I set up a display some years back. A man came by and stood in my face and said to me that the Bible was the biggest piece of fiction ever written.
If you know me, then you know I did not hesitate to have a little chat with this person. I pray for the continued boldness I had in that instance. Sometimes it is hard to be bold.
Peter, who loved Jesus dearly, denied Christ 3 times in one night. How often are we like Peter?
Although Peter denied Christ 3 times, that was not the end of the story for Peter. Christ forgave Peter.
This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
John 21:14-17
Peter and others were empowered by the Holy Ghost.
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Acts 1:8
Peter then went on to preach.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:38-41
Now, when you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are forgiven, filled with the Holy Spirit, and have the power to go on to be a witness.
Rely on the Holy Spirit when you are confronted.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Luke 23:46
And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God.
Mark 15:39
Today’s challenge is to pray for boldness for Jesus. Rely on the Holy Spirit when you are confronted. Remember what Jesus, the Son of God, did for you!