Galatians 6:9 NIV — Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines perseverance as continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. By definition, perseverance is often difficult. Recall times you have had to persevere? Was the outcome what you had hoped or dreamed? You and I are certain to face trials and tribulations in the future. We must approach difficulties with patience and perseverance so we do not grow weary. Spend some time brainstorming ways you can strengthen your habits of patience and perseverance. Read this article titled How To Be More Patient: 7 ways to cultivate patience.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for reminding me, even when I don’t want to be reminded, to have patience and perseverance. Give me strength and courage to let go and trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

#biblegateway 

#youversion

Romans 12:12 NIV — Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the definition of patient is bearing pains or trials calmly without complaint. OUCH! Scripture calls each of us to be patient in affliction yet I cannot say I always undergo trials calmly and without complaint. Can you? 

As I prepared for the writing this week, I realized the only way I am able to begin to have Christ-like patience is to be “faithful in prayer.” I am currently in a season of being hopeful and patient as God shows off in the healing of a loved one. I wear a silicone bracelet on my wrist as a visible reminder to myself. By doing this, I am more consistent with being in constant prayer. Everytime my eye catches the bright color on my wrist I whisper the name of my loved one in prayer. 

What pains or trials are you currently bearing? Are you doing so without complaint? Are you being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer?” What area can you improve and how will you do so?

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for reminding me, even when I don’t want to be reminded, to have patience and perseverance. Give me strength and courage to let go and trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

#biblegateway 

#youversion

Romans 8:25 NIV — But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

When I was younger, my family lived in Lancaster, SC for five years. During that time we became as close as family with a couple we affectionately called our aunt and uncle. Uncle Archie and Aunt Helen became like grandparents to my brother and I and we always enjoyed spending time listening and learning from them. One of Uncle Archie’s favorite sayings was “patience and perseverance.” He would say that phrase when we were playing a game, any time my brother and I would attempt a task and it was not proceeding as we had hoped, or when we were in a rush to go or do something. Most of the time when Uncle Archie voiced this phrase, it infuriated me because in reality he was saying “patience and perseverance” to remind me to adjust my attitude. While I was aggravated by the reminder, I also knew he was right.

Today’s featured scripture reminds us to wait with patience. Examine your current walk with Christ. Are you exhibiting patience and perseverance or are you becoming frustrated that the “thing” you have been praying about is seemingly unchanged? 

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for reminding me, even when I don’t want to be reminded, to have patience and perseverance. Give me strength and courage to let go and trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

#biblegateway 

#youversion

Romans 8:25 NIV — But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

Romans 12:12 NIV — Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Galatians 6:9 NIV — Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

James 1:2-4 NIV — Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

#biblegateway 

#youversion

As we begin our week on patience and perseverance, take time to worship and pray as you listen to Be Still My Soul by Kari Jobe.

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Today we celebrate our independence. On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The document written by Thomas Jefferson went through an editing process. There were 86 changes made to the original writing. We started celebrating this day annually after the first public reading where bells were rung and music was played.

Deborah, Ray, and I live in South Carolina. Many of our family and friends like to celebrate on the river. The elephant ear plant thrives near standing water. Notice that they are heart shaped and they dip down to the water. Most are a vibrant green and cascade along the riverbanks. Notice that this particular leaf has started to turn yellow. Like this plant, we are all imperfect people in need of God’s love.

We get to live out our edited lives, blessed that through God’s Grace we can keep writing our story. Thank you to our men and women who have served and continue to serve our country so that we can live in freedom.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the freedom You give us through Your grace. Thank You for our independence and for the men and women who serve to keep our freedom. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was signed. Many seasons have come and gone since then. In today’s key verse from Ecclesiastes, we see there is a time for war and a time for peace. We must also honor and remember those that have fought and continue to fight for that peace and our freedom. 

Every summer season we celebrate the joys that the July 4th holiday brings. Let’s choose to focus on those blessings. To name a few: peace, freedom, family, friends, food, and fellowship. Whether blessings are big or small, they should be celebrated. As we read in Ephesians 1:3 NIV — Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

Even when we can’t physically see a blessing, God is blessing us.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the many blessings You have provided through the celebrations of our independence. Help us to keep the faith even when we can’t see a blessing. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.