Pattern - Great Patience

As I was studying Galatians 5: 22 and 23, I decided to see what other verses used the same words.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)

Longsuffering: attitude of uncomplaining

Who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 1 Peter 3:20

Longsuffering waited — waited patiently, great patience of God was waiting.

How long did God wait? According to Genesis 6:3 — And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” At least 120 years before flooding the earth. 

And I have trouble waiting weeks, days, or at times even minutes. When you consider the patience  the longsuffering that God did as he continued to watch the people He created sin against Him..... while providing an opportunity to be saved...... that is indeed longsuffering. 

And as I shared yesterday in my blog post, (Pattern) I am to pattern that same longsuffering. Something I need to work on for sure. 

Proverbs 1:24-27: Wisdom shouted. Did you listen?

Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. Proverbs 1:24-27 (NKJV)

Wisdom did all she could to get your attention—but Wisdom was ignored. 

Called: shouted 

Refused: be recusant (deny to submit one's self to an authority or follow a set of rules)

Stretched out: extend; of wisdom's appeal

Regarded: incline, attend, gave attention

Disdained: neglect, let alone

Counsel: advice

Would: be willing, consent

None: zero

Rebuke: chiding, correction

Now the result is—

 

Laugh: usually in contempt, derision

Calamity: distress, under which one bends, burden

Mock: deride, have in derision

Terror: dread, terrifying

Comes: arrives

Storm: devastating storm

Destruction: calamity, oppression

Whirlwind: storm-wind—that makes an end; of ruin

Distress: adversary, specifically of travail

Anguish: pressure, distress, troublous

Why do we think that after multiple opportunities to accept Wisdom, which we've ignored, that she would be willing to continue to hand around waiting for us to listen. There comes a point and time when Wisdom says, "You didn't listen, and now you find yourself in trouble. So be it." 

Listen. Hear. Take note of what lies ahead. And if you ignore Wisdom—you'll end up just where Wisdom said you would, in trouble. 

Hindsight is always 20/20. Looking back we see mistakes and wrong choices we made. Wisdom is doing all she can to help us make the right choices so that we don't have to learn the hard way! Wisdom knows all about right and wrong choices. If one just LISTENS and HEARS what Wisdom is saying, calamity, distress, and anguish can be avoided. 

To be able to hear and listen to Wisdom, a heart must first be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). For when one has a reverence for God, then the ears are open to hear what Wisdom has to say, and the desire to listen and obey is strongest. 

Wisdom shouted. Did you listen? If you ignored her, you will now hear her laughing as anguish comes upon you. 

Opportunity

If you are looking for the posts about

God's Amazing Blessing

Announcement—I'm moving!

here's the link to the first Part: 

http://createapositiveday.blogspot.com/2015/05/announcement-part-1-im-moving.html

Then follow the arrows at the bottom of each post to the next Part.

There are 10 parts in all.

I recommend that you read each part, there are amazing details—

and God took care of each and every one! 

______________________________________________

This post is the continuation of my Study of Colossians.    

And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. 

Colossians 4:3, 4 (AMP)

Paul is asking for specific prayer support. Paul knows the importance of having prayer support as he traveled preaching the gospel. He also knew the "dangers" of preaching, as he ended up in prison several times. He wanted to make sure he saw and opened every possible door to share God's grace with any and all who would listen.

Open a door: Translate "door of utterance", signifies an occasion, opportunity, or entrance, for the doctrine of the Gospel.

The mystery of Christ: The Gospel, which had been hidden from all former times, and which revealed that purpose long hidden in the Divine councils, that the Gentiles should be called to enjoy the same privileges with the Jews.

That I may proclaim it fully: It was a mystery, and he wished to make it manifest - to lay it open, and make all men see it.

Adam Clarke Commentary

Colossians 4: 3, 4 are relevant to each Christian today. We each have a responsibility to share God's truth this each and everyone with whom we have contact. We are to be aware of the opportunities that God presents and use each opportunity to be a testimony for Christ. 

We also need to be praying specifically for each other that we will each have the courage to share about God's love and grace. 

When my heart is permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG), then God's grace and love will shine forth in all I do and say. When I have a reverence for God, I want to honor Him and make full used of each opportunity to share His Gospel.