The NBA playoffs were getting a bit boring and quiet, but last night fans finally saw an exciting game with the Spurs winning at home against the Rockets. 

Thanks to the strong performance of the 39-year-old Spurs’ legend, Manu Ginobili, they pulled it out in overtime 110-107. Manu came up clutch to help the Spurs take a 3-2 lead in the series and win the very important Game 5.

Kawhi Leonard didn’t play in overtime (due to an injured ankle), so the other guys had to step up in his absence. The Spurs had the 3-point lead, but the Rockets had the ball in the closing seconds of OT when James Harden went up for the tying shot from the 3-point line.

Manu saw what was happening and put himself in position to come up with the game-saving block. He prevented Harden from even getting his shot off, and rejected his opportunity to tie the game.

The game-changing block by Manu can encourage us today. In this life we have an opponent who is out to defeat us and looks to “put up shots” on us. Each day we face temptation with the evil enemy trying to “score on us” when we’re not alert and out of position.

 We need to be like Manu…aware of what’s going on, while staying ready to reject and block the temptation that is coming. We can’t give our opponent any space or opportunity to get a good “shot off,” so we must stand firm and be willing to block the attempts that come our way.

 As followers of Jesus, we know we don’t have to fight this battle alone, and must recognize our need for strength when temptation appears. We must remember who we are in Christ and who we serve and obey. Thankfully, God gives us the ability to block “shots” and win in those intense situations.

 The Bible simply says in James 4:7 (NIV), “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

The Amplified version says, “So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.”

Today, let’s block, reject, and resist the devil and the evil, selfish temptations that are sure to pop up. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m thankful that with Your strength I don’t have to give into temptation, but have the ability to block the devil’s attempts to try and defeat me. Please help me to stand firm and alert, so I don’t give the enemy any space to work. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.