James says, "Be Patient"

Do you like being told to be patient?

Nothing makes me more impatient than someone telling me to be patient. Am I the only one?

Read this fascinating passage from James 5:

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy (James 5:7-11).

James tells Christians to be patient, waiting and ready for the Lord’s return. He writes this at a time when Jesus had recently left. He had witnessed Jesus resurrected, might have even watched His ascension, too. James knew what he was talking about. (He wrote these words under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. They are God’s Word.)

Don’t you find it noteworthy that James tells us to wait, to be patient?

At the same time, James tells us Jesus’ return is imminent. He says, the judge standeth before the door (verse 9). He tells us the coming of the Lord draweth nigh (verse 8). 

What a perspective! Jesus could return at any time. James knew it. And we know it.

In the meantime, like the prophets of old—like Job—we’re to suffer affliction with patience, and endure. (verses 10-11)

We’re to stablish our hearts. This word means establish, strengthen.

While we wait, we grow in grace so we have stronger hearts.

And we keep looking up.

We lift up our heads; for our redemption draweth nigh (Luke 21:28).

Be patient.  

He’s coming!

                                                             

How Do You Get on God's Timetable?

A phrase I read caught my eye: “the importance of being on God’s schedule.”* It was referring to David’s running from Saul and the time between when David was anointed king to when he actually became king—in God’s time.

My wheels started turning . . . .

How do you get on God’s timetable?

What is God’s schedule, anyway?

Here are a few Bible verses that address this issue:

God understands time.

• To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11).
• But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
• Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand (Revelation 1:3). 

Jesus understood time.

• And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:15).
• Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come (John 7:6, 8) 

God’s concept of time is very different from ours.

• But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8).

A man’s life is relatively short, and only God knows how long it will be.

• Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away (James 4:14).
• Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling? (James 7:1)
• For man also knoweth not his time (Ecclesiastes 9:12a).

One day, there will be no more time.

• And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer (Revelation 10:6). 

After reading these verses, are you questioning with me how we can get on God’s schedule?

In the first place, we don’t know what God’s timetable is. We can’t comprehend it. We have a finite idea of time, and God’s time is infinite—in both directions. We don’t have an inside view of the mind of God.

The very familiar verses, Proverbs 3:5-6, provide us with an answer to this dilemma.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

Such a simple concept, and so profound. We live each day—one day at a time—as God leads us. If we live for Him, completely depending on His leadership, we will ultimately be on God’s schedule . . . even if we don’t comprehend it.

Isn’t that wonderful?

We don’t have to know. We only have to trust.

Let’s get on God’s schedule—and stay there.

If you have any stories to tell about living on God’s timetable, please feel free to share them. I’d love to hear from you.

*Quotation from the Bible study book, Made for Fellowship by Reba Bowman, page 51.

When God Takes Your Hand

Miracles happen when God takes you by the hand.

In Jeremiah 31:32, God makes a covenant with Israel and brought them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. God says, I took them by the hand. (This phrase is used in the same context again in the New Testament, in Hebrews 8:9.)

After reading this passage, I decided to look for other Bible references where God (or Jesus) takes someone’s hand.

Here’s what I found:

• Jesus brings Jairus’ daughter back to life. He went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose (Matthew 9:25, Mark 5:41, Luke 8:54).
• Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them (Mark 1:30-31).
• Jesus heals the blind man after taking him by the hand and leading out of town. (Mark 8:23-25)
• Jesus heals the young man with the deaf and dumb spirit. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose (Mark 9:17-27).

Do you notice a common thread?

Every time that God (or Jesus) takes someone by the hand, the person (or nation) is freed.

• Israel was freed from slavery in Egypt.
• Jairus’ little girl was raised from death.
• Simon Peter’s mother-in-law no longer had a fever.
• The blind man could see.
• The deaf and dumb young man was freed from the demon.

When God takes your hand, you’re free!

In John 8, Jesus speaks to those who have believed in Him. He tells them that the Truth can make them free, that He Himself can make them free.

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36).

Do you really want freedom?

Let Jesus take your hand.

We Are Light

                                                This little light of mine,

                                                I’m gonna let it shine . . .

                                                Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.

The well-known children’s song introduces three kinds of Christians:

• Closet Christians—those who hide their light
• Wavering Lights—those who are hesitant to share their faith
• Bright Lights—zealous Christians, unashamed

If we know the Lord as our personal Savior, the Bible says we are light in a dark world.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 

Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; 

and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, 

and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

We don’t have to desire it, pray for it, or hope for it.

We are light.

The first time I really saw this, its truth encouraged me. I realized that just being, just living, I am light in the world. Christ is in me, and I am light—shining out His light.

Jesus said, I am the light of the world (John 9:5b).

In prayer to the Father, Jesus said, And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me (John 17:22-23). The word for glory, used here, is talking about splendor, brightness.

The light that Jesus has is in us! We are in Him, and He is in us.

We are light, because He’s in us.

The world is full of all kinds of darkness. You only need to watch the news. Maybe once a month, they’ll show a feel-good story. Otherwise, you get war, addictions, murder, prejudice, hunger, desperation, poverty, and ugliness. The world isn’t a pretty place.

But . . .

We have Light.

We are light, through Jesus Christ.

We can share His light by not hiding it, by setting ourselves on a hill, by putting our candle up where it can be seen.

What are we doing about it?

• How are we sharing Christ?
• Can others see our light?
• Do others know why we shine?

Ponder these passages:

• The Word of God gives light. The Bible says, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple (Psalm 119:130). Are we sharing the Word with others?
• Jesus is the Light. In him was life; and the life was the light of men (John 1:4). Are we sharing Christ with others?
• Abiding in the light helps us to have communion with other believers. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Are we enjoying fellowship with others?

Ye are the light of the world.

If you are happy to be light, please feel free to leave a comment. 

Your Weakness, God's Opportunity

The Apostle Paul was blessed by an acute understanding of what God was doing in his life. His perspective was helped by his vision of the Lord, knowing Who God is. He experienced a very real vision of God and heard words that couldn’t be uttered. (2 Corinthians 12:1-4) He concluded that he would glory in the Lord (verse 5) and not in himself.

Then Paul goes on to say he would glory in his infirmities. What a strange thing to say! I mean, who in his right mind is excited about his weaknesses?

The Apostle Paul explains by telling his own story: He has a “thorn in the flesh.” It is a physical problem that really bothers him. He prayed about it. He asked God three times to take it from him. Each time, God answered his prayer. And, each time, the answer was “no.” God is gracious and gives Paul the reason why not: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness (verse 9a). This answer totally changes Paul’s attitude! He moves from wanting to do away with his physical problem to the amazing attitude of not only acceptance but also knowing that God will be better glorified if he is weak. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong (verses 9b-10). He realized that God’s power shines best through weak people, people who are empowered by God.

I remember times when I had some “Apostle Paul moments.” On several occasions—more than would be coincidental—when I was to speak to a group of children or ladies, I got very sick on that day. Once, I had one of the most painful headaches of my life. Other times, the sickness was something else entirely, but with the same impotent effect. I knew there was no way I could do what had to be done in my own strength. I knew there was only One Person Who could carry me through. I prayed similar prayers to this one, “Lord, You know how awful I feel. You made my body, and You can help me or not, as You will. I want You to be glorified. Please give me the strength to speak to these people today.” On each occasion, I could actually watch God do something special. I could see His hand, and afterwards, I could give Him all the glory, since I knew without a doubt, any strength was His.

Do you have a “thorn in the flesh?” Some physical pain, weakness, or disability that constantly bothers you? Do you have some impairment you live with daily?

You’re not alone!

God has allowed this in your life so that you can glorify Him, depend on Him, share Christ with others. If you’ve been asking God to take it away and He hasn’t, maybe you need a Pauline change of attitude. See your weakness as God’s opportunity.

. . . for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Have you ever had a time (or times) when you knew that the Lord was your strength? Would you like to share? Leave a comment, please.

Book review: WOUNDED SPIRITS

I bought WOUNDED SPIRITS by April Gardner because I have known the author since she was a little girl. I wanted to see what she had written and get acquainted with her writing style. Besides, I liked the idea of a book about Native Americans, since I have a little bit of Native American blood myself.

This is a fabulous book with some romance in it. Mostly, it’s the early 1800s historical story of the Zachariah McGirth family, their relationships with the natives, and the Creek wars. It’s a story of war and loss, prejudice and survival. The main character is Adela. She is the middle of the McGirth daughters and the one with the most common sense. She is a Christian with convictions, and she strives throughout this book to live as Christ would have her live—in the most difficult of situations. Adela is the one who literally keeps the family together and helps the others in their hours of greatest need. I fell in love with her.

Contrasted with Adela are her two boyfriends, Phillip and Totka. One shows her true love, and the other thinks he loves her. Another contrast is between Adela’s two sisters: Elizabeth and Lillian. I loved Adela’s parents, Zachariah and Galena. They are opposites, yet complimentary. There is a depth to these people that’s revealed as the story is told.

I was amazed at Mrs. Gardner’s ability to tell about the war as if she were a seasoned warrior herself. The skirmishes and battles really live. She describes both the Native Americans and the settlers with an evenness and lack of prejudice, though she exposes the prejudices of the time and the reasons behind them. She understands the problems on both sides of the war. The ending is just right—and it makes you want to read the sequel. (Mrs. Gardner has written a sequel, Warring Spirits. Yay!)

I look forward to reading more of Mrs. Gardner’s books. This one gets five stars.

When You Know the Author

I’m reading a book right now, a wonderful historical novel set in the early 1800s.

The author is a young woman I knew when she was a child and teen. In fact, my kids watched a Disney movie in her home, along with her and her siblings, when all of them were small. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman, married, and had children of her own. Though I had seen pictures of her wedding and her family from time to time, we lost touch personally for a while.

I knew this author had written one book. To my surprise, she has written three novels, one soon to be released in a second language, and one yet to be published.

Now, I’m reading her first novel. (I’ll review it when I’m done, but I can already assure you it’s a very good book.)

What made me want to buy and read this particular book?

I know the author.

My friend has, frankly, surprised me with the content. You see, I know something of her life experience. Her excellent research and knowledge of things not in her own life have amazed me. Her command of languages and her even treatment of all the people groups in her novel did not surprise me. You see, I know the author.

Some people are hesitant to read the Bible. It could be for many reasons.

• Maybe they’re afraid of what they might find.
• Maybe they think it’s too complicated, and they might not understand it.
• Maybe they’re just not ready to have an Authority in their life.
• Maybe they are interested, but they have no idea where to start reading.
• Maybe they would feel more comfortable having the Bible explained by the clergy instead of reading it for themselves.

Whatever the reason, I think maybe the biggest one is this:

They don’t know the Author.

• When you know the Author, it’s a joy to read His Word.
• When you know the Author, the Bible comes alive for you.
• When you know the Author, there are happy surprises in it, each day.
• When you know the Author, you understand His background—His eternal background—and what He has to say carries more weight for you.

Do you know the Author?

Would you like to?

If you’re acquainted with Him, would you like to know Him better?

Get into His Book. Read it.

If you don’t know where to start, a good place is with one of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. I personally think John is a good one to start with. Its emphasis is on the deity of Jesus. It picks seven miracles from the many He did, and it’s a good introduction to the Bible.

Another great book to read is Genesis. You will read about the foundational truths: the creation of the world, the first sin, the plan of salvation, what is marriage, the universal Flood, the dispersion of languages and people groups, and the stories of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

If you’re already reading the Bible, enjoying getting to know its Author, I’m glad for you. If you don’t know the Author, He wants to know you. 

He already loves you.

For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

(John 3:16)

(My friend, the human author, is April Gardner, and I just finished her book Wounded Spirits, to be reviewed very soon.) 

Pass It On!

Psalm 78 is all about sharing. Sharing God’s goodness, His faithfulness from one generation to the next.

• Our fathers told us. (verse 3)
• We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. (verse 4)
• Make them (God’s laws) known to their children (verse 5)
• For the unborn generation to come (verse 6)
• They (sons) should arise and declare God’s laws to their children. (verse 6)

With what purpose? I love this: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God. (verses 7-8)

Today, even in our churches, we find parents or grandparents who know God and love His Word and strive to obey His laws. Yet, their children and grandchildren may not even attend church. Part of the problem could be that Grandpa and Grandma neglected to communicate God’s goodness to Mama and Papa. Mama and Papa know God personally, but they didn’t pass joyful faith on to their sons and daughters. Instead, they bought them things, clothes, and gadgets. Instead of showing them good, clean family fun, they substituted amoral (or immoral) movies and music. Their children were allowed to choose what they wanted to do and not expected to obey their parents.

Years later, Mama and Papa wonder why Susie and Junior don’t care about church and might not even know God at all.

The Bible gives us many examples of parenting, some good, and some bad.

I admire Grandma Lois and Mama Eunice. (1 Timothy 1:5) Lois passed her faith in Jesus Christ on to her daughter Eunice, who in turn influenced her son Timothy to love God (a young pastor discipled by the Apostle Paul).

In sad contrast was the priest Eli’s permissive parenting, which ultimately resulted in his sons’ deaths. The Bible says they knew not the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12). Eli was told his sons would be punished because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not (1 Samuel 3:13).

Let’s be like Lois and Eunice! 

Let’s encourage our children and our grandchildren in God’s ways. 

Let’s show them the joy that comes from walking with God!

Would you like to share practical ways to share the Lord with children or grandchildren? If so, please feel free to leave a comment.

Living a Lie

A popular talk show host recently used two hours of her programming to air an interview with a sportsman who was caught in his own deceit. It involved doping, lies, bullying, dishonesty, more lies, and suing and accepting compensation from those who spoke the truth.

When asked, “Did you feel it was wrong?” he answered, “No.”

My question is, when, in the whole process of lies and misinformation and cheating and accusations did he cease to think about right and wrong?

Certainly, somewhere near the beginning, he knew he was being dishonest. Surely, in his heart, his conscience was stirred. Sometime.

The Bible says the devil is the father of lies and a liar from the beginning. (That is sobering to any of us who has ever told a falsehood.) Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He . . . abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it (John 8:44).

So, lying and lies began with the devil. But, how can a person lie and lie and lie and seemingly not have a conscience about it? Why, in the many years of living the lie, did he never admit it? Why didn’t he feel shame?

1 Timothy 4:2 gives us a clue. This passage is talking about the end times and how people will act: Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. Does this sound like the cyclist? Was his conscience cauterized?

Another passage comes to mind: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20) When did this sportsman begin to switch the terms? When did doping become good and honesty evil? When did cheating become desirable and covering it up okay? When did living a lie become the way to do things and suing those who told the truth acceptable?

There had to have been a turning point, a time when a conscious choice was made.

I believe in choices. I believe that, until one’s last breath, there is always an opportunity to make the right choice. I never rejoice in someone’s wrong choices or in his downfall. It is not for me to be anyone’s judge.

The blessing is that God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) . . . For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:4-5, 8-9).

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved (John 3:17).

Oh yes, this guy did wrong, and he seems to show no repentance and little remorse. 

We would do well to pray for him and for others caught in their own webs of self-deception. We would do well to pray for souls, asking God to melt hearts.

The Bible reminds us, And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11). Some of us were liars, too.

My prayer for the cyclist is first, for his salvation. His soul is most important.  

Then, I pray that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good (from Isaiah 7:15). I would love to see him truly “come clean” and openly confess his duplicity, asking forgiveness from all the people he has hurt.

Then, and only then, will he have peace.

Celebrating My 1st Blogaversary!

Wow! How fast a year goes by!

So many happy things have happened to me through blogging!

A year ago today, I set up my page. I had no idea what I was doing, and I don’t know what I expected from blogging. A year later, I am still, unfortunately, tech-challenged. I have learned more about how to do things from my very patient friends, Andrea and Barbara. (Thank you!) Sometimes, I’ve even understood the Internet tutorials. Now, that is truly amazing!

One of the reasons I blog is to get to know you. (Don’t worry; no personal questions following.) If you’re a regular reader, I would enjoy hearing your answers to any or all of these questions:

1. What do you like best about “In the Way”?
2. What kind of post is your personal preference: Bible studies, issues of the day, book reviews, travel recommendations?
3. What would you like to see more of?

If you have any other comments, please feel free to share them.

Thank you, Readers, for making this first blogging year a blessing.

May God bless you!

Book review: PRIME OF LIFE

I love the title of PRIME OF LIFE by P. D. Bekendam. It says it all.

As you start this book about Ben, a janitor in a retirement home, you realize he has a few issues that haven’t been thoroughly dealt with. He’s a loveable obsessive-compulsive with a penchant for numbers. Even his shirts have to have a prime number of stripes!

The story is delightful. The old people in the home are really funny, and Ben himself is a sweetheart. We find out that Ben has been a surgeon but has quit the medical profession. Ben’s life is further complicated by two beautiful women, both of them making it obvious they’re after him. He’s overwhelmed with several problems. One of which is the threat of the retirement home being sold and his friends being put out of their homes. There’s also an added Christian dimension.

I was fully entertained with PRIME OF LIFE. I actually laughed out loud several times.

The only thing I didn’t appreciate was some crude language used by one of the residents in the home. It isn’t pervasive in the book, only in the middle, but it wasn’t to my taste.

Otherwise, a fun read with a fascinating ending.

(The proceeds from this book are donated to help the blind have surgery to recover their sight. The author is a surgeon.)

"For Glory and for Beauty"

Reading about the Old Testament high priest’s clothing in Exodus 28:2, I happened upon this phrase:

“for glory and for beauty”

The high priest’s clothes that he wore for service in the Tabernacle were designed with these two purposes. The Hebrew word for glory means “honor, splendor, glory, dignity.” The clothes were designed to command respect for God. Beauty means “beauty, finery.”

Let’s look at them briefly. The high priest was to wear a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle (from Exodus 28:4). They were to be made of gold, of blue, and of purple, of scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cunning work (verse 6).

Then, there are the stones and the breastplate and the shoulder pieces, all of beautifully colored stones, set in gold. I find all the colors of the rainbow in them—plus some. 

• Red: sardius (ruby) and ligure (jacinth) 
• Orange: jasper
• Yellow: topaz and beryl (chrysolite or yellow jasper)
• Green: emerald and carbuncle
• Blue: sapphire
• Violet: amethyst
• Plus, there are: agate, which sometimes has patterned colors, shiny black onyx, and a clear diamond.

The stones were engraved. The clothing was embroidered. Everything was glittering with gold and striking because of color and pattern.

The whole effect was for glory and for beauty.

It was supposed to reflect God’s glory and beauty.

How about our clothing?

You might be thinking, “Right. We’re supposed to copy the Old Testament high priest’s outfit? How ridiculous is that?”

No, the high priest’s fashion statement was a one-off. Unique. Not for today, anyway. The Old Testament Law was done away with when Jesus died on the cross. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. . . . By so much was Jesus made a surety of a better testament (Hebrews 7:19, 22).

But, we would do well to think about why we dress like we do. Our philosophy of dress is important to God. 

• Do we reflect Christ’s beauty?
• Do we look like someone who loves Jesus?
• When someone looks at us, do they think we look like a Christian? Or do they not even notice we’re different from the rest of the people around us?
• Do we take some care in our dress, or do we look like we crawled out from under a rock? 

Our clothing sends a message. It might send a message of purity (like the high priest’s fine, white linen), or it might send the message of worldliness. It might show beauty and care and dignity, or it might convey the opposite.

How do we dress?

What’s our message?

Is it glory and beauty? 

If you’d like to share your thoughts on clothes and the message they send, please feel free to leave a comment.