Prayer Tip: Trials, Temptations, and the Testing of Your Faith
Daily Scripture
James 1:2-4 (NIV), 1:12 (CEB), 1:13-15 (NIV)
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Those who stand firm during testing are blessed. They are tried and true. They will receive the life God has promised to those who love him as their reward.
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
Prayer Tip
by Chris Holliday, Resurrection West Connection & Care Pastor and Adult Discipleship Director
Recently, my wife Lisa and I drove to Colorado for vacation. Our first day had no hard and fast timeline-–a rarity and pleasure. Spontaneity was on the horizon. We randomly stopped at Grandma Hoerner’s Foods manufacturing facility and gourmet gift shop (which we now highly recommend). After way too many samples of gourmet jams, pie fillings and apple sauce, we loaded up a box full of tasty purchases.
Next, we decided to drop by the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, KS. After watching a wonderfully informative film on Ike’s life and influence, spending time in the chapel, thoroughly walking the grounds, reading countless quotes, and of course purchasing a few souvenirs, we realized we’d been there two hours and could have easily spent two more.
One of the things that impressed me most was Ike’s commitment to his core values. A person with that kind of power and influence must have had many temptations come his way; but Ike remained a man of faith, integrity, generosity, honor and duty-–a true servant leader.
President Eisenhower began his first inaugural address on January 20, 1953 with a prayer. I invite us to use it as a guide in own prayer lives as we strive to overcome temptation:
Almighty God, as we stand here at this moment my future associates in the Executive branch of Government join me in beseeching that Thou will make full and complete our dedication to the service of the people in this throng, and their fellow citizens everywhere.
Give us, we pray, the power to discern clearly right from wrong, and allow all our words and actions to be governed thereby, and by the laws of this land. Especially we pray that our concern shall be for all the people regardless of station, race or calling.
May cooperation be permitted and be the mutual aim of those who, under the concepts of our Constitution, hold to differing political faiths; so that all may work for the good of our beloved country and Thy glory. Amen. *
* (Found at 1953-01-20-inaugural-prayer.pdf (eisenhowerlibrary.gov).
