Courage to fulfill...

 Today's Readings: OT - 1 Samuel 30 / NT - Mark 14:12-31

"And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said emphatically, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all said the same." - Mark 14:30-31

There was a time that a man's "word" was his bond. As devotional writer Oswald Chambers once wrote, "It is better to run the risk of being considered indecisive, better to be uncertain and not promise, than to promise and not fulfill." Words are good, but action is where real devotion comes alive.

Peter and all the other disciples spoke with great determination, but when the pressure came, where were they? Jesus knew the heart of everyone, as we read in John 2:25 that He... "needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man." Words of faith take conviction, but steps of faith take courage.

In time the disciples came to know both conviction and courage as they fulfilled the great commission. Do you speak too quickly and make commitments without counting the cost my friend? Remember that at best, we all have feet of clay so, "... be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might." (Ephesians 6:10) In His strength alone will words become action.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - 1 Samuel 31 / NT - Mark 14:32-50