When we read about Peter denying Jesus after the rooster crowed, we are often quick to think "God, I'm glad I'm not like that!" But when we take a long, hard look at our hearts, we realize that it is all too easy for us to get on the path to denial ourselves. So let's take a look at Peter's life, and what risks in our own lives can lead us to denial. 

From the beginning of time, there was a promise of perfection and good things to come; Scripture makes this abundantly clear. God stood back and saw all that He had done, and was overwhelmingly satisfied. We read from Genesis:

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31).

By the time we reach chapter three however, we are introduced to a new personality who would change the course of human history. The serpent, being used by Satan himself, would use his powers of guile to effectively draw mankind into disobedience. 

“So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9).

From that day until this, Satan has used deception as a means to lure the world at large, and God’s people in particular, away from biblical truth. And while every child of God is subject to Satan’s craftiness, others become his specific targets. Who are these targets of Satan’s unholy deceit?

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How would you describe your walk with the Lord? Would you say that your walk has been difficult or easy? Has the road been smooth or rocky? Or has it been a series of ups and downs? I believe that if we are all honest, we would have to admit that the Christian life is a combination of all of these and more. Yet through it all, I am sure that we can all say that the Lord has been faithful; even when are were not, He is still there.

The hardships and trials that do come our way, have a greater purpose. Everything that we go through can be said to have already come through the hands of the Lord, and He has determined that we can take it. The apostle Peter tells us:

“His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).

Here we are promised that we have been given all that we need to live a life of godliness unto the Lord. Yet, in spite of this powerful truth, many still become overwhelmed and give up. Though many remain in their respective places in ministry, and continue to attend church, they hit a wall – never fully recovering. What results is a Christian life not lived to its fullest potential, void of assurance, and lacking the full power He promises.

While it is highly probable that none of us actually live our life in Christ to its fullest potential, those who have hit the wall do not live quality lives for Christ. We don’t just want to survive for the Lord, and merely exist for Him. The goal is to live quality lives in the Lord, living out His purpose, assured of His presence and walking in the victory He secured for us at Calvary.

But how do we get here? How do I maintain a quality life in Christ? Allow me to offer these seven keys that I believe will assist you in your journey, and help you to live a quality life for the Lord.

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Wolves and sheep. These happen to be two of the most diametrically opposed creatures that you can find. Yet Jesus uses this complete contrast in nature to breach the subject of false prophets. In this article, we’ll take a look at a particular phrase that has been taken out of Matthew 7:15:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”

From this verse is derived the familiar phrase, “wolf in sheep’s clothing.” What does it mean, and what was Jesus saying? As with all of Christ’s words, there is much that we can glean and apply to our lives from this verse, and from the phrase we will cover.

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What book of the Bible is filled with lights, visions, and action? While there are several books which fit this description to some degree, none does it on such a grand scale as the book of Acts. The book of Acts tells the story of both the glorious and tumultuous early years of the Church. It is filled with all the drama, thrills, adventure and suspense needed to excite and capture the attention of even the most casual reader of the Word of God. But for those who read its words more purposefully, they will find blessing and encouragement, as they take in the powerful events that would begin to shape the Church into the mighty organism that it is. 

Traditionally called, “The Acts of the Apostles,” the Book of Acts could be more properly titled, “The Acts of the Holy Spirit,” because it is His power that resonates from nearly every page. All evidence points to Luke as being the author of Acts, a fascinating account of life for those at the epicenter of one of the most pivotal times in history.

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One of the greatest and most satisfying things the Lord has privileged us to do as His children is walking close to Him. Each day as we serve Him, and order our steps according to His Word, He draws us closer to Himself. The psalmist said: “My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8). If walking close to the Lord is one of the greatest and most satisfying things we can do, then drifting away from Him has to be one of the most grievous things that can happen.

Drifting will inevitably rob us of our peace, our joy, and bring us into misery. Drifting from the Lord has the potential to leave our spiritual life in shambles. Surely, this is not the life The Lord wants for any of His children. But it doesn’t have to be this way. However, the sad truth is, it does happen; and when it does, it doesn’t happen by accident. 

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