2002 Devotion 2

[devotion bar]

LUKE 22:55-57 "And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid heheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, woman, I know him not."

Just how close to Satan can you get without denying Jesus? I found myself in an embarrassing situation once. I was in Chicago on business with my husband. Some associates invited us to a Japanese steak house for dinner. When we arrived, we discovered dinner had been postponed one hour. Rather than return to the hotel, they suggested we wait in the lounge. Once inside, the bartender approached our table to take our orders. After everyone else ordered, I politely explained that I didn't drink but that I would appreciate it if he could make me a pina colada without the rum. As all eyes turned on me I realized this must have been how Peter felt when he sat by the fire in the hall of the High Priests house.

Ideally, it is better never to put ourselves so close to the devil's ground but sometimes, like Peter, we will find ourselves in uncomfortable surroundings. On these occasions, it would be much easier and less conspicuous to just go along with the crowd and, like Peter, deny our Christianity. Considering all points, though, and having Peter's actions as a guide, I would much rather suffer one uncomfortable moment with men than to feel guilty for denying my convictions.

Perhaps this would be a good week to take stock of your friends and associates. Are they constantly tempting you to do something you know is not pleasing to God? Each time you deny God makes it easier to do it the next time you are tempted. After Peter denyed Christ the first time, it was easier to lie a second and a third time. He denyed Jesus three times in all. If I had taken that drink in Chicago, the next time one was offered, it would be easier to accept. We can't play with sin.

Be careful! If you get too close to the Devil's fire you may find yourself falling into an inferno!

By The Enemy's Fire

If you'd like some advice
About the company you keep,
There's a man named Peter
That I'd like you to meet.
You could benefit greatly
From this lesson he learned;
By the enemy's fire
You are sure to get burned!

The closer we stay to Jesus
the farther away we will be from the enemy.

MEME

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