James 5: 7-12
7 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.
8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
I like analogies. They help me relate to other things I might not understand or maybe just give me a fast track to connecting related thoughts. The same is true here with these verses. On the surface they seem disjointed but actually they are all about God, and following his instructions until the harvest.
While we wait we must obey God and continue to stand firm with the lessons we have learned just like others who have come before us. It's by doing this we realize God's compassion and mercy because we have persevered as Christians. Those that do not put their complete trust in Him, will be condemned.
Anna Claire looking for ants.
3 comments:
Patience is something I pray for nearly everyday, especially when so many things get wrapped in living outside of today...sometimes I am so thirsty for those autumn and spring rains, but in my heart I know watching the "crops" rise up from seed and watching their newly exposed blades reach for the sun is just as important....part of the journey, but when the rain does come, I will surely dance in it.
It looks like Anna Claire has employed Cocoa Puff to help her look for ants? Cute, cute picture.
Have a lovely day Phyllis :)
many hugs,
Joni
Thank you Joni. I'm watching Forrest Gump tonight. For some reason even this movie reminds me to be patient.
I love that movie!!!
Tom Hanks is one of my favorite actors.
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