This Day in History: 0000-04-13

April 13 – James 1:12-18 

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and He never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true Word. And we, out of all creation, became His prized possession. 

His prized possession! Let that sink in, YOU are the prized possession of the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies! The creator of everything in heaven and on earth puts more value in you than in anything else in all creation! Can we even comprehend that truth? Let’s ask God to help us understand, for wrapped up in it is the power to face all of life’s difficulties with patient endurance. 

Our Lord is steadfast. He does not change. Who He was on the day He created the sun, moon, and stars is who He is today. He is not the one who tempted Adam and Eve to sin in the garden, and He is not the one who tempts you to sin today. That temptation comes from the evil that lives within you and me! We are, on our own, altogether sinful! Let’s stop looking for someone else to blame right now! Let’s decide to take that responsibility, and to then turn from our waywardness and make Christ the Lord of our lives! 

For every good and perfect gift comes down to us from Him. What good gift do you need today?

Perhaps the power to break free from a specific sin that plagues your life? That power can come only from God.

Perhaps the patience to endure a trial that has overwhelmed you? That patience can come only from God.

Maybe the direction to know which step you should take next? Can you guess? You got it, that direction can come only from God.

He is the giver of every good thing! 

So, let’s decide today to stop blaming Him for the bad things that are happening in our lives. Let’s take responsibility and ask Him to help us understand who we are in Him. Let’s ask Him to give us the good gifts we need to endure, so that we can receive the crown of life God has promised to those who belong to Him!