“These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:11-13 NIV
God of the way,
Thank you for the history of Your people written down in the Bible, to learn from. Sometimes we read them and amazed at Your patience and provision and forget to apply the lessons to ourselves!
‘There is nothing new under the sun.’ (Ecclesiastes 1:9) Solomon wisely said, and he had seen a lot under the sun in his lifetime, good and bad. His temptation was the ladies . . . Paul echo’s the truth in his letter to the Corinthians above. As one preacher put it it boils down to three temptations, Gold, Glory or the Girls. To be more politically correct it is money, power and sex.
An opposing trinitary from which You promise to provide a way out! But we have to take it. Therein lies the problem. We do not always recognise the enemies tactics and sometimes it is disguised with a half lie – like when he persuaded Eve to try the apple. She ate the lie and missed the truth. The enemy is so jealous of our freedom to choose and so angry at our choosing You. He will try anything and everything.
So help us, to recognise both the obvious and the subtle temptation. Show us the way out and give us the strength to take it.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God of the way,
Help us to see what You are doing in the lives of our friends and family and work with You and for You. Grant us miracles where there is a need of healing of mind body or soul. We ask You to battle through to the hearts and minds of those we know have addictions and help them turn to You for strength and freedom.
We pray for our Government, both local and national as they return from holidays. For Your Holy Spirit to inspire them, even those who are not of Your Kingdom. To know, hear and apply Your wisdom and common sense. We pray for the King and his family and their health and those broken painful relationships.
We pray for our Armed Forces, the British army, the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. We pray for all those here in the UK, those deployed overseas and those serving with NATO troops in areas of conflict or helping hold the peace. We pray for their families and the challenges that being on tour can bring.
Thank You that You are still waging war against sin and temptation in our hearts. That You do not give up on us ever.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 15th Sept 2023
When this life of trials tests my faith
I set my hope on Jesus
When the questions come and doubts remain
I set my hope on Jesus
For the deepest wounds that time won’t heal
There’s a joy that runs still deeper
There’s a truth that’s more than all I feel
I set my hope on Jesus
I set my hope on Jesus
My rock, my only trust
Who set His heart upon me first
I set my hope on Jesus
Though I falter in this war with sin
I set my hope on Jesus
When I fail the fight and sink within
I set my hope on Jesus
Though the shame would drown me in its sea
And I dread the waves of justice
I will cast my life on Calvary
I set my hope on Jesus
I set my hope on Jesus
My rock, my only trust
Who set His heart upon me first
I set my hope on Jesus
Though the world call me to leave my Lord
I set my hope on Jesus
Though it offer all its vain rewards
I set my hope on Jesus
Though this heart of mine is prone to stray
Give me grace enough to finish
’Till I worship on that final day
I set my hope on Jesus
I set my hope on Jesus
My rock, my only trust
Who set His heart upon me first
I set my hope on Jesus
Words and Music: Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Keith Getty