Coasting on Autopilot

A Dangerous Practice
Buffalo, NY - Continental flight 3407 was carrying 49 people when it crashed into a home, killing all on board and one on the ground. Although the accident is still being investigated, it is believed that ice on the aircraft played a role in its demise. It was also just recently discovered that the plane was in "autopilot" mode when it crashed. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), pilots are encouraged to turn off autopilot and fly the plane manually in icy weather as they are better able to recognize and sense the changes in conditions.

story courtesy of nowpublic.com, 2/15/09


God's Story
Mark 13:33, 35-37

Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come . . . Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: "Watch!"

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about staying alert?

Have you ever found yourself somewhere, wondering how exactly you got there? There are times that I have gotten ready, left for work, and before I knew it, found myself in my office. I couldn't remember what turns I took, whether traffic was heavy or light, or even starting my car; I was in total autopilot. Sometimes life can become so routine that I begin to do things out of habit, without even thinking or noticing. When we go into autopilot we cruise through life, and like a pilot, we may miss the signs and cues of what is coming. We are no longer sensitive to the Spirit's leading and we fail to experience all that God has for us. Storms seem to come out of nowhere because we missed the darkening clouds that would normally tip us off. We miss opportunities to serve and love those who come across our paths because, with our blinders on, we fail to even see them. And, as Jesus warns in today's scripture, we may easily miss the cues and warning signs of God's return to earth. For this reason, Jesus commands us to remain alert and watchful of all that is going on around us. He explains that no one (including angels) knows the exact day or time that God will return to earth, and we are not to be caught "sleeping."

My Story
How can we connect today's story and God's Story to our lives?

Take a good look at your spiritual life. Are you in autopilot? Maybe you're going to church, reading your Bible, and praying, but you are doing it all out of routine. Has it been a long time since you've seen or experienced the Holy Spirit's leading? Pray and confess it to Christ. Ask God to help you shift out of autopilot and renew your faith.
Let today's scripture be a constant reminder and encouragement to you to always be on guard, watching and looking for God in everything!

Their Story
How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?

Intentionally take some time today to look around you and really see the people that God has placed around you. Who might He want you to notice, serve, and love on today? Allow God to use you to point others to Him.
Pray for the families and friends of the 50 individuals who died in the horrible crash of Flight 3407. Pray that they would truly see and experience the comfort and love of Christ in the midst of their pain and sorrow. Pray that God would be glorified.

(Courtesy of YFC Ministries, Daily Devotions.)