Without a doubt, we all have, and all will, face adversity. It is not unlikely that this will start in our younger years, and last until our last breath. A hard reality, but true!
There are several people in the Bible who experienced what you and I would believe were insurmountable moments, and periods, of adversity. Pastors like to refer to them as, "trials and tribulations", as those words, coupled together, appear many times throughout the Bible.
When I think of adversity, my immediate thoughts turn to Job. Though struggles seemed to be endless, Job was able to "weather all storms", praising God all the way.
Job's story is unique. Satan placed a bet with God that Job would eventually curse His name, if to much emotional and physical pain was applied. Let's examine some of the losses that Job endured. He is perhaps our greatest example as an example for those who suffer.
Job was stripped of his possessions. Though he had wealth in the form of herds and flocks, an unmistakable love for family, and a recognizable level of admire-ability among others in the lands, it was his faith, devotion, and finally perspective that would be mightily challenged. The Lord called him, "blameless and upright.", Job 1:8; also saying that there was, "no one on earth like him."
Three times in verses 13-18, we see three messengers who barely escaped annihilation by the way of swords and fire, reporting to Job that he had lost his oxen and donkeys (1), sheep (2), and camels (3). All of his wealth in the form of livestock that were used daily to provide for his family were gone in an instant. The servants in the fields were killed by the sword, burnt, and only three survived to tell the tale.
A fourth messenger appeared to tell Job that his family had been killed, Job 1:18. The house where his sons and daughters were "feasting" collapsed due to a mighty windstorm from the desert. I think the important note in all of this, is that the four messengers appeared in succession, only minutes apart. Each verse; 13, 16, 17 and 18 start the same; saying, "While he [the messenger] was still speaking [before finishing], another appeared to report another grim calamity. All would have been hard "pills" to swallow, not to mentioned that each message was separated only by brief minutes, and perhaps seconds.
Job lost all of his possessions and all of his family in a matter of minutes; in the blink of an eye. How would you have reacted to such news, had the shoes been on your feet?
What did Job do? "At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: 'Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.' "
How is that for a response?
Not satisfied with Job's integrity in faith toward the Lord, even in his loss, Satan was once again allowed to plague Job. This time, he afflicted Job with "painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head", Job 2:7. Even at the encouragement of his wife to retract his integrity, curse God, and die, Job 2:9, he remained in his stance of devotion. He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we good from God, and not trouble?", Job 2:10. Verse 10 continues reporting as recorded, that Job, "did not sin."
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Adversity: Part Two
I am currently facing a time of adversity. It is 2017, and for the third time in my life, I am homeless. Despite this small calamity, which to shall pass, I feel extremely blessed. I have a place to stay at a shelter, food to eat, a place to shower and shave, and enough money for a good "cup of Joe" to start my day.
While you have seen this verse in a previous chapter, it bears repeating. In Philippians 4: 4-7, Paul writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."
Recently, I felt I had a clear understanding and vision for the next step in my life. In many ways, I feel that I have squandered opportunity after opportunity, for the better part of the last ten years. I have now come to the realization that it was a time for growth. The Lord was guiding me, even in my absence, relationally, for that time. I say that I was "absent" because I was not tapping into God's vast array of resources on a daily basis. I like to think that has changed.
But I grew closer. Paul says in Philippians 4: 10-13, "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
I felt strongly that I was being called to Atlanta, Georgia. I recently returned after spending six weeks there from Thanksgiving through the New Year's holiday. This leap began in October, 2016, leaving Asheville, North Carolina, to take a position which resulted in a two-month stint in Charlotte. It is now evident, at least for the time being, that perhaps I was NOT prepared to leave Asheville. I, without a doubt, tend to jump "to the other side", toward "greener grass", to quickly.
The famous music artist from Miami, Pitbull, says it best. In his song entitled "Can't Have", he sings, "The grass looks greener on the other side; till you get to the other side."
Going back to Paul's writing in verses 10-13, Philippians chapter 4, it is easy when we feel removed or far away from God, to feel as if he has no concern for us. Paul states in the first sentence, "at last you renewed your concern for me." Let's examine this.
I was the one who did not ask for His guidance and with expectancy of the resulting answers and blessings, yet He was ever present. God is the most equipped "Navy Seal" known to man. To this very day, a Seal has never left a fellow warrior on the battlefield; dead or alive.
You can be confident that God is omnipresent. He has the appropriate resources, at the ready, at the appropriate time, when we face combat within ourselves in the world. And at times, the war is long. Reaching out to Him, tapping into His arsenal, allows us to remain appropriately equipped for battle at the exact date and time that we need Him.
The second part of verse 10 goes on to say, "Indeed you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it." Paul is very discerning and spot-on with this. God has the absolute ability to be concerned and have concern for us. How, do you ask? By having a consistent and constant dialogue with Him, our Savior, gives us our ability to have Him remain in us. How can we expect God to be ever-present; even though He is always available, if we do not maintain a dialogue with Him? You cannot receive for what you do not ask in prayer.
We need to remember that are God is OMNIPRESENT! Always available. Day or night, minute-by-minute and even second-by-second, rest assured He is there. The best part; in humility because of His abounding love for us, he can always be reached. It is in His very nature to be available.
Did Jesus not make time for the tax collector and the harlot alike? The blind and the able-bodied? Indeed he was there for them, and it is the same for you and I, two-thousand years later.
He lives!
Something quite deep to ponder and reflect upon.
While you have seen this verse in a previous chapter, it bears repeating. In Philippians 4: 4-7, Paul writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ."
Recently, I felt I had a clear understanding and vision for the next step in my life. In many ways, I feel that I have squandered opportunity after opportunity, for the better part of the last ten years. I have now come to the realization that it was a time for growth. The Lord was guiding me, even in my absence, relationally, for that time. I say that I was "absent" because I was not tapping into God's vast array of resources on a daily basis. I like to think that has changed.
But I grew closer. Paul says in Philippians 4: 10-13, "I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
I felt strongly that I was being called to Atlanta, Georgia. I recently returned after spending six weeks there from Thanksgiving through the New Year's holiday. This leap began in October, 2016, leaving Asheville, North Carolina, to take a position which resulted in a two-month stint in Charlotte. It is now evident, at least for the time being, that perhaps I was NOT prepared to leave Asheville. I, without a doubt, tend to jump "to the other side", toward "greener grass", to quickly.
The famous music artist from Miami, Pitbull, says it best. In his song entitled "Can't Have", he sings, "The grass looks greener on the other side; till you get to the other side."
Going back to Paul's writing in verses 10-13, Philippians chapter 4, it is easy when we feel removed or far away from God, to feel as if he has no concern for us. Paul states in the first sentence, "at last you renewed your concern for me." Let's examine this.
I was the one who did not ask for His guidance and with expectancy of the resulting answers and blessings, yet He was ever present. God is the most equipped "Navy Seal" known to man. To this very day, a Seal has never left a fellow warrior on the battlefield; dead or alive.
You can be confident that God is omnipresent. He has the appropriate resources, at the ready, at the appropriate time, when we face combat within ourselves in the world. And at times, the war is long. Reaching out to Him, tapping into His arsenal, allows us to remain appropriately equipped for battle at the exact date and time that we need Him.
The second part of verse 10 goes on to say, "Indeed you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it." Paul is very discerning and spot-on with this. God has the absolute ability to be concerned and have concern for us. How, do you ask? By having a consistent and constant dialogue with Him, our Savior, gives us our ability to have Him remain in us. How can we expect God to be ever-present; even though He is always available, if we do not maintain a dialogue with Him? You cannot receive for what you do not ask in prayer.
We need to remember that are God is OMNIPRESENT! Always available. Day or night, minute-by-minute and even second-by-second, rest assured He is there. The best part; in humility because of His abounding love for us, he can always be reached. It is in His very nature to be available.
Did Jesus not make time for the tax collector and the harlot alike? The blind and the able-bodied? Indeed he was there for them, and it is the same for you and I, two-thousand years later.
He lives!
Something quite deep to ponder and reflect upon.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Patience: Wrap-Up
In Patience: Part I, I made a stab at the meaning for me as a definition.
In practicing patience, much is required of us if we are to maintain it. I mentioned being in a stable state, being calm, and having clear thought during situations that might cause us stress. Using control in our daily endeavours will help, as there are many things throughout the day that we cannot, and have no control over. Focus on the ones that you can.
Paul's first instruction when becoming king was to "wait." God instructed him to wait a period of seven days. Waiting on positive things to come our way by the virtue of having faith in God's plans is hardly easy, but is achievable.
I offered the idea that each and everyone of us has a "patience quotient." For some it is easy to have patience in line at the grocery store of the (dreaded) DMV, and for others, not so much. We need to be aware, or cognizant of the areas that will require more patience of us, and make an effort on those.
Paul's challenge to us in Philippians is to "Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Notice that he even uses capital letters for the word, "Rejoice", in the passage. He was also "content" in all things from the Lord; feast or famine, penniless or the abundance of wealth. What I feel sure that he meant was that we not only need to be content in all areas and times throughout our lives, but to have a realization that the Lord has brought us these things; and sometimes the polar opposites of each other, allowing us to grow in our faith.
Paul offers us the secret recipe for success in Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Try to exude this confidence, knowing the secret. Pray, wait, and know that if you wait and have faith, blessings beyond our imagination will come our way.
In Part Deux, I brought to light the question of our design as human beings; "Are we built to be patient and content?" The answer for me; and I would believe for the majority of folks, we are not. Both the idea of being patient and content can be; and is, hard work. However, nothing comes our way on a silver platter. We must be willing to put in the time and effort.
For the answer to this, my cry for help; hopefully to be answered in my own life, will have a better chance of coming to fruition by setting "SMART" goals. Specific, Manageable, Achievable, Reachable and Time-Specific. This is not something that I came up with on my own, but rather an actionable idea that was mentioned to me during either a class or training program during my career as an advisor.
Then, the idea is to be content in the process.
Start small. For me the best approach as I mentioned is making a list. Crossing things off the list gives me a sense of accomplishment; no matter how small. I offered the the following: "Draw your plans in Sand, and your Goals in Stone." You will then be able to etch your accomplishments in stone, knowing that a goal you set has been reached.
In Part Tres, I was thinking mostly of the Christmas holiday. The explanation concerning the idea of Jesus's mission, is undoubtedly the best explanation of any I have ever heard. I have Andy Stanley, Pastor of Northpointe Church in Atlanta, Georgia, to thank for that.
Like Jesus, we all have a mission. Personally, I am beginning to realize that it has taken many years to prepare for mine. Having that clarity; only recently coming to light, gives me an extra ounce of faith, each day, that I am doing God's work.
There are four parts at work around the holidays to be mindful of. Atonement, Content, Forgiveness, and Patience. Once again, all are achievable. Patience will be necessary after we atone and forgive; either internally or externally. Be content in the process.
Part Quattro started with my explanation of a "hard time" in my life that I had to endure. For fifty-three days in 2016, I was at a homeless shelter for veterans. However, the lessons that I learned there concerning my personal character and resolve will have exponential and lasting effects.
Like Paul, I experienced the totality of favour and the lack thereof. The longer I was there, the more content I became in what seemed like a dire situation. My basic needs were not provided by my own efforts. What I gained, was a contentedness in the process, and was surrounded by others who I could provide my own faith in God; day-by-day, a little at a time. Veterans are a hard bunch to reach, as we have all experienced things that we would rather not talk about. I did feel that I was successful in the mission that God had placed me there for, no matter how small of an impact.
I realized how important our spiritual growth can be, in our daily walk with God, no matter the circumstance(s). The greater excess in our lives, can be had in spiritual growth.
Surround yourself with like-minded believers in Christ. That is not to say that we should not have friends or relationships beyond the scope of that definition; but at the core, this group of people should have influence within your life.
While Jesus completed his mission with a love for others, grace and a confident approach from start to finish, we are human. And while Jesus was able to express that love, patience, grace and confidence from start to finish; we are not equipped to do so, as He did, as we are not free from sin.
We must be humble and patient; with love, as Paul explains in Ephesians 4:2
We must be patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, Romans 12:12
It is in my opinion, important to revisit Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
For those who are interested in history, you may remember that Sir Winston Churchill gave a short but powerful address at a commencement saying only, "Young men, never give up! Never give up! Never give up!"
Show and present your spiritual gifts to others! You will be rewarded, at the appointed and proper time for your faithfulness, patience, and "Good will toward men."
In Part Cinco I shared the "Love speech", well known by many in Paul's letter to the Corinthians. He presents with confidence, that love is patient and kind.
I had you turn to passages in Matthew and Proverbs, both urging us to "put away our swords." In doing so, we must have patience. By putting away our swords, we show love.
Paul also urges us in Corinthians 13 to be kind. Kindness, I surmised, was easier to show than patience. While not the focus for performing patience and kindness, Paul is confident that we will reap a harvest, and an award for our efforts in displaying love.
Part Seis was about exuding patience in what is to come. We all have hopes, goals, and dreams for the future. It is easy to lose sight of these when things go awry in our day, but having patience and focus will undoubtedly help.
There are many good examples; that if we look for them even in the holiday movies, that offer good examples of why we should be patient. Charlie Brown and Jimmy Stewart come to mind for me.
David says, "Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;...", in Psalms 37:7.
Paul, in Romans 8 says, "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Patience, and faith; are important as we pray, presenting our requests to God.
Paul asks us to pray; unceasingly. To have an express understanding of dependence; for "all good things come from God", found in Thessalonians.
Matthew displays unbelief, as stated in his writings. Jesus says to him that we need only to have the "faith of a mustard seed", to move mountains. I'm not sure what those mountains are for you, and I certainly at times do not have clarity as to what they are, or what they will be for me? What I do know, is that being faithful in prayers gives us a defense against the Devil. I believe it is important to go to God in your times of trouble, and even more important to go to him in our times of receiving blessings.
Each week, a running theme in Joel Osteen's message to his congregation is typically filled with the idea of being expectant in receiving blessings; be it in times of struggle or times of blessing. Realizing that both have opportunities for growth; opportunities for strengthening our "faith muscle", will help us through the valleys and assisted us in staying on top of the wave; or trough. The key is to be expectant in the outcome.
Being prepared for God to stretch us is paramount. Our God is a "Big God." He wants the best for you, and the best for me. Be willing to accept challenges. Pray unceasingly no matter your circumstances. Let the challenges; and the process of going thru them, be lessons in faith. Be willing to stretch. God always has a definitive plan for our spiritual growth. But, we must be dependent on Him, and let Him be in the "driver's seat."
We must be patient!
In practicing patience, much is required of us if we are to maintain it. I mentioned being in a stable state, being calm, and having clear thought during situations that might cause us stress. Using control in our daily endeavours will help, as there are many things throughout the day that we cannot, and have no control over. Focus on the ones that you can.
Paul's first instruction when becoming king was to "wait." God instructed him to wait a period of seven days. Waiting on positive things to come our way by the virtue of having faith in God's plans is hardly easy, but is achievable.
I offered the idea that each and everyone of us has a "patience quotient." For some it is easy to have patience in line at the grocery store of the (dreaded) DMV, and for others, not so much. We need to be aware, or cognizant of the areas that will require more patience of us, and make an effort on those.
Paul's challenge to us in Philippians is to "Rejoice in the Lord, always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Notice that he even uses capital letters for the word, "Rejoice", in the passage. He was also "content" in all things from the Lord; feast or famine, penniless or the abundance of wealth. What I feel sure that he meant was that we not only need to be content in all areas and times throughout our lives, but to have a realization that the Lord has brought us these things; and sometimes the polar opposites of each other, allowing us to grow in our faith.
Paul offers us the secret recipe for success in Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Try to exude this confidence, knowing the secret. Pray, wait, and know that if you wait and have faith, blessings beyond our imagination will come our way.
In Part Deux, I brought to light the question of our design as human beings; "Are we built to be patient and content?" The answer for me; and I would believe for the majority of folks, we are not. Both the idea of being patient and content can be; and is, hard work. However, nothing comes our way on a silver platter. We must be willing to put in the time and effort.
For the answer to this, my cry for help; hopefully to be answered in my own life, will have a better chance of coming to fruition by setting "SMART" goals. Specific, Manageable, Achievable, Reachable and Time-Specific. This is not something that I came up with on my own, but rather an actionable idea that was mentioned to me during either a class or training program during my career as an advisor.
Then, the idea is to be content in the process.
Start small. For me the best approach as I mentioned is making a list. Crossing things off the list gives me a sense of accomplishment; no matter how small. I offered the the following: "Draw your plans in Sand, and your Goals in Stone." You will then be able to etch your accomplishments in stone, knowing that a goal you set has been reached.
In Part Tres, I was thinking mostly of the Christmas holiday. The explanation concerning the idea of Jesus's mission, is undoubtedly the best explanation of any I have ever heard. I have Andy Stanley, Pastor of Northpointe Church in Atlanta, Georgia, to thank for that.
Like Jesus, we all have a mission. Personally, I am beginning to realize that it has taken many years to prepare for mine. Having that clarity; only recently coming to light, gives me an extra ounce of faith, each day, that I am doing God's work.
There are four parts at work around the holidays to be mindful of. Atonement, Content, Forgiveness, and Patience. Once again, all are achievable. Patience will be necessary after we atone and forgive; either internally or externally. Be content in the process.
Part Quattro started with my explanation of a "hard time" in my life that I had to endure. For fifty-three days in 2016, I was at a homeless shelter for veterans. However, the lessons that I learned there concerning my personal character and resolve will have exponential and lasting effects.
Like Paul, I experienced the totality of favour and the lack thereof. The longer I was there, the more content I became in what seemed like a dire situation. My basic needs were not provided by my own efforts. What I gained, was a contentedness in the process, and was surrounded by others who I could provide my own faith in God; day-by-day, a little at a time. Veterans are a hard bunch to reach, as we have all experienced things that we would rather not talk about. I did feel that I was successful in the mission that God had placed me there for, no matter how small of an impact.
I realized how important our spiritual growth can be, in our daily walk with God, no matter the circumstance(s). The greater excess in our lives, can be had in spiritual growth.
Surround yourself with like-minded believers in Christ. That is not to say that we should not have friends or relationships beyond the scope of that definition; but at the core, this group of people should have influence within your life.
While Jesus completed his mission with a love for others, grace and a confident approach from start to finish, we are human. And while Jesus was able to express that love, patience, grace and confidence from start to finish; we are not equipped to do so, as He did, as we are not free from sin.
We must be humble and patient; with love, as Paul explains in Ephesians 4:2
We must be patient in affliction, faithful in prayer, Romans 12:12
It is in my opinion, important to revisit Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
For those who are interested in history, you may remember that Sir Winston Churchill gave a short but powerful address at a commencement saying only, "Young men, never give up! Never give up! Never give up!"
Show and present your spiritual gifts to others! You will be rewarded, at the appointed and proper time for your faithfulness, patience, and "Good will toward men."
In Part Cinco I shared the "Love speech", well known by many in Paul's letter to the Corinthians. He presents with confidence, that love is patient and kind.
I had you turn to passages in Matthew and Proverbs, both urging us to "put away our swords." In doing so, we must have patience. By putting away our swords, we show love.
Paul also urges us in Corinthians 13 to be kind. Kindness, I surmised, was easier to show than patience. While not the focus for performing patience and kindness, Paul is confident that we will reap a harvest, and an award for our efforts in displaying love.
Part Seis was about exuding patience in what is to come. We all have hopes, goals, and dreams for the future. It is easy to lose sight of these when things go awry in our day, but having patience and focus will undoubtedly help.
There are many good examples; that if we look for them even in the holiday movies, that offer good examples of why we should be patient. Charlie Brown and Jimmy Stewart come to mind for me.
David says, "Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him;...", in Psalms 37:7.
Paul, in Romans 8 says, "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
Patience, and faith; are important as we pray, presenting our requests to God.
Paul asks us to pray; unceasingly. To have an express understanding of dependence; for "all good things come from God", found in Thessalonians.
Matthew displays unbelief, as stated in his writings. Jesus says to him that we need only to have the "faith of a mustard seed", to move mountains. I'm not sure what those mountains are for you, and I certainly at times do not have clarity as to what they are, or what they will be for me? What I do know, is that being faithful in prayers gives us a defense against the Devil. I believe it is important to go to God in your times of trouble, and even more important to go to him in our times of receiving blessings.
Each week, a running theme in Joel Osteen's message to his congregation is typically filled with the idea of being expectant in receiving blessings; be it in times of struggle or times of blessing. Realizing that both have opportunities for growth; opportunities for strengthening our "faith muscle", will help us through the valleys and assisted us in staying on top of the wave; or trough. The key is to be expectant in the outcome.
Being prepared for God to stretch us is paramount. Our God is a "Big God." He wants the best for you, and the best for me. Be willing to accept challenges. Pray unceasingly no matter your circumstances. Let the challenges; and the process of going thru them, be lessons in faith. Be willing to stretch. God always has a definitive plan for our spiritual growth. But, we must be dependent on Him, and let Him be in the "driver's seat."
We must be patient!
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Patience: Part Seis
It's January 1, 2017.
For some that means waiting on bonus checks to be cut, a cost-of-living raise, and for some; it means looking for new and potentially better opportunities. For most, patience will be an important component, no matter the situation or circumstances.
I hope and pray that the holiday season was filled with joy, laughter, friends and family, and "Peace on earth, Good will to men", as Linus so correctly ends his soliloquy to Charlie Brown and the others at the Christmas play, saying, "Charlie Brown, that's what Christmas is all about." How I love the classic cartoons and old movies such as, "It's a Wonderful Life", this time of year.
But the year has come and gone; it is "in the books", as they say.
Two verses come to mind with respect to patience in all things new; one from David in Psalms, and the other from Paul in Romans 8, my favorite chapter in the Bible:
"Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes", David in Psalms 37:7
and,
Paul says:
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
I want to focus on two parts this morning, and on two pieces of each verse.
First; in Psalm 37:7, "and wait patiently for Him;"
Patience is absolutely required if we are to have faith in God's plans, and in God's timing. Flip back to Patience: Part Cinco, and you will find the verse mentioned from Galatians 6:9 where Paul states, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." While praying daily and even throughout the day as we see fit, David cautions that we must, "wait patiently for Him."
Like most of you probably have, I have set some goals that I will give a valiant effort to achieve in 2017. The coming year will have many blessings, and will have many struggles as we patiently wait for Him. While I am focusing on the principle of patience, should we not also have faith in the things and desires on our heart and minds that we present to the Lord?
Even as important as praying is the listening part. As part of the degree that I earned in my undergraduate work in psychology, I had two classes in counseling. We were tasked with the job of listening to others. Hearing their pleas, hearing there problems, and perhaps offering some advice as to what they should think about and analyze; in an attempt to decipher what may make sense of those issues or problems. Not easy, but achievable.
I am reminded of my late grandfather who many times used the word "hope." I can fondly remember the many times that I shared my goals and dreams with my grandfather what I was "hoping for." I am reminded also; however, what Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians, saying, "Pray without ceasing - Ye are dependent on God for every good; without him ye can do nothing; feel that dependence at all times, and ye will always be in the spirit of prayer, and those who feel this spirit will, as frequently as possible, be found in the exercise of prayer."
What I am trying to express, is that hoping for the things we do not have; and a desire for them, is in no way wrong. It is more important to exercise your "prayer muscle"; in faith, knowing that God wants good things for us in our lives. God requires us to "step out in faith." In the King James Version, Matthew recites as Jesus said to him, "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of [a] mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it will remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Hardly an easy concept to grasp.
Strong believers in Christ should know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus wants good things for us. We must be patient. In prayer, in the process, and in patience for the answer in His time. The "faith muscle" also requires a willingness to stretch. Like the exercises we perform at the gym, the muscle must be torn down, and then given time to rebuild to a greater state; a bigger and stronger muscle.
For that to happen, we must realize that God doesn't give us small goals. Our God is a "Big God." He aims to stretch us beyond our comfort zone and to heights that we have a disbelief that we can achieve. Add to that, prayer, listening, and a "Bigger Faith" is required of us.
What we need to realize, is that we will be greatly rewarded for our efforts. God will stretch us beyond what we believe and think is achievable, so he can set the bar a little higher out of our reach, to stretch us once again in the realization of His glory for Him; and us.
The reality is, we must be ready and willing to accept the challenges set before us. In doing so; in patience and with love and affection in the process, will allow us to reach unimaginable dreams that we thought were impossible.
For some that means waiting on bonus checks to be cut, a cost-of-living raise, and for some; it means looking for new and potentially better opportunities. For most, patience will be an important component, no matter the situation or circumstances.
I hope and pray that the holiday season was filled with joy, laughter, friends and family, and "Peace on earth, Good will to men", as Linus so correctly ends his soliloquy to Charlie Brown and the others at the Christmas play, saying, "Charlie Brown, that's what Christmas is all about." How I love the classic cartoons and old movies such as, "It's a Wonderful Life", this time of year.
But the year has come and gone; it is "in the books", as they say.
Two verses come to mind with respect to patience in all things new; one from David in Psalms, and the other from Paul in Romans 8, my favorite chapter in the Bible:
"Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes", David in Psalms 37:7
and,
Paul says:
"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently."
I want to focus on two parts this morning, and on two pieces of each verse.
First; in Psalm 37:7, "and wait patiently for Him;"
Patience is absolutely required if we are to have faith in God's plans, and in God's timing. Flip back to Patience: Part Cinco, and you will find the verse mentioned from Galatians 6:9 where Paul states, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." While praying daily and even throughout the day as we see fit, David cautions that we must, "wait patiently for Him."
Like most of you probably have, I have set some goals that I will give a valiant effort to achieve in 2017. The coming year will have many blessings, and will have many struggles as we patiently wait for Him. While I am focusing on the principle of patience, should we not also have faith in the things and desires on our heart and minds that we present to the Lord?
Even as important as praying is the listening part. As part of the degree that I earned in my undergraduate work in psychology, I had two classes in counseling. We were tasked with the job of listening to others. Hearing their pleas, hearing there problems, and perhaps offering some advice as to what they should think about and analyze; in an attempt to decipher what may make sense of those issues or problems. Not easy, but achievable.
I am reminded of my late grandfather who many times used the word "hope." I can fondly remember the many times that I shared my goals and dreams with my grandfather what I was "hoping for." I am reminded also; however, what Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians, saying, "Pray without ceasing - Ye are dependent on God for every good; without him ye can do nothing; feel that dependence at all times, and ye will always be in the spirit of prayer, and those who feel this spirit will, as frequently as possible, be found in the exercise of prayer."
What I am trying to express, is that hoping for the things we do not have; and a desire for them, is in no way wrong. It is more important to exercise your "prayer muscle"; in faith, knowing that God wants good things for us in our lives. God requires us to "step out in faith." In the King James Version, Matthew recites as Jesus said to him, "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of [a] mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it will remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
Hardly an easy concept to grasp.
Strong believers in Christ should know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus wants good things for us. We must be patient. In prayer, in the process, and in patience for the answer in His time. The "faith muscle" also requires a willingness to stretch. Like the exercises we perform at the gym, the muscle must be torn down, and then given time to rebuild to a greater state; a bigger and stronger muscle.
For that to happen, we must realize that God doesn't give us small goals. Our God is a "Big God." He aims to stretch us beyond our comfort zone and to heights that we have a disbelief that we can achieve. Add to that, prayer, listening, and a "Bigger Faith" is required of us.
What we need to realize, is that we will be greatly rewarded for our efforts. God will stretch us beyond what we believe and think is achievable, so he can set the bar a little higher out of our reach, to stretch us once again in the realization of His glory for Him; and us.
The reality is, we must be ready and willing to accept the challenges set before us. In doing so; in patience and with love and affection in the process, will allow us to reach unimaginable dreams that we thought were impossible.
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