DECEMBER 19, Ephesians 6:13, Judges 7:4-8 

After the test of courage, there were merely 10,000 men left. But, God wanted Gideon to have an even smaller army. To trim the army further, God ordered another test. It was to be a test of alertness (being watchful, attentive). The men were brought down to the stream to quench their thirst.

Most of the men knelt down to lap water directly from the stream. Only 300 stayed on their guard, using their hands to quickly scoop up water to drink while standing. The men who knelt would not be alert soldiers, they failed the test. Those who used their hands to bring water to their mouths were still on the lookout for potential enemies or attacks while they drank. They would be able to react quickly if there was danger. These 300 soldiers passed. They were specially chosen by God to help Gideon defeat the Midianites.

It is important to be alert, and not inattentive . If a soldier does not pay attention, he may lose his life and even the lives of soldiers under his command.

How should an alert soldier behave? He is always watchful. His eyes look right, left, and everywhere. This means he will be ready for the enemy or for any trouble 

How can we apply today’s lesson in our lives? Be alert soldiers for the Lord! If you were to find the soldiers of our country slack in

training and not alert, you’d be worried, won’t you? Likewise, if we are to be good soldiers for God, we are to be alert and put on the whole armour of God.

Read more in Ephesians 6.

Thought:  Am I a good and alert soldier for the Lord Jesus? Am I alert to see and stay away from sin?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be an alert and good soldier of Yours. Help me also to always watch and pray. I am weak but with your help I can lead others to You and stay away from sin. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.