Declaration or Denial
I have been following Jesus for the biggest part of my life. I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior when I was in the third grade. I can’t say that I’ve been faithful for all those years. In fact, there have been multiple times in my life if you looked closely at my life, you might not notice Jesus at all. I am ashamed to admit this, but it’s true.
I can identify with Peter, one of Jesus’ most outspoken followers. Jesus predicted that Peter would deny knowing Jesus and it offended Peter. He did get himself into a spot where his life might be threatened if he admitted knowing Jesus. Fear seized him. Check this out….
66 Meanwhile, Peter was in the courtyard below. One of the servant girls who worked for the high priest came by 67 and noticed Peter warming himself at the fire. She looked at him closely and said, “You were one of those with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68 But Peter denied it. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said, and he went out into the entryway. Just then, a rooster crowed.
69 When the servant girl saw him standing there, she began telling the others, “This man is definitely one of them!” 70 But Peter denied it again.
A little later some of the other bystanders confronted Peter and said, “You must be one of them, because you are a Galilean.”
71 Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know this man you’re talking about!” 72 And immediately the rooster crowed the second time.
Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept. (Mark 14:66-72 NLT)
I believe that my everyday decisions fit into two categories: declaration or denial. The activities of my day also fit into these same two categories.
I want to begin my day with the Word of God speaking into my heart. The Word of God can give me insight and instruction to make daily decisions that declare that my heart belongs to the Lord. I am seeking His guidance through His Word and through conversations (prayer) with Him.
Pressing On!
Dwayne