July 10, 2018
James 5:7-12 New Living Translation (NLT)
God always seems to help me love and deal with all kinds of people. I encounter so many different personalities each day; so many needs in human lives. Some days my pray is, “Lord, how can I best love this person into your loving arms? What do they really need and how can I reveal your presence in the answer? Whatever I need to say, Lord, give me the words. Whatever action I need to take, Lord, guide my thoughts, arms, and feet.” Christ is returning for his Bride and we need to be ready by waiting and living in peace with God and others; this means we must live by the power of grace.
Our passage the last two days has been focused on loving people; staying the course in the love of Jesus Christ in order to extend mercy and to grow our endurance for handling difficulties. I still find myself frustrated at times when reaching out to love people who just want a quick fix and not a life change. So, I have some growing to do and God is bringing me a greater measure of freedom. I still feel God is wanting to bring a directional change to the lifestyle of the world, but I am only one daughter of millions and my biggest challenge is to face my own Judge with a right heart. So, as you reach out today to live in the light of Truth with Christ’s Spirit as your Guide, be patient and know that God is helping you grow each time you encounter folks who frustrate you. He may not be bringing the change in them; his plan for change may be in you.
James 5:7-12 Patience and Endurance
7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. 8 You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.
9 Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!
10 For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
12 But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned.
Prayer: Lord, my answer is yes. Yes, I will follow you and look for the harvest of patient endurance in my life. While you are working, help me to be patient and endure frustration in your grace.