Good morning on this beautiful, unseasonably warm, Saturday, December 16th. I am continuing to recover from my shingles and pneumonia. Monday I am scheduled for another chest xray to ensure that the pneumonia is all cleared up. I am slowly recovering my strength and the lesions on my chest, side and back are gradually improving. My recent bout with shingles has reminded me of the importance of patience, especially the teaching of Romans 5:3-5, And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. So patience is produced (worked out, render one fit for) by tribulation (affliction, suffering, difficulties). What is patience? In the New Testament it is the characteristic of a man who is not deterred from his deleberate purpose and loyalty to his faith and piety by trials. From such patience comes character (proof of character under trial), then hope (expectation of God producing good) because the love of God is poured out by the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Please take special note of the role of the Holy Spirit in the process. This confirms Galatians 5:22-23, where it includes patience as one of the fruit of the Spirit. It also correlates with Luke 8:15, where patience is the product of a good heart and James 1:3, where it is associated with the testing of our faith. God knows how much most of us need patience (I certainly do) and shows us the pathway to get it. Remember that Romans 2:6-7 promises God's reward for patience which is the extra incentive to let the process work God's purpose in our lives not only for our good but for God's glory as well.
Tomorrow we have our Christmas musical drama and, Lord willing, I'll bring the closing comments to wrap it up. See you then.
Mel Brown