May 2020 Archives
Patience: A Disappearing Virtue
On Facebook the other day, someone pointed out that patience seems to be wearing thin more these days as people have been cooped up for months. Other than conferences being cancelled, life has not changed much for me but I know that not everyone is used to working from home, being with their family all day every day, etc.
Like I trust many of you are, I am praying that this stay-at-home order ends soon, but in the meantime, let’s let patience have her perfect work (James 1:4). While you are at home with your family, work to make positive memories that will bring good out of stress. When you are out and about, make sure that you are exhibiting the Spirit of Christ. It seems like everyone has strong opinions as to whether to wear a mask or not to wear a mask. Whatever you are feeling led to do, do it as unto the Lord but give grace to those who are not doing the same thing you are. Not everyone can wear a mask, many don’t see a need for it, but this does not mean that they do not care about you. Give them space … literally as well as figuratively. Although it is good to use wisdom, ultimately life and death are in God’s hands. Everyone in the world could wear a mask and, without God’s covering, you could still become ill. Begin to trust Him regardless of what everyone else does.
For those of you who have more time to be on social media these days, use it for God’s glory. If you want to bring a dissenting perspective, do it in grace and humility. Refrain from calling names or making those who oppose your view to feel stupid. They say that it’s easier for people to verbally attack people using a keyboard but that makes no sense to me. Writing should be a natural filter where you slow down and think about what you are saying and how you are saying it instead of refusing to rein yourself in.
If you have noticed yourself becoming more and more impatient, call or text a friend and ask for prayer. If you can find a quiet corner, take some time to read your Bible and pray. Read your favorite passages or go through the book of Philippians. Ask your family to forgive you for allowing yourself to become so frustrated and maybe they will pray with you, that God will give you the grace you need for the rest of this season.
The enemy would like to use this time to cause us to be discouraged and angry and divided but, with Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37). If you are one of those blessed to be able to work during this time, thank God for that. If you are laid off, praise Him for continuing to meet your needs. If your family is getting on your nerves, rejoice that you have a family. The more you count your blessings, the less stressed you will be, and God will receive glory in the midst of the storm.
My God Shall Supply Your NEEDS
When I was a child, I would quote Philippians 4:19 as my favorite verse:
But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.
This continued into my thirties when 1 Corinthians 4:8-10 began to hold more meaning. Lately, though, I find myself going back to Philippians. I don’t think anyone dreamed that our country would be shut down for months to the point that many are without jobs, but I believe that God will take care of His children during this time. Do not succumb to the habit of fretting but, instead, let your requests be made known to God with thanksgiving, and the peace of God will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Hey, that’s another quote from Philippians 4 (verses 6 and 7). I think the “thanksgiving” part is key. If our attitudes are accusatory and full of complaint, He may let us feel a lot more want until we realize how good He has been to us.
I know I say this a lot but since we often need reminders … wants are not necessarily needs. This is important because many times we think God is failing us when, in reality, we do not need the things we think we need. This is a hard lesson for a lot of people and, honestly, there are things that I have grown accustomed to and would hate to be without (especially in the technology department), but if I had to downscale, my needs would still be met.
If you are at a place where you are struggling to make ends meet, praise God for the things you do have. Ask Him to give you wisdom to know what you need to do to get through this difficult time. And thank Him for meeting your needs–both past, present, and future. I would love to pray for you if you are going through a financial crisis. Simply email sonyelise@gmail.com and explain your situation, and I will help you present your need before the Throne of your Father. He is able!
How Zealous Are You?
A while back when I was reading the book of Joshua, I began to think about how he finished the work that Moses started as he was commissioned to do. I picture him full of the fire of the Spirit as he slew king after king and conquered each territory that he entered. When he decided, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15), he pressed on and never looked back. When Moses became frustrated and hit the rock instead of speaking to it, he was not allowed into the Promised Land, but God knew that Joshua could get the job done. It would have been easy for Joshua to strut around and think himself a big shot for being chosen as Moses’ replacement, but we never see pride rise up in him. I expect this is because one cannot be full of themselves and full of the Spirit.
Dictionary.com defines “zeal” as “great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.” Does this define your walk with the Lord? Are you running toward Him, doing everything He asks of you with great energy and enthusiasm? Or are you merely coasting, going through the motions, and getting by? For most people, it seems to be the latter. Many profess their love for God but they do not show God how much they love Him. James 2:26 tells us that “Faith without works is dead.” If you really love your Creator, everyone around you should know it.
I can relate to the psalmist when he cried, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation!” I have not lost my joy, but I would like a resurgence of enthusiasm that doesn’t wane.
As I close today’s post, I want to encourage you to keep pressing in to a closer walk with the Savior. Don’t just declare your love for Him but exhibit it as you walk by the way, as you rise up, as you lie down, as you talk to your neighbor. Let your words be gracious (Colossians 4:6), your conduct pure (1 Peter 3:2), and your countenance a reflection of Jesus. Amen.
CD Report: Faithful Still (Down East Boys)
In a world where even Southern Gospel music has veered a bit from its roots, I still enjoy traditional southern gospel male quartets. The Down East Boys are one such group. They incorporate a mixture of slow and fast songs with good quartet harmony. Of special mention are I Hear and A Story that Began at the Cross. I started this report right after Easter, and those two songs were perfect for the season.
Other songs included are: Amazing Amounts of Amazing Grace; What Love; John Saw and Wrote about It; Those Hands; Fall Like Jericho; Church of the Living God; God Will, Yes He Will; Bottom of the Basket; and Sweet Journey.
Attention Book Readers!
Hey Everyone, I have been working on a blog post that is just not coming together but I hope to finish it in the next day or two. Meanwhile, I wanted to let you know that I am hosting a party for my online bookstore this month. If you like to read and you are on Facebook, take a minute to “like” Sony Elise Christian Books. Then watch my videos and read my posts for a chance to win a book at the end of the month. Thank you so much!
