KEEP ALERT!

Years ago LSU and Indiana were playing in the NCAA Regional finals. LSU was leading Indiana by eight points going into the last few minutes of the game.

Suddenly, LSU began playing a different type of game. They were trying to use the clock to their advantage. But it did not work out the way they planned. As they took their eyes off of the ball and watched the clock, Indiana stayed focused on the ball – not the clock – and won the game.

In the last hours of the life of Jesus, He asked three of His disciples to “stay awake and watch” as He prayed. But they fell asleep. When He returned and found them sleeping, He did not scold them. Instead, He warned them to “keep alert and pray!”

Temptations come to the Christian, as the disciples of Jesus – when least expected. Jesus wisely warned and advised His disciples to combine praying with alertness or they would not see temptation taking advantage of them. Nothing’s changed.

Prayer:  Lord, please help us to be aware and alert to the subtlety of any and every temptation. May we always realize the power of Satan.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:    Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak! Matthew 26:41