking for Saul to hear. Saul considered himself to be an elite Jew. Philippians 3: 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.[3]

Saul had to escape death threats in Damascus by escaping through the city wall in a basket. He then went to Jerusalem and boldly preached that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah. The Jerusalem Jews pushed back against this message. Saul had trouble believing that the Jews would refuse the Gospel. But God continued to guide Saul.

Acts 22: 17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’

19 “ ‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’

21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’ ” [4]

God Has a Mission for Each of Us

As we can see from the story of Saul, God has a sense of humor. He sent a zealous Jew to preach to Gentiles. God often has surprising assignments for each of us. He desires that we all come to faith. Then He will work through us to build His Kingdom here and give us the promise of eternal life with Him.

Ephesians 2: 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.[5] Our good works can never save us; only faith in Jesus can. But in gratitude to Jesus, we want to serve Him by fulfilling the plans He has for us. Just as God’s mission for Saul brought Him glory, so will our obedience to His plans.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God Trained Saul

Paula K. Graves

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August 4, 2026

Luke doesn’t go into detail about how God trained Saul. But Saul, who is later known by his Greek name Paul, gives us hints of his early training as a believer in Christ. Saul immediately begins to preach that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah they have been waiting for. Luke condenses Saul’s story here.

Acts 9: 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.[1]

We think there may be a three-year gap between verse 21 and verse 22, which Paul writes about in his letter to the Galatians.

Trained in Arabia

Galatians 1: 12 I (Paul) received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ…15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. [2]

Saul probably went to Mt. Sinai, where God called Moses in a burning bush and gave the Ten Commandments. Elijah also spent time there communicating with God. Now, Saul went on a pilgrimage because he needed to rethink his theology. He probably studied, prayed, and thought about the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection and how these facts related to what we call the Old Testament. The disciples had three years with Jesus, and now God trained Saul to prepare him for his call.

To Tarsus

Saul boldly preached the Gospel in Jerusalem after escaping from Damascus. Again, there were death threats against him. Acts 9: 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. [3] The believers sent him back to his hometown to keep him safe. Scholars think Saul was there for up to 10 years before going to Antioch to teach.

Scripture doesn’t give us details of what happened in Tarsus during this time. More than likely, Saul worked in his family’s tent-making business to support himself. His message would have been controversial, and family and friends may have rejected him. Tarsus was a very cosmopolitan city with both Jews and Gentiles. Saul may well have learned how to reach out with the Gospel to these Gentiles. Again, this would prepare him for God’s plans.

God Trains Us

God will use other people, Scripture, and life events to train us. Each of us is on a unique path, and if God calls us, He will equip us. We can be sure our training will be in His timing and way. Sometimes we think Saul immediately went on his mission trips after his experience on the road to Damascus, but God trained Saul for years before this happened. God doesn’t waste any of our experiences but can use them to build His Kingdom if we are willing.

To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Disruptive Truth

Tom Graves

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August 3, 2026

The disruptive truth was the reality of Saul’s ministry as He proclaimed the Gospel. His transformation was undeniable. Once a fierce opponent of the Gospel, he now boldly proclaimed Jesus as Lord. Acts 9:23 After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him. 24 They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot. 25 So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall. [1]

Unfortunately, the same pattern followed him to Jerusalem, where truth spoken with clarity stirred hearts, but it also stirred anger. This reminds us of a sobering reality: people do not always receive the Gospel with joy. It confronts pride, exposes sin, and demands surrender. That disruption often leads to resistance. We should not be surprised when sharing our faith meets pushback. The enemy does not want to hear the truth, nor does he want us to speak it.

God Intervenes in the Midst of Opposition


Twice in these passages, Saul’s life was in danger, and twice God provided a way of escape. In Damascus, friends lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. In Jerusalem, the believers sent him away to safety. These are not coincidences but divine interventions. God had a plan for Saul, and no opposition could stop it.

This same truth echoes throughout Saul’s later writings, especially in his discussion of spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6. These verses remind us that our real battle isn’t against people but against spiritual forces of evil. Because of this, we need to rely on God’s strength and fully equip ourselves with His spiritual armor so we can stand firm against the enemy’s schemes.[2] The battles he faced were not merely physical; they were deeply spiritual.

Yet in every instance, God preserved him for His purposes. When we look at our own lives, we can see similar moments when God protected, guided, or redirected us. Sometimes His intervention is dramatic; other times it is quiet but no less real. The greatest intervention, of course, is the cross, where Jesus secured our salvation. If God has done that for us, we can trust Him to sustain us through every challenge.

Move Forward in Strength, Not Fear

Saul refused to let fear silence him. Even after threats and narrow escapes, he continued to proclaim the Gospel. His confidence was not in his own ability but in God’s strength. The disruptive truth of the Gospel still challenges the world today and will continue to meet resistance. But God does not call us to retreat; He calls us to move forward.

Discouragement may come, but it need not define us. God’s strength is sufficient, and we can’t thwart His purposes. Like Saul, we are part of a greater story, shaped by divine intervention and sustained by grace. So speak the truth, even when it is difficult. Trust God when opposition arises. And remember: the same God who carried Saul through danger is at work in your life today.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 9:23–25). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Ephesians 6:11-12 Summary from the Holy Bible

Preaching That Jesus is the Son of God

Tom Graves

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August 2, 2026

Shortly after his conversion, Saul began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. But what led up to that? Before his conversion, Saul was on his way to persecute believers when God suddenly interrupted him. A blinding light stopped him in his tracks, and he heard the voice of Jesus calling him by name. In that moment, Saul realized that his actions were not just against people; they were against God Himself. Humbled and shaken, he received a simple instruction: get up, go, and wait for direction.

God had a plan for Paul’s life, and it required His intervention for that plan to unfold. Like many of us, we can go astray along life’s journey. In His grace, God intervenes to save us spiritually and to empower us through the Holy Spirit to share the good news of Jesus. Acts 9:20 And immediately Paul began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” [1]   Paul had not believed that Jesus could be the Messiah for numerous reasons. Now, he knew what it was like to walk in spiritual darkness and was inspired by God to share with others how He had changed him.

The Holy Spirit Transforms Us

Paul’s encounter with Jesus was deeply personal. The man who opposed Jesus now saw Him clearly as the Son of God, the promised Messiah. Through his conversion, this new understanding of who Jesus’ identity completely reshaped Saul’s life. This experience transformed His beliefs, identity, and purpose in life. 1 Corinthians 5:17This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! [2]

The good news of the Gospel is that no one is beyond the reach of our Savior Jesus. Neither Paul’s past nor ours disqualifies us from sharing the Gospel. Our past and the way the Lord has transformed our hearts make a powerful testimony. This reminds us that the Gospel on the move starts with changed hearts. Paul’s transformed heart enabled him to begin preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. There was no waiting period, no advanced training, no polished strategy. Paul simply shared with others what God had revealed to him.

God’s Work is Amazing

God’s work in the life of Saul was profound! All who heard him were amazed. Acts 9:21“Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” [3] The same God who worked in Saul can also change the course of your life.

Today, you may have come to the end of yourself, unsure of what to do. It’s not too late to cry out to God! He specializes in taking what seems broken, lost, or even opposed to Him and turning it into something that glorifies Him. What looks like an ending in our eyes is often the very place where God begins something new. His work is amazing because it goes beyond what we can imagine, transforming lives in ways only He can accomplish.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Growing into Wholeness

Paula K. Graves

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August 1, 2026

Our journey of faith is one of growing into wholeness through Jesus. As we saw yesterday, Peter could only commit to a brotherly love for Jesus. Earlier, he had boasted of his agape love for Jesus, only to fail by denying Jesus three times. Now, by the Sea of Galilee, Peter did not trust himself to declare that he would love Jesus sacrificially.

Jesus met him where he was with a brotherly love. But then Jesus prophesied that Peter would die a martyr’s death. John 21: 18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.” [1]

This always seemed like a disconnected part of the story until I considered what kind of love it would take to be a martyr. You must have agape love, a committed sacrificial love, to die for someone. Jesus knew that Peter could only commit to brotherly love at this point, but that he would grow into an agape love as he followed Him.

Restored for a Purpose

Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. Once for each time Peter denied Him. Each time Jesus told Peter to care for the flock, which would be the church. God had a job for Peter: to lead the church. But he should be a shepherd and care for them, not just give them orders to follow. But to be a caring, effective leader, the rest would need to trust Peter.

All the disciples knew Peter had publicly denied knowing Jesus. Most of the time, correcting someone should be done in private to avoid embarrassment. In this case, Jesus did it publicly in front of the other disciples. Why? Jesus knew that persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom were ahead for believers. If Peter had denied Jesus, the others might have worried that Peter would betray them. The believers would need to trust Peter for him to lead well. Thus, Jesus publicly reinstated Peter to the task ahead.

A Restoration for a Renewed Call

Three years earlier, Jesus had given Peter a great catch of fish and a command to follow Him. Now, Jesus renewed that call. For Peter and us, following Jesus isn’t a one-time thing. It becomes a lifelong journey of faith. “Follow Me” is a present-tense imperative meaning “Keep on following.”[2] Peter would be growing into wholeness as he followed Jesus’ way. It is the same for us.

Jesus had a task for Peter, and He has a task for each of us as we walk this earth. He will call and recall us to this if necessary. For even if we are not where we need to be spiritually, as we follow Jesus, He will enable us to grow in faith. He died for our sins. When we repent and confess, He forgives us. This restores our relationship with God and allows us to grow and work in His Kingdom. Our purpose from God is not to bring us glory on this earth but to bring God glory in His Kingdom. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-restoration

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 21:19). Tyndale House Publishers.

[2] Barton, B. B. (1993). John (p. 408). Tyndale House.

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

Paula K. Graves

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July 31, 2026

In John 21, we can see that Jesus meets us where we are. This is especially true of Peter. Jesus had tried to warn Peter that he would deny Him, but Peter didn’t believe Him. Luke 22: 33 Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” [1] I think at this point, Peter really did think this was true.

Luke 22: 54 So they arrested him (Jesus) and led him to the high priest’s home. And Peter followed at a distance. 55 The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.[2] It was around that fire that Peter denied Jesus three times.

Now, by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus cooked breakfast for His disciples. John 21: 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. [3] Smells bring memories back, and often when memories come, so do the emotions attached to them. So, here is Peter, smelling the same smell he did when he denied Jesus.

Loving Jesus

We say we love lots of things: pizza, flowers, family, and, of course, the Lord. It is important to understand that more than one Greek word is translated as ‘love’ in English. We are interested in two of these. Phileo is brotherly love. It is where we get the name Philadelphia. Agape is the ultimate, unconditional, self-sacrificing love.

Both these terms are used in our story. But unless we are reading from the amplified version or an interlinear Bible, we can’t see this in English. I’ve taken the liberty of substituting the terms for the Greek word for love in the following passage.

Jesus Restores Peter

John 21: 15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you have a committed sacrificial love for me, even more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you as a brother.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you have a committed sacrificial love for me ?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you as a brother.”

“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.

17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me like a brother?”

Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you like a brother.”

Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. [4]

Jesus Can Heal and Strengthen

Peter knew he had failed when he denied Jesus. He didn’t want to repeat his mistake. Jesus mirrored the same word for love as Peter used. Jesus knew his heart, even if this admission hurt. Jesus also gave Peter direction for the future. He was to feed the lambs and take care of the sheep. Peter would become a leader in the church.

So, we can see that Jesus meets us where we are. But He doesn’t leave us there. He can heal and strengthen us for His service. Psalm 34: 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. [5] To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-restoration

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Urgency of a Restless Heart

Tom Graves

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July 30, 2026

Peter couldn’t wait for the boats to reach Jesus, but, driven by the urgency of a restless heart, he swam to shore. At first, the disciples did not recognize Jesus. John 21: 7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. 8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore.[1]

Why the urgency? Peter was not just eager; he was burdened. This was the same Peter who had boldly promised to stand with Jesus to the death, only to, in a moment of fear, deny Him three times. Though he had seen the risen Lord, something likely still weighed heavily on his heart. Perhaps he longed for a personal moment, a chance to draw near and make things right.

His actions reveal something deeply human. When we are aware of our failure, the distance from Jesus feels unbearable. Being made whole in Jesus begins with this honest recognition. We need Him, and we need Him now. Peter’s leap into the water is not polished or calculated; it is raw and urgent. And that is exactly how many of our approaches to Jesus begin.

Imperfect People, Direct Access

Peter had always been impulsive. He stepped out of a boat to walk on water, spoke boldly on the mountaintop, resisted Jesus from washing his feet, drew a sword in the garden, and faltered in the courtyard. His life was marked by both deep love and deep missteps.

Yet here is the beauty: none of that disqualified him from running to Jesus. If anything, it propelled him forward. We often think we need to compose ourselves before approaching the Lord, to clean up our failures, to find the right words, to prove we’ve learned our lesson. But Peter shows us a different way. He goes straight to Jesus, dripping wet, likely out of breath, carrying his regret and love at the same time. 

This is the heart of the gospel. Faith in Jesus as our Savior gives us direct access to Him. Wholeness doesn’t begin when we fix ourselves; it begins when we bring our brokenness to Him. Spiritually, He forgives. Emotionally, He restores. Even physically, He meets us in our weariness. There is no barrier too great when Jesus has already made the way.

From Distance to Restoration

Peter may have felt that a gap still existed between him and Jesus. His denial had been real, painful, and public. But Jesus had not come to reinforce that distance, but to remove it. By heading to Jesus first, Peter positioned himself for restoration.

The same is true for us. When we carry guilt, shame, or regret, our instinct is often to withdraw. But healing doesn’t happen at a distance. Jesus invites us closer. He meets us not with rejection, but with grace. He restores our identity as children of God, reconnects us to His presence, and renews our purpose.

Peter’s story doesn’t end in failure; it moves toward restoration and calling. But it begins here, with a splash in the water and a desperate swim toward Jesus. Are you carrying something that makes you feel distant from Him? Don’t wait. Don’t linger in the boat. Head to Jesus first.

In Him, the urgency of a restless heart can be healed. Jesus can make you whole, not because you never failed, but because He restores you completely. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-restoration

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 21:7–8). Tyndale House Publishers.

Nourished to be Whole

Tom Graves

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July 29, 2026

Nourished to be whole is what Jesus does for us because He loves us. After Jesus’ resurrection, the disciples were unsure what to do next. Peter suggested they go fishing, and several of them did, but their nets were empty after a hard night’s work. When they reached the shore after a long, fruitless night, Jesus met them with something unexpected: a charcoal fire, fish already laid on it, and bread prepared. Jesus had everything ready before they even arrived.    

What a picture of His care. The disciples had labored all night with empty nets, likely feeling the weight of failure and uncertainty. Yet Jesus didn’t greet them with correction or demands. He welcomed them with provisions. As Jesus makes us whole, we discover that He sees us completely and meets us there. We often think we must first fix ourselves, prove ourselves, or find our own way back. But Jesus is already waiting, the fire already burning, the meal already prepared. Before you even ask, He knows what you need.

The Gift of His Presence

This moment marks the third time the risen Jesus appeared to His disciples. But there is something especially tender about this encounter. It is not dramatic or overwhelming, it is relational. John 21: 12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish.[1]

Around that simple meal, something deeper is happening. Meals have always been places of connection, trust, and belonging. Sitting together, sharing food, and being present are the rhythms of a relationship. Jesus uses this ordinary act to restore something extraordinary: their sense of being with Him.

The disciples had been uncertain. Was Jesus still near? What did their future look like? Had they failed Him? Around this fire, those questions begin to settle—not through a lecture, but through His presence. Being made whole in Jesus means more than receiving help; it means being restored in relationship. He doesn’t just meet our needs; He invites us into fellowship. In His presence, our fears quiet, our identity is renewed, and our hearts are steadied. You are not meant to walk alone. Jesus draws near and says, “Come sit with Me.”

Sustained for the Journey Ahead
 

Jesus didn’t just provide a meal; He provided what the disciples needed to move forward. Their bodies were nourished and their spirits were lifted. Their hearts were reminded of who He is. And soon, they would receive renewed direction and purpose. This is how Jesus makes us whole. When we are drained from serving, weary in our work, or discouraged by what feels like failure, He doesn’t push us harder. He restores us.

Are you tired? Discouraged? Unsure of what comes next? Jesus is not distant. He has prepared a place for you. There is a gracious welcome waiting. From that place of nourishment, He rekindles your purpose. He reminds you who you are: His child, called and loved. He reconnects you to His presence and His people. And then, strengthened by His grace, you are sent forward again. Wholeness in Jesus is not something we achieve—it is something we receive. So come to the fire. Sit with Him. Be nourished to be whole. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/wholeness-through-restoration

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jn 21:12–13). Tyndale House Publishers.

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