Scripture:

Mark 14:66-72
66 As Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came,
67 and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, "You also were with Jesus the Nazarene."
68 But he denied it, saying, "I neither know nor understand what you are talking about." And he went out onto the porch. 
69 The servant-girl saw him, and began once more to say to the bystanders, "This is one of them!"
70 But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders were again saying to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean too."
71 But he began to curse and swear, "I do not know this man you are talking about!"
72 Immediately a rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had made the remark to him, "Before a rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times." And he began to weep.
NASU


Thoughts:

In Peter's denial I see a tendency perhaps all Christians face.  A tendency to pick and choose when it's convenient for us to acknowledge our relationship with Christ.  Peter had been seen openly with Jesus innumerable times, even in this very city.  Yet now, he's afraid it seems.  He denies it, even to the point of cursing! (verse 71)

When around other believers, it's easy to be open about our faith.  But what about at work?  In our neighborhoods?  Around our unsaved family and friends?  In short, anytime we are in what we feel is an unreceptive or even hostile environment.

We need discernment as to how to be open about our relationship, but whether to or not should be resolved.  With some the door of opportunity may never open, but we must be sure we are not holding it closed!


Prayer:

Lord, help me to be genuine.  I don't want to be pushy with the gospel, but let me not be greedy with it, either!  Let me get my mind off of myself and my reputation or protection, and on to Your will and the needs of others.  I ask for the privilege of leading someone to You this year.

Amen