Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Easy Roads Make Sleepy Travelers – CH Spurgeon

“Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”
—Luke 22:46

When is the Christian most liable to sleep? Is it not when his temporal circumstances are prosperous? Have you not found it so? When you had daily troubles to take to the throne of grace, were you not more wakeful than you are now? Easy roads make sleepy travelers.

Another dangerous time is when all goes pleasantly in spiritual matters. Christian (in Pilgrim’s Progress) went not to sleep when lions were in the way, or when he was wading through the river, or when fighting with Apollyon, but when he had climbed half way up the Hill Difficulty, and came to a delightful arbor.

He sat down, and forthwith fell asleep, to his great sorrow and loss. The enchanted ground is a place of balmy breezes, laden with fragrant odors and soft influences, all tending to lull pilgrims to sleep. Remember Bunyan’s description: “Then they came to an arbor, warm, and promising much refreshing to the weary pilgrims. For it was finely wrought above head, beautified with greens, and furnished with benches and settles. It had also in it a soft couch, where the weary might lean.” “The arbor was called the Slothful’s Friend, and was made on purpose to allure, if it might be, some of the pilgrims to take up their rest there when weary.”

Depend upon it, it is in easy places that men shut their eyes and wander into the dreamy land of forgetfulness. Old Erskine wisely remarked, “I like a roaring devil better than a sleeping devil.” There is no temptation half so dangerous as not being tempted. The distressed soul does not sleep. It is after we enter into peaceful confidence and full assurance that we are in danger of slumbering. The disciples fell asleep after they had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountain top. Take heed, joyous Christian, good frames are near neighbors to temptations. Be as happy as you will, only be watchful.

C.H. Spurgeon

COVID-19 Crisis Prayer – Pastor Mike


Today’s Prayer

Today’s Subject: Nevertheless… 

As Jesus faced His greatest crisis going toward the cross, He told His disciples His soul was exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Jesus knows the weight and suffering of crisis. He asked if were possible that things could be changed that lie before Him. He asked for another way. He asked three times. What was His resolve? He prayed to the Father; “Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will”.

Let us determine and be resolved to surrender and submit to the Father and His will in our current crisis.   

Pray that we would, as believers and followers of Jesus, first surrender and submit our own personal hearts and lives to the will of the Father. Pray we would, by the power and direction of the Holy Spirit, daily deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily, and follow Jesus. Pray that we would humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord and allow Him to lift us up. Pray that we would love another and prove ourselves as disciples of Jesus.

Pray that we, as the body of Christ, surrender and submit ourselves collectively to the will of the Father. Pray we would be patient and enduring as the LORD brings about His will for His bride. Pray we would not become entangled in the daily strife and contention brought with this crisis. Pray the church would be the proper manifestation of the person of Jesus to the world. Pray that we would have grace and truth in our speech and actions worthy of Jesus. 

Pray that the LORD’s will and purposes for our crisis to shine forth like the sun. That on the other side of this season, we will see what the LORD has done for His glory and for His church and give Him all the praise.

 

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