(1 Samuel 23:27-28) “But there came a messenger unto Saul, saying, Haste thee, and come; for the Philistines have made a raid upon the land.  (28)  So Saul returned from pursuing after David, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth.”

When Jesus commanded His disciples to “Watch and pray,” He clearly understood the nature of our flesh, for He was temped as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus makes it plain when He said that “…the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). We see a prime example of this with Peter, who told the Lord, “…If all shall be offended in thee, I will never be offended” (Matthew 26:33); and when Jesus was taken that very night by Roman soldiers, and took Him before Caiaphas, the high priest, some recognizing Peter said this fellow was also with Jesus. Peter denied Him. Watch and Pray.

In our text verses, we have three main characters: the messenger, David, Saul, and the Philistines. And while Saul, who was once king of Israel, was seeking the life of David, who would be his predecessor, the Philistines, the enemy of Israel, had invaded the land. Saul was so eaten up with hatred and bitterness in his heart for David, he neglected to protect the land. What lies at our hearts’ door?

(John 10:10a) “The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy…”

He wants to steal you joy, kill your hope, and destroy your life or your testimony. Watch and Pray.

We should not allow Satan to have the advantage over us. What feelings do you have towards your fellow brother? Hatred? Bitterness? Envy?

(Ephesians 4:31-32) “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be put away from you, with all malice: (32) and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.”

Matthew 24:42-51; 18:23-35

If we want the forgiveness of our heavenly Father, then we must have a heart of forgiveness towards those who have offended us.

When it comes to being faced with temptation, how do we respond? Jesus instructed the disciples at Gethsemane to “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).