From May 13, 2019 – May 19, 2019 we are praying and fasting 12 hours per day (6am – 6pm) only drinking water. Of course, if someone needs to eat to take their medication, they should do so.
The areas of focus for this fast will be discipline, commitment to Christ, and His purpose for our lives. It is based on Luke 22:54 – 62 when Peter denied Jesus. Each day, one principle from this passage will serve as the focus of our fast.
Day 6: May 18, 2019
After a little over 3 years of walking with Jesus, Peter still denied knowing Him when Jesus was on trial.
Mark 16: 6 But the man said, “Don’t be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who has been crucified. He has risen from the dead; he is not here. Look, here is the place they laid him. 7 Now go and tell his followers and Peter, ‘Jesus is going into Galilee ahead of you, and you will see him there as he told you before.’”
This shows that Peter had a value that was greater than an isolated incident; that is why he received a personal invitation to the resurrection celebration.
Peter denied knowing Jesus three times when The Messiah was on trial. After the third denial, Peter ran and wept very bitterly. He did not feel worthy of being called a follower of Jesus. Jesus, however, had already told Peter that once he truly came back, he was expected to help the other disciples to become stronger. This is why Jesus did not evaluate the relationship with Peter based on the denial.
Peter’s value to the Kingdom of God and cause of Christ was greater than his failure to pass the test when challenged to do so. Our value is greater than any sin we may have committed. Our value is greater than any test we may have failed.
Jesus is still inviting His followers to celebrate His life and the victory that it provides. Jesus is still encouraging His followers to help others to enter into a covenant of salvation relationship with Him. Thank God that our value is never diminished by the times we do not live up to our purpose.
Pray today:
1. That you live up to your God-given purpose and not down to your surroundings,
2. That you serve as source of encouragement to other Christians with whom you are in contact, and
3. That you help at least one non-believer to become saved TODAY!
After you read and pray throughout the day, be sure to take at least 5 minutes to listen for God to respond. Keep a journal to record what you hear Him say.