Patience

December 8th – Isaiah 28:29

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Isaiah 28:29

Theologian Albert Barnes once said, “There is nothing more foolish than an act of wickedness; there is no wisdom equal to that of obeying God.” Have you ever said to yourself, “I’m so glad I…!” or, “I wish I didn’t…!” The Bible is filled with story after story of those who made both wise and unwise decisions, and the consequences of their choices. And from them we learn when we first seek the Lord, we save ourselves from a life filled with regret. Because God’s advice is perfect and His wisdom unmatched. And by applying practical principles we can receive His wonderful counsel, and great wisdom. These include surrendering our will to His, meditating on His Word, spending time in prayer, having patience in waiting to hear from Him, and trusting completely in the answer He gives. Gods knows our story from beginning to end. And if we ask Him, will guide us perfectly through every situation!

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August 31st – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

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1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Loving others isn’t an easy thing to do. Yet that’s the call God gives to us. And although no one can love unconditionally and perfectly like Jesus, we do need to show each other that same Christlike love. That means practicing patience and kindness even when we are frustrated with those around us. And finding joy instead of envy at another’s blessings. Christlike love isn’t based in arrogance or pride. It doesn’t intentionally provoke others nor keep a record of wrongs committed against us. It’s a selfless love, that is demonstrated through action. And is perfectly exampled by Jesus on the Cross. When describing love, St. Augustine said, “Love has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.” Such a love is impossible in our own strength, but through God all things are possible, including loving the unlovable.

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August 10th – Galatians 5:1

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Galatians 5:1

As the perfect fulfillment of the Law, with His death the Lord freed us from living under a set of rules. Yet because we’re all in various stages of our spiritual growth, what we feel free to do or not do means different things to different people. And Paul tells we need to respect those differences with patience and kindness. Instead of saying, “I’m not giving up my rights because another Christian hurt feelings about it!”, say, “From a Christlike love, it’s better to limit my own freedom than to cause a weaker believer to stumble.” Paul knows of what he speaks. As an apostle personally chosen by Jesus, Paul was entitled to certain rights specified by God. But instead of claiming these rights, he voluntarily laid them aside for a greater reward. (1 Cor. 18-19, 23) Paul thought it a great privilege to serve the Lord. And although he never compromised his convictions, he was more than willing to put his comfort, needs, opinions, and rights behind those of others. And all to grow God’s kingdom.

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June 23rd – Lamentations 3:25

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Lamentations 3:25

Though we may not like it, waiting on God is a big part of our walk of faith. There may be many reasons why God calls us to wait.  Perhaps He’s trying to teach us patience. Maybe we need to learn to surrender completely to His will, or to trust in His perfect timing. Whatever the reason, waiting on God isn’t easy. And it also isn’t passive. We don’t sit around passing the time waiting until He acts on our behalf. Instead, while in God’s waiting room we praise and worship Him. We go about doing the tasks that He calls us to do. Our ears stay focused on listening to His still, small voice. And our hearts trust that He will do just as He has promised. All this we do in our quest to continually seek Him. Because God promises goodness for those who patiently and diligently wait for Him.

 

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may 22nd – Galatians 6:7

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Galatians 6:7

Have you ever said to yourself, “If only I had..?” or, “I wish I didn’t…!” The Bible is filled with story after story of those who made both wise and unwise decisions. And the consequences of their choices. It also teaches us a very important Biblical principle. We reap what we sow. That’s why before we sow, we need to first seek counsel from the Lord. Because by doing so, we save ourselves from reaping a life filled with regret. So how do we receive God’s advice, power, and grace? By applying practical principles. These include surrendering our will to His. Meditating on His Word. Spending time in prayer. Having patience in waiting to hear from Him. And finally, trusting completely in the answer He gives. Each day we find ourselves facing decisions to be made, both big and small. And with each one God wants us to come to Him.

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May 8th – Colossians 1:11

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Colossians 1:11

Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Colossae is one that is equally important for the Christians of today. That God’s power will strengthen each and every one of us. And through that power we will receive the ability to endure; being unmovable during trials and suffering. Along with it, the fruit of the Spirit of patience. For patience is rooted in love, especially long suffering towards others. And both are attributes of the Father, bringing with them great joy. We live in a world that is anything but Christlike. Today people are easily offended and lose patience with each other quickly. By showing the world another way, the way of Christlike patience, not only is God happy, but so are we. Because obedience always fills our hearts with the joy the Lord!

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September 27th – James 5:7

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James 5:7

Endurance can be defined as the act of bearing or suffering; a continuing patience under pain or distress without being overcome. As Christians, our lives should be shining examples of patient endurance. One that waits expectantly and joyfully for the return of the Lord; no matter what. To illustrate patience, James uses the example of a farmer. From seeding until harvest, he must wait to see the result of his work in the precious produce of the soil. And the same goes for us. The work we do for the Lord, we do with the sweet anticipation of laying our precious produce before the Lord. For one day soon Christ will be returning. James tells us the “Judge is at the door”. So until then may we be over-comers of the world. Workers of God’s kingdom, who patiently endure the trials of life. And May we follow the advice of James who tells us to, “strengthen our hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:8)

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June 12th – James 5:7

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James 5:7

I love having a garden. Whether it be flowers or vegetables, there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of a good crop. And although I’d love to instantly see the results of my time, attention, and work, I have to have patience. Yet having patience isn’t easy, especially in a world that covets instant gratification. But life is full of waiting. And to those who patiently endure until He returns, God promises a glorious reward. An eternal bounty of love, peace, and endless joy. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and one that produces endurance. An endurance to stay the course and strengthen our hearts for the soon coming of the Lord!

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January 27th – Job 8:7

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Job 8:7

Satan loves to see us defeated. And so he whispers words of discouragement into our ears. Words that point out all we don’t have, or haven’t accomplished. Because he knows the more we focus on what we lack, the more we forget all the blessings in our lives we do have. But as Christians, we don’t lead our lives for earthly treasures. Instead we lead our lives dedicated to glorifying God. He knows what’s best for us, and in His perfect will, the Lord will give us exactly what we need. So whether we have a lot or a little, we can depend on God’s promise to prosper us and give us a hope and future! (Jer. 29:11)

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the Practice Of Patience – Psalm 27

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Psalm 27

We’ve all heard it said that patience, (waiting without complaint), is a virtue and is listed by Paul in Galatians 5:22-23 as among the fruits of the Spirit. Unfortunately, for me patience has always been a struggle and waiting is definitely not one of my strengths. In times of trial when I’m hurting and in despair, the last thing I want to do is to be patient and wait. But in Psalm 27 that’s exactly what God tells us to do…wait. “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.”  …

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