Daily Devotions May 24-30, 2010
People were quick to condemn the woman caught in adultery in John 8. But Jesus was patient and forgave. Those who would condemn realized it was out of their own insecure need to put others down to make themselves look better. God wants us to have the same security and patience.
Monday: Matthew 18:21-35 “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother!” Peter was a guy who would get anxious, frustrated and angry with people. Jesus knew that the problem was in Peter’s heart. He needed to learn patience. He learned it through struggle that humbled him. Peter experienced Jesus’ patience with him and then showed that to others. Are you humble enough to forgive?
Tuesday: Romans Ch.12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Joy, hope, faith and prayer all surround patience. Prayer fixes our eyes on Jesus. He grows our faith. His joy fills us and our joy is complete. We become naturally hopeful. This optimism and peace shapes how we treat people. We are patient because we expect God’s victories.
Wednesday: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ”Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Love is patient and therefore it is not those other things. Rude, self-seeking etc., those all come from an insecure, grasping heart. Security = patience.
Thursday: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 “If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation...which produces in you patient endurance... ” When we go through struggles we learn patient endurance. Then we are able to comfort those who are struggling as well. Patience born of faith learned through struggle, produces strength that is a comfort to those struggling.
Friday: Ephesians 4:1-6 “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” This goes on to talk about the unity that is found in God’s Spirit. That is a key to patience: knowing that God’s Spirit as at work in people around you. God does the work, and He does good work! Trust His patience and timing. Be the one who encourages when people fail.
Saturday: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Patience means encouraging people who you think are not as energetic, aggressive and strong as you. People don’t have to live life at the same speed as you. Accept them where they are at and encourage them.
Sunday: James 5:7-11 “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.” Life happens in seasons. You learned things in 2nd grade that made sense then. The things you learn in junior and senior high had to wait until you got there. There are things that do not make sense now that will make sense when you are older. Be patient. God will take you through to tomorrow and the day after that. Be humble and know that this season is not your whole life. Don’t be in a hurry. The next season will come at the right time, for you and the people around you.