TargetPoint Vol 12 of 31Today's Verse/Thought: WATCHING-The Act of Mental Awareness
Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray . . .
Life Implication:
Some of you may be old enough to remember the TV show Laugh-In. On that show a well known comedian often used a one-liner that brought a lot of laughs: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT, he'd say. No matter your political bent, you probably are aware that even Dr. Laura and Bill O'Reilly (talk show host/news host) know about, and speak out against EVIL.
ENTER: THE ENEMY! We speak often, generically, about "the devil; the thief; the enemy; satanic forces; the evil one". But God actually gave this enemy of ours a name: SATAN. Early in the New Testament, in the book of Matthew, when the devil tempted Jesus while He was out in the wilderness, Jesus responded: AWAY WITH YOU, SATAN! There it is, in your face, so to speak . . . not generic, he has a name!
I Peter 5:8 says, Be sober, be WATCHFUL; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking who he may devour. Jesus says in John 10:10 that this enemy of ours does not come except to STEAL, KILL, and DESTROY.
Have you ever begun to pray and suddenly your THOUGHTS BECOME SCATTERED, your MIND BEGINS to WANDER, or you may even get drowsy and FALL ASLEEP? Satan does not want you praying because he knows therein lies the POWER. He wants to STEAL AWAY YOUR BRIDGE to the power of God which is PRAYER.
Life Application:
Take a few moments during prayer to become SPIRITUALLY ALERT. Watch for the methods of the devil, and ways that he might use to hinder your Christian walk today.
While praying do your thoughts become scattered? Does your mind wander? Is your flesh weak? Do you get drowsy and feel as though you will fall asleep? TAKE a few moments to IDENTIFY THOSE AREAS OF WEAKNESS . . . areas where the enemy would like to steal your effectiveness in prayer. Then PRAY AGAINST THOSE THINGS: Father, I TAKE AUTHORITY over my mind and my thoughts in the Name of Jesus. I CHOOSE to have no thoughts that are alien to the Holy Spirit of God. I DESIRE to have the mind of Christ in the things for which I pray.
If your thoughts are not focused in prayer, MAKE A DECISION to write down those things you wish to pray about. If you get drowsy, WALK AROUND the room while you pray in order to keep alert.
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Watching, Spiritual Prayer