The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturday 21 July 2018 "An Imperfect Disciple" by Lynda Samuel (Scotland, U.K.) Luke 22:54-62

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The Upper Room Daily Devotional from The United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee, United States for Saturday 21 July 2018 "An Imperfect Disciple" by Lynda Samuel (Scotland, U.K.) Luke 22:54-62
Peter followed at a distance. (Luke 22:54 (NIV))
We know that Peter was about to deny his Lord three times, in spite of his earlier protestations to the contrary. Yet he did have the courage to follow his Lord, albeit at a distance.
I know how easy it is to be a “fair-weather friend” of Jesus. I try to blend in when I’m with an unbelieving crowd, afraid to stand up for the truth of the gospel. I don’t want to risk causing offense or feeling embarrassed. Yet when I have spoken up, it has usually been easier for me than I expected. The Lord promises us words to say (Luke 21:15), and our spirits are strengthened whenever we speak up for our faith.
It is heartening to know that Jesus knows our weaknesses and wants to love and restore us. Jesus foretold Peter’s denials but also assured him that he had work for Peter to do in the future.
In the more than 50 years since I committed my life to Jesus, I have faltered and stumbled many times. But Jesus has been there to pick me up, just as he did with Peter in John 21:15-17. Even in our weakness, Jesus never gives up on us.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive our hesitation to show our love for you. Strengthen us so that others may know you through us. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: Luke 22:54 Having seized him, they led him away and brought him into the house of the cohen hagadol. Kefa followed at a distance; 55 but when they had lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Kefa joined them. 56 One of the servant girls saw him sitting in the light of the fire, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.” 57 But he denied it: “Lady, I don’t even know him.” 58 A little later, someone else saw him and said, “You’re one of them too”; but Kefa said, “Man, I am not!” 59 About an hour later, another man asserted emphatically, “There can be no doubt that this fellow was with him, because he too is from the Galil!” 60 But Kefa said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” And instantly, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Kefa; and Kefa remembered what the Lord had said, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” 62 And he went outside and cried bitterly. (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Jesus will strengthen me for the work he is calling me to do.
PRAYER FOCUS: Those who lack boldness

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