Devotion for Thursday, July 16, 2026

“But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you are talking about.” And he went out onto the porch.  The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, “This is one of them!” (Mark 14:68-69)

How often do we deny the Lord?  We find ourselves in a hostile environment and do not want to take the chance of losing a confrontation.  Peter has been an example of every failed experience where we could have stood in our faith but chose the coward’s way out.  This may give us solace, but it also has the purpose of encouraging us to move forward and to become willing to stand firm in the truth of Jesus’ salvation.

Lord, I too have denied You.  Maybe not as dramatically as this, but there are many times when I have sinned and not stood up for what is right.  Lead me so that I may have fortitude and stand firm in the truth.  This is easy for me to say when I am not under fire, so help me by whatever means to hold fast to the truth You have revealed, and save me in order that I might be able to stand firm in the time of trial.

Lord Jesus, Your word tells me over and over again to stand firm in the Gospel which You have given me.  Prepare me for the trials that will come so that I may hold fast and stand firm in You.  You went to the cross for me.  Help me to be Your witness and not deny that I am Your follower.  Lead me in the way of all truth.  You are truth.  Guide me into You, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.