ASK GOD FOR PATIENCE

How infiltrated are you with God’s patience? You’ve heard about it, read about it, perhaps underlined Bible passages regarding it. But have you received it? Well the proof is in your patience. Patience deeply received results in patience freely offered.

Remember the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18:34? “Then the angry king sent the man to prison until he had paid every penny.” Whew, we sigh. It’s a good thing God doesn’t imprison the impatient in real life. Don’t be so sure – impatience still imprisons the soul.

But God does more than demand patience from us; he offers it to us. According to Galatians 5:22, patience is a fruit of his Spirit. Have you asked God to give you some fruit? Did you grow impatient? Well ask him again and again.

Devotion by Max Lucado | The Almighty Jehovah | https://thealmightyJehovah.com

Look for God

With the passing of years, Henry’s life had changed. His children were grown. The neighborhood was different. He was unhappy. He asked his minister if he was unhappy for some sin he’d committed. “Yes,” the wise pastor replied. “The sin of ignorance. One of your neighbors is the Messiah in disguise, and you have not seen him.”

With time, Henry saw things in people he’d never seen. When others spoke he listened. After all, he might be listening to the Messiah. The bounce returned to his step. His eyes took on a friendly sparkle. He said, “All I know is that things changed when I started looking for God.”

Now, that’s curious. The old man saw Jesus because he didn’t know what he looked like. The people in Jesus’ day missed him because they thought they did. How are things looking in your neighborhood?

The Next Door Savior

In the aftermath of 9/11 a group of religious leaders was invited to come to Washington and pray with President Bush. The group was well-frocked and well-known. You might wonder if I felt out of place. The only time I wear a robe is when I step out of the shower.

But when it came my turn to meet George W. Bush, I added, “And Mr. President, I was raised in Andrews, Texas—a half-hour drive from your hometown.” He smiled that lopsided smile and let his accent drawl ever so slightly. “Why, I know your town. I’ve walked those streets. I’ve even played your golf course.” It was nice to know that the president knew my home.

How much nicer to know the same about God. Yes, he rules the universe. Yes, he has walked your streets. He’s still the next door Savior. Jesus – above all powers? You bet he is!

ASK GOD FOR PATIENCE