Friday, May 4, 2012

Friday’s Devotion: Leaves of Three Reaching for Me


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

I love the fact that there are many neighborhood sidewalks in Hapeville.  It helps make my daily walks safer.  Occasionally I come to places where someone’s tree or bush juts out over the sidewalk.  I either have to brush it aside or step out around it.  The other day I started to brush past an overgrown tree only to notice that there were two kinds of leaves, one set for the tree and the other large poison ivy leaves.  I was happy I didn’t walk right into them.  Those leaves are like many other temptations in my life.  If I fall prey to them I can be harmed.  Sometimes I’m aware of them and can prepare to avoid them and sometimes they sneak up on me.  Saturday I’ll go to an annual Derby party at my friend’s house.  It’s always great fun, but since I’m trying to watch my diet I know the food temptations will be great this year as always.  Everyone brings appetizers for the pre-race gathering.  After the race a full dinner is served featuring traditional Kentucky burgoo and Derby pie.  Lord help me!  I know if I succumb to over indulging in this case I can make up for it with extra exercising and counting calories next week.  Some failures of will however result in consequences that are more difficult to overcome.  What tempts you?  What is your plan to strengthen your resistance? Where can I find a big pink hat to match my floral derby dress?
Our Father, we ask that you lead us not into temptation but that you protect us from our human frailties. Make us aware of the things that tempt us and give us the strength to resist.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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