Greetings sisters!
I hope you're holding fast and standing strong in the Lord today!
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.1 Corinthians 15:58
We have a race ahead of us to run. We have a battle to fight. Let's keep going sisters!
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Pondering the Lord's long suffering with all humans really helps us in this evil world doesn't it. Helps us be patient with things that may be hard to endure around us or if we hear about evil and wickedness and violence and deception. God long suffered with each of our sins so we should be to others as well (as we don't 'moralize' the world do we. They need a changed life through Jesus and the Spirit.). This life isn't about us. We are living sacrifices and not our own but bought with a price and here to serve in love. Doesn't mean if we have a choice we avoid evil situations does it but we don't get the option just to hide away from this world do we. Think of Jesus. God Himself...who came into a wicked world who didn't receive Him but killed Him. We too shine as lights standing in dark places and bringing glad tidings to those we can!
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.1 Peter 3:20
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2 Peter 3:9,15
But we know His mercy and patience and long suffering will end for the evil one day. Let us be found of Him in peace on that great day. Aren't we glad He was long suffering with the world so we could come to repentance? I am. And I'm thankful for that for my sisters (and brothers) all around the world. To God be the glory! And so can we be patient and long suffering so others may also come to the knowledge of the truth (few though they may be, each one is precious).
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Romans 9:22-24
These are some good promises from our faithful Lord...
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.John 17:15-16
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.2 Thessalonians 3:3
We can trust in Him to bring us through!
Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.Matthew 13:30
This is encouraging too...
And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:
(For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
2 Peter 2:7-9
We may be vexed (worn down/tortured) in ways too...but the Lord will not allow us to go through any more than we can bear! But we had better be ready to go through the great tribulation to come as well and ready to die for our faith in Christ. But it's all our reasonable service for our Master right sisters!
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.Luke 17:10
Keep pressing on my sisters! Be strong!
Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.Isaiah 35:4
Just pondering on it myself and sharing thoughts which hopefully can encourage you also. Press on soldiers!
I just saw this scripture and loved it and wanted to pop it in here too...
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.Job 4:3-4
Job indeed was a righteous man and he overcame many afflictions! He helped others as we see. So let us too however we can.
Beautiful day for travel...
His earth is filled with unique creatures of all sorts!
The Lord gave me safe travels so I will be back to some different duties for awhile. Thankful to be able to edify you here though wherever I go.
And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:1 Peter 1:17
Let's keep being sober and watching sisters...fearing the One with whom we must give an account to one day. Praise God for an intercessor in Jesus but let's keep striving after Him in holiness.
Love to you all,
Sister Chayil
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