DATE POSTED: Saturday, February 3, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Advent Christian Village, Dowling Park, FL when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find, read or listen to any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE FROM THE Amplified Bible (AMP) IS FOUND IN Luke 22:55-61

THE BIBLE TEXT IS: After they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat among them. And
-> a servant-girl, …. said, “This man was with Him too.” But Peter denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him!” 
-> A little later someone else saw him and said, “You are one of them too.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” 
-> After about an hour…. another man began to insist, “This man was with Him, for he is a Galilean too.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 
The Lord turned and looked at Peter…. 

APPLICATION OF THE WORD: It is so easy to see the faults of others, while all along, we might easily be found guilty of doing, saying or reacting to circumstances even worse than they are. The Holy Spirit caused me place myself in Peter’s position as I meditated on today’s Scripture, and I was forced to look deep inside of Peter’s mind, but also challenged to think about whether I would have acted and/or responded any differently. For those not familiar with the context of this Scripture, Jesus had been arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane where He was in deep prayer with Peter and two other disciples. The arrest was aided by one of Jesus’ disciples, a traitor names Judas. Peter tried to reassure Jesus of his love, commitment and how he would never betray Jesus. After the arrest of Jesus, He was led around, until in today’s Scripture, being at the house of the Jewish High Priest. And it was here that Peter mingled with the crowd around the fire while Jesus was in the ‘hot seat’ being questioned by the authorities. Over the years, Christians, and their pastors, priests and teachers have criticized Peter for not sticking to his vow given to Jesus at the garden. But I wonder, are we any better today while at our jobs surrounded by jeering unbelievers? Or in our work lunchroom where others are ridiculing the church and Christian beliefs? Or at a restaurant when we are ashamed to bow our heads in prayer over our food? Or in a courtroom when we know what the outcome might be if we stay committed to telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Dear friends, the three individuals who challenged Peter, recognized he had been with Jesus. Do our friends and associates see that same evidence in you and me? Peter was probably afraid that since the leaders arrested Jesus and were now ready to crucify Him, they might very well do the same to him if they knew he was a part of the same team who went around ministering with Jesus. Many of your friends will know about, or suspect, your church affiliation also. Are you proud of that affiliation, or do you try to keep that a secret also, so that you not be considered one of those ‘Jesus freaks’? What’s your aim each day, to be like Peter and hide your church and or Jesus’ affiliation or are you seeking to share Jesus Christ and His love for all mankind with everyone you come into contact with? As you assume Peter’s position today, be prepared on how you will answer the three folks around the fire, or your peers that may ask you in varying ways ‘how are you associated with Jesus Christ’? Jesus already knows the response you will give, for He knows our very thoughts just like He knew Peter would deny Him three times. But let me encourage you to determine personally how you will respond to such questioning. Please let me encourage you to commit wholeheartedly to the lordship of Jesus Christ, knowing that He is more than conqueror to all those who ask Him to direct their lives, and be more like Him in every way, every day.

PRAYER BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Lord Jesus, it is easy for us to see the fault and apparent weakness in Peter. But we truly need You to open our eyes and hearts to recognize our own weakness and lack of commitment to You. And that’s the reason we come before You again today asking that You keep us humble, obedient to your teachings and commands, and determined to follow in Your footsteps every day and in every circumstance. Thank You Lord for being available to us at all times and thank You for the assurance of Your power and Your strength that can be made available to us in our time of need. Please Lord, have You own will and way in our lives, so that we may be pure examples of the God we serve. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE: There’s another page on my website, entitled ‘To Know Jesus’. If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading or listening to this devotional, please go to this page, or speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. Please allow someone to pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. For my podcast, go online to Apple Podcasts or, using the Apple Podcast app, simply search for Nuggets From God’s Word to hear more episodes, or click ‘Follow’ to be notified of Podcast updates. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!