(Which doesn’t happen too often!)

Now, I know “the news” doesn’t always have the happiest stuff to report.

But I was still baffled by how many controversial news stories there were!

By the end of the half-hour broadcast, I was exhausted with how many emotional, legislative, social, or even physical “battles” were occurring.

And they all wanted me to “pick a side.”

Jesus wisely counseled:

“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight. . . but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:36)

Jesus knew which battles to fight and which battles to ignore.

He knew what was actually important in the grand scheme of things.

He knew the battle that was eternally significant.

I take solace in knowing I don’t have to jump into every “battle” I see.

Let’s be real, it seems like every comment section on social media has people getting angry over some brand’s marketing decision.

Conversations with coworkers can turn into gossip and faultfinding.

And news outlets expect us to have fully formed strong opinions on every event that happens.

But I find solace in knowing I don’t have to be a soldier taking a side in each item of contention, both big and small, I encounter.

To be clear, this doesn’t mean I ignore important issues or stand complacent while others gossip.

There are causes and values worth raising our voices for, as we feel the Spirit urging our hearts and minds to do.

But I can stand firm in knowing what the real battle is!

It’s to learn about Jesus, be like Jesus, get rid of sin in my life, and proclaim the truths He teaches.

His kingdom is not in this world, and I can keep my sights set on eternity to know what matters most.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Pick a side!  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

I can’t think of many worse situations on this earth.

These were “enemies” by every definition of the word. ⁣

In fact, Peter raised his sword in defense and cut off the ear of one of the offenders.

A noble act of loyalty against such injustice!⁣

And yet what did Christ do?⁣

“And he touched his ear, and healed him.” (Luke 22:51)

He healed the man’s ear. ⁣

“He reached out and blessed His potential captor using the same heavenly power that could have prevented Him from being captured and crucified.” —David A. Bednar

Did that man really deserve to be healed?⁣

Christ didn’t ask that question. ⁣

He just loved everyone and did good to those who used Him. ⁣

He didn’t just teach about “loving your enemies” — He lived it. ⁣

Are we stuck a little too much on making sure people get what they deserve?⁣

Or could we do better at ignoring about making things “fair”

While also honestly hoping that we never get exactly what we deserve?

Jesus showed overwhelming kindness, love, and generosity toward His enemy.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Getting what we deserve first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Christ gently reminded Peter before he had actually denied Him:

“When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:32)

WHEN thou art converted.

To me, that crucial word “when” means that Peter’s conversion hadn’t quite happened yet. ⁣

Of course, Peter KNEW that Jesus was the Christ.

But when he was suddenly thrown into a stressful situation where people were accusing him, his basic instincts kicked in.

⁣And Peter’s basic instincts put self-survival above love for the Savior. ⁣

I think that’s a big test of conversion!

We can “know” things and testify about them.

But when it comes down to it

When life really gets hard

When we are put in awkward situations with friends

When we risk offending people…

What do we revert to?⁣

Do we still find ourselves rooted in Christ?

That shows the difference between simply believing and being truly converted to the Lord. ⁣

But don’t despair if your love for your Savior hasn’t quite sunk into your soul yet.

Because the cool part is that as we keep reading the New Testament, we will learn that Peter DOES become wholly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He puts his love for the Savior above his personal safety.

He puts his love for the Savior above his own life.

So if we aren’t truly converted yet, if we panic when we have to say what we believe, if we worry more about what other people think than what God thinks…

We’ve always got time to learn about and love Jesus even more!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Why did Peter deny? first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.