Tag: patience

Tips for Holy Living

Colossians 3

MORTIFY – to kill (literally or figuratively): become dead, (cause to be) put to death:
●Fornication – to be utterly unchaste, indulge unlawful lust (of either sex), or (figuratively) practice idolatry:
●Uncleanness – impurity (the quality), physically or morally, contamination:
●Inordinate affection – unholy passions:
●Evil Concupiscence – unholy longing (especially for what is forbidden:
●Covetousness – to set the heart upon wrongfully, desire, envy, be jealous over:

PUT OFF – to take off (in various senses), carry away, lead (away), put to death, take away
●Old Man – former behavior, character, deeds prior to regeneration:
●Anger – violent passion:
●Wrath – fierceness, indignation:
●Malice – the desire to harm someone or the feeling of pleasure at someone’s misfortune:
●Blasphemy – vilification or evil speaking against God:
●Evil Communication – unholy, unhealthy, or unprofitable words spoken:

PUT ON – array, clothe (with), endue:
●New Man – renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ:
●Bowels of Mercies – overabundance od compassion:
●Kindness – fraternal affection, brotherly love:
●Humbleness of Mind – having a modest view of oneself; not feeling superior over others:
●Meekness – lowly; submissive:
●Longsuffering – patient; able to quietly tolerate suffering:

Before, “I Do”

1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Many people naively think that marriage will solve all their problems. Here are some problems marriage won’t solve: (1) loneliness, (2) sexual temptation, (3) satisfaction of one’s deepest emotional needs, (4) elimination of life’s difficulties.

Marriage alone does not hold two people together, but commitment does – commitment to Christ and to each other, despite conflicts and problems. As wonderful as it is, marriage does not automatically solve every problem.

Whether married or single, we must be content with our situation and focus on Christ, not loved ones, to solve our problems.

(Life Application Study Bible pg. 2007)

No Shame

Hebrews 12:2

Why do we suffer? Well, there are a few ways to respond to that question. Typically, many suffer from shameful decisions they made in their past. Others suffer indirectly from the choices made by someone else. We live in a fallen world, and a great number of us suffer simply for doing the right thing.

The Bible reads in 2 Timothy 3:12, the godly shall suffer persecution, so it’s inevitable that those who walk after righteousness will undoubtedly endure seasons of hardships in the earth.

While our suffering, at times, seem to drain us of all our energy and motivation, consider the suffering Jesus endured, on our behalf. When we go through hard times, we tend to duck and cover, while trying to avoid people, and keep them out of our business, but Jesus endured horrendous suffering without shame. While we cry and moan over late bills or not having enough money to buy gas, Jesus was beaten, bruised, battered, spit on, abused, tortured, and made a public spectacle. Yet, He took it without shame. Jesus endured the brutality of wicked men, so that you and I could have the penalty of our sins forever forgiven, and be reunited with the Father, as He originally intended. So, the next time you consider complaining, think on the night, when Jesus carried His cross, and took all that pain and suffering for you.

A Difficult Marriage

(Excerpts from TC3 Church)

Those who marry will have troubles. That’s what Paul told the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 7:28). Even the best couples can struggle to protect their marriage vows. But what happens when marriage troubles become unbearable? Is there a point at which couples should end a bad marriage? Or is there hope for something better? Walk through the following steps as you prayerfully evaluate your situation.

Unfortunately, many marriages end today over troubles that could have been overcome. University of Texas researcher Norval Glenn has found that divorces today are often blamed on problems such as “lack of commitment,” “too much conflict and arguing,” “unrealistic expectations” and “lack of preparation.” These are problems that both husband and wife can and should work to overcome. Despite what friends, family or popular culture might say, these issues are no reason to end a marriage – especially in light of the serious long-term impact of divorce on your children.

Major trouble occurs when someone either abuses or abandons their role in a marriage – when they break faith with their spouse and violate their vows. While God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), He permits it for marital unfaithfulness (Matthew 19:1-8). In God’s grace, He allows, but does not command, men and women whose spouses have been unfaithful to start over. However, God is in the business of helping couples redeem what many would see as a hopeless situation. “Even marriages that have faced one or more of the big ‘A’s – abuse, affairs or addictions – can be saved.” If your relationship is marked by physical or severe emotional abuse, you may find yourself confused, frightened and unsure about what to do. The most important thing you can do right now is take steps to protect yourself and your children from harm.

Even if you want to save your marriage, you should not risk the safety of your children or yourself. A period of structured and therapeutic separation may be needed and can make it possible for you to get the help your marriage needs while making your family less vulnerable.

Whatever situation you’re in, don’t struggle through a difficult marriage alone. You need the Lord like never before. He is eager to hear your prayers and walk this journey with you. Whether you are praying together or praying for your marriage alone, the power of prayer can make all the difference. You also need the church body like never before – for perspective and advice, counseling and encouragement, and hope for God’s redemption.

https://real-life.tc3.church/felt-needs/difficult-marriage/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8-f2vYyQ9wIVV-TICh3yWAN5EAAYBCAAEgKxhPD_BwE

In Due Time

Philippians 4:6

“I can’t wait to have patience, because patience is a wonderful thing! Hurry up, let me have it, got to get it now! I want it more than anything! This has taken long enough, give me some of that patience stuff! I can’t wait to have patience, hurry up, hurry up, HURRY UP!” We live in a society, where people want things quick, fast, and in a hurry. In the past, farmers took their time to properly cultivate seed, so that good produce could be brought forth. Unfortunately, men have become impatient, and scientists have been genetically processing foods that take less time to grow, unlike traditional methods. Microwaves were invented around 1945, so food could be quickly reheated, or cooked faster than using a conventional oven. We all want things fast, but over the years I’ve learned, patience is a virtue, and good things come to those who wait. There are times when we pray to God, and His response would come quickly, but other times He’ll delay a response for reasons known only to Himself. Just as it’s unwise to rush while growing crops or preparing a meal, we should be mindful of our approach to God in prayer, because sometimes He delays our answer, so that we can learn to appreciate what we already have, consider others who may be suffering, or simply to grow our patience. God knows all, and is aware of what we have need of, so when we are worried whether or not he ignores our prayers, we must realize He has purpose in the delay, and our response will come in due time.