No More Safe Distance Here

Today's Life Journal Bible reading that touched my heart was, again, Mark 14:54. I know I've chosen this verse in the past also to journal about. Although it hit me in some of the same ways, God showed me a new perspective on it tonight. Isn't that just like Him? Living & Active!

Mark 14:54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire.

Seriously, he warmed himself by the fire? With the guards? What hit me last time was that he followed him at a distance (the message reads "a safe distance"). He wanted to be there yet not TOO close. Not actually close enough the guards could see where his loyalty lay. He sat & casually warmed himself WITH the guards at the fire.

My prayer today is that I don't follow Christ at a safe distance. I need to be right there beside him all the way. I can't just sit where it's comfortable "warming myself at the fire." I need to listen to God's leading & do the things He wants me to do even when it's not comfortable. Even when I may have to take a stand & offend the "guards." I can't blend into the culture so no one can see where my true loyalty lies. I need to dig deep into His word & grow deep spiritual roots.

It's my prayer for you also.