Be Patient!

On Sunday, we looked at the book of Philippians where these believers were living amongst the “enemies of the cross” and we observed three major points in Philippians 3:17-4:3…

1) We live in this world to be examples to this world
2) We live in this world but are not exempt from this world
3) We live in this world but we will be extracted from this world

We are dealing with a constant conflict - we are in this world but not of the world, and soon, if you are a child of God, you will be leaving behind this world.
1) Living in this world we can become so distracting that we forget that we are not supposed to love the things of the world.
2) We can get so “heavenly minded” that we are of little use in this world. We have all been around those kinds of people haven’t we- they have that superior attitude, I mean no disrespect or unkindness, but where the pious spirit is, we wonder why the Lord has delayed in taking them home to be with Him.

Remember that we are called to live in this world with the belief that soon we will be waving bye-bye to this sin-corrupted world!

“Be Patient, Don’t Be In Such A Hurry”

The more I listen to “children’s music” the more I realize that if we mature Christians would put these truths into practice how much better off we truly would be.

Be patient, be patient, don't be in such a hurry
When you get impatient, you only start to worry
Remember, remember, that God is patient too
And think of all the times when others had to wait for you

We read these words in the Book of Matthew;
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him, till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.' Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which ought him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.'The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.' Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which ought him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.' So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.' Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:' Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?' And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.' So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.'

In these verses we discover a very interesting question asked by one of the disciples concerning patience. In Matthew 18:26 we see the word, “ patience“ if we take that word in the context in which it was written it actually means “long or slow.” That gives us a proper perspective on how we should handle life-“handling anger slowly”; that simply is the key to patience.

Is there someone in your life whom you need to express patience with?

1) Take your time with others after all you would want them to be patient with you!
2) Time yourself and see how long it takes you to complete the same project that you just assigned to someone else, so you can walk in their shoes.
3) Take a new perspective on the situation this time, reading and praying the verses on patience found in the Holy Bible, and ask the Holy Spirit to turn your impatience into patience! He can and He will do it if you ask Him too!

This week at the church promises to be a very fun and exciting week!

Tuesday at 7 is the Ladies Bible Study
Wednesday at 6:30 is our AWANA club
Saturday the Ladies will be heading to the city for a comedy show
Sunday at 10:00 is Sunday School
Sunday at 11:00 we will continue our study in the Book of Philippians

We have been given the privilege and opportunity to worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in a free country. As the Psalmist said, “Let us worship His name together”. I invite you to come and worship the Lamb of God. This Sunday morning we will be meeting for Sunday School at 10:00, followed by the morning service beginning at 11:00. Come worship our Saviour with us!Like never before, the words of the book of Hebrews should be on the minds and hearts of all of those who belong to Jesus Christ: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together; as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see that Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Pastor Paul

May God richly bless your life as you continue to serve and remain faithful to Him!