Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:69-75 (All Scripture quoted is CEV)
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Scripture Quote: "Would you really die for me?" Jesus asked. "I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don't even know me." (John 13:38)
Believers wonder how Peter could have denied that he knew Jesus. He had traveled alongside Jesus and the other disciples for a few years, believed His gospel message and loved Him dearly. We have also spent a lot of time with our church family and studying Scripture. It's easy to condemn what Peter did, but are we so very different from him? We know that Believers all around the world suffer fear of persecution and death - It's one thing to say that we would never deny Christ, but very different to accept death rather than deny our love of the Lord.
It might be pride more than faithfulness that makes us sure we would never deny Jesus - We puff up our spiritual chests, professing immoveable faith. However, we might want to choose a humble heart and the wisdom to realize that we are all just a part of our broken humanity, capable of detestable behavior. We are weak and dependent believers, and often our own worst enemy.We need to be humble and prayerfully seek the Lord's strengthening power to sustain our faith. Jesus is our Rock and our Redeemer. He forgives us of our weaknesses and wants to be invited to walk with us each day - His strength never waivers. We can lean on Jesus and be glad that we do know Him.
Today’s meditation: Pray God strengthens our faith daily.
Memory Verse: Too much pride brings disgrace; humility leads to honor. (Proverbs 29:23)