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PATIENCE
Read Genesis 6:1-22 (key verse 3).
This chapter deals with the
Flood. Because of wickedness God's patience was tried and he granted
mankind 120 years to repent. This they failed to do. The story reminds us
that God's patience is being tried today and we must turn to him for
forgiveness. If the clock of your life has hours or only minutes to run
remember that it is ticking.
Read Joshua 23:1-16 (key verse 16).
God's patience is not unlimited and
should not be assumed. Israel had enjoyed peace but Joshua warned the
leaders and elders that this could quickly change if they violated God's laws.
Read Nehemiah 9:1-38 (key verse 17).
A remarkable account of the penitance
of the Israelites and of God's long-suffering patience.
Read Matthew 18:21,22.
Does this express your attitude to patience and
forgiveness?
Read Mark 13:1-23 (key verse 13).
Jesus was comparing the impermanence of
bricks and mortar and the failure of mankind with the promises of the
kingdom of God. Our Christian walk requires patience - we will be held to
ridicule; we will be 'baited'; but patience and perseverance will reveal
the true believer.
Read Luke 15:11-32 (key verse 20).
This best-known of the Parables is an
example to us of forgiveness and of patience with the fool-hardy,
expressing these attributes in love.
Read 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12 (key verse 4).
Although Christians were having
a hard time, Paul complimented the Thessalonians for their faith, patience
and perseverance. The shortest speech Sir Winston Churchill ever gave was
to say, "Never, never, never, give up." Are you experiencing difficulty in
your Christian walk? Do you sometimes feel like giving up? Why not share
your concerns with your fellow believers - they may have walked a similar path.
Additional reading:
Psalm 27:1-14 (key verse 14). Waiting gives us time to trust.
Psalm 40:1-4 (key verse 1). Waiting prepares us.
Matthew 24:32-51 (key verse 46). Waiting prepares us for Christ's return.
And some important one-liners:
Proverbs 19:11; Proverbs 25:15; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Isaiah 7:13; Galatians
5:22; Colossians 3:12 and 2 Timothy 4:2.
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