Embrace Day 29 of the Gratitude Challenge—appreciate anticipation and discover the joy in looking forward to life’s special moments.
Welcome to Gratitude Challenge Day 29! Today, we focus on appreciating anticipation—the excitement and hope that comes from looking forward to special moments. Join us as we explore how savouring anticipation can increase happiness and enhance your gratitude journey. Don’t forget to subscribe for more daily inspiration and practical tips on building a grateful mindset!
Every day for 70 days I’m going to give thanks with my whole heart. That means I’m going to decide to give thanks, feel gratitude and show appreciation for what I feel gratitude for. And I invite you to join me.
Read Gratitude Challenge Day 29 - Appreciate Anticipation
Gratitude Challenge Day 29 – Appreciate Anticipation
Have you ever noticed how the days leading up to a special event can be just as joyful as the event itself? Today’s gratitude challenge invites you to appreciate anticipation—that unique feeling of looking forward with hope. By savouring the moments before a blessing arrives, we can deepen our gratitude and enrich our daily walk with God.
Why We Should Appreciate Anticipation
Anticipation is more than just waiting; it’s hope in action. When we appreciate anticipation, we:
Enhance our patience (related keyword: patience)
Experience joy before the blessing arrives (related keyword: joy)
Grow in faith and trust in God’s timing (related keyword: trust God)
The Bible encourages us to live in hope, eagerly awaiting what God is doing. Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” This verse reminds us that anticipation is a faithful expression of our trust in God.
The Blessings Hidden in Waiting
Many people struggle with waiting. We want things right now! But when we appreciate anticipation, we discover blessings hidden in the “not yet.”
1. Anticipation Builds Character
Waiting helps us develop patience and perseverance. James 1:4 says, “And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” Each moment of waiting grows our character and draws us closer to Christ.
2. Joy Comes in the Expecting
Looking forward to something good—whether a family gathering, a prayer answered, or a new opportunity—brings its own kind of joy. Philippians 4:4 encourages us, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” When we rejoice in the promise, not just the fulfillment, we multiply our gratitude.
3. Trusting God’s Perfect Timing
God often works behind the scenes. As we wait and anticipate, our trust in His perfect plan grows stronger. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.”
Practical Ways to Appreciate Anticipation
Ready to put this into practice? Try these simple steps:
Write it down: Each morning, jot down one thing you’re looking forward to.
Pray with thanksgiving: Thank God for the blessings on their way—even if they haven’t arrived yet.
Share your hopes: Talk about your anticipation with loved ones; joy multiplies when shared!
Reflect on past waiting seasons: Remember times when anticipation led to unexpected blessings.
Common Questions
Isn’t anticipation stressful?
It can be if we focus only on uncertainty. But when rooted in faith, anticipation shifts from anxiety to joyful expectation.
How can I be grateful while waiting?
Remember God’s faithfulness in the past. Use gratitude journals and prayer to keep a hopeful perspective.
Conclusion: Embrace the Gift of Anticipation
Learning to appreciate anticipation transforms waiting into worship. It invites us to trust, rejoice, and grow as we look forward to God’s promises.
What are you anticipating today? Share your answer in the comments below, or let us know how you practice gratitude while waiting. Don’t forget to subscribe for more daily encouragement!
“But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” – Romans 8:25
Spread joy! Share this post with someone who needs encouragement today.
Today’s 70-Day Gratitude Challenge Question
What are some common obstacles in maintaining a gratitude practice and how can you overcome them?
Here are some common obstacles in maintaining a gratitude practice and suggestions on how to overcome them, along with sources for further reading:
Common Obstacles and Solutions
Lack of Time:
Obstacle: Busy schedules can make it hard to set aside time for gratitude practices.
Solution: Integrate gratitude into daily routines, such as jotting down one thing you're grateful for during breakfast or before bed.
Source: "Finding Time for Gratitude" - This article offers tips on incorporating gratitude into a busy lifestyle. Read more here.
Feeling Insincere:
Obstacle: Some may feel that their expressions of gratitude are forced or insincere.
Solution: Focus on genuine feelings of appreciation and start small. Reflect on specific instances rather than general statements.
Source: "The Importance of Authentic Gratitude" - This piece discusses how authenticity enhances gratitude practices. Explore it here.
Forgetfulness:
Obstacle: It can be easy to forget to practice gratitude regularly.
Solution: Set reminders on your phone or use a gratitude journal with prompts to help remember.
Source: "How to Create a Gratitude Habit" - Tips on establishing consistent gratitude practices. Check it out here.
Negative Mindset:
Obstacle: A negative mindset or stressful situations can make it hard to feel grateful.
Solution: Start with small things, like appreciating the weather or a kind gesture from someone, to shift your focus gradually.
Source: "Gratitude in Difficult Times" - This article discusses how to cultivate gratitude during challenging periods. Read more here.
Comparison with Others:
Obstacle: Comparing your life to others can lead to feelings of inadequacy, making it hard to feel grateful.
Solution: Focus on personal experiences and what you value in your life, rather than what others have.
Source: "The Dangers of Social Comparison" - This article explores how comparison can affect well-being and gratitude. Explore it here.
By recognizing these obstacles and applying the suggested solutions, you can better maintain a consistent gratitude practice. The provided sources offer valuable insights and tips for further exploration.
How I can help you do a 70-Day Gratitude Challenge
Looking for a simple way to boost your mood, shift your mindset, and bring more positivity into every day? Tune in to the Live LIGHT Daily Gratitude Podcast during the live campaign of the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge. Each short episode gives you practical gratitude prompts, encouragement, and reflections to help you embrace thankfulness—no matter what life throws your way. Whether you’re on the 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or just want a daily boost, these podcasts will guide you to give thanks with your whole heart and see the difference it makes. Listen now at https://revtrev.com/radio and start your day with gratitude!
Next Steps
Check out https://revtrev.link/thanks and learn how I can help you get involved in the Live LIGHT 70-Day Gratitude Challenge or do one on your own.
Are you tired of feeling like your faith is a short-lived flame that flickers out as soon as adversity strikes? Do you want to have the kind of unwavering faith that cannot only weather any storm but increase and grow through any storm? We’re looking at strategies to have faith for the long haul. We're talking about endurance – Biblical patience over time - the ability to grow deeper in your faith when everything around you seems to be falling apart.
When I studied for this message I was a bit surprised what I found out about endurance and faith.
I expected to find endurance for faith in the tough times of life and yes, that is there. But faith is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Faith is only faith when it endures.
Very often, by way of encouraging people to endure through the very present and brutal realities of life, the authors of the Bible (and Holy Spirit) point to our future reality and say things like:
Romans 5:3-5 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
James 1:2-4 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
2 Timothy 2:10-12 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.
The Bible encourages us to endure the current reality of life, however brutal, but its main focus is that we develop endurance so we can endure to the end. Coming through present suffering helps us to endure to end. Coming through present trails is the only way we can develop endurance so we can endure to the end.
So today we’re going to talk about
How to have faith for the long haul.
Let’s pray.
Jesus told us that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33) and although Christ has promised to always be with us and to take heart because he has overcome the world, He has also promised to return and make everything right. We need to be ready (Matthew 25:1-13) and we need to long for his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
Jesus clearly states that no one will know the exact time of his return (Matthew 24:36). We should remain in a state of anticipation and readiness (Matthew 24:44). God, the Father, has given Jesus authority to judge (John 5:25-30) all of the nations of the earth (Daniel 7:13). Jesus will reward each person for what they have done. The godly will inherit eternal life, and will rule with Christ forever (Revelation 3:21). Those who deny Him will be cast into the lake of fire, called the second death (Revelation 20:14-15).
The problem with enduring to the end
We know he said he was coming soon (Revelation 22:20) 2,000 years ago. This has been a problem since the first generation of the church. People we so sure they were going to see Jesus come back again in their lifetime, that it worried them when people started to die. Paul had to tell them to not worry, because the dead in Christ will rise first. Peter wrote to the churches in Asia minor:
2 Peter 3:8-10 NLT But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
So we, like every Christian for 2,000 years, need to know how to endure for the long haul because faith is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Faith is only faith when it endures.
Does this really matter?
2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.
Christ is with you and you’ll one day be with him. Literally. In a body like he has. The question you need to answer is Will you endure to the end, will you be READY when he comes?
Now, you knew this was coming. We’ve danced around and poked in and out of Hebrews 11 for a couple of months now. Today I want us to see the context and realize what it was originally meant for. The first readers understood that Hebrews 11 was encouragement for them to have faith for the long haul.
Read Hebrews 11 NLT
Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith. It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—“he disappeared, because God took him.” For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith. It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them. All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead. It was by faith that Isaac promised blessings for the future to his sons, Jacob and Esau. It was by faith that Jacob, when he was old and dying, blessed each of Joseph’s sons and bowed in worship as he leaned on his staff. It was by faith that Joseph, when he was about to die, said confidently that the people of Israel would leave Egypt. He even commanded them to take his bones with them when they left. It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command. It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons. It was by faith that the people of Israel went right through the Red Sea as though they were on dry ground. But when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were all drowned. It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
The first readers understood that Hebrews 11 was encouragement for them to have faith for the long haul. Does this encourage you to have faith for the long haul? What about this part?
They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland.
Our Present Condition
The world we live in is a fallen world that has yet to be redeemed. The people around us are fallen and are either being redeemed or have yet to be redeemed. This perishable body must put on the imperishable and our mortal bodies will take on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:53) but right now, we wait with all of creation.
With all of creation, we groan as in childbirth, waiting for the children of God to be revealed (Romans 8:19-26). We are the children of God but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is (1 John 3:2).
So whether we die in Christ and be with him today in paradise or we’re here on earth when trumpet sounds and the dead in Christ are raised and we who are alive rise up to meet him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) - we need to know how to have faith for the long haul.
Not just endure to the bitter end, but to continually build our faith and add goodness and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, endurance; and to endurance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection phileo ; and to phileo, agapeo love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)
Faith is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Faith is only faith when it endures.
Imagine what it would be like to …
…have trouble come and not being able to stop yourself from laughing at the works of the one who comes to kill, steal and destroy because you know you know your God is good and working all things together for good. That this problem will lead to endurance and endurance will lead to forever being with the Father who loves you.
It’s ridiculously awesome! Everything the enemy means for evil, God will turn around for good.
Solution to have Faith for the Long Haul
How can we be ready for Christ to return? How can we have faith for the long haul?
That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.
This is a tool of tools. There are a lot of verses that you need to check out the context for. I’m going to give you homework today. Look up these verses and meditate on them. Ask Holy Spirit how to make them part of your walk.
Will I be READY Tool?
R- Repent of your sins and turn toGod Acts 3:19
E- EXPECT instead of having expectations Matthew 24:42
A - Always WALK in the light 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5
D - Don’t Forget to STAND 2 Chronicles 20:17
Y - YIELD to Jesus as Lord 1 Peter 3:15
This is how you live READY to meet your God. Whether the next breath you take is the last one you take on this earth or you’re here when the trumpet is called and the dead in Christ rise, you need to be READY.
Repent of your sins and turn to God
Acts 3:19 (NLT) - "Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away."
God has given us the tools of Confession and Repentance and the grace to supernaturally use them. Confession and Repentance bring you into His Kingdom AND enable you to seek first his kingdom and righteousness once you’re in the Kingdom.
Confession is agreeing with God that what you did or didn’t do is sin. We tell God we agree with him that what we did or withheld from doing is sin. Or we can confess that Jesus is Lord and confess our need for Christ to be in the driver’s seat of our life.
Repentance is not doing what God calls sin or withholding from doing that God calls good. It’s changing our mind and going in the opposite direction.
Do you need to confess that Jesus is Lord? Do you need to confess your sins since salvation?
1 John 1:8-9 If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
Do I need to confess and repent of anything?
Repent of your sins and turn to God
EXPECT instead of having expectations
Matthew 24:42 - "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come."
Do you know the difference between being expectant and having expectations?
Expectations have real or imagine deadlines or standards.
Expectancy is focused on God being good and in a good mood.
EXPECT God will be Good Tool
EXPECT
E - Employ testimony - Revelation 12:11
X - X-change your problems for His peace - 1 Peter 5:6-7
P - Patiently wait - Psalm 27:14
E - Enjoy Gratitude - 1 Thessalonians 5:18
C - Commit everything to God - Psalm 37:5-6
T - Tune into Purity - 1 John 3:2-3
Let’s unpack this...
E - Employ Testimony
Revelation 12:11(NLT) “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
Testimony reinforces thoughts and behaviours. It can reinforce bad thoughts or good thoughts. When we testify about anything that isn’t true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable or excellent and worthy of praise. We agree with the enemy and invite him to do it again.
But when we testify about what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable and excellent and worthy of praise we invite God to do it again. The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10) which might be a reason the more we talk about the good things of God, more good things we have to be thankful for.
If you want to expect God to be good and true to his word you need use employ good testimony. Expectancy comes from positive Testimony.
X-change your problems for His peace
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT) "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”
You don’t ignore the reality of your situation, you take everything to God in prayer, and don’t leave his presence until you once again have his peace.
P - Patiently wait
Psalm 27:14 (NLT) "Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."
Patience is not a passive toleration of things we don’t like. Patience defined in James 1:2-4 as “Independent, unyielding, defiant perseverance in the face of aggressive misfortune “
E - Enjoy Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
We can be thankful IN all circumstances, it’s a choice, a decision of our will. We can only we thankful FOR all circumstances (Ephesians 5:18-20) as a byproduct of being continually filled with Holy Spirit. If you want to be expectant and endure to the end, you have to choose to be thankful in all circumstances and choose to be continually filled with Holy Spirit so that you can give thanks for all circumstances.
C - Commit everything to God
Psalm 37:5-6 (NLT) "Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun."
We cannot expect good things from God if we do not trust him to be good and in a good mood. Let God know that you know when you are upset with him and giving him credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. He knows when you don’t trust him. You know you don’t trust him if you don’t feel his peace.
T - Tune into Purity
1 John 3:2-3 (NLT) - “Dear friends, we are already God’s children, but he has not yet shown us what we will be like when Christ appears. But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is. And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure.”
When we eagerly expect Christ to come back we naturally throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles (Hebrews 12:1). We do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is (Ephesians 5:17). We are made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. (2 Timothy 2:21) When we eagerly expect, we keep ourselves pure, just as he is pure.
Do I EXPECT or do I have expectations?
R- Repent of your sins and turn toGod
E- EXPECT instead of having expectations
A - Always WALK in The Light
Always WALK in the Light Tool
1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 - "But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day."
W -Welcome those God wants you to help - Matthew 25:40
A - Awaken to Holiness - Hebrews 12:14-15
L - Love your neighbour as yourself - Mark 12:31
K - Know why you meet together - Hebrews 10:24-25
Let’s unpack this...
W -Welcome those God wants you to help
Matthew 25:40 - "The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
Do I do what I can for who God wants me to bless?
A - Awaken to holiness
Hebrews 12:14-15 - " Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.'"
Do I work at living a holy life?
L - Love your neighbour as yourself
Mark 12:31 NLT - "The second is equally important: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.' No other commandment is greater than these.
Do I love my neighbour as myself?
K - Know why you meet together
Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT - “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Do I WALK in the light as He is in the light?
R- Repent of your sins and turn toGod
E- EXPECT instead of having expectations
A - Always WALK in The Light
D - Don’t Forget to STAND
2 Chronicles 20:17 But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
Take up your position and STAND Tool
S - Stop giving God credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. - John 10:10
T- Treat all hardship as discipline knowing He is a good Father and will work all things together for good. - Hebrews 12:7-11
A - Agree to cast all your cares upon him, because he cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7
N- Never forget that the God of all hope fills you with all peace and joy as you trust in him, so that you can overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13
D - Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything and thank him in all things, knowing that’s his will for you. - Philippians 4:6-7
Do I STAND to see the deliverance of the Lord?
R- Repent of your sins and turn to God
E- EXPECT instead of having expectations
A - Always WALK in The Light
D - Don’t Forget to STAND
YIELD to Jesus as Lord
Jesus needs to be Lord of my,,, actions, answers, attitude …my will, my decision, my emotions - Jesus needs to be Lord of my whole heart.
YIELD to Jesus as Lord Tool
Y - Yoke yourself to Him - 1 Peter 3:15-16
E - Enjoy bowing now - Philippians 2:9-11
I - Imitate Jesus - Colossians 2:6-7
L - Learn to let Holy Spirit help you - 1 Corinthians 12:3
D - Declare He is Lord - Romans 10:9-10
Let’s unpack this...
Y - Yoke yourself to Him
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV84) - “In your heart, set apart, Christ as Lord .Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
His yoke is easy and his burden is light.
E - Enjoy bowing now
Philippians 2:9-11 (NLT) - "Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…
Every knee will bow. It’s a joy and celebration to bow now.
I - Imitate Jesus
Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT) - "And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."
When your faith grows strong, you overflow with gratitude.
The more faith you have, the more gratitude you have. The more gratitude you have, the more trust you have. The more trust you have the more hope and joy you have. The more joy you have the more you consider it all joy whenever you face trouble of any kind because you have faith to trust he is good and working all things together for the good.
L - Learn to let Holy Spirit help you
1 Corinthians 12:3 (NLT) - "So I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God will curse Jesus, and no one can say Jesus is Lord, except by the Holy Spirit."
He empowers you to accomplish every good work prompted by faith. Of course he’s going to empower you to say “Jesus is Lord” to the glory of God the Father.
Gentleman, sometimes Holy Spirit sounds a lot like your mom or your wife giving constructive criticism. We are to honour one another so when we honour those closest to us, we honour God.
D - Declare He is Lord
Romans 10:9-10 (NLT) - "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved."
He is not Lord because you declare he is Lord. He’s Lord and you agree with what that means for your life. He’s in the driver seat of your life. You are not. You go when he says go. You wait when he says wait. You love how he tells you to love. (It’s sacrificial, it will cost you everything).
Do I yield to Jesus as Lord? Is he Lord of my actions, my answers and my attitude?
Conclusion
Faith is a lifelong journey, not a one-time event. Faith is only faith when it endures.
Will you be READY?
R- Repent of your sins and turn toGod Acts 3:19
E- EXPECT instead of having expectations Matthew 24:42
A - Always WALK in The Light 1 Thessalonians 5:4-5
D - Don’t Forget to STAND 2 Chronicles 20:17
Y - YIELD to Jesus as Lord 1 Peter 3:15
Challenge
Will you continue to add endurance to your faith?
I Find Strength in Gratitude to Stand Firm in Faith
I wake up each morning with a heart full of gratitude, for the Lord has blessed me abundantly beyond what I deserve. I find strength when I cultivate a heart of thanksgiving so that I can be more and more firm in my faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Faith comes by hearing the good news of Christ Jesus.
I choose to not give God credit for the works of the one who comes to steal, kill and destroy. I treat all hardship as discipline knowing he will work all things together for good. I cast all my cares on him because he cares for me. I am never lacking in zeal, but keep I keep my spiritual fervour serving the Lord. I am joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. I don’t worry about anything, but I pray about everything and thank him in all things, knowing that’s his will for me.
I know how to turn my hurt into hope. I trust in the Lord with all my heart and don’t lean on my own understanding, in all my ways I acknowledge him and he makes my path straight. The God of all hope fills me with peace and joy as I trust in him, so that I overflow with hope by the power of Holy Spirit.
I know how to renew my strength. As I wait on the Lord, he renews my strength. Sometimes I rise up on wings as eagles, sometimes I run and do not grow weary, sometimes I walk and do not faint. I am confident I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, so I am strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. I am still and know he is God.
I know how to exchange my problems for his peace. I enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. I tell him what I need, I thank him for what he’s done. Because he cares for me, I cast my cares on him. I don’t fear because he is with me. I am not dismayed because he is God. He strengthens me and helps me and upholds me with his righteous right hand.
Today, I know gratitude is a powerful force that strengthens my faith for the long haul of life. It allows me to appreciate God's blessings, to trust he works all things together for the good, and find peace amidst life's challenges. With a heart filled with gratitude, I can stand firm in my faith and face the reality of my day-to-day of everyday with all the grace, hope and joy he provides.
The Blessing from the Book comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:5 today. It reminds us that God is the one should lead our heart. Sign up for the full course at http://revtrev.link/blessing #blessing #Bible #encourage #encouragement #hope #trust #faith
Watch Blessing - Day 6 - May the Lord lead your heart…
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take his yoke that is easy and his burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living LIGHT. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace, and joy and hope at all times in every situation. Learn more http://revtrev.link/pathway
Verse
2 Thessalonians 3:5 (HCSB) May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.
Blessing
May the Lord lead your heart into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
Reflection Question
Have I been experiencing the love of God and patient endurance of Christ lately?
Can I pray for you?
Lord, help us to know your limitless love and patience that is ours when we live your love out. Encourage those who need to know that love and patience are two things you’re growing in us and that you will finish the good work you started in us. Bring peace and joy today. Amen.
If you want to get all of these Blessings From the Book with enhanced audio and video sign up at http://revtrev.link/blessing
Every day we are confronted with situations that require us to show patience. Whether it is in our relationships with family, friends, or colleagues, patience is a virtue that can be difficult to master. The Bible tells us to be patient with one another. It's not possible without Holy Spirit's help and the revelation of what Biblical Patience really is. Learn more in the message Biblical Patience and Why We Need to Have It
Listen to Biblical Patience and Why We Need to Have It
Watch Biblical Patience and Why We Need to Have It
TL/DL/DW
When I was a kid there was this album called Music Machine. It had a song on it that our parents would sing to us whenever we didn’t want to wait.
I sang it to my kids too. They would pretend to hate it like I did. But I have heard them singing it to each other to get a rise.
Here’s the song in CGI.
Have Patience - Music Machine
How many remembered that?
I suppose you can tell what we’re going to be talking about today.
I’ve got to tell you, sometimes you have to smile with God.
The first day in a long time I was late to church… the day I’m speaking on patience. I had to wait for you to get cupcakes… when the message was already preached about three times already today. I’ve started a new job, and need to wait for a new computer before I have access to everything. God won’t let me teach on anything I am not currently re-learning. I need to live it out before I can declare it out.
Scripture tells us to be patient with one another.
Ephesians 4:1-3 NLT Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
Can we pray?
We know we should be patient in trouble…
Romans 12:10-12 NLT Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
We know God is patient with us…
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
I trust we know patient isn’t something we can will ourselves to be.
Colossians 1:10-12 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light.
We may think we know everything about being patient and having patience… and that is the problem.
The problem with Patience
There is a problem with patience and it’s not the song.
As Christians we seem to to accept a Stoic view of patience, not a biblical view of one.
Have you ever heard the joke - I’ve told the joke - “Never pray for patience, or else you’ll have to wait.” ?
That is not a biblical view of patience. It’s a Stoic view.
Stoicism was a School of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno in Athens early in the 3rd Century BC. It flourished throughout the Greek and Roman world until the end of the 3rd century AD. It experienced decline after Christianity became the state religion. Christian writers wrote things that Stoics would have loved. “Treat all hardship as discipline.” “The testing of your faith produces endurance.” “I have run the race, I have finished the course. “
Christianity co-opted Stoicism.
There is a difference between Christian thought and Stoic thought.
The difference was Christians focussed on the actions because of what Christ did, was doing and what would do. Stoics focussed on fundamental virtues.
For the Stoics, patience is a fundamental virtue – one that arises from, yet also sustains, the reasoned detachment crucial to Stoic ethics. Basically it’s a “suck it up, buttercup” approach. Deal with what you can deal with, don’t worry about things you can’t control.
Biblical patience isn’t that.
Yes, we are to treat all hardship as discipline, but it’s because we have a good father who disciplines us for our good and will work all things together for good.
Let’s look at Romans 5:1-5 and James 1:2-4 so you can see what I’m saying.
Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance (enduring patience or patience over time). And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
James 1:2-4 NLT Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance (enduring patience or patience over time) has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance (enduring patience or patience over time) is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
steadfastness/ constancy/ endurance/ patience/ is the same Greek word - hypomonē (hoo-pom-on-ay’)
Patience is the evidence of Holy Spirit’s working. Biblical patience is not a passive toleration of things we don’t like.
That is stoic philosophy not biblical patience.
Biblical patience defined in these verses is an “Unyielding, defiant perseverance in the face of aggressive misfortune and thus a kind of courageousness.”
Biblical patience is not a passive toleration of things we don’t like. Biblical patience is unyielding, defiant perseverance.
What does Biblical Patience mean to how we treat one another?
That’s a great question, I’m so glad you asked.
That’s how we’re to treat one another. Not passive toleration of one another, but unyielding defiant perseverance to see God finish the work He’s started in you and started in me.
If God is good and I can trust Him to finish the good work He’s started in me, I can trust Him to be good and finish the good work He’s started in you.
If you don’t think He’s going to finish the good work work He’s started in you, you need to stop and ask Him for the revelation of that truth today. Experience His grace for you, and realize His grace flows through you to others.
Patience is not passive toleration of things we don’t like.
It’s not passive toleration of sin or selfishness.
Patience is TENACITY
Patience is…
T - The authentication of love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
E - Evidence of Holy Spirit working. Galatians 5:22
N - Never not forgiving. Colossians 3:12-13
A - Always being slow to anger. James 1:19-22
C - Correcting and encouraging. 2 Timothy 4:2
I - Inviting and extending peace. Isaiah 26:3
T - Thanksgiving not complaining. Philippians 4:6
Y - Yielding to God’s timing. James 5:7-8
T - The authentication of love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Agapeo - this kind of love is choice. We are to do everything in love 1 Corinthians 16:14
When we are patient with each other we are showing love to each other. You’re not showing love if you’re not showing patience.
Am I choosing to love when it’s difficult to love?
E - Evidence of Holy Spirit working. Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
Biblical patience is not something you can work up in yourself. It’s Holy Spirit work in you. We can all be patient for so long… if we assume patience is the passive toleration of things we don’t like.
But Biblical patience is unyielding, defiant perseverance. It’s not something that we can work up in our own, apart of Holy Spirit’s work in us. It’s a fruit that grows. Our role is to not stop it from growing. He will finish the good work He’s started in you. (Philippians 1:6)
Am I more or less patient than I was in the past?
N - Never not forgiving. Colossians 3:12-13
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12-13
You can’t be patient and not be forgiving. When we have patience for each other we forgive one another. You need to know, you can forgive with your whole heart. (Matthew 18:21-35). That means you make the decision to forgive, you do some action to bless the one who cursed you, and you feel the freedom forgiveness brings. If you don’t feel like you’ve forgiven, we can help you allow Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of what your feelings show that you actually believe.
Is there anyone I need to forgive?
A - Always slow to anger. James 1:19-22
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:19-22
Proverbs 19:11 Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.
We condemn anger in other people and justify it in ourselves. Anger isn’t sin, but it can lead to sin. We can’t be quick to anger and think that we are patient. Patience is not passive toleration of one another, but unyielding defiant perseverance to see God finish the work He’s started in each of us.
Have I been slow to anger lately?
C - Correcting and encouraging. 2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2
Have you ever had more patience for stranger than you have had for family members? We expect more from those who should know better. Being patient with everyone means not only our family, but other drivers in Edmonton. We can’t do this without Holy Spirit working in and through us.
Best way I’ve found to correct people is to ask questions. I learned this from my Uncle Gordon. He would ask “What do you think God thinks about that?” And “Is this going to matter in 100 years?” And you knew you were being corrected. And you knew you weren’t being condemned. It’s the kindness of God that leads us to repentance.
Look at Paul the questions he posses in his letters. Sure, some are sarcastic, some are rhetorical, but both of those types of questions can get us to stop and examine ourselves. When we ask questions we leave room for Holy Spirit to speak truth into their lives.
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Have I been asking questions or demanding conformity?
I - Inviting and extending peace
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3
Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea. Isaiah 48:18
Peace is proof of your authority.
We get peace by trusting God. When we trust God we know peace. When we don’t trust God there is no peace.
Peace begins between us and God. It flows from us to others and the situation.
We can speak peace to the storms in other people’s lives.
Did I tell you I had a self-proclaimed atheist come to me and ask me for prayer because she needed my peace?
You can’t have patience without peace. Patience without peace is passive toleration of things we don’t like. That is not biblical patience. Biblical patience is unyielding, defiant perseverance that comes alive in peace.
It’s not something we will in ourselves, but receive when we trust God is good and working all things together for good.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Do I have peace that passes understanding? Do others comment on my peace?
T - Thanksgiving not complaining. Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6
The journey of patience will be a short one, if we choose to complain instead of remembering to give thanks. We need to give thanks with our whole heart (Psalms 9:1). So that means we decide to be grateful, we do something to show appreciation, and we feel gratitude rise up in us… in no particular order. Gratitude is the attitude that makes patience last and extends patience out.
Do you want to lose patience? Start complaining. Do you want to show patience? Give thanks with your whole heart.
Have I been thanking or complaining?
Y - Yielding to God’s timing. James 5:7-8
James 5:7-8 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.
Patience is not - not putting the work in. The farmer needs to plough the fields and to sow the seed. When we do our part we wait with expectation for God do His part.
Patience is not inaction.
When that comes to others, we have to remember - sometimes we plant, sometimes we water, sometimes we harvest where we haven’t planted or watered. It’s God who give the increase. He’s the one who is going to finish the good work He started in us. He’s the one who will finish the good work He’s started in others.
Be encouraged, in the waiting, with the Word. I feel someone needs to hear this verse today. You need to paste it on the mirror and memorize it.
Jeremiah 31:16-17 But now this is what the Lord says: “Do not weep any longer, for I will reward you,” says the Lord. “Your children will come back to you from the distant land of the enemy. There is hope for your future,” says the Lord. “Your children will come again to their own land.
Remember what Biblical patience is…“Unyielding, defiant perseverance in the face of aggressive misfortune and thus a kind of courageousness.” Some of you have given up on your kids or your grandkids.
Whenever you have to wait for God’s promises - whether it’s for your relationships or finances or health - strengthen yourself in the Lord. One way we do that is in waiting with the Word. If that verse doesn’t sing to you find, go into the book and read until one does. This word is life.
Have I been patient with God’s timing?
Conclusion
Have you been passively tolerating things you don’t like thinking you were being patient?
Remember - Patience is unyielding, defiant perseverance.
When we are patient with each other we realize God is going to finish the good work He’s started in each of us. So we don’t need to demand our own way or insist on our preferences.
Remember Patience is TENACITY
T - The authentication of love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-6
Am I choosing to love when it’s difficult to love?
E - Evidence of Holy Spirit working. Galatians 5:22
Am I more or less patient than I was in the past?
N - Never not forgiving. Colossians 3:12-13
Is there anyone I need to forgive?
A - Always being slow to anger. James 1:19-22
Have I been slow to anger lately?
C - Correcting and encouraging. 2 Timothy 4:2
Have I been asking questions or demanding conformity?
I - Inviting and extending peace. Isaiah 26:3
Do I have peace that passes understanding? Do others comment on my peace?
T - Thanksgiving not complaining. Philippians 4:6
Have I been thanking or complaining?
Y - Yielding to God’s timing. James 5:7-8
Have I been patient with God’s timing?
Closing blessing
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5
The Blessing from the Book comes from 2 Thessalonians 3:5 today. It reminds us that God is the one should lead our heart. Sign up for the full course at http://revtrev.link/blessing #blessing #Bible #encourage #encouragement #hope #trust #faith
Listen to Blessing - Day 6 - May the Lord lead your heart…
You were created to walk with God in the garden in the cool of the day. Sin came into the world and you bore the consequences. Jesus came and reversed the curse and took your place and invited you to take his yoke that is easy and his burden that is light. You are a child of God creation longs to be revealed. You are a living LIGHT. Don’t conform but be transformed, so you can have peace, and joy and hope at all times in every situation. Learn more http://revtrev.link/pathway
Verse
2 Thessalonians 3:5 (HCSB) May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.
Blessing
May the Lord lead your heart into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.
Reflection Question
Have I been experiencing the love of God and patient endurance of Christ lately?
Can I pray for you?
Lord, help us to know your limitless love and patience that is ours when we live your love out. Encourage those who need to know that love and patience are two things you’re growing in us and that you will finish the good work you started in us. Bring peace and joy today. Amen.
If you want to get all of these Blessings From the Book with enhanced audio and video sign up at http://revtrev.link/blessing
I don't know for sure what's going to happen.
Hello once more,
It's been another week of learning a lot. For me that means there has been many issues I've had to figure out how to manage. (I learn the most by making mistakes...and yes, I know a lot.)
