7 DAYS OF CONSUMING GOOD FRUIT “LONGSUFFERING”

I remember the first time I heard the word long-suffering.  I honestly did not have the best reaction to it, my facial expression said it all.  The word long-suffering sounds like your life is about to end by something traumatic and extreme event. However, the bible reassures us that long-suffering is a blessing.

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

This is probably a fruit that is often overlooked, or we believe falsely that is has been obtained and utilized.  As I observe our world today I don’t know if I can point out anyone that truly exemplifies that fruit of long-suffering except God.  Maybe our Pastors and leaders, but even they lose patience with members and the flow of the church.

I asked a few friends what long-suffering meant to them.  Here are the responses I received:

SICK

SET BACK

PAINFUL

Another friend responded:

ENDURANCE

PATIENCE

The first set of answers may seem to come from baby saints while the other set may seem to come from more mature saints.  Honestly, no matter what phase you are currently set in through your transformation process ALL OF THE ABOVE will be accurate!

When I read these answers, all I see is Jesus!  His body was sick from all the beatings, the false accusations, the lies, the piercing in his side, and him drooping from the cross.  It seemed a set back that Jesus was given life only to die. Indeed we know otherwise!  He is now seated next to “God the Father” in heaven!  His trial was indeed painful, but what did Jesus respond with? “Forgive them Father, they know not what they do.”  Luke 23:34.

Endurance and patience!  That’s all we see displayed in the gospels.  I still can’t grasp to this day how Jesus managed to walk with a cross on his back with help to Calvary!  I can’t see how he lived past the beatings.  The bible says he was beaten beyond recognition.  The version we see in the movie Passion of the Christ is light compared to the gruesome reality of Jesus demise.  He obviously had the power of God upon him.  This is the true definition of long-suffering; Jesus!

We can’t focus on the trials, problems, dysfunction in our lives.  We have to understand that long-suffering is a part of the process.  This is why Jesus says, “Pick up your cross and follow me.”  We all go through things we don’t like! Focus on the what your reward will be.  In the end we will all receive a crown for the tribulations we suffered through.  And in the next life, we won’t even remember the former things.   God bless!

 

Copy the link to pick up your copy of the book, “To be a Light in a Dark Place”  to learn more about evangelism.

https://www.amazon.com/Aretha-Lumas/e/B00L4IG1VY

 

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THEMES OF A BROKEN PERSON

Deuteronomy 2:3(KJV)

Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.

This scripture gave me life the first time I digested it in the beginning of 2015.  I use the word digested because I have read Deuteronomy several times and never paid attention to that powerful verse!  The Lord had dropped a much needed revelation from this overlooked scripture.  

For me this meant the mountain of poverty, sickness/disease, depression, and a broken heart!  I am certain many of you have suffered from many of these afflictions and probably can add to the list!  Feel free to make your own and then apply this scripture to your prayers to God exalting him!  Declare, “I have compassed the mountain of poverty, sickness, etc. and I will move forward!”  

This will be one of many titled blogs, so for the first session I would like to focus on a broken heart.  Christians with a broken heart or spirit if they are not seeking God walk in defense mode.  A wall of stone is built around their heart so that no one can hurt them again. They are like pit bulls, don’t get too close or they will bite you!  

Themes of a broken person often play on repeat in the secret places of their mind.  The hide resentment, bitterness, anger, jealousy, envy, and even malice.   They wish ill will on those who they feel have wronged them. They rehearse events in their minds that caused them to lose trust in others.  They speak peace but really there is a war going on in their hearts and their thoughts.  So without realizing it they never grow in God.  They spend their lives circling the same mountains.  How do you come out of these dangerous life cycles…to be continued….