Tag Archives: patience

September 27
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“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:1-2, NIV)

Live up to your calling.

This is the message from Paul — writing from prison in Rome — to the Christians in Ephesus (a city in modern-day Turkey).

Our calling is the highest of all callings, yet we are instructed to be humble. This calling often leads us into the coarsest of situations, yet we are expected to be gentle at all times. Our calling gives us access to the wisdom of the ages, and the knowledge of the Almighty; yet we are also called to exhibit patience, forbearance, and love.

Are you living up to your calling as a disciple of Jesus? – Luther

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May 14
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“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32, NIV)

Activity is often overrated. Because of this, we confuse movement with productivity.  

Although most of us love to be seen as “proactive,” “energetic,” “take-charge,” or “engaging”; we need to know that the Lord values other adjectives more highly: “patient,” “long-suffering,” “self-possessed,” and “peaceable.” 

Many things we choose to “force” in life would come to us with far less struggle and strife were we only to wait on the Lord. Recall the times in your life when you moved on something — or someone — just because you could; or because you wanted to “show-off.” In many of those instances, couldn’t you have achieved the same result with far less energy, drama, or pain to others?

All true warriors know that the best victory is the one that is gained without having to go into battle. 

Wait on the Lord. He opens doors that no one can shut; and He closes doors that no one can open.  – Luther

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April 9
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“This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘I will punish the Amalekites for what they did to Israel when they waylaid them as they came up from Egypt.” (I Samuel 15:2, NIV)

There are times in life when others deal unfairly — or even ruthlessly — with us, as the Amalekites did with the Children of Israel during their time in the wilderness.

There is no denying the pain of a betrayal, or the expense of the remedies; but as a disciple of Jesus, we must remain focused on the task(s) God has set before us. 

The Lord God did not forget the offenses of the Amalekites. At a time of the Lord’s choosing, he addressed the offenses of Israel’s enemies.  He will do the same for us if — repeat — if we will forego vengeance, keeping scores, and bearing grudges against those who have wounded us.

Our heavenly Father has these things “for action.”  Our assigned task is to remain utterly faithful to do all that He has set before us.  – Luther

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