AUGUST 21

2 Timothy 2:22

Mark’s mother was shaking him gently, and he struggled to wake up. He sat up and opened his eyes wide. “I had to run!” he said in a shaky voice. Mom sat beside him on the bed. “What were you running from?” she asked.

Taking a deep breath, Mark said, “I was dreaming, and… and soldiers were shooting at me. I had to run!” Mom frowned. “Mark, what did you watch on TV at Kevin’s house last night?”

“I… I don’t remember the name of the movie,” he said, “but it was scary. I shouldn’t have watched it, Mom, but everyone else was watching. What could I do?”

Mom looked at him thoughtfully. “Do you remember hearing Grandpa tell us how Jesus helped him stop drinking?” she asked. Mark nodded, and Mom continued. “Remember what he said he did whenever he had to go near a bar after he was saved?”

Mark thought for a moment. “He said that whenever an errand took him near a bar or liquor store, he’d cross the street to avoid it,” said Mark.

Mom nodded. “Jesus had helped him quit drinking,” she said, “but he knew it would be difficult to resist temptation if he went to any place where there was alcohol.”

“I guess being around alcohol would make it a lot harder not to drink,” agreed Mark. “Yes,” said Mom, “and Grandpa never went into a bar again as far as I know. He stayed sober for the rest of his life.”

“Well… are you saying that I shouldn’t go to Kevin’s house anymore?” asked Mark. Mom shrugged. “You’ve watched bad programs at Kevin’s house a number of times, so it might be a good idea not to go there-unless you have definite plans to do something other than watch TV.” She was quiet for a moment, then added, “You might invite Kevin over here more often, too.” She tucked the blanket around Mark. “If you let Him, Jesus will help you make the right choices, but you need to do your part, Mark, and not put yourself in the way of temptation.”

Thought: May I stand up for Jesus!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to stand up for You and not associate with people or things that may bring me closer to sin than to You! Please help me for I am often tempted and weak, but with Your strength, I shall be able to overcome these temptations. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.