At times we may have good intentions and sincere motives, but our actions do not follow.  Jesus warned Peter that this could happen.  “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)  Before Jesus made this statement, Peter was adamant that he would not deny the Christ.  “Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”’ (Luke 22:33)  When the pressure came, Peter caved in and did what he promised not to do.  “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61)  Strength to help withstand pressure of temptation can come from daily prayer to our Heavenly Father like the prayer Paul made on behalf of the Ephesians.  “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;” (Ephesians 3:14-16)

Today’s reading: Luke 22; John 13