PATIENCE, PATIENCE!

You Are The Living Word by Fred Hammond
“Living Word” was written by Hall, Noel Christopher / Hammond, Fred.

(Bread of Life sent down from glory,
Many things you were on earth,
A holy king a carpenter,

You are the living

Bread of heaven, sent down from Glory
Many things you were on earth,
A holy king, a carpenter,

You are the living word
(2x)

Awesome ruler gentile redeemer,
God with us the living truth,
And what a friend we have in you,

You are the living word
(2x)

Jesus, Jesus, thats what we call you,
Manger born, but on a tree,
You died to save humanity

You are the living word
(4x)

oh oh oh,
oh oh oh,
oh oh oh oh oh oh,
oh oh oh oh oh oh,

ohhh oh

You are the living word
(3x)

Jesus Jesus
that’s what we call you
Jesus Jesus Lord
oh oh oh oh oh oh
ohhhhhh oh

You are the living word
(3x)

http://www.metrolyrics.com/living-word-lyrics-fred-hammond.html

Don’t you love those lyrics: “You are the living word!”

On this particular morning’s commute by bus, I felt like Jill Scott’s lyrics “off to work beaming all the way! ” As the bus zoomed through the early morning traffic, hurried past commuters, and snow jacketed children huddled at their bus stops, I caught a quick glimpse of the young man that I’d see often cradling the morning’s/day’s newspaper-strutting in cadence fashion on the sidewalk. In an instant thought I wondered how his newspaper business was impacted with the advent of on-line subscribers? Now that might cause one to step up his sales pace. His outdoor work attire was a  neon colored vest. I surmised that that was a precautionary measure, so motorist would see him as he dashed in out of traffic, providing carside sales.

I just felt that surely he must have a great heart- a positive temperament as he paced bellowing that the paper was for sale. I believe God fashioned him with an upbeat disposition?  Disposition made to take on “the elements!” Lord knows it was brisk that morning and I wondered if his neon vest, khaki slacks were layered in some kind of warmth. But  my thinking shifted!  Immediately I wanted to chuckle out loud and burst out with hearty laughter because a wonderful memory surfaced.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25,26

In that split second it was a warm summer afternoon, I was walking down Highgate Avenue receiving instructions from my industrious, younger middle brother Steve who had a newspaper route. I have to ask Steve how old he was when he started his paper route. Steve’s had a great personality with easy-spontaneous humor all his life. A real people person who is liked and loved by most. I believe he delivered the morning and evening newspaper. Probably he met the truck for the paper drop off, pulling a wagon and then loading and carrying a side sack of heavy newspapers as he rode his bike. No such thing as subscribing to The Buffalo Evening News on the internet. Now what possessed me to help? I am not quite sure what prompted my cooperation. Possibly it was the pay, he promised. Maybe it was sheer noisiness or that spirit which says, “That’s easy! You can do this too!” Does that spirit ever convince you of the same?

I don’t know too many siblings that eagerly cooperate unless there’s some financial incentive. At any rate I started out zealous. Steve knew each family and or person that was his Buffalo Evening News Clientele and where they wanted and expected their paper to be delivered. Mail boxes, front porches, side screen doors, milk boxes, dog houses-whatever. Neatly tuck and keep it moving that was my task. Can you detect that my enthusiasm tappered out quickly. So being a true big sister, I placed the newspaper where I wanted not necessarily understanding that I was disturbing the natural order and flow of business. Next day his customers awaited his drop-off and they weren’t pleased. He said, “Lin what did you do?” Customers that normally went to the side door found their papers everywhere but where they expected. Needless to say my help was not needed!

Isn’t it just like us to constantly do things our way, when order has been set and things are just fine. Our impatience can mess up a good thing!

I thank God that Jesus exonerates us,  excuses our “know it all philosophies”, stretches out a loving arm and demonstrates a selfless love! His mercy endures-not predicated on climate! Oh yes my friends even overlooks our impatience. Here are a list of scriptures that will encourage you to keep your momentum and to appreciate and also exercise personal patience. Our Lord and Savior tolerates us and it’s time that we not be so quick to abandon the “paper routes” in our life that seem tedious. Maybe we can remember to serve others with greater grace, take heart and be dutiful regarding the things God has called us to do!

Jesus thanks for Steve’s attention to caring details and Fred’s wonderful lyrics!

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

– See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/God,-Patience-Of#sthash.5iVGBaoN.dpuf

Shared with a Transparent Heart,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author of the devotionals:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises;
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God

http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/

https://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/

–

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ICY CONDITIONS MAY EXIST!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8,9

"Flash freeze", ever heard that phrase? I hadn't but I am well acquainted now!  Just yesterday I experienced the scariest fall ever. Right there in front of our own front door Mother Nature had created an undisguised ice rink. Saturday I hadn't been privy to that evening's weather forecast of the impending, fierce icy conditions, day long rain, chilly air, plummeting temps and terrible driving conditions. But thank God when my tumbling ensued I was layered and dressed for wintry weather just naive regarding the hazardous conditions. Off we were to Sunday Worship--I pushed my way happily out the door knowing that my family was following suit. Literally It felt as though I was bouncing happily, anticipating the day. And as soon as I stepped out the door, no further than the landing, my balance was immediately off. Ever been there, startled and (you fill in the blank)?  It felt weird, strange not to be steady on a foundation that was familiar, level, concrete. Mentally I am still trying to collect my thoughts about the awkwardness of it all and how my sure steps were compromised. I recall that it was all happening so quickly, my tumbling down, slip sliding, grasping for security, grabbing at air-gasping in horror, legs tangled, gliding down one step at a time, all uncontrollable. This moment felt shocking, humiliating, publicly becoming disheveled and finally managing to get up! Instinctively I uttered, "I'm alright!"  Was I really?

And so a day later I am resting, recouping and achy but relieved! As I scroll through Facebook marveling at my friends entries, appreciating amazing art, gazing at photos of beautiful culinary treats, shaking my head at the outrageous public antics and then I see  it-pause to read Philippians 4:8, and understand that's God's words are my divine safety net in the midst of all the Facebook entries! It was like a"flash freeze" moment! And for a split second I knew those words were for me, for me not focus on the fall,and who may or may not have witnessed its impact, but instead to celebrate my getting up-rebounding and shaking off all the hazardous "what ifs" when icy conditions may exist!

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

The fact is that my body is sore from the fall but thankfully the impact of yesterday's fall only left me mildly shaken, nothing extreme, nothing deadly! Friends truly I appreciate God cushioning my fall and allowing me to be transparent. I tried to brace myself, grab hold of the metal railing with no success and hindsight says, that was indeed fortunate. No concussion, missing teeth, broken limbs and busted lips. i survived I bet my fall was minor in comparison to what you've survived!  We do know about some rough patches don't we!

Life's moments can beat you down and tear you up! They may leave you "jacked-up"!  But thank God It's only temporary!  The odds are with us that we will experience some unforeseen mishaps, collisions and/or occurrences but I choose to believe that God will reveal his goodness even when it hurts! He does care for you, Think about how it was evident during what seemed like a most unlikely time in your life! This too is another trans formative season. If you have't experienced it-- just you wait and see!

Oh but you will bounce back and the scars may or may not be visible. But your resilient spirit will assure you that your faith in God has strengthened you! And the bottom line is we'll know and the NaySayers will have to also admit God is a keeper.And in the meantime while you are moving through life re-energized and possibly wobbling read Philippians 4:4

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.And the God of peace will be with you."

Friends go on and trust Jesus, there is no need be overly preoccupied about the icy conditions, the Lord is faithful!

Shared with a Transparent Heart,
Linda Mose Meadows, Author of the devotionals:
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life’s Lessons and God’s Promises;
Destined to Receive, Reflections and Devotionals Celebrating The Love of God
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/
https://blessedauthorlm.wordpress.com/