Day5
Mark14:72
“At the same moment Peter spoke those words, the sound of a rooster crowing pierced the night for the second time. And Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken to him earlier: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” With his heart shattered, Peter broke down and sobbed with bitter tears.”
Mark 14:72 TPT
Cross references
Mark14:30,68;
Matthew 26:75;
Matthew 26:34;
John 13:38
Self Preservation
Our human nature is geared towards protecting ourselves, or at least taking the path of least resistance. We like the easy way. Whatever feels good or tastes good and things that are comfortable. That path is our first choice.
Peter was most likely taking that path of least resistance when he was hiding and trying to blend in with those around the fire that night. He was thinking about saving himself.
Have you ever done that?
Have you ever hidden your faith around the fire with your co-workers or even your family and tried to blend in with the behaviors of this world?
Maybe you say a questionable cuss word or join in having drinks with the others after work.
Maybe you just keep silent when others are telling coarse jokes or poking fun at religion or people of faith.
I believe we have all been there a time or two.
Peter openly denied Jesus. Maybe you haven’t denied Him as boldly as Peter, but blending in is still denying Him.
Jesus begged His disciples to keep watch and pray so that they would not enter in to temptation. He reminded them that the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark14:37
We must keep watch and pray lest we fall into self preservation.
Jesus called us to be bold!
To stand up around the fire of everyday life and to stand out for Him.
People see your behavior before they hear your witness.
How do we do that?
Jesus warned Peter that he would be weak. Jesus also told Peter to pray so that he would not fall into temptation.
P. R.A.Y.
Preparation
Reliance
Adjustment
Yearning
PREPARE through prayer for the grace to endure in the areas that you are weak ahead of time. You know your weakness and if you don’t, the Holy Spirit will show you. ( don’t wait until you are standing in front of the buffet to ask for strength to resist stuffing yourself)
RELY on God. He is faithful to His word and we are in covenant with Him. He loves you. Put your trust in Him. Build up your faith by praying in the Holy Spirit until you are fully persuaded. You can rely on God. Let Him become your only source!
ADJUSTMENTS will need to be made in our attitudes. Prayer is a great place for these adjustments. God will direct you and stretch your thinking so that you can have the mind of Christ. Through prayer and study of His word your faith will come into agreement with God’s way of thinking and doing things.
YEARN for more of God. Seek Him first. Prayer is a conversation. A tool for communion with your Heavenly Father. The more you invest in your conversation with God, the more you will see growth and change in your life. To yearn is to long for deeply. Develop a listening habit in your prayer time. Yearn for His presence and learn to receive from your Father.
The fire is getting hotter! Pray.
Let’s get fired up!
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