What on earth is passionate patience? I know what patience is. And I know what passion is. but how do you define passionate patience?
This is the wrong day for riddles. I've just got too much going on. And nothing seems to be moving towards advancement. It seems I am stalled in all my activities, in one way or another. Is it going to be "one of those days"?
First, my tooth. At my age, the teeth begin to lose their strength. Yet their purpose is most important to continued life. I'm turning 80 this year and want to feel good. But, I had an important tooth which had been crowned nicely become loose. "Get it out right away", my dentist said," before you swallow it." So, it was removed. Now, what was to replace it? An implant? Just the thing. But the hole left by the root of the tooth was too close to my sinus cavity for an implant, so they said, "We must rebuild the bony area in order to implant a tooth. Now this will be a process and overall it will take about 4 months."
We're moving, you know. Bought a small house; sold the bigger house. Still, we'll need a small house in the north. But can't look for that yet, because we first must close on the sold house. This all seemed a normal thing to do when we started out. It seemed perfectly clear. God even spoke to Jerry and told him how we should do it. But, God didn't say to do it slowly, one thing at a time. So, we've put ourselves in a situation of "too much going on."
So, we have tooth payments, travel payments, wedding expenses, moving expenses, improvement expenses because the new, small house is quite old, expenses on the sold house to please the new owner and we're trying to do it all at once.! Plus, I can't seem to even give away my clothes hanging in the closet which I don't want to move to any house.
But, and that's a big B, even if I feel stymied, am I really? While journaling this morning, I came across Romans 5:3 and 4, which reads in part: "Troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next." And a bit later it says, "In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling short-changed."
Ah, that's the word. That's exactly the right word. That's how I felt today! Notice I say felt? Writing all of this out in a scream to you, seems to have quieted my soul somewhat. So, although I felt short-changed, am I really? No, I don't think so. God will not short-change me. All He asks of me is to trust and be patient. Hmm. Loving God could mean passion. Having trust could mean patience. So, Loving God and trusting Him completely must mean passionate patience.
Now, passionate patience doesn't come without believing in it and recognizing that without it you and I might be in a fix. I don't operate very well without confidence in God and without God's confidence in me, which I have to trust. So, my feelings are not important. All is going along, maybe not perfectly and quickly, but going forward. All is in readiness for God's Way. My feelings are not important; it is His timing and His perfection that is important. And on this I must live. I must.
I have a strong desire to believe all will come to pass in God's time--passionate patience.
Well, there you go.....Jo
Friday, May 24, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
HEAVEN CAN HOLD US ALL
Romans 3:25-26---God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear the world of sin. Having faith in him sets us in the clear. God decided on this course of action in full view of the public, to set the world in the clear with himself through the sacrifice of Jesus, finally taking care of the sins he had so patiently endured." This clarifies to me exactly what Jesus did for us and why He wants us as His own. What father wouldn't want his children to be clean in body and in spirit? And even when they fall in the mud and wallow in it, the father would still hug them and clean them up.
That's our God.
He cleared our way to be holy, by accepting Jesus gift of cleanness in the sight of God.
Yet, God made us to have a choice of holiness or not. Just as the child who stays in the mud, God wants us to get out of it RIGHT NOW! No pussy-footing around. He loves us, but He wants us to listen to Him and obey. And He wants it now! So, be thankful that your brother, Jesus, took the punishment for all of us.
Yet, I didn't say it would be easy. But it's that God has something better for us and that makes it worth the effort of belonging to God. He asks us to be obedient. For myself, I don't always see that what I'm doing would be better not done. In purer words, I don't always see that what I'm doing is a sin. But, God keeps after me and finally I see that what I'm doing is hurting someone else and myself. Then, I try to out it from my life, sometimes more successful than other times.
But, the main point I want to make is, "I am His!" And if sometimes He makes it a little tough, it's worth every moment of the peace and joy and acceptance I receive every day. I am His!
Yes, he is worth the exclamation points. We are His!!!!!!
Lord Jesus, grant that each one of us who knows you might turn the heart of at least one other, that he ,too, might come into your loving care. I am only one, but I can pray that many might have "touched a heart" of one who still "wanders into the mud" without a loving Father. Amen.
Heaven can hold us all! Jo
That's our God.
He cleared our way to be holy, by accepting Jesus gift of cleanness in the sight of God.
Yet, God made us to have a choice of holiness or not. Just as the child who stays in the mud, God wants us to get out of it RIGHT NOW! No pussy-footing around. He loves us, but He wants us to listen to Him and obey. And He wants it now! So, be thankful that your brother, Jesus, took the punishment for all of us.
Yet, I didn't say it would be easy. But it's that God has something better for us and that makes it worth the effort of belonging to God. He asks us to be obedient. For myself, I don't always see that what I'm doing would be better not done. In purer words, I don't always see that what I'm doing is a sin. But, God keeps after me and finally I see that what I'm doing is hurting someone else and myself. Then, I try to out it from my life, sometimes more successful than other times.
But, the main point I want to make is, "I am His!" And if sometimes He makes it a little tough, it's worth every moment of the peace and joy and acceptance I receive every day. I am His!
Yes, he is worth the exclamation points. We are His!!!!!!
Lord Jesus, grant that each one of us who knows you might turn the heart of at least one other, that he ,too, might come into your loving care. I am only one, but I can pray that many might have "touched a heart" of one who still "wanders into the mud" without a loving Father. Amen.
Heaven can hold us all! Jo
Monday, May 20, 2013
CORRECTION MAY 20, Please note.
Adding to post Monday, May 20, Please note:
I stand corrected: Paul did notwrite Romans in Rome. I fell asleep at the switch and the (not funny) crash came. Please forgive. No one really knows where he was when written, but some professionals believe Ephesus. SORRY!
I stand corrected: Paul did notwrite Romans in Rome. I fell asleep at the switch and the (not funny) crash came. Please forgive. No one really knows where he was when written, but some professionals believe Ephesus. SORRY!
DO YOU NOT KNOW?
Romans 1 28:32 speaks of a world much like our world today. Paul wrote the Book of Romans while he was a prisoner in Rome, hearing of all reported to him of the goings on about him. He could only pray and write, unable to leave the house he was kept in, while his friends and guests could come and go.
Read these words that describe our world and Paul's. "Since they didn't bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose." And more. "They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating." And even more. "They know perfectly well they're spitting in God's face and they don't care." Sound familiar?
Paul had been delayed over and over, yet wanting so much to get to Rome. After getting there and finding his situation impossible to leave, he wrote letters to the various churches. And included in those letters is his letter to Rome, a masterpiece of our theology and a blessing to us all.
When Paul used the words "envy, killing, bickering, and cheating" it sounds like the news we see on TV and read in the paper. Um hmm! Our world! Our world and our selfishness. Mine, too. But, thanks to God's son, Jesus Christ, who paid for that selfishness of mine and others who ever lived, we are forgiven.
Yet there are always going to be those that don't know about Jesus' offer of salvation because they haven't heard. They must be told. And there will always be those who don't give a hoot about being saved from hell. They will always go about running loose, disclaiming Christ's wonderful name! These are the people raising havoc in our neighborhoods, our schools, our governments, and sometimes in our homes. They will not change without the incredible gift of God, and if there is no change our world may become less and less holy as the years go by. We need God's help in a big way.
So, my prayer today is this:
Lord, we will do our part and do our best to pass the word to those who haven't heard. And we will trust that You will deal with those hard core people who love nothing but raising "hell." Deal with them however You must, in order to have them become willing to become your people. And, Lord, help us to live in this wild world with confidence that You will see us through it, finding peace and joy, in spite of it. We know there is beauty here and we cherish it and thank you for it. AMEN.
I shall not hold my breath waiting, but I will wait with trust and grace.
Your friend, Jo
Read these words that describe our world and Paul's. "Since they didn't bother to acknowledge God, God quit bothering them and let them run loose." And more. "They made life hell on earth with their envy, wanton killing, bickering, and cheating." And even more. "They know perfectly well they're spitting in God's face and they don't care." Sound familiar?
Paul had been delayed over and over, yet wanting so much to get to Rome. After getting there and finding his situation impossible to leave, he wrote letters to the various churches. And included in those letters is his letter to Rome, a masterpiece of our theology and a blessing to us all.
When Paul used the words "envy, killing, bickering, and cheating" it sounds like the news we see on TV and read in the paper. Um hmm! Our world! Our world and our selfishness. Mine, too. But, thanks to God's son, Jesus Christ, who paid for that selfishness of mine and others who ever lived, we are forgiven.
Yet there are always going to be those that don't know about Jesus' offer of salvation because they haven't heard. They must be told. And there will always be those who don't give a hoot about being saved from hell. They will always go about running loose, disclaiming Christ's wonderful name! These are the people raising havoc in our neighborhoods, our schools, our governments, and sometimes in our homes. They will not change without the incredible gift of God, and if there is no change our world may become less and less holy as the years go by. We need God's help in a big way.
So, my prayer today is this:
Lord, we will do our part and do our best to pass the word to those who haven't heard. And we will trust that You will deal with those hard core people who love nothing but raising "hell." Deal with them however You must, in order to have them become willing to become your people. And, Lord, help us to live in this wild world with confidence that You will see us through it, finding peace and joy, in spite of it. We know there is beauty here and we cherish it and thank you for it. AMEN.
I shall not hold my breath waiting, but I will wait with trust and grace.
Your friend, Jo
Saturday, May 18, 2013
PASS IT ON! PLEASE!
There's a song I like that starts like this: "It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around will warm up in its glowing. That's how it is with God's love...". And so, that's why I blog. That's why I write the words that matter to me.... because willing listeners are hard to find.
The writer of Psalm 78 also wanted to pass it along. He said, "We're not keeping this to ourselves, we're passing it along to the next generation." And Paul said it over and over, just as he said in his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, "God picked you out at the very start...He invited you into the life of the Spirit through the message (that I first delivered)."
How quickly we want to tell our friends the best joke we just heard. Or share our political views, no matter how converse they are to their own. Yet we are hesitant to tell about our need and our joy in the Lord. I may choose a blog to write it, because someone else will have to choose to read it. It is then their choice. I do not presume upon them. It's safer. But...safer from what? Being called a Christian? My, Oh My!
Generation after generation have heard abut God, through someone or at someplace. Yet God is the least spoken of than any other subject. We are afraid to tell others that God is called upon, believed in, trusted, obeyed, and finally, loved. How can we help but love Him? We are so very loved by Him! And first and foremost, like the best of fathers, He wants us to care about Him. He waits for us to care and then to share with others our caring. And to share our joy in seeing and receiving God's love for all eternity. All this comes to us through Christ whose death cleanses us from our natural sinfulness--selfishness and idolatry of "things." You know--me, first and I want that! Or am I speaking only for myself?
So, my job is to pass it on. Maybe it's your job, too. And that's good. We'll both receive our wages someday from God. A smile and a hug and "I know your name! It's Jo, isn't it?"
Yes, God. It's.....Jo
The writer of Psalm 78 also wanted to pass it along. He said, "We're not keeping this to ourselves, we're passing it along to the next generation." And Paul said it over and over, just as he said in his second letter to the church in Thessalonica, "God picked you out at the very start...He invited you into the life of the Spirit through the message (that I first delivered)."
How quickly we want to tell our friends the best joke we just heard. Or share our political views, no matter how converse they are to their own. Yet we are hesitant to tell about our need and our joy in the Lord. I may choose a blog to write it, because someone else will have to choose to read it. It is then their choice. I do not presume upon them. It's safer. But...safer from what? Being called a Christian? My, Oh My!
Generation after generation have heard abut God, through someone or at someplace. Yet God is the least spoken of than any other subject. We are afraid to tell others that God is called upon, believed in, trusted, obeyed, and finally, loved. How can we help but love Him? We are so very loved by Him! And first and foremost, like the best of fathers, He wants us to care about Him. He waits for us to care and then to share with others our caring. And to share our joy in seeing and receiving God's love for all eternity. All this comes to us through Christ whose death cleanses us from our natural sinfulness--selfishness and idolatry of "things." You know--me, first and I want that! Or am I speaking only for myself?
So, my job is to pass it on. Maybe it's your job, too. And that's good. We'll both receive our wages someday from God. A smile and a hug and "I know your name! It's Jo, isn't it?"
Yes, God. It's.....Jo
Friday, May 17, 2013
RECIPE FOR PEACE AT OUR HOUSE
Our marriage has suffered over the years in a way that I doubt many marriages do. Jerry, my husband, likes to understand situations, ideas, etc. so that he knows how to handle himself, for knowing what to do in these situations gives him confidence and peace. I have a problem of frustration in repeating and repeating what I think of as rather mundane situations, that are easy to understand. My fuse is short, and I get annoyed. And Jerry is left bewildered as to why I'm annoyed, and he has a right to be. Therefore, I get down on myself for being annoyed over something that has no great importance. After resorting to prayer, finally, God led me to see something my friend told me years ago. "Have patience. It just takes Jerry a little longer to understand what you get in a twinkling. But once he understands, he doesn't forget it and he knows how to use the new information." She was so right!
And so, what happened? Well, you guessed, I think. That is what I'm blogging about today.
First Thessalonians 5:15 tells us, "Be careful that when you get on each others' nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out."
My job? To bring his attribute out. Give it space to grow and shine.
Being thorough is an admirable attribute. Jerry lets no stone unturned in discovering and learning. He works hard for understanding so that he might have an intelligent answer to any given problem. I may not be looking for any answer myself, or the problem may not have anything to do with Jerry or with me, but just conversation. If either of these circumstances occur, Jerry must be informed, by me, right away. "This is not a problem for you to solve." Or, " This is only conversation. Just thought you might be interested." A clarification of need is imperative. Then, he can listen, but does not need to understand it thoroughly.
If a situation does concern us, then I must pray for patience before I ever start! And repeat the problem and its various connections to our behavior until he has a complete understanding. I also must ask if he has further knowledge on the situation and if he does, listen carefully and agree to comply.
How I wish that I had this enlightenment earlier in our marriage. And I ask forgiveness from Jerry and from the Lord for not learning this earlier. But maybe God knew we were both really tired of the situation finally, for, once again, God spoke to me through the Scripture.
Oh, Yes! God does speak to me loudly, but from the words I read, and I am so very grateful.
Forgiven and Knowing God's plan for us, I am.....JO
And so, what happened? Well, you guessed, I think. That is what I'm blogging about today.
First Thessalonians 5:15 tells us, "Be careful that when you get on each others' nerves you don't snap at each other. Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out."
My job? To bring his attribute out. Give it space to grow and shine.
Being thorough is an admirable attribute. Jerry lets no stone unturned in discovering and learning. He works hard for understanding so that he might have an intelligent answer to any given problem. I may not be looking for any answer myself, or the problem may not have anything to do with Jerry or with me, but just conversation. If either of these circumstances occur, Jerry must be informed, by me, right away. "This is not a problem for you to solve." Or, " This is only conversation. Just thought you might be interested." A clarification of need is imperative. Then, he can listen, but does not need to understand it thoroughly.
If a situation does concern us, then I must pray for patience before I ever start! And repeat the problem and its various connections to our behavior until he has a complete understanding. I also must ask if he has further knowledge on the situation and if he does, listen carefully and agree to comply.
How I wish that I had this enlightenment earlier in our marriage. And I ask forgiveness from Jerry and from the Lord for not learning this earlier. But maybe God knew we were both really tired of the situation finally, for, once again, God spoke to me through the Scripture.
Oh, Yes! God does speak to me loudly, but from the words I read, and I am so very grateful.
Forgiven and Knowing God's plan for us, I am.....JO
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
GOD'S JOBS ARE FOR EVERYONE
In First Thessalonians Chapter 4, verse 2, Paul says to the church there, "We want you living in a way that will command the respect of others." And he goes on to say four things important to that life. Each of these things tell us a story about living a life of leadership in a life with God.
The first direction was, "Be a calming influence on those around you." Now, I am not exactly what one might call a calm person. I'm kind of effervescent, bubbling with joy that I am so loved! How can I not be when I am so blessed? I have a life filled with Christ! I have a family who loves me and each other! I have friends who are precious to me! And, although I care about the whole world and its needs, my needs are few. And when I am in trouble, God is always there. How can I not be joyous?
But when there is trouble within the family or among my friends, I am assured enough in God's help to assure them as well. Perhaps, then, I can be calm....because I believe in God's help. I know He will help us in times of trouble. But, and this is a big but, we must be satisfied with God's answer as sometimes it will be "no." Hope for a "yes", or a "maybe", or a "later".
Learning to trust in God in spite of His answers is hard, admittedly. But it is of great importance.
Secondly, Paul's directions said to "Mind your own business." I sure hope I do this! One time I did interfere, that I remember well. A friend called me with sadness because of two things. She was unhappy with... her attitude toward her husband and also, her prayer life was off kilter. She shared with me several incidences of both problems, and I found myself saying something like, "Maybe if you clear up the way you are treating him, your life with Him will grow as well." Yes. That's interference. I admit it. But she is still grateful and I give all the thanks to God.
Third, "Do your own job." Make sure what God has delegated to you , and do it with love and gladness. Do it thoroughly and without complaint.
And fourth, "Be grateful! Be grateful to be periodically reminded of these things: Be a calming influence, mind your own business, and do your own job." No explanation needed. But, I try, in addition, to be grateful for two other things: Be grateful that others have their jobs, too, and that you have been given a job to do!
Lord Jesus, Thank you for my job, that I might lead others by friendship and fellowship in the Word! Amen.
Am I now an old friend? Jo
The first direction was, "Be a calming influence on those around you." Now, I am not exactly what one might call a calm person. I'm kind of effervescent, bubbling with joy that I am so loved! How can I not be when I am so blessed? I have a life filled with Christ! I have a family who loves me and each other! I have friends who are precious to me! And, although I care about the whole world and its needs, my needs are few. And when I am in trouble, God is always there. How can I not be joyous?
But when there is trouble within the family or among my friends, I am assured enough in God's help to assure them as well. Perhaps, then, I can be calm....because I believe in God's help. I know He will help us in times of trouble. But, and this is a big but, we must be satisfied with God's answer as sometimes it will be "no." Hope for a "yes", or a "maybe", or a "later".
Learning to trust in God in spite of His answers is hard, admittedly. But it is of great importance.
Secondly, Paul's directions said to "Mind your own business." I sure hope I do this! One time I did interfere, that I remember well. A friend called me with sadness because of two things. She was unhappy with... her attitude toward her husband and also, her prayer life was off kilter. She shared with me several incidences of both problems, and I found myself saying something like, "Maybe if you clear up the way you are treating him, your life with Him will grow as well." Yes. That's interference. I admit it. But she is still grateful and I give all the thanks to God.
Third, "Do your own job." Make sure what God has delegated to you , and do it with love and gladness. Do it thoroughly and without complaint.
And fourth, "Be grateful! Be grateful to be periodically reminded of these things: Be a calming influence, mind your own business, and do your own job." No explanation needed. But, I try, in addition, to be grateful for two other things: Be grateful that others have their jobs, too, and that you have been given a job to do!
Lord Jesus, Thank you for my job, that I might lead others by friendship and fellowship in the Word! Amen.
Am I now an old friend? Jo
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