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MOMENTS OF MEDITATION

Reflections of God's Word - Pastor David

February 7, 2011 - Vol 2, Issue 6

Schizophrenia:

Why Do Some Christian Live Like Hell?

Spiritual Schizophrenia

Greetings!

Pastor and Betty 2

 

Sometimes understanding what a word means is best described in what it isn't. For instance, patience. We learn more about what it is when we understanding its opposite, impatience.  The defintion for impatience is restlessness of spirit, short of temper under irritation, delay or oppostion.  It is the result of being impetuous, impulsive, and irresolute.   Being more patient requires building our character on the Word of God so that we guard against being restless in spirit.  We have to gird up the loins of our mind and not allow irritations in the flesh to push us to act impulsively.  If we can get control of this one area, we will be able to withstand anything that comes our way.  We will no longer be victimized by the things we face, but overcome in every area of life.

CARVING OUT CHARACTER 

LETTING PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK

                                                                                                   by Pastor David

"And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also: knowing that tribulation

worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope."

-    Romans 5:3-4

 

 

The word "experience" is rendered in several different translations of the Bible as character. The Living Bible translates it as, "Patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Webster's New World Dictionary says the word "character" derives its meaning from the idea of engraving or being engraved. It speaks of the distinctive marks left by a sculptor when he is carving impressions into his work.  What he has crafted leaves marks that express character. Sometimes these markings are so unique that an artist can recognize another sculptor's work just by the impressions alone. God, who is the master sculptor, has left his mark in creation that reveals his handiwork. To the keen eye that knows what to look for, the markings of God can be recognized in just about anything made. "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead" (Romans 1:20).

According to this text in Romans, character comes from the work of patience. But notice, patience goes to work when we are experiencing tribulation.  There are two different thoughts associated with the word "tribulation." One has to do with pressure or distress put upon us because of the difficulties of life.  The other has to do with proving or testing the worth of something.  James speaks of it in this manner:  "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations (should actually read tests or trials); knowing this; that the trying of your faith worketh patience.  But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4).  Both applications of the word trial involve patience.  Hebrews chapter six says, "...through faith and patience we inherit the promise..." It might as well have said, "...through the trying of your faith we inherit the promise," because as James states, patience is put into operation when your faith is being tried.

When it comes to the idea of "tribulation works patience," folks sometimes get confused about what it means to go through a test or a trial. Obviously, we know the enemy is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour, and we have to stay girded up in our faith by making a stand.  We do that through the force of patience. Other times our faith is being tested to prove the worth of our character, such was the case of Abraham when God tested him in offering up Isaac, his son.

Regardless of whether we are standing against the strategies of the enemy or we are being proven for a greater purpose in the plan of God, we have to know how to apply patience to what we are going through.  Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye your soul" (Luke 21:19).  The purpose of patience is to gird up the loins of your mind, because that is where the battle is fought. If you break under pressure, your faith will get weary and cause you to faint in your mind (Gal. 6:9).

 What you do under pressure defines your character. Losing your patience means your character hasn't become resolute and needs to be strengthened by the Word.  Jeremiah the prophet talks about "the potter and the clay."  The potter is the one who fashion the clay, giving it character and purpose. That is why James said, "...But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."   When you come out on the other side of any test or trial, your patience will have defined you, and it will cause you to be better fit for the master's use.  God can and will empower you to have his character in any situation you face, so that you come out of it with a deeper resolve and a greater determination to do his will.

If you have truly put patience to work, then the trying of your faith should result in you coming out stronger, not weaker.  It's like steel that is forged in the fire.  It takes the fire to shape the steel, and when it is fashioned it is then cooled.  Whatever shape is formed then has the strength to perform its purpose.  I like to think of character building as "patience-under-pressure-for-a-purpose." The three "P's" to perfection! God always has a purpose. His aim is for you to endure under pressure by being patient, and if you won't cave in, then his purposes will be revealed.  Think about when Jesus was in the wilderness of temptation.  He refused to let pressure cause him to get off the Word. His very character was full of resolve to do the will of God and when he came through it, he returned in the power of the Spirit. Paul told the church of Philippi, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." The very Christ, who knew the depth of endurance in every possibly way, is living in you! Don't let pressure rule your life - let patience rule instead!  If you will determine to stand on the Word of God and not be moved, you will find strength, resilience, a power beyond anything you have ever experienced before.  And notice how it all ends, "and experience, hope..."  In other words, your resolve will deepen your hope to where you know that you know that you are bigger than any trial, test, or adversity.

 

PRAYER

Father, I thank you for your Word.  I thank you that it provides everything I need.  No matter what I go through, I know your Word is enough.  I'm asking you today to cause your strength and your ability to rise up big in me and enable me to face whatever challenges come.  I am determined to let the character of Christ rule my life and not the circumstances.  You're the greater sculptor, so I thank you for the work of your hand being manifested in and through me, In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

CONFESSION

David said, "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in the furnace of earth, purified seven times" (Psa. 12:6).  Thank God your Word in me can stand the test.  Heaven and earth will pass away, but your Word endures forever!"  I will fill my heart and mind up with the Word, and through my faith and patience I will hold fast through whatever storms try to blow my way.  I am getting stronger and stronger every day.  My resolve to be patient is being fashioned like steel.  I will stand.  I will overcome.  I will come out on the other side victoriously! In Jesus' Name!

DEFINING MOMENTS...

The key to patience is keeping your eyes on God's Word.  You and I have choices to make.  Paul said, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).  The Word holds unseen promises for you.  No matter what situations you are facing, know that keeping your eyes on the right things is the key to stabilizing your faith with patience.  The enemy will do everything in his power to get you to look at the wrong thing.  In your patience you have the power to possess your thought life.  You can see through the circumstance to the promise of God's Word.  That's where your power lies.  It holds the answers you are waiting for.

 

In His Grace,

 

Pastor David

Faith Harvest Church 

 

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Moments of Meditation is a weekly newsletter sent out as an outreach ministry of Faith Harvest Church in Savannah, Georgia.  For more information about this ministry go to our website 

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