Newsletter of June 2009
1
Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus concerning you.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so
great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us,
It is not always easy to live for God. We all occasionally face circumstances
that influence our emotions negatively, and it takes persistence and
trust during these times to continue in a consistent relationship
with God. However, we do have encouragement.
The writer of Hebrews discusses a multitude of faith heroes in chapter 11, and he opens chapter 12 by saying (and I'm paraphrasing), "If they made it, so can we," Among his instructions to lay aside every weight and sin, he also says to "run with patience the race that is set before us." The Greek word in the King James Version translated as "patience" actually means "cheerful (or hopeful) endurance; constancy."
Paul understood there would be times when our emotions would not encourage consistency in our relationship with God. His message to us is, "During these times, just live consistently." jw
Scriptures for further Study: Daniel 6:10, Psalm 34:1, Job 13:15