Read James 1:12-21
It wasn’t the first time it has happened in sports and it certainly won’t be the last. But perhaps mentioning it again can help keep us from making a similar shameful error.
A college coach, one noted for his Christian character, resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that he violated rules clearly spelled out by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. One magazine article concluded: “His integrity was one of the great myths of college football.”
This was certainly an embarrassing time for the coach but here’s the most sobering part: it can happen to any of us. The temptation to go behind the hidden door of secrecy in our lives and do things that dishonour the Lord haunts us all. Indeed we are all capable of turning our integrity into a myth—of turning our testimony for Jesus into a sham. No matter what the temptation, we are all vulnerable.
So how do we avoid giving in? We acknowledge the universality of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We recognize the dangerous results of giving in to sin (James 1:13-15). We keep accountable to fellow believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And we plead with God for help not to fall (Matthew 26:41). Only God’s grace and power can keep us from falling and pick us up when we do.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Ask God to lead you through temptation. He has promised to uphold you and provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it. Pray that you would remain faithful and strong. Pray this for others in your congregation.
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully among your congregation this weekend. There are people there, no doubt, who need healing, wholeness, reconciliation or even a touch of the Lord’s loving hand. Pray that God would do this.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
No comments:
Post a Comment