Patience - The Great Imperative

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" -- James 5:7-9 

In a time of great impatience, farmers are a rare breed. When the internet and rapid transit has made everything lightening fast to the touch, these stalwart souls still have to be patient. Over two thousand years have passed since the above writing and little has changed for the farmer. Patience remains the great imperative.

The same remains true for the believer who awaits the return of Christ. His coming is nearer today than in James' day, but we still need to be patient and stand firm. Our conduct should be God honoring with brotherly love. Our faith in the Lord's timing must continue strong through the darkest days. As Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:8, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."

All believers know the end of the story and we live in great expectation of the Lord's return. The question is; how then shall we live? Take a lesson from the farmer my friend, and patiently sow your seeds of Christ-like living. As the spring and autumn rains come, the Lord will also come... and He's never late!

Submit to God...

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you..." -- James 4:7-8  

I have known too many people who have suffered physically rather than seeking the care of a doctor. I knew a man who came to a point that he daily swallowed a dose of Listerine for throat pain. One morning he just collapsed. He died of advanced cancer that was never diagnosed or treated. We can fight disease in our bodies all we want, but until we are willing to come under the care of a skilled physician, we will only get worse.

The soul is far more diseased than the body. We have a condition called sin and it will eat us up if we don't seek help. Choosing to deal with the habits of sin in our own strength is like taking aspirin for a tumor. We can determine to resist temptation, sin, and the devil all we want, but until we submit ourselves to the Great Physician of our souls, we will only get worse.

The simple prescription for spiritual health is found in the words, "Submit yourselves, then, to God". Place yourself under the care of the Great Physician. Allow him to heal your soul, knowing that if you "Come near to God and he will come near to you." Only then will sin, temptation and the devil flee, and you will get better.

Heavenly Wisdom...

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." -- James 3:17-18

I have attended more board meetings than I can count. There have been church boards, association boards, library boards and consultation boards. Each board has had a different personality and focus. And, time and again there would be some dear soul that believed they were wiser than any other. Their wisdom was to be accepted or there would be tension and stress beyond belief. Wisdom it might have been, but it wasn't from heaven.

The beauty of God given wisdom is the way it is expressed. Godly wisdom is given in a merciful, considerate and submissive manner. There is no partiality and peaceful results are sincerely sought. Wisdom of the natural man seeks praise and honor for the great insight that has been offered. If their counsel is rejected or altered, trouble comes and peace goes out the window. Only heavenly wisdom can raise a harvest of righteousness.

Before you enter the next meeting my friend, seek the wisdom that comes from heaven. You will know it comes from God when you are more concerned about others and a peaceful conclusion than your own ideas. The difference between a peacemaker and a peace-breaker depends on the kind of wisdom you choose.

Love them like Jesus...

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." - James 2:8-10 

Herb was a businessman who attended our church many years ago. Today, he is homeless, unkempt and has an unpleasant smell. In the colder months Herb stops into the church to get warm and has a bite to eat when we have a church supper. I am thankful when I see some of our church family stop and visit with him. But it saddens me when I see other believers avoid him at any cost. How can we love one another and not love Herb?

James called us to a deeper level of compassion when he challenged our "Love Capacity". It's easy to love those who love us back and those who are lovable. Such are the people we choose to show that extra interest and care. But, if we are going to be consistent in our obedience to the second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39), we must take time to love the Herbs of our world.

Today you will meet someone. They will not win your attention or your desire to show compassion. They may offend you by their conduct and attire. How will you choose to treat them, my friend? Will you avoid them in the name of inconvenience or will "Love them like Jesus"?

Rein it in!

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." - James 1:26

What a day for speaking carelessly. Not too long ago a military General lost his position for derogatory remarks about his superiors and an actor had to apologize to the town council for remarks made about the local citizens. Both cases were spoken during an interview for a national magazine. I have no doubt that these two guys will be more careful before they speak out again. It pays to keep a tight rein on the tongue.

James makes the quality of thoughtful speech a significant characteristic for the believer. We can do all the right things and teach others with great insight, but with just one wrong word we can irreparably offend someone. Many a Christian testimony has been lost over a few thoughtless words. As James said earlier in verse 19, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak". It pays to keep a tight rein on the tongue.

By the grace of God, there have been many thoughts that have come to mind that I refused to verbalize. I would encourage you to do the same, my friend. We may have "Freedom of Speech", but it's not freedom to offend. The treasures of friendship, peace, harmony and unity are far more valuable than words can say. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 25:11, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." and in Proverbs 17:28 "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." It pays to keep a tight rein on the tongue.

The right Leader...

"Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." - Psalm 60:11-12

Some years ago there was a major upset that involved the leadership of our troops in Afghanistan. The old General was removed and a new leader has been assigned. War brings various changes like this for many reasons. The utmost concern is gaining victory over the enemy. Having the right leader is critical.

Our spiritual battle is no different. Victory over the enemy is the major goal and we can't do it by ourselves. We need more than the "worthless" help of man. We need the Sovereign leadership of our God and King. With the "Captain" of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10 KJV) in charge, our spiritual enemies will most certainly be "trampled down". Having the right leader is critical.

Be wise my friend and understand, "the help of man is worthless" in our spiritual battles. With God and God alone victory is sure. Remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 3:5 ... "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..." Having the right leader is critical.

Sacrifices that please ...

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:15-16

The "Prosperity Gospel" has been popular for quite some time. Our generation has been quite taken with what they can get from God in riches. We come to worship and pray when we want something from God. The thought of bringing sacrifices to Him or giving generously to others is quite foreign to this self-centered theology. But what is it that truly pleases God?

We may be careful to choose a church that teaches the true gospel, but do we worship and serve in the spirit of that gospel? God is most honored in worship when we offer "a sacrifice of praise" and He is most pleased when we "do good and share with others". John put it this way in 1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." The right response to the gospel is giving, not about getting.
So, what are you planning for this coming Lord's Day? How will you worship the Lord? Will you arrive with your heart focused on Him and lifting up all that you are to praise him? Will you in turn give to others this week and share God's blessings with them as unto the Lord? For "... with such sacrifices God is pleased"  

Missing the sweetness...

"See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." - Hebrews 12:15

 We occasionally have a lot of fruit in the kitchen. When it first arrives it's sweet to the taste and healthy for the body. As time passes we fail to eat it all and it starts to rot. The taste changes from good to bitter. We missed the opportunity to enjoy the sweetness.

Living with trials and struggles brings about the same process. In the midst of troubles, God avails himself to give us the sweet taste of his Grace. (Hebrews 4:16) When we choose to ignore this opportunity, we miss his grace and a bitter root grows up. We start to complain and eventually cause trouble for others. The sweetness is gone and we've started to rot and taste bad to others.
Have you missed the grace of God lately? Did you ignore the need for his grace when you were offended, tried or pressured by change? Are you now living with the results of a bitter root? Are others finding your presence to be a bad taste? Here is a word to wise, don't miss the opportunity to be sweet to the taste... "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

A Longing...

"If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.  Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." - Hebrews 11:15-16

The puritan pilgrims arrived on the shores of America with a longing in their hearts. The days ahead were brutal and demanded great sacrifice. Eventually, opportunities came for a return to England, but they were focused on a better future in a new land. More significantly, they were looking and preparing for a heavenly country.

Whether it is the patriarchs of the Bible, the puritan pilgrims of the seventeenth century or the new believers of 2018, the dynamics are always the same. If we are still too tied to the old ways of the world, we can always return. But, devoted believers have left the past behind for good, with no desire to return. They are focused on the future, preparing for eternity every day.

Search your heart my friend. What is your longing? Are you so deeply rooted in this world that you rarely think about heavenly things? Are you so satisfied with the present material possessions that you have no longing for a heavenly country? Remember, God's children are those who have "admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth." (verse 13) and their "... citizenship is in heaven" (Philippians 3:20). God is never ashamed of those who are looking for the city that he has prepared for them!

Fugetaboutit!

"Then he adds:  "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." - Hebrews 10:17

There is true forgetfulness and there is a forgetfulness of convenience. At my age there is no convenience about my forgetfulness. There are some things that I truly desire to forget and there are those matters that I can't afford to forget. One thing is for sure, there are some things we need to remember and some that we need to forget.

Having thought about our own memory issues, consider this: God chooses to forget and therefore he does. An omniscient creator who knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) and knows our every thought before we think them (Psalm 139:2) can willingly forget. But what is it that he chooses to forget? The true joy is in this: God never forgets us (Hebrews 13:5), but he forgets our sins. God has chosen to completely clear his memory of the sins of the repentant sinner.

The thought I leave you with today is this: If the all knowing God of the universe has chosen, in Christ, to forgive and FORGET your sins... when will you forget them and move on??

Fathers, Fear the Lord ...

"He who fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge." - Proverbs 14:26

In America, this last Sunday was Father's day. It's a day when we remember and honor our fathers for their fatherly care. For some the day passes without notice because they either have no father or their father has been a major heartbreak to the family. But, there are those who have been blessed with a father who "fears the LORD".

There are many things I can be grateful for when I remember my Dad, but the best memories are all about his last few years of life. He became serious about the Lord and leading others to Christ. In his declined health he sought opportunities to study the Bible and then shared it with others. Nothing my Dad ever gave me comes close to the value of seeing him live for Christ. Today, I honor him, because he "feared the LORD".
If you are a father I implore you to "fear the LORD". You will most certainly find in Him a fortress for yourself and your children. Furthermore, from your fear of the LORD, you will have a legacy to pass on to your children that will be a refuge and will last forever.

Strength training...

"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." - Psalm 59:16-17

There was a time that I lifted weights for strength training. I would rise early and work out like so many others that I knew and read about. Each morning brought another routine that added to the strength building program. While there are a great number who follow this pattern of life, there are fewer who rise early to seek their deeper Strength.

No matter where David found himself, he rose early to sing of his deeper Strength... the Lord. He even named the Lord "my Strength" as he sang praise to him. As a result of rising every day to seek his Strength, David grew stronger. But, his was not strength from within; it was strength from above.

Where does your strength come from today? Are you growing stronger every day as you rise to seek your "Strength"? In the face of great spiritual battles, we all need Strength from above. As Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power."

You only die once...

"Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." - Hebrews 9:27-28

"You only go around once", "This is a 'one time' offer", "You're only young once", and so the phrases go that tell us about onetime events. So it is with death, in this life, you only die once. There are no retakes or second chances after that moment. Since no one knows when that moment will come, it's best to be prepared.

Jesus died once to take away the sins of many, not all. The fact is, not everyone is ready for death. The most important way to "put your house in order" is to clear your sin debt. Jesus came the first time to do just that; pay for your sin. Only those who have been set free from their sins (verse 15) are truly prepared.

Yes, you only live once in this life, but there is a life to come. Are you ready? This is not a matter to put off until another day. Paul put it well in 2 Corinthians 6:2 "I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." Don't wait my friend, you only die once, so be prepared. 

He's "THE BEST!"...

"But the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, and it is founded on better promises." - Hebrews 8:6

Over the years Sears & Roebuck has made the practice of categorizing their products as "Good, Better and Best". The practice has caught on and a vast number of retailers are now doing the same thing. The consumer is left with a choice that will be affordable and work for them. Sadly, many people must settle for the "Good" or "Better" because they simply cannot afford the "Best". Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could have the "Best"?

In spiritual matters though, everyone can have the "Best" or "superior" product. In comparison to the old covenant of works and all other religious expressions, the ministry of Jesus is "superior". The new covenant is founded on "Better" promises and therefore, He will be our God and we will be his people by faith and the Lord will forgive our wickedness and remember our sins no more. Now, that is the "Best" offer to all who will receive.

Why try to work your way to heaven? Why follow religious teachings that always fall short of changing your heart? Give up the "Good" and "Better" and accept the "Best" as you trust Jesus and all His promises. Remember, "Whoever believes" (John 3:16) can have the "Best"!

The best lawyer...

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens." - Hebrews 7:25-26

Lawyers are those who speak to the court on our behalf. Some are fairly dependable and some are just interested in their fee. Yet, it is recommended that we have an advocate to protect our legal interests. I have had so many requests to recommend a "good" lawyer that I've lost count. Thankfully, when it comes to the court of heaven, I can recommend an excellent lawyer to intercede with perfection.

Yes, priests are like lawyers. In the Old Testament they spoke to God on behalf of the people. Today we have one high priest who speaks on our behalf... his name is Jesus. There is no better intercessor for our souls, for he is "holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners". Since he is able to "save completely", we can say that he has never lost a case. Jesus is the best lawyer that money can't buy. (He represents his clients "pro bono")

Why be represented before God by another sinner? Why try to represent yourself? We all need a high priest that "meets our need" perfectly because he is perfect. Jesus always lives to intercede for you my friend, so give your case to him. He alone is able to "save completely those who come to God through him".

Haven of Rest...

"God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." - Hebrews 6:18-20

Our family has lived near the ocean for many generations. We have lived through and survived some of the most historic hurricanes that Long Island and New England have ever experienced. So, we know that when storms are brewing, many ships are taken out into deep waters and anchored. This prevents damage from the dock and others ships. The anchor protects from drifting and provides safety in the storm.

In like manner, believers have an anchor for the hurricanes of life. Their anchor is a hope that protects from drifting and provides safety in the storm. This hope is founded on the Lord who never lies and it gives an assurance for our soul that is firm and secure. The old gospel song says it this way, "I've anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest".

Why are you tossed every which way in the storms of life? Do you not have an anchor of hope in the Lord? When the winds start to howl, drop anchor my friend and find rest for your soul in Jesus.

THE HAVEN OF REST

Henry L. Gilmour

My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea, so burdened with sin, and distress, till I heard a sweet voice saying, “Make me your choice!” And I entered the 

Haven of Rest.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace, and faith taking hold of the Word, my fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul—The “Haven of Rest” is my Lord.

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole, has been the old story so blest of Jesus, who’ll save whosoever will have a home in the Haven of Rest!

O come to the Savior—He patiently waits to save by His power divine; Come, anchor your soul in the Haven of Rest, and say, “My Beloved is mine.”

Chorus: I’ve anchored my soul in the Haven of Rest; I’ll sail the wide seas no more; the tempest may sweep o’er the wild, stormy deep —  

In Jesus I’m safe ever more.

Eat Meat!

"Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." - Hebrews 5:13-14

I watched as our sons matured, moving from milk to solid food. They quickly grew strong and agile, leaving me no other choice than to stop wrestling with them for my own safety. During those same years I watched my father relegated to a puree diet and saw his weight and strength slip away. The choice of food will always make a difference in our health and strength.

The spiritual life is no different than the physical. We need to move from spiritual milk to solid food to become strong. Furthermore, we need to train ourselves "by constant use" or feeding on solid food so we can "distinguish good from evil". The choice of spiritual food will always make a difference in our ability to know right from wrong.

We all need to grow up in spiritual teachings about righteousness. But, we also need to stay the course so we don't become weak from the lack of constant use. You may have been a Christian for many years, but remember, you still need the meat of the Word to stay strong in the faith. You are what you eat!!

Songs of Praise...

"My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music." - Psalm 57:7

Many songwriters are inspired by love or beauty. John Denver wrote “Annie’s Song” in about ten-and-a-half minutes on a ski lift to the top of Bell Mountain in Aspen, Colorado. Exhilarated from having "skied down a very difficult run" and being immersed with the surrounding beauty he was inspired to think about his wife. How different when someone sings and makes music when they are "in the midst of lions" (vs. 4).

David was able to sing and make music while in deep trouble because he was always inspired by God's great love that reached to the heavens (vs.10). In the midst of lions and ravenous beasts David made a choice. He chose to praise the Lord among the nations. Rather than sit in the dark and lick his wounds, he lifted his voice in praise and was filled with song. David chose to awaken his soul to praise.

What will you choose today? Will you sing and make music to the Lord no matter what? Nothing will ever change the fact of his love and faithfulness. Begin your day my friend by awakening your soul and the dawn with songs of praise!

Draw near...

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."  - Hebrews 4:16

Over the years we have all met people who feel the need to "share breath" with us during conversations. They venture into our "comfort zone" without invitation. It's alright to sit across the table and talk, but we really get uneasy when they force their way into "my space".  Are we really willing to allow needy people to "draw near"?

Thankfully, we have a friend, a Savior, a high priest who is willing to receive us into his "comfort zone". He has invited us to "draw near" to his throne of grace to receive mercy. There is never a time when we need to hold back from "sharing breath" with our Lord. In a way, Jesus has said, "Come with confidence into 'my space' so I can help in your time of need." 

The devotional writings that have made the greatest impact on my life over the years have been written by those who have ventured into our Lord's "comfort zone". They provide the encouragement and blessing that can only come from those who have "drawn near". Now, why depend on those who have "shared breath" with the Lord when we can go with confidence into "His space" today? Draw near my friend, draw near!

Faithfulness...

"Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God's house." - Hebrews 3:1-2 

I have performed a good number of weddings over the years. Every time I review the ceremony I see that timeless word "faithfulness". The phrase is "and thereto I solemnly pledge to you, my faithfulness." Later in the ceremony, rings are exchanged with the words "This ring I give you, as a sign and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love". And yet, the number of divorces every year continues to stagger the mind. When will we fix our thoughts on Jesus, who taught us the meaning of "faithfulness"?

Faithfulness to marriage, to family, to our employers and to God's calling in our lives is as important today as it was for Jesus and Moses. We are so comforted when we think about God's faithfulness to us in times of need, but how faithful are we to our promises? True faithfulness will come from hearts that are focused on Jesus and are full of faith.

Being faithful may be difficult at times, but if we begin everyday fixing our thoughts on Jesus, determined to live by faith, faithfulness will follow. Consider the words of David in Psalm 15:1-2 and 4, "LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart ...who keeps his oath even when it hurts" Be faithful my friend, even when it hurts.

An understanding Savior...

"For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." - Hebrews 2:17-18

My wife had a physical condition some years ago that required medical attention. Of all the Doctors we visited, our family physician was the most understanding. Why? His understanding came, not from his training, but from his experience. This doctor suffered from the same condition as my wife. Because he also suffered, he was able to help.

The wonders of our Savior's incarnation are more than the mind can conceive. But, one aspect that is most comforting is the fact that our Lord suffered when he was tempted, and is able to help those who are tempted. His mercy comes from who he is and what he has experienced.

We should never find ourselves saying, "No one understands". The song writer was dead on when he wrote, "No One Understands Like Jesus". The next time you are struggling with the temptations of life remember, you have a friend who suffered more than you, and he is able to help you through it all.

NO ONE UNDERSTANDS LIKE JESUS

No one understands like Jesus.

 He’s a friend beyond compare;

 Meet Him at the throne of mercy;

 He is waiting for you there.

No one understands like Jesus;

 Ev’ry woe He sees and feels;

 Tenderly He whispers comfort,

 And the broken heart He heals.

No one understands like Jesus

 When the foes of life assail;

 You should never be discouraged;

 Jesus cares and will not fail!

No one understands like Jesus

 When you falter on the way;

 Tho’ you fail Him, sadly fail Him,

 He will pardon you today.

CHORUS:

 No one understands like Jesus

 When the days are dark and grim;

 No one is so near, so dear as Jesus–

 Cast your ev’ry care on Him!

Words and music by John W. Peterson.