In Matthew 26:31-35 it says this: 31)Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32)But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee. 33)Peter answered and said unto him, Though all men shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never be offended. 34)Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. 35)Peter said unto him, Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples. But we read and noticed what Peter did there after. Alot of times we can pay God lip service. But He knows what we will already do or say, because God knows our heart. People today are passionate about their beliefs, charities and causes they contribute to. People are committed and dedicated to their causes they believe in. Gang members die for their set and their hood/territory they occupy. Many have given their life, for a worthless cause. But that was the dedication and commitment, that they would ride with the ones they are affiliated with till the end. And die(in vain with)till the end. But many who have been saved, and went strong for their set or gang affiliation generally will go hard for God with that same ride-or-die mentality. And that's what we need. People who have a made-up mind to serve God, even till the point of death. If that's what it requires. In other words, you'll never deny The Lord(who is the Truth)just to save your skin. Imagine you and your spouse put in the same situation, and their life being sparred was based on them solely "not acknowledging that they know you". The moment of testing comes, and they deny or forsake you. How would you feel? Image how Jesus felt when Peter did that very thing. In a world we live in now, our faith will be tested because Jesus warned us. We will be persecuted verbally, mentally, and some physically for Christ's sake. But the scripture says "blessed are you, when you are persecuted for my namesake" Matthew 10:32-33 says this: 32) Whosoever, therefore, shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33) But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. These are the words of our Lord, Jesus. Thank God, Peter was able to Repent and not die in that state, but he asked God to forgive him, and God greatly used him to the point of dying for his Lord at a later date down the road in history. Stand for God no matter what! He is with us, and he is always for us!
Blessings,
Barry Lipscomb Jr
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