Saturday, August 13, 2011

10 words of encouragement for those who are suffering

More words of encouragement for those who are suffering:

See James 5:8-11 Below. Much is said to the person(s) who were suffering. 

James 5:8  You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

James 5:9  Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!

 James 5:10 My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience.

James 5:11 Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

1.They were to patient like the farmers who waited.
2 They were to establish their hearts.
3. They were reminded the Lord is coming again
4. They were to look to the prophets as examples.
5. The prophets suffered and were patient.
6. We do count as blessed those who have endured. 
7. We have seen the perseverance of Job.
8. We have seen the intended by the Lord.
9. We know the Lord is very compassionate.
10. We know the Lord is very merciful. 

So, these are the things that the Lord gave them in James to direct them, to encourage them, and to comfort them in their sufferings. These things were designed to establish them, and to build them up, and to give them strength. 

It's very much worth taking some time to reflect on these truths from God and let them minister to your own heart, in your own time(s) of suffering and difficulties.

So often we are looking around us for solutions to our problems, when a simple pause, and a look up as it were to the Lord would bring us right into that which we need in our lives. 

Again, take a moment to ponder, to reflect on, and to pray about what's listed above in these 10 thoughts from James 5, and may the Lord bless you, and cause His face to shine upon you, and give you peace, grace and mercy in your life. In Jesus name, amen.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia

Application/Promise

1. His ways are not our ways.
2. His ways are above our ways.
3. His ways can become our ways.
4. His ways are the best ways.
5. His ways are for each of us today.
6. His ways are the ways of peace and pleasantness.
7. His ways come from His love for you.
8. His ways will also transform and keep you.