DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT from PRAISE REVIVAL CENTER Davao
DENIAL
SCRIPTURE: Matt 26:69-70, 74 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard , and a servant girl came to him. ” You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. ” i don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Then he began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!”
THOUGHTS: Peter’s denial of Jesus showed three stages: confusion, ignorance, and anger. The first stage was when he acted confuse and tried to divert attention from him by changing the subject. The second stage was by acting and denying with an oath that he knew Jesus. The third stage was uncontrolled anger by cursing and swearing. Peter was angry with himself after denying Jesus for three times. He was just like ‘secret’ Christians today who keep their identity a secret knowledge to the people around them. When opportunities to discuss religious issued come up, stand boldly to declare faith in God through Jesus Christ. Never walk away or pretend you do not know anything about the Bible. If you find yourself subtly diverting conversation so you don’t have to talk about Christ. You may be on the road to disowning Him.
COMPLETE TURN AROUND
SCRIPTURE: Ps 19; 14 May my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer.
THOUGHTS: Would you completely change the way you live if you knew that every word you speak and every thought in your mind is being examined by God? David was rightly called ‘a man after God’s heart’ It was his desire that every word that would come out of his mouth and the thoughts that entered his mind would be pleasing and acceptable to God. Only a person who is completely surrendered to God can Pray such a prayer. Remember Romans 12:1 where Paul admonishes us to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship.” This has of the same principle with Psalm 19:14- a total surrender like an offering brought to the altar. Therefore, as you begin your day, completely offer not only your day but also your words and thoughts. If you do so, be assured that God’s love will guide what you say and how you think.
HOLINESS EMPHASIZED
SCRIPTURE: Ex 30:37-38. 37 Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves: consider it holy to the Lord. 38 Whoever make any like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off his people.”
THOUGHTS: In our text, we notice the overwhelming emphasis on the holiness of God. The Scriptures details the instructions of God about the priests, their clothing, the tabernacle and the sacrifices. Each one serving in the Temple had to be cleansed, consecrated and prepared to meet the requirements of God. In relation to us today, many Christians tend to take this for granted. They want to rush into worship and prayer; treating God with almost casual disregard. Some come to church once a week, not even minding whether they arrive on time or not. Ouch! It hurts when you are the guilty one. But have we considered how God feels about our attitude towards Him? Next time, before you say to God, “I love You, Lord!” think twice if you really mean it.
