The Denial Syndrome

June 8

(Luke 12:8 NIV) “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God. {9} But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.”

(Luke 12:11-12 NIV) “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, {12} for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”

(Matthew 26:34 NIV) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times."

(Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV) “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.”

Think of all the times you have felt the urging of God to speak up and name the name of Jesus, but you didn’t. We all struggle with denial syndrome. It is a sin to deny Christ and sin separates us from God. Just ask Peter. After his very loud and public proclamation about never becoming a denier, he did just that -- three times -- loudly and publicly. He felt the shame and remorse that comes with sin. But with Jesus, failure is never final. Repent! If you wilted yesterday, you can do better today. Peter eventually became a bold witness for Christ -- in his life, and in his death. We can do the same. Don’t worry about what to say -- God will give you the words. Just tell the truth. When we stand for the faith, we never stand alone. God is with us, and His Spirit will fill us with the right words at the right time. All that is required to overcome denier syndrome, is the willingness to do so. Be willing! -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day