January 05: Matthew 26:69-75 - After the Rooster Crows (Today's Reflection from My Utmost For His Highest)

Daily Bible Verse: Matthew 26:69-75 (NLT) 

Today we expand on the story of Peter's denial of Christ...

"Meanwhile, as Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, a servant girl came over and said to him, 'You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.' But Peter denied it in front of everyone, 'I don't know what you are talking about,' he said. 

Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, 'This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.'

Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. 'I don't even know the man,' he said.

A little later some other bystanders came over to him and said, 'You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.'

Peter said, 'I swear by God, I don't know the man,' and immediately the rooster crowed. Suddenly, Jesus' words flashed through Peter's mind: 'Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.' And he went away, crying bitterly."

Following Jesus

Peter, a disciple of Jesus Christ for three years failed to stand by His side when the going got rough. He even denied knowing Him.

When we begin to live for Jesus, many things in our lives change. Some of those changes are visible to others; they are external. Peter's first following of Jesus was largely external.

Peter left crushed and crying bitterly.

When we come to the end of ourselves - not just mentally, but truly broken and no longer relying on our own strength - we will recognize that we lack the power to follow Christ in the way He calls us to. Left to our natural devotion,we will often fall short of what it truly means to follow our Lord and Savior.

The power to follow Christ is not in ourselves; it is in the Person of Jesus Christ and in His Holy Spirit.

Jesus asks for an internal sacrifice - a yielding of ourselves to Him. We must die to self.

No matter what changes God has already worked in you, do not rely on those changes alone. The power to live this new life comes from relying on the Person of our Lord, Jesus Christ, to direct the course of our life. 

Prayer...

Father, I come to you realizing it is not by my might but by Your power alone that I am made able to stand and follow Jesus.

Do your mighty work within me Lord.
Give me the strength and direction I need to do all things in the name of Christ.
I praise You and give You the glory and honor in all things.
Thank You, Jesus, for all that You are and all that You do for me.
You are faithful and true in all things.
Lord,You are the Power.

In Jesus' name, Amen

Breath prayer:

Holy Spirit...come.

Benediction

His blessings be upon you as we go forth in His promise, walk boldly in His truth, and rest in His peace.
Jesus, 
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