“Peter’s denial of Jesus shows us how temptation progresses. Overconfidence leads to prayerlessness and prayerlessness leads to misguided zeal. When the temple guards came to arrest Jesus Peter grabbed a sword and attacked the nearest man cutting off his ear (Mt. 26:51). Instead of affirming his bold action Jesus rebuked him.”

 

“When a person loves Jesus, but cannot discipline himself to pray he often becomes overactive in the work of the Lord. Unfortunately, frantic activity—misguided zeal—can never take the place of prayer in the work of the Lord.”

 

– Richard Exley, Feb. 27, 2021