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Key Bible Verse: So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many counselors (Proverbs 24:6). Bonus Reading: Luke 14:25–33

The Baltimore Ravens ended the 2000 football season going to the Super Bowl. Tackle Harry Swayne had faced the Vegas-like atmosphere of the "Road to the Super Bowl" in two previous Super Bowls. He and 11 other Ravens who openly professed Christ as Savior—including starting quarterback Trent Dilfer—banded together for mutual support through this carnival of temptation.

"If you go to the Super Bowl and say you're a believer," Harry says, "there's a target on your back. I can't tell you how important it is to take practical steps to avoid having to say, 'No' to hungry fans wanting a piece of you."

Harry explains the stance they took: "We'll be successful and please the Lord if we go down to Atlanta, deny all fleshly desires, and keep Him as our focus. The game's secondary." Harry nudged the group to pray specifically for tunnel vision and for family and friends to surround them in public places and keep them accountable.

"We were victorious as a group of Ravens believers," Harry, now with the Miami Dolphins, concludes. "Coming through that week and knowing you were pleasing to [Christ] was excellent." And winning the game didn't hurt.

—Terri Pilcher in Maryland

My Response: What temptation counter-measures do I need to put in place?

Thought to Apply: To live a disciplined life, and to accept the result of that discipline as the will of God—that is the mark of a man. —Tom Landry (football coach)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me to be there for other men, and to honestly admit I need them to be there for me.

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