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Entries for February 2015
"You also be patient. Establish your hearts. for the coming of the Lord is at hand."James 5:8
A high level of expectation for the Lord Jesus' imminent return existed in the early church.. He had said "I will come again." They expected Him momentarily. Still He had not returned. The delay generated impatience.
The Apostle reminded them how farmers plant the seed and wait. They do their part, but growth and fruitfulness depends upon future rainy seasons. Likewise, believers have no control of the time it would take to see the full results of their labors.
Nothing should ruin the poise and peace in our hearts as we wait for the Lord's return. Yet, we worry about how our children and their children will cope with future challenges. We wonder if and how they will be persecuted? If challenged, will they remain faithful to the Lord? Do they cherish their Christian testimony and values?
Layers of opposition, political, relational, educational, regional and national, pile up more everyday against those who declare Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Open hostility flares quickly at those who dare to apply the truth declared in the Scriptures as a standard for today's culture. Christians are listed as extremists by their critics.
How we react to opposition reveals what is in our hearts. We can be chafed and irritated by the evil around us and plead for the Lord's return, or we can be poised and patient as we stand strong in what we believe until He comes.
Practice Patience: Plant seeds of patience, trust and love in your life. Nuture them. In times of trial the harvest of patience and love will bear fruit.
PRAYER: Give me a patient heart, Lord, not anxious nor fearful. Help me to bring hope to others as I live in daily expectation of Your return. By Your grace, Amen.
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"Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! Selah" Psalm 68:18
Salvation is bountiful and the One who saves us merits a generous overflow of heart-felt praise. This text is a reminder to give back blessing to God who loads us with daily benefits.
A gratitude attitude can change your day. Just be willing to put your thanks into words. When you feel you cannot face the world, look up and count your blessings. Count them one by one aloud.
Name the people who bless you each day. Daily blessings do not just happen, they are poured out through others. Pronounce blessings upon them. Allow your heart to overflow with love for each one.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS! Name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." I recall my mother singing that hymn as she worked long hours to support a sick husband and me, her daughter. She had discovered how to lift the over-load of worry and how to carry an over-flow of joy.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, teach me to switch from negative thoughts to a positive recall of daily blessings in my life. Instead of an overload of worry, I lift up praise to You. I claim all the benefits of my salvation. In Jesus name, Amen.
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