Thursday, March 17, 2011

Standing Firm

DEVOTION
JAMES
STANDING FIRM
James 5:7-9
7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
NIV
There are times when I wish Jesus would come right now. Then other times I think of all I still have to do and I hope he will wait until I am done. But in either case he is coming and I actually have no choice but to be patient. I cannot go hide somewhere and simply wait. I have to continue to occupy, to do what he has directed me to do. I certainly have to live in harmony with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I do not think I am one of those grumblers who always finds fault with everyone else. Sure I do see some discrepancies in what people say and how they live, but I am sure I have some as well. I believe the Lord does gift me with discernment. I do sense some of my brothers and sister are far from the truth and I have been called to teach and preach his truths. But I cannot stand in judgment of them, or think of myself as better. Yet, I see so much that is not right in his sight. How can I not bring out the truth and try to assist them in seeing the truth of God? I have to believe they think they are right on with God. I cannot believe they are knowingly opposing God’s truth. I also know I will not be moved from my position no matter what. I will stand firm. I will continue to serve him until the day I step into eternity either through death or rapture. I will never retire from his work for me, how can I? I cannot conceive of ever being too old to do what he desires of me. I will stand firm but in my faith and in my service. I will continue to do what I do unless God has other plans for me. What is life other than in Christ? How can people live without him? No hope, no rest, and even though they do not know it, they will not be in the great harvest of souls unless they come to terms with God. I am convinced beyond a shadow of doubt I am his, and he is mine. I will with patience take my stand, continue to serve my Lord by serving others without judgment but with love.

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