Patience’s Perfect Work

 

 

quiet spirit 

 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV)

 

As believers in Christ, we are faced with many trials as we go through life. We learn to rely on God to take us through them.

 

As those trials become part of our past, we come to realize that we grow in our strength and our faith because of those trials. 

                                      

We learn that we need to be patient in order for God to work in our lives. When we are impatient, we miss the lesson God has for us.                                              

I am reminded of a small sign I heard of that a woman had by her kitchen sink. It depicted a small boy. Above his head appear the words, God give me patience. In his had is a megaphone and on that megaphone is the word “NOW!” This always brings a smile to my heart.

 

Sometimes, I can be like that small boy; except, I want patience yesterday or even last week. However, having gone through some health issues these past few years, I have learned that I must be patient. The best way to practice patience is to wait upon the LORD.                                                                                                                                                      

Our Joy May Be Full

 

Knowing-Jesus ,com

 

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. It is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:11-13 (NKJV)

 

Jesus has just told His disciples that He loved them as God loved Him. He also told them that if they ‘keep’ His commandments, they will have His love in their hearts.

 

Jesus told these disciples for them to remember His joy and rely upon it. He then commands them to love one another as He has loved them.

 

Have you ever wondered what our world would be like if each of us would love those around us as Jesus has loved us?  

 

As I think on this, I see a world where there are no broken homes, no divisions in extended families, no fights that lead to killings, each holiday would be truly a time of joy.

He Carried Jesus’ Cross

 

Spread Jesus.org

 

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 (NIV)

 

We read these words, but do we really pay attention to what Jesus says here? Let us look at one who carried Jesus’ cross along the road to Golgotha.

 

Who is Simon of Cyrene?  

Simon attended the Passover Feast in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.

 

Why did he do it? 

He was ordered to by the Roman centurion in charge of the journey to Golgotha.

 

Where is Cyrene? 

Cyrene was what is now modern-day Tripoli, located on the northern coast of Libya. (Daily Bible Commentary, Gospel of Luke, William Barclay p.335)

 

Why was he in Jerusalem?

To observe the Passover. He may have saved for a long time to be able to make this pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Barclay tells us, Simon, most likely. saved for many years to make this pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover. The account of the Simon’s conscription for this task by Mark tells us he had two sons, Alexander, and Rufus. 

 

How did Simon feel when he was ordered to carry Jesus’ cross? 

He could have felt anger toward the Roman centurion for making him do this task against his will. Maybe he had hard feelings against Rome (for taking over the government of Jerusalem). 

 

How might he have felt when he was at Golgotha?

Was he caught up in the crowd that wanted to see Jesus crucified? He knew that crucifixion was a criminal’s death. Did he have compassion for Jesus that grew as He walked alongside Him, carrying His cross?

 How did he react to what he heard?

 “Father, forgive them.” Did Simon wonder how Jesus, a perfect man, could ask God to forgive the people for this travesty?

 “They know not what they do.” Did Simon wonder what Jesus meant by saying this? These people were causing life to end for no reason.

 “Mother, here is your son.” Jesus Christ made provisions for Mary to be taken care of in her later years of life. He voiced his wishes for everyone in the crowd to hear. Did Simon marvel at Jesus’ words?

“Here is you mother” Jesus spoke these words to John, but did Simon realize what was happening with these words? He may have had lots of time to ponder these words.

 

How did he feel when he heard that Christ had risen?

Simon must have realized that Jesus was truly the Son of God. We are told that Simon and his family became believers in Jesus. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans they are to “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. (Romans 16:1)

We can conclude that Simon and his family became believers because of this event at the Passover Feast. The task Simon was ordered to do was not one he would have volunteered for. Because of that task, the kingdom of God was enlarged.

 

Sometimes in our Christian walk, we will be faced with a task we really do not want to do. We find ourselves doing it because we feel we must. Later, we find that we have grown from the experience. God uses even the tasks we find distasteful to enlarge His kingdom.

God Sees Me- Isaiah

 

Vision.org

               

In the year King Uzziah died,

I saw the Lord seated on a throne,

High and exalted, and the train of

his robe filled the temple.

Isaiah 6:1 (NIV)

 

I always love the word picture Isaiah gives us of seeing the LORD in the temple. As we read further into this chapter, we see that Isaiah is overwhelmed by the scene of the seraphs and the temple filling up with smoke. He confesses that he is a sinner and is not worthy of being able to see the LORD.

This scene is written from Isaiah’s view. God is also present, along with the seraphs.

King Uzziah had died. Isaiah was probably in mourning over this loss to the nation. He grieved for the nation. God could have seen Isaiah in his saddened state and chose to reveal Himself to Isaiah.

 

God commissions Isaiah to represent Him to those in the nation Judah. Does God ever give us His blessing to perform an act for Him? Yes, He does. Any time we are led by God to pray for someone, that is His commission from Him to pray for that person or that need.

 

New Creature

 

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So, from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (NIV)

 

Paul tells the believers at Corinth and us that we are to view others as God looks upon them not as humans do. Have we looked down on someone because he or she looked different than ourselves? Because they do not have things as nice as we have? Or is it that they seem to have things better than what we have, and they seem to let us know they do? Have their actions been contrary to what is appropriate? Maybe their language is not as refined as ours?

 

One of the first lessons we may have learned as Christians is that we are not to judge others. Instead, we are to pray for them. We do not know their circumstances. When we pray, we must ask God to give us His eyes with which to view them.

 

Then Paul explains why. Once a person asks God into their hearts, He takes away the bad things and replaces them with good things, things that reflect Him and His love for all mankind.

 

I must confess, I am guilty of looking at a person wrongly. I witnessed behavior that went against the plan of the person that headed up a project of which I was a part. I chose not to say anything because I was new to this group. Recently, have been asked to pray for that erring person. I want to be fully honest before God about this person’s behavior and how it affected me. Please pray for me.

My Jesus I Love Thee

On most days since the pandemic and the stay-at-home order was in effect, our pastor has called the congregants with a "daily lesson." Today's lesson was on loving God. As I listened, I had this song come into my mind. It gives me comfort. I hope it brings that same feeling, whatever you may be going through. This hymn was written by William Ralph Featherstone in 1864. He was possibly 16 years old at the time. 

Living for Jesus

facultyblog.eternitybiblecollege.com 

This is a departure from my chosen monthly topic. I heard a story that disturbed me. I found myself thinking about the person and how many people she has wronged by her actions. I found myself doing what I do when I am confronted by things I cannot understand. I wrote out my thoughts. 

Recently, I heard more of a person’s story that has caused me to think about how we live for Jesus. In hearing this latest addition to the story, I realized this individual is truly living for herself and not Jesus. This caused me to ponder what living for Jesus means.

                  He is the Lord of our lives.

                                    He sees all that we do.

                                    He hears all we say.

                                    He directs us through each day.

Our responsibility is to read His Word, take it to heart, and strive to follow it as best we can. Sometimes, we fail to live up to what The Word directs us to do. That is where His grace begins to act.

As we go through life, God’s Holy Spirit goes with us and supports us as we face trials and go through tribulations. God hears all we say during those times.

When we accept Christ and ask Him to walk with us through our lives, we need to be honest with Him and with ourselves. We shouldn’t do or say anything that Jesus would not like.

Sometimes, we have ‘head knowledge’ and not ‘heart knowledge’. We think we know Jesus and we can get by with anything we do because ‘we are saved’. When we do things disregarding Jesus, in reality, we know about Jesus, but we really don’t know Him.

A lot of us approach Jesus when we are in trouble or face something we cannot handle. This is not the relationship He wants to have with us. He wants to be the LORD of our lives.

Sometimes, we claim to be Christian and a worker for Christ because we want to impress others. Jesus would rather we didn’t do that. When we proclaim Christ and then our behavior or our attitude tells those around us otherwise, we ‘give Jesus a black eye”.

How can we continue to show the grace of God to those who seem to revert to former ways of living?

How can we pray about this?

Freedom: Walking in Freedom

honeyrockhills.com

I will walk about in freedom,

for I have sought out our precepts.

I will speak of your statutes before kings

and will not be put to shame,

for I delight in your commands

because I love them.

Psalm 119:45-47 (NIV)

The Psalmist bares his soul to God in this passage. He tells the LORD that he will walk freely (ESV says “in a wide space). What does he mean?

In context, the writer tells God, “I will keep your law continually forever and ever.”He pledges to ALWAYS honor the LORD and his laws.

Why would the writer vow to do this? He has sought God’s laws in order to live in his world. When we choose to follow God’s Word, we seek His governance over our lives.

The Psalmist commits to speaking of the Lord before the rulers of the nation and not be ashamed for doing it. He vows to do this because he finds happiness in God’s decrees which he loves.

The writer states he will honor the LORD’S commandments and will think deeply on the Lord’s laws.

In our world today, we need to learn to seek out God, study His Word, apply what we learn, and speak to others in all walks of life, especially those who are leaders in our governments.

Sometimes, I believe that there is more that I should be doing to further God’s kingdom. Do you feel that way?

Freedom:Sufferings versus Revealed Glory

OnceDelivered.net

                 For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of God. Romans 8:18-21 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul encourages the believers in Rome with the hope of future glory. This encouragement reminds them and us that, even if we have trials in our lives, our present circumstances will not last.

A woman I worked with several years ago had an answer to sad or trying circumstances— “This too shall pass.” Looking back, I have learned that she was right. There always is a lesson to be learned in those trying times. It seems that even if those difficult days don’t let up while we are on earth,  better times await us in heaven.

Several years ago, a friend of mine sought justice for her daughter through the court system. My friend lost that case. When she told me the outcome, she said that the one who hurt her daughter might have gotten off here but would receive what she felt he deserved later, in the next life. I believe her attitude helped her to deal with the added hurt she experienced.

Each believer must maintain a vital relationship with Christ in order to be able to enjoy the freedom from bondage that Paul speaks of.

What are the ways you stay in touch with God and experience His freedom? 

What would Jesus Do?

Sallman

In 1896, Charles Monroe Sheldon, authored a book entitled, “In His Steps, What Would Jesus Do?” In his novel, Sheldon wrote of a church that had become ‘comfortable’ in their Christianity. The church had a visitor on a Sunday. The man was, by today’s terminology, homeless. The pastor was appalled by the was the congregants received him. The pastor mobilized the congregation and some of the townspeople to follow Jesus' way of dealing with the issues of their time.

The subtitle became a watchword for people in the 1990s. Everyone of a certain age seemed to sport bracelets or wristbands with the letters WWJD, meaning ‘What Would Jesus Do?’ Over time, the idea died out.

Recently, that phrase came to my mind. I prayed a request to God for a long time. As I began to pray that evening, I heard “What would Jesus Do?” My sometimes-analytical mind broke it down into four different questions. Here is the breakdown:

What would Jesus do?

            Teach

            Preach

            Heal

            Forgive

What would Jesus do?

            Would He argue?

            Would He love the sinner?

            Would He allow Himself to be distracted from his job?

            Would He obey His Father?

What would Jesus do?

            Jesus, the Son of God,

            Jesus, our Redeemer,

            Jesus, our Savior,

            Jesus, our King,

What would Jesus do?

            His Father’s work

            Stand for His Father

As a large group of people across the world wait for the answer to their prayers, we must think about this timeless question. What Would Jesus Do?

Our Hope Is in Christ

 Surely a man goes about as a shadow!

Surely for nothing, they are in turmoil;

 man heaps up wealth and does not know

who will gather! And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?

My hope is in you.

Psalm 39:7 (ESV)

At first, David paints a dismal word picture. Then he speaks that he relies on God. Why does he say this? Earlier in the chapter he tells the Lord that he was silent but it was no use. (v.2)

At times believers have experiences when God has directed them to remain silent in light of surrounding circumstances that were not pleasing. When we hear stories that upset and offend us, we may find ourselves becoming depressed. However, if we remain obedient to the LORD, we will rise above the circumstance and will ultimately stand for the LORD.

Those with Seasonal Affective Disorder have a difficult time through the winter months when the sky is cloudy almost 100% of the time. Their brain needs to have light in order to keep them from deep depression.

However, we have a LORD who will guide us through those sensitive times where we might be offended by thoughts or words that come to our ears. When we read the Psalms, we see King David express his depressive thoughts and, a few verses later, and express his hope in God.

David placed his Hope in God. We have to do the same. This is a new year. Let’s all aim to place our hope in God in 2019.

song:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkMapZB8qMk

Waiting for Hope

https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Titus 2:11-13

Paul writes these words to Titus, whom Paul describes as my true child in a common faith.

Paul gives Titus and us a picture here of God’s working in our lives and the reason for each of those steps He takes on our behalf.

Through God’s grace for us, his children He:

 

*brings salvation for all people,

                God saves us from our sin. Jesus took all our sin onto Himself when He went to Calvary.

*trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions,

                God, through His word and the Holy Spirit, shows us what He finds unacceptable to Him.

*trains us to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives now,

                When we allow the Holy Spirit to have control of our lives, we possess self-control. When we have self-control, we lead upright lives that please God.

God does all these things as we await the hope of seeing the risen Christ appear in all His glory.

Pray Continually (Believing.)

Quiet Spirit 

1 Thessalonians 5:17

The Apostle Paul wrote these words of guidance to the believers at Thessalonica and to us. What does He mean?

He encourages us to be in an attitude of prayer. To listen to those who share their concerns and offer to pray with them at that time.

I recently read a novel, River to Redemption, ⁽¹⁾ in which one of the main characters expressed this verse as “Pray believing.” This character loved the LORD and used it as his life’s verse, guiding him through many trials of his life, accepting each thing as God’s Will and always told those around him to “pray believing.” How can we pray believing? We believe that

         ● God hears our prayers,

     ● God will answer those prayers, according to His Will,

   ● God will be with us as we go through difficult times.

         ● God will bring about His Will, however it affects us.

Since I read this novel and thought about the way I have prayed in the past, I have begun praying in a slightly different, a more energized, way.

Have you ever received an idea that changed the way you pray?

(1.) River of Redemption- Redemption, by Ann H. Gabhart, Revell, Grand Rapids, © 2018                        

Complete Obedience

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:5-6(ESV)

Paul wrote these words to the believers at Corinth. Paul had concerns about the Corinthian Christians. “False teachers were a constant threat to the gospel and the early church.” ^(1.)

He had to repeatedly warn and correct the thinking of these new believers. 

“The church at Corinth was weak. Surrounded by idolatry and immorality, they struggled with their Christian faith and lifestyle.” ^(2.)

I see a parallel between the Corinthian church and the Christian church of our day. Paul ministered to a weak church while the modern Christian churches seem weakened.

By weakened, I mean the church may have fallen under the influence of the world. We have churches in other parts of the world who face persecution and continue to grow in strength and in number. However, we have churches in my nation that struggle because they have allowed the ways of the world to penetrate into their way of thinking.

Paul tells the Corinthian believers to take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.

The Message Bible states this passage like this: We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity. ^(3.)

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are directed to filter whatever we see, hear, or think through God’s word in our obedience to Him.

In my devotional reading, I found that when learn and practice obedience, we are in the experience of sanctification.     

1.      Life Application Bible, (NIV) Tyndale House Publishers Wheaton, Ill. And Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Mich. © 1988-1991 p.2091

2.      2. IBID

3.      The Message, Navpress © 1993-1996, 2000-2002 p.1596

Walk in God’s Command

missionventureministries.wordpress.com

And now I ask you, dear lady-not as though I were writing you a new commandment but the one we had from the beginning-that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, so you should walk in it. 2 John 5-6 (ESV)

The Apostle John penned these words to “the elect lady and her children”. He emphasizes the importance of the commandment that we love one another. He stresses our need to live it out before others.

The Life Application Bible gives a good explanation of John’s message. “The statement that Christians should love one another is a recurrent New Testament theme. Yet love for one’s neighbor is an old command, first appearing in the first book of Moses (Leviticus 19:18) We can show love in many ways by avoiding prejudice and discrimination, by accepting people, by listening, helping, giving, serving and refusing to judge. Knowing God’s command is not enough. We must put it into practice, walking in obedience to his commands.” ^(1.) (Emphasis is mine.)

In my prayer group, we recently had a discussion about displaying God’s love to others, especially those who struggle with difficulties that stem from traumatic events in their lives. We thought on loving our neighbors as we love ourselves.

We realized that when we love our neighbors, our Christian brothers and sisters, and even our family members, we are not to judge them. Loving them involves serving them, giving them an ear when they need to talk, and hugging them when they need reassurance.

John reminds us that we should truly love one another, obey God’s commands, and walk the Christian walk with Him beside us.

( (1.) Life Application Bible, New International Version © 1973, 1978, 1991 Tyndale House Publishers Inc. Page 2286 (Notes) 

Learning Obedience

westloop-church.org.

Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8 (ESV)

Jesus suffered on the cross for you and for me. He endured agony the degree of which we will never have to undergo.

At any time prior to Gethsemane, he could have turned away and not have done as God had planned. However, in the garden, He prayed three times, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Jesus chose to obey His Father, went through a trial that was based on false accusations. Because of His obedience to God, you and I have hope that one day The Father will take us to heaven to be with Jesus.

Our Lord Jesus learned obedience by praying and listening to God, His Father. How do we learn obedience in today’s world?

Jesus modeled obedience before the people by giving up His will for God’s plan. He let God’s plan work out. How can we, as Christians, convey our obedience to God to those around us? 

Trouble

Times of Trouble Bring Rays of Joy, part 2

Do you remember hearing your parents say, “You are in trouble”? They did it because they loved us and had to correct our thinking. Because of all those lectures, a lot of us became better children and then better people.

As adults, we may have had or seen times of trouble. Jesus tells us. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV)

The various translations use different words for tribulation. 

You will find trouble in the world—(J. B. Phillips)

In the world you have distress. (CEB)

The world will make you suffer. (GNT)

You will have suffering in this world. (HCSB)

These words are all sandwiched between Jesus’ words

A special friend and I were talking about different issues we know people are facing. Some of these issues create feelings of distress. She referred to the name of my book. She said that having trouble in our lives strengthens us and makes us grow closer to God, if we allow it to.

One of my relatives called one day and, in the course of the conversation she sounded emotionally distraught and said. “The Bible says that we will have trouble in this world.” My response was, “Yes it says that but Jesus also tells us in the next few words that He has overcome the world.”

Looking back over my life, I see times where I have learned from my issues and my problem times. I am not the same person emotionally, mentally, or spiritually that I was a half-century ago. I am more conservative in my thinking; more realistic in my plans, and more mature on my relationship with Christ.

Listen

He who has an ear, let him listen. Revelation 2:6, 11 (ESV)

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.Revelation 2:17, 29, 3:6, 13, 22 (ESV)

Do you remember your parents saying, “You are not listening!” I do. It was when I was in trouble and they were trying to talk to me about my misbehaving.

I have noticed that in our world today, we have certain people who seem to think they have a say-so in what we believe in our lives. I have felt they were not listening to wise counsel from God.

One recent evening, I read God’s letters to the seven churches in Asia Minor. I also read scriptures that address an issue that faces us. The next morning, my devotional reading for Sunday school was on the word “Listen.” The scripture the author used was Revelation 3:6, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches, I really got excited. I re-read the letters to the churches.

    

One point the author, Mr. Hudson, makes is that listening and obedience always go together. My take on this whole exercise is that we have to listen to the LORD and do as He directs us. For me, I need to apply this to my dealings with those around me and with my family as well as those to whom I try to assist in their walk with Jesus.

The name of the devotional book we are studying is Pauses for Pentecost written by Trevor Hudson. It is published by Upper Room Books. The word Listen is the focus for day 39.

                  

I Am the Vine

http://www.imgrum.org/user/argopariadji

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,

while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a]

so that it will be even more fruitful.

John 15:1-2 (ESV)

In explaining God to the people of Israel, Jesus used examples they could understand. Hence, His use of the vine in our focus verse. He identifies Himself as the true vine. He shows us through this imagery the importance of always living close to Jesus.

Without God’s presence in our lives, we wither and become less effective. Think of grapes separated too early from the vine. Without His guidance and presence in our lives, we are nothing.

In today’s world, we need to live as close to God as we can. We need to also ask God for His eyes to see the world as He sees it.

In explaining God to the people of Israel, Jesus used examples they could understand. Hence, His use of the vine in our focus verse. He identifies Himself as the true vine. He shows us through this imagery the importance of always living close to Jesus.

Without God’s presence in our lives, we wither and become less effective. Think of grapes separated too early from the vine. Without His guidance and presence in our lives, we are nothing.

In today’s world, we need to live as close to God as we can. We need to also ask God for His eyes to see the world as He sees it. 

In explaining God to the people of Israel, Jesus used examples they could understand. Hence, His use of the vine in our focus verse. He identifies Himself as the true vine. He shows us through this imagery the importance of always living close to Jesus.

Without God’s presence in our lives, we wither and become less effective. Think of grapes separated too early from the vine. Without His guidance and presence in our lives, we are nothing.

In today’s world, we need to live as close to God as we can. We need to also ask God for His eyes to see the world as He sees it. We need to fully adopt a Biblical world view. By walking with Jesus in these ways, we honor God. In return, He will bless us. 

Humility Comes From Wisdom

quotesgraham.com

“Who is wise and understanding among you?

Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done

in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

James 3:13 (NIV)

           

            James, the earthly half-brother of Jesus, speaks words of truth and wisdom. He gives us a guideline by which we should live. We should live our lives carefully before others. There is a saying that tells me why we should live our lives in this way. The reason is that we may be the only Bible another person reads.

            We are to set examples to our children and those of younger generations, to our neighbors, to our neighbors, and to those with whom we do business.

            I had to get into see my doctor this morning. They had an emergency with one of their patients. While I was waiting my turn, two security guards walked into the waiting room. I had not seen anything like this in my life (excuse the cliché.) The medical assistant told me they had a problem. My doctor peeked in and told me they had an emergency. All I could do was listen and feel thankful that the office personnel was able to handle the circumstances. I did not worry about my safety. The staff seemed to have the situation under control. I praise God for the wisdom He gave those who work there and the calmness of spirit He gave me.

            I admit I sometimes fall short in this phase of my Christian walk. How do you do in this area?