Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 107:17-22
Ps 107:17-22
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Matt 26:31-35
Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: "'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." But Peter declared, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the other disciples said the same.
Peter meant every word he said. He was ready to fight for Jesus, even if it meant that he would have to die for him. We see this in the garden when the mob came, and he drew his sword and started swinging. But only a few hours later, Peter, who tried to kill the ones taking his Lord, now sat in the crowd of accusers, and with words of cursing and swearing, said he never knew this Jesus.
It is so easy for us to look at Peter and think how we would never deny our Lord and then wonder how he did such a thing. But how often have we promised to do this or that for the Lord and then never get around to it? Do we make our plans to share the gospel with someone, if given the opportunity, and then when it arises, we keep silent about Jesus? Sincere? Yes! Weak in the flesh? Too often, yes!
Jesus told Peter that Satan would sift him like wheat but after he returned, he was to strengthen the brothers. We, like Peter, can use every temptation we face, even when we fail, to help others as they overcome their trials. It was Peter who said that we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
O Lord God, giver of life and sustainer of all things, I praise your Holy Name and give you thanks for all the wonderful things you have done in my life. I, like Peter, too often have really good intentions but then fail to carry them to completion. I need your strength every day. I need your motivation to work out what you work into my heart to both will and to do. Help me not procrastinate doing what needs to be done today. Fill me with a heart of love and compassion so I will not be judgmental but rather show compassion. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
