Thoughts in Worship
Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Friday, September 23, 2016

We are focusing on getting to know God from the perspective of John the beloved.

Today’s Scripture Focus: “Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He saith, I am not.” (John 18:17).

Oftentimes, in this age of extreme capitalism, we are approached by strangers, and even associates about what they call the opportunity of a lifetime. These opportunities are usually associated with network marketing where it is claimed that you can earn tens of thousands of dollars per month if you just follow simple directions. These solicitors say things like, “If you do what was done, you will get what was gotten.” They offer support from several individuals in their organization, usually in your upline who stand to gain financially from your efforts. If your answer is anything other than yes in response to their power pitch, they imply that you will miss out on an opportunity of a lifetime if you don’t change your mind. In some cases, this may be true. You may be able to legitimately earn the incredible monthly income they say you will with a couple of years of hard work. Is there a greater opportunity that millions miss everyday?
As the apostle Peter recovered from the incident in which His Savior was betrayed and taken into the custody of evil men, he approached the place where they took Him. As he attempted to blend into the scenery, one young woman noticed him. She thought that he was a friend of Jesus. Perhaps she could remember seeing them together. Maybe she recalled Peter’s boisterous, impetuous ways. In any case, she asked if he was one of the men who were with Jesus. Because of Peter’s fear and self-reliance, he told her no. This was strange, considering the fact that Peter passionately tried to convince Jesus that he would never betray Him even if all the others did. It got even worse. After being questioned further, Peter cursed in a last ditch effort to convince her that he did not know Jesus. He missed his opportunity to align himself with Jesus.
Do we miss opportunities such as these? Does God bring us into serious situations where we must either identify ourselves with or deny Jesus outright? When God gives us opportunities to be His witnesses and share His burden, do we look for an escape route because of fear, and self-reliance? Do we lose the opportunity to impact the lives of others for Christ by our denial of Him?
It is a blessing to say a word for Jesus. It is even more of a blessing to live for Him. Peter received another opportunity to repent of his sin. He finally became the witness Jesus always knew He could be, but second and third chances are not always available. God is calling us now to become His friends, and be willing to share the great news of salvation with others. If you are not His friend through thick and thin, take the opportunity now to pray that He will come into your life, then you will not miss the greatest opportunity of a lifetime--greater than any money can bring. You have the opportunity now to live for Jesus.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)