Steer Clear

    A steamboat was stranded in the Mississippi River, and the captain could not get her off. Eventually a hard-looking fellow came on board, and said:

    "Captain, I understand you want a pilot to take you out of this difficulty?"

    The captain said, "Are you a pilot?"

    "Well, they call me one."

    "Do you know where the snags and sand-bars are?"

    "No, sir."

    "Well, how do you expect to take me out of here if you don't know where the snags and sand-bars are?"

    "I know where they ain't!" was the reply.

    Beware of temptations. "Lead us not into temptation," our Lord taught us to pray; and again He said, "Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." We are weak and sinful by nature, and it is a good deal better for us to pray for deliverance rather than to run into temptation and then pray for strength to resist.