Building Christlike character patient endurance rooted in hope

I enjoy open source Bible tools like openbible.info where they have verses added by regular people on  patience. As I was reading these verse I noticed themes for building Christlike character like self-control under pressure, and hope that is trusting God's timing. Below, that list is sorted into five themes, each with supporting scripture added to round out the trait.

1. Slow to Anger, Quick to Understand

• Proverbs 15:18 — "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention."
• Proverbs 14:29 — "Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly."
• Ecclesiastes 7:9 — "Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools."
• Proverbs 16:32 — "Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city."

• James 1:19–20 — "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
• Proverbs 25:28 — "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."
• Galatians 5:22–23 — "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

2. Patience as Strength, Not Weakness

• Ecclesiastes 7:8 — "Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit."
• Hebrews 10:36 — "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."
• Romans 15:5 — "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus."

• James 1:2–4 — "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
• Romans 5:3–4 — "Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope."
• Galatians 6:9 — "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

3. Waiting on the Lord

• Isaiah 40:31 — "But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
• Exodus 14:14 — "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

• Psalm 27:14 — "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
• Psalm 37:7 — "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!"
• Lamentations 3:25–26 — "The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

4. God's Own Patience — the Model and Motive

• 2 Peter 3:9 — "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."
• 1 Timothy 1:16 — "But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."

• Romans 2:4 — "Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?"
• Psalm 103:8 — "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

5. Patience in How We Treat and Teach Others

• 2 Timothy 4:2 — "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."

• 2 Timothy 2:24–25 — "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness."
• Colossians 3:12–13 — "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other."
• 1 Corinthians 13:4 — "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude."

6. Hope and Trust in God's Plan

• Jeremiah 29:11 — "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

• Proverbs 3:5–6 — "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
• Romans 8:28 — "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

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Pattern across the themes: patience and self-control aren't passive traits they flow from trusting God's timing (waiting on the Lord), remembering His patience toward us (grace received becomes grace extended), and choosing gentleness in how we treat others. The character trait Scripture builds most consistently here is patient endurance rooted in hope.

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Conflict resolution God's way (Matt 18:15, Col 3:12-14)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. Matt 18:15

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. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Col 3:12-14

The Matthew 18:15 passage is the structural backbone for almost the entire framework it's worth anchoring the whole discussion there. The Colossians 3:12–14 cluster covers the posture (humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, love) all in one tight unit, making it very useful for teaching the character required before any of the steps can work. 

Conflict is inevitable in a fallen world, but God uses it to reveal and develop spiritual maturity

• James 1:2–4 — trials produce steadfastness and maturity
• Romans 5:3–5 — suffering produces character and hope
• Proverbs 27:17 — iron sharpens iron; conflict as sanctifying friction

Pray for solutions that honor God and all involved

• Philippians 4:6–7 — present everything to God in prayer; the peace of God guards hearts
• James 1:5 — ask God for wisdom when you lack it
• 1 Timothy 2:1–2 — pray for all people; God desires peaceful, godly lives

Assume everyone has right motives

• 1 Corinthians 13:7 — love believes the best, hopes the best
• Philippians 2:3 — count others more significant than yourself
• Romans 15:7 — accept one another as Christ accepted you

Address issues quickly, graciously, humbly, and face-to-face

• Matthew 18:15 — go directly to the person, alone, first
• Ephesians 4:26–27 — do not let the sun go down on your anger
• Galatians 6:1 — restore gently, watching yourself
• Proverbs 15:1 — a soft answer turns away wrath

Include only those involved

• Matthew 18:15–17 — the full escalation process begins with just the two parties
• Proverbs 11:13 — a gossip betrays confidence; a trustworthy person keeps a matter private
• Proverbs 17:9 — whoever covers an offense promotes love; repeating it separates friends

Strive to protect unity

• Ephesians 4:3 — make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
• Colossians 3:13–14 — bear with one another; love binds everything in perfect harmony
• John 17:20–23 — Jesus' own prayer for the unity of his people
• Psalm 133:1 — how good and pleasant when brothers dwell in unity

The scope of Christ's grace enables us to forgive freely

• Colossians 3:13 — forgive as the Lord forgave you
• Ephesians 4:32 — be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you
• Matthew 18:21–35 — the parable of the unmerciful servant; our forgiveness flows from being forgiven an unpayable debt
• Luke 7:47 — the one forgiven much loves much
• 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 — God reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

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The Primacy of God's Presence — Bill Johnson on Psalm 27

Enjoying Rooted at Grace and Stop in the Name of God at Teen Challenge. On the way this morning I heard this encouraging word from Bill Johnson's The Priority of the Presence of God. Our study in rooted was on the gifts we are given are meant to be put into practice to build up others (Love God, Love People). The sermon emphasis that Biblical waiting is not passive. We want to "ambush" God and meet him where he's going to be. Like running down the field and knowing that when I get to where we're going I can catch the "hail Mary" pass. 

Here's some of the highlights.

The central conviction of the sermon: nothing the believer has access to (power, strategy, resources, relationships) compares to the value of God's presence. David's declaration in Psalm 27:4 sets the tone. With a kingdom at his disposal, his singular ask was to dwell in the house of the Lord and gaze on His beauty. That priority, Johnson argues, is the organizing principle of a stable and fruitful life.

Intimacy over achievement. The biblical witness is consistent that God Himself is the reward, not merely what He provides. David writes in Psalm 16:11 that fullness of joy is in His presence. Moses, in Exodus 33:15, refuses to advance without God accompanying Israel — a remarkable posture given the urgency of leading a nation. Jeremiah 9:23–24 reinforces this by declaring that the only worthy boast is knowing God. Presence is the inheritance, not a means to something else.

Scripture as the believer's refuge in crisis. Johnson emphasizes an immediate turn to God's Word during difficulty, not as a last resort but as a first instinct. Psalm 119:105 describes the Word as a lamp to the feet. Joshua 1:8 connects courage and success directly to meditating on Scripture. Romans 10:17 reminds us that faith itself is generated by hearing the Word. The Word doesn't just comfort — it recalibrates perspective.

Devotion survives conflict. David's life proves that intimacy with God is not a luxury reserved for peaceful seasons. Hunted by Saul (1 Samuel 23:14–16), betrayed by Absalom (2 Samuel 15), and surrounded by enemies, David continued to seek the Lord before acting. Psalm 34:4 records his testimony: "I sought the Lord and He answered me." Psalm 57, written while hiding in a cave, opens with trust and ends in praise. Circumstances do not determine devotion — they reveal it.

Presence produces practical stability. This is not mysticism disconnected from daily life. Isaiah 26:3 promises perfect peace for the mind stayed on God. Philippians 4:6–7 describes the peace of God as a garrison — a military term — guarding hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Proverbs 3:5–6 adds that trusting God with the whole heart, rather than leaning on human understanding, results in directed paths. The inner life becomes ordered when God is the center.

Waiting is weaponized expectation. Biblical waiting is not passivity. Isaiah 40:31 describes those who wait on the Lord as those who mount up with wings like eagles — an image of ascending strength, not stagnation. Lamentations 3:25–26 frames waiting as rooted in God's faithful character. Psalm 130:5–6 compares it to a watchman's alert, patient vigilance through the night. Waiting is active faith directed toward a trustworthy God.

Believers carry and host His presence. The New Testament transforms the temple metaphor. 1 Corinthians 6:19 declares that the body of the believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit. John 15:4–5 calls believers to abide in Christ as branches in a vine — presence is the condition for fruitfulness. 2 Corinthians 3:18 adds that beholding God's glory progressively transforms believers into that same image. Hosting presence is both a privilege and a calling.

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Core takeaway: Every biblical category of blessing — peace, strength, wisdom, fruitfulness, influence — traces back to the same root. A life arranged around seeking and dwelling in God's presence doesn't merely receive benefits; it becomes a demonstration of what that presence produces. As Matthew 6:33 frames it, seek first the kingdom, and everything else finds its proper place.

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Faith includes ownership, what you ask for, you agree to carry.

Enjoying The Mystery of Restored Strength - Bill Johnson as I approach starting our 3rd Prayer Course at MNTC Portland House, I'm encouraged to carry what I've asked for in prayer.

Bill says God restores strength not only through waiting, but through sanctified desire. Desire is not a flaw to suppress. It is a God-designed capacity meant to be shaped by intimacy with Him. When we abide in Christ, our desires are refined to reflect His nature, and answered prayer becomes a means by which God reveals Himself in the world. Fulfilled desire is not indulgence. It is partnership. Prayer, then, is not passive asking but responsible co-laboring with God to see His will made visible, producing joy, renewal, and life.

Three Applications

1. Desire What God Desires

• Practice: Abide before you ask. Let Scripture and presence shape your longings.
• Posture: Desire flows from relationship, not impulse.
• Outcome: Your desires become trustworthy because they mirror God’s heart.
• But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7
• Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
• Application: Regularly ask, “Is this desire drawing me deeper into Christ and revealing His nature?”

2. Pray With Responsibility, Not Passivity

• Practice: Pray believing you are a steward, not a spectator.
• Posture: Faith includes ownership. What you ask for, you agree to carry.
• Outcome: Prayer becomes alignment with God’s will, not outsourcing it.
•  I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. Mark 11:24 
• You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. John 16:24.
• Application: Write down what emerges in prayer and ask, “What obedience does this require of me?”

3. Expect Renewal Through God’s Goodness

• Practice: Refuse to forget God’s benefits, including personal kindness.
• Posture: Gratitude sharpens spiritual vision.
• Outcome: Strength is renewed as joy is restored, like youth renewed as the eagle’s.
• Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 103:2–5
• Application: Track answered prayers and moments of God’s attention to your desires. Let testimony fuel expectation.

Bottom Line

Desire is not the enemy of holiness. Disconnected desire is.

When desire is anchored in Christ and prayer is carried with responsibility, God’s will moves from heaven into lived reality, and joy becomes full.

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Wait patiently and work on a prayer quilt

We gave out these "boxes of blessing" that describe using them as a prayer quilt. What a great idea!

It's a way of finding life verses, that speak to your soul level needs. Years ago a friend said to pay attention to verses that pop out at you while reading or consider using a topical reference to find a verse to meditate over in prayer. In my life I've resonated with Daniel and Philippians. In captivity yet seeking the Lord from the core of my being. 

Daniel's life honors God, saving lives with miracles and prophecy

In our SALT leaders meeting my friends Elshaddai and A.J. are developing a fellowship activity on emotions and spiritual practices. I'm excited to see what they come up with. A.J. leads our Wednesday praise and encouragement and this past week she talked about Jonah which I had been looking at that very morning. 

My prayer quilt is coming together 

• Dying to Self, being made alive for God (Luke 9; Gal 2:20,5:24; Romans 6, 12; 1 Peter 4)
• Everyone's choice: sacrilege or coram Deo
• Quit going into self deception (James 1:19-27)

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Long for, wait expectantly for the Lord for clarity (Hosea 10:12, Isaiah 30:18-22)

Sow for yourselves righteousness and reap the fruit of loving devotion; break up your unplowed ground. For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain. -  Hosea 10:12 

• The idea of "breaking up my unplowed ground" is wonderful and impossible without God. Receiving a fresh word from the Lord, preparing our hearts (Jer 4:3)
• The Easter message at church was on Romans 10, God makes saving faith available to all people, yet some reject it. Troy's big idea was that people misunderstand what being a Christian is. 
• Often times we want to reap the fruit and blessing but miss that it comes from "seeking the LORD until He comes and sends righteousness upon you like rain"

Isaiah 30:18 is interesting. The LORD is longing for us, who are longing for him. Watching for plants to grow and bloom in the spring and summer. My friend Javon had vision of flower growing in terrible conditions (wind, hail storm, cement ground). A person interpreted it as a picture of him growing. We gave out Jesus Centered Bibles and 101 promises from Psalms cards. Encouraging each guy at TC to share what they are learning with eachother, change the themselves and their world. 

 "So the LORD must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the LORD is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help." NLT

"Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" NIV

"Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." ESV

"Therefore the LORD waits [expectantly] and longs to be gracious to you, And therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; Blessed (happy, fortunate) are all those who long for Him [since He will never fail them]." AMP

To "long for" something means to have a strong, often heartfelt or persistent, desire or craving for it, especially something that might be unattainable or not readily available. It implies a deeper level of wanting than a simple "want" or "desire". The feeling can be likened to a yearning or pining for something. 

• Strong Desire: It's not just a casual wish; it's a deep and powerful yearning. 
• Persistence: The longing might be for something that's distant in time or space, or even something that's not currently possible. 
• Emotional Connection: It often involves a sentimental or emotional attachment to the desired object or experience. 
• Can be about past, present, or future: It can be a longing for something in the past (nostalgia), for something present (a specific need or want), or for something in the future (a desired outcome). 

Psalm 37:34 - Wait for the LORD and keep His way, and He will raise you up to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

Lamentations 3:25-26 - The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. / It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.

Micah 7:7 - But as for me, I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

Psalm 27:14 - Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!

Psalm 130:5 - I wait for the LORD; my soul does wait, and in His word I put my hope.

James 5:7-8 - Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains. / You, too, be patient and strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

Psalm 33:20 - Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield (faith).

Psalm 62:5  -  Rest in God alone, O my soul, for my hope comes from Him.

Isaiah 40:31 -  But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

Habakkuk 2:3 - For the vision awaits an appointed time; it testifies of the end and does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and will not delay.

Romans 8:24-25 - For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? / But if we hope for what we do not yet see, we wait for it patiently.

Hebrews 10:36 - You need to persevere, so that after you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.

Psalm 25:3 - Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame; but those who engage in treachery without cause will be disgraced.

Psalm 25:21 - May integrity and uprightness preserve me, because I wait for You.

Isaiah 30:19-22 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem,

    you will weep no more.

He will be gracious if you ask for help.

    He will surely respond to the sound of your cries.

Though the Lord gave you adversity for food

    and suffering for drink,

he will still be with you to teach you.

    You will see your teacher with your own eyes.

Your own ears will hear him.

    Right behind you a voice will say,

“This is the way you should go,”

    whether to the right or to the left.

Then you will destroy all your silver idols

    and your precious gold images.

You will throw them out like filthy rags,

    saying to them, “Good riddance!”

Lord I see where you are pointing me, thank you for still teaching me, graciously guiding me and helping me take the next step of faith. Help me to wait for you, to have patience and trust in your word - not relying on myself, but putting my life in your hands. Help me to trust and obey. In Jesus name. 

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God's patience displayed in Israel's folly and Judah's obedience (Hosea 11)

Key verse: For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. (Hosea 11:7)

Patience: "the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset."

God's Patience: determination under long-suffering to show compassion, mercy, and grace

 - Long-suffering: "having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people."

 Hosea 11

11:1-3) Israel young (first 600 years), God loved, called to repentance/obedience, yet idolatry - healed them

4) Led them gently cords of kindness, love to guide them, lifting/easing the yoke of the law, feeding them

 - Matthew 11:29 - Take my yoke (the law of love) upon you, and learn from me. 

 - I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you (John 13:15),  So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:34-35)

5-6) My people refuse repentance, war, enemies, trapped in own evil plans/counsels

7) My people, determined/bent on turning away from Most High, but don't truly honor him

 - Our determination matters and honor is shown in behavior. Determined: "having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it."

 - Application: When learning from God, being led by the Holy Spirit, and shown what is sin, righteousness, and judgment. Have I decided to follow Jesus or continue in my sin?

8-11) God's reaction: "My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows." not violence/hatred. Hope that "someday the people will follow me", "like doves...I will bring them home again" says the LORD

12) Israel surrounds me with lies/deceit but Judah still obeys God and is faithful to the Holy One

 - Intriguing variation in human experience, to choose or not to choose?

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Congress, electoral college, fear and the call the repent

 Reading This Is the Life!: Enjoying the Blessings and Privileges of Faith in Christ

My favorite author, Warren Wiersbe, links Job 23:10, 1 Peter 4:12-13, 3:10; Tested, refined as gold, partake in Christ suffering, exceeding joy and in my mind I continued the linking: Hebrews 12:1-3, in light of Faith (Heb 11),

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

The relevance to me is yesterday, our nation went into lockdown over a conspiracy theory that elections are not the people's will. Some Trump supporters want to overthrow the government and think that will preserve democracy. I had to flip through Fox and CNN to hear each senator speak on the topic and finally went to CSPAN, where I could listen to each side and not the pundits. Seems like our world is going crazy sometimes. 

In prayer and Bible study this morning, I realized that we live in a time where our natural instinct to lie is on steroids. Genesis 20:1-2 shows a truth about people; We go somewhere people don't know us and lie about our situation. The lie is generally partly true or previously true, but it's a defense mechanism that never works because God intervenes (Gen 20:3-7). God reveals the truth to people that help guide believers onto a righteous path, yet God's people are often slow to follow and defend themselves with wrong thinking (Gen 20:13). 

All of this brought me back to Romans 1:18-32, Diagnostics of depraved psychology and consequences. We must remember this letter to the church and have that see our current national reality:

 - We are in a time of massive adultery. Jesus in Matthew 5:28 said, "anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart." and "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. (Matthew 15:19)"

 - We are in a time of massive murder of innocents. Good resource openbible.info/topics/abortion brought me to Acts 15:28-29, "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these requirements: that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”

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Fathers bring children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4)

Ephesians 6:4;Proverbs 17:6;18:21

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but BRING THEM up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord - Ephesians 6:4 NASB

A friend once said this truth, your children will have many friends but only one dad. These verses came to me as three Biblical principles on raising children. I have no children of my own but I can see the wisdom in the "bringing them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord", reminds me of how the Holy Spirit "guides us in all truth". Discipline and instruction are in the context of a relationship.
 - Deuteronomy 6:7,8, Deuteronomy 11:19: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up"..."Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. "
 - the same words are two bookends, I'd like to do a study on Deut 6-Deut11:19 as this area is often quoted by Jesus "Love the Lord your God with all your heart", I see I missed this opportunity when we did Life of Mose in BSF

Here's the rest of the Biblical Principles of raising children from EMAW:

Old people are distinguished by grandchildren;

    children take pride in their parents. Proverbs 17:6 MSG

Death and life are in the power of the tongue,

And those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21 NASB

 - said another way -

Words kill, words give life;

    they’re either poison or fruit—you choose. Proverbs 18:21 MSG

Looking forward to visiting my dad this weekend.

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Long-suffering: Personal traits for spiritual balance

We demonstrate God's Character when are long-suffering with one another

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs tortry55t6 your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Ephesians 4:1‭-‬7 ESV

See ourselves in truth
- Meekness
- patient,  slow in avenging wrongs
- live in the Spirit
- James 5:10, prophets were examples of long suffering

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
James 5:7‭-‬11 ESV

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Have patience, remember God is patient too (Happy Birthday Mom!)

Growing up my mom would teach us about Jesus in every way. You could say her life verse was Deuteronomy 11:19. We've had many wonderful times together and many divine appointments "on the stairs." I put that in quotes because one day when I was frustrated with being too little to play with my 3 older siblings, my mom noticed and said sit with me "on the stairs" and let's talk. Well, I told her I was angry, hurt, and didn't know if I'd ever get to be big enough to do what they were doing. I don't remember the exact advice she gave me, but I remember how she made me feel. LOVED. Happy Birthday to my mom who always knows when I needed a talk "on the stairs".

Here's a popular song we'd hear in our house at that time. 

Mom took these words to heart (Deut 11 NLT):
“You must love the Lord your God and always obey his requirements, decrees, regulations, and commands. Keep in mind that I am not talking now to your children, who have never experienced the discipline of the Lord your God or seen his greatness and his strong hand and powerful arm. ...

“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors.

“Be careful to obey all these commands I am giving you. Show love to the Lord your God by walking in his ways and holding tightly to him.

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Become a Bible Study Ninja and learn how to grow in faithfulness to God

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Revelation 17:14 (NIV)
They will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers.

faithfulness, to God
The proper response to God by his covenant people; seen in a steadfast commitment which reflects God’s own faithfulness to the covenant. Encouraged in all believers, it is especially important in leaders.

Faithfulness is the proper response to God by his covenant people
God’s covenant with his people requires faithfulness 1Ki 2:3-4 See also Ex 19:5; Dt 5:32-33; Dt 10:12-13; Dt 29:9; Isa 1:26

Faithfulness to God seen as marital fidelity Hos 2:20 See also Isa 54:5; Jer 2:2; Eze 16:8; Eph 1:1; Eph 5:22-25

Faithfulness to God reflects God’s faithfulness Dt 7:9 See also 1Sa 2:35; 1Co 10:12-13; Heb 4:14-16; Heb 10:23; 1Pe 4:19

Faithfulness is seen as steadfast commitment to God
In unwavering devotion Mic 4:5 See also Jos 24:14-15; Lk 9:62; Rev 2:10

In obedience Dt 11:13; Eze 18:9

In service 1Sa 12:24; 2Ch 19:9; 2Ch 34:10-12 pp 2Ki 22:4-7; Eze 44:15; Eze 48:11; 1Ti 1:12

In giving 2Ch 31:12 Faithfulness to God is expressed in giving to him for the benefit of others; 2Co 8:1-5

In prayer Ro 12:12; 1Th 5:17

In patient endurance 2Ti 2:11-13; Heb 10:36; Rev 13:10; Rev 14:12

In fulfilling vows Nu 30:2; Dt 23:21-23; Ps 22:25; Ps 61:8; Ecc 5:4; Jnh 2:9

Faithfulness is especially important in leaders
1Co 4:1-2; 3Jn 3 See also Ex 18:21; 1Ti 4:13-16; 1Ti 6:20; 2Ti 1:13-14; 2Ti 2:2,15; 2Ti 4:1-2
Leadership

Encouragements to faithfulness
The call to faithfulness 1Co 15:58 See also Pr 3:5-6; Isa 26:4; Jn 14:1; 1Co 16:13; Gal 5:1; Eph 6:13

God watches over the faithful Ps 97:10 See also Ps 31:23; Ps 37:28; Ps 86:2; Pr 2:8

God rewards faithfulness 1Sa 26:23; Mt 25:21 pp Lk 19:17 See also Ps 101:6; Pr 28:20; Mt 24:45-47 pp Lk 12:42-44; 2Ti 4:6-8; Rev 17:14; Rev 20:4

Lack of faithfulness
Hos 4:1 See also Ps 12:1; Ps 78:8,37; Hos 1:2; Hos 5:7; Hos 9:1

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Love is patient and kind (1 Cor 13:4‭)

Not a law to bind but a compass to guide

Love is patient (not love LOOKS patient) and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant
1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV
- it's a heart command, we need to ask God for a patient heart. Quiet heart is a listening heart is a patient heart.

God is Love, God is patient (with us, with others). He calls us to Love, to be patient
- with him, others

God never stops caring for his children.
Who are God's children? Luke 3:38

To be patient is to trust. Not religious, but reality.  We can trust him in seemingly hopeless situations.

Trust is based on the certainty of what he has done and said.

We judge God based on the end of the story not the middle.
- Moses lepers
- Joseph prison
- Jesus cross

The end is all good, don't be stuck on Friday. Focus on resurrection Sunday. New week in Christ. Live the new life in Christ.

We judge God as slow to sanctify people around us. God sanctified with his Spirit, not our spirit.

Patients is a love language. Showing love is being patient. Stop nagging, gently remind, then Amen (let it be).

God demonstrates love for us with patience. 1 Tim 1:15-16
- Jesus demonstrated perfect patience

Yet it's Urgent Heb 9:27, we are dying and we  don't know how much time we have.
Pray for patience to love God more. To have your heart for people around us.

Robb Rienow

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