{"id":4641,"date":"2021-08-19T16:07:24","date_gmt":"2021-08-19T21:07:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4641"},"modified":"2025-06-12T14:43:11","modified_gmt":"2025-06-12T19:43:11","slug":"how-we-are-to-act-as-christians-part-5","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4641","title":{"rendered":"\u00a0How We Are To Act as Christians\u00a0Part 5"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"c6\" align=\"center\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/images\/jan09-04.jpg\" alt=\"Show Jesus Love For Others\" width=\"345\" height=\"265\" align=\"left\" border=\"0\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"line-height: 21px; text-align: center;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; text-shadow: rgba(23, 23, 23, 0.808) 1.4px 1.4px 0px; color: #b49cbf; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">\u00a0How We Are To Act as Christians\u00a0Part 5<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\" style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">You never know, just who sees, you acting like Christians are to, you just may lead someone to Jesus, that really needed that kindness, or that smile, or just a word of hope. I made this list several years ago, when I was doing Bible Research for a book I was going to write, but never got that far. So look at the list below, and see how we should act! They all are not in alphabetical Order, so bare with me \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\" style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">This is\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Part 5 of &#8220;How We Are to Act&#8221;<\/span> as Christians! I am on several Social Media Networks and mostly on MeWe and Telegram, and I hear the way Christians speak and how they speak and talk and I am so amazed on their language and attitudes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\" style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">I am in hopes this will help other&#8217;s better Understand just<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">\u00a0&#8220;How We Are to Act.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c6\" style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">It&#8217;s not filthy language, it&#8217;s not attitudes, it&#8217;s not of hate and discord, wishing someone would die etc. If, you happen to know anyone like this and claim to be a Christian Please share these Pages with them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c8\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">You never know, just who sees, you acting like Christians are to, you just may lead someone to Jesus, that really needed that kindness, or that smile, or just a word of hope. I made this list several years ago, when I was doing Bible Research for a book I was going to write, but never got that far. So look at the list below, and see how we should act! They all are not in alphabetical Order, so bare with me \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">There is not one person who is perfect, and anyone who says they are, the Bible says they are a Liar! I&#8217;m not perfect at and by no means, and I never claim to be. Only Jesus Christ is the Most Perfect High God!!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">But there are ways the Bible clearly shows,\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">&#8220;How We can Strive to Be.&#8221;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">The<span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">\u00a0&#8220;Provided Reference Verses&#8221;<\/span> given are NOT in Order, and I am sorry for that. This one I believe was one of the longest ones I&#8217;ve done, except for 370 Sins in The Bible, so please bare with me and understand I am trying lol \ud83d\ude42<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4637\">Part 1<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4638\">Part 2<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4639\">Part 3<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4640\">Part 4<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4641\">Part 5\u00a0<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4642\">Part 6\u00a0<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4643\">Part 7<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4644\">Part 8<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold; font-size: 16px; text-shadow: rgba(23, 23, 23, 0.808) 1.4px 1.4px 0px; color: #fd885d; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">M &#8211; R<\/span><\/p>\n<table class=\"art-article aligncenter\" style=\"width: 80%; margin: 0px auto 0px auto; border-style: none;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 27%; border-style: none;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\u00a0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 27%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c12\" style=\"line-height: 150%; text-align: center;\"><span class=\"c11\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Mercy<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">IN WHAT WAYS DO WE EXPERIENCE GOD\u2019S MERCY?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0GOD IS MERCIFUL EVEN WHEN WE ARE NOT AWARE OF IT<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">IN TIMES OF DISOBEDIENCE WE EXPERIENCE GOD\u2019S MERCY<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">GOD\u2019S MERCY DOES NOT COME AS A RESULT OF OUR WORTHINESS<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">THE PROUD DO NOT EXPERIENCE GOD\u2019S MERCY<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">God\u2019s compassion was at work even when the Israelites were experiencing the affliction of their Babylonian conquerors. Although the people had been unfaithful, <b><span class=\"c21\" style=\"color: #e2341d;\">God\u2019s faithfulness was great<\/span><\/b><span style=\"color: #e2341d;\">. <\/span>He used this affliction to bring his people back to him. Importance: God will always be faithful to his people. His merciful, refining work is evident even in affliction. At those times, we must pray for forgiveness and then turn to him for deliverance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"color: #e2341d; font-weight: bold;\">\u201cYes, I know you are innocent,\u201d<\/span> God replied. <span style=\"color: #e2341d; font-weight: bold;\">\u201cThat is why I kept you from sinning against me; I did not let you touch her.\u201d <\/span>Abimelech had unknowingly taken a married woman to be his wife and was about to commit adultery. But God somehow prevented him from touching Sarah and held him back from sinning. What mercy on God\u2019s part! How many times has God done the same for us, holding us back from sin in ways we can\u2019t even detect?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">We have no way of knowing-we just know from this story that he can. God works just as often in ways we can\u2019t see as in ways we can. Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my body is in agony. David accepted God\u2019s punishment, but he begged God not to discipline him in anger. Jeremiah also asked God to correct him gently and not in anger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">David recognized that if God treated him with justice alone and not with mercy, he would be wiped out by God\u2019s wrath. Often we want God to show mercy to us and justice to everyone else. God, in his kindness, forgives us instead of giving us what we deserve. Jeshua\u2019s clothing was filthy as he stood there before the angel. So the angel said to the others standing there, <b>\u201cTake off his filthy clothes.\u201d<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">And turning to Jeshua he said, <b><span class=\"c21\">\u201cSee, I have taken away your sins, and now I am giving you these fine new clothes.\u201d<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Zechariah\u2019s vision graphically portrays how we receive God\u2019s mercy. We do nothing ourselves. God removes our filthy clothes (sins), then provides us with new, clean, rich garments (the righteousness and holiness of God. All we need to do is repent and ask God to forgive us. When Satan tries to make you feel dirty and unworthy, remember that the clean clothes of Christ\u2019s righteousness make you worthy to draw near to God.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">The tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, <b><span class=\"c21\">\u201cO God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.\u201d<\/span><\/b> I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored. The Pharisee did not go to the temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><b><span class=\"c21\">Self-righteousness is dangerous.<\/span><\/b> It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. The tax collector\u2019s prayer should be our prayer, because we all need God\u2019s mercy every day. Don\u2019t let pride in your achievements cut you off from God.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Genesis 20:1-18<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Psalm 6:1-10<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Psalm 6:2<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Jeremiah 10:24<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Zechariah 3:1-10<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Zechariah 3:3-4<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">2 Corinthians 5:21<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Ephesians 4:24<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Revelation 19:8<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Luke 18:9-14<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Luke 18:13-14<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 27%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c12\" style=\"line-height: 150%; text-align: center;\"><span class=\"c11\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Patience<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">HOW CAN I GROW IN PATIENCE?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">WHY IS PATIENCE SUCH A VIRTUE?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">HOW DO WE DEVELOP PATIENCE?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c16\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF IMPATIENCE?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO \u201cWAIT ON THE LORD?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">If you\u2019ve ever spent two hours stuck in rush-hour traffic or held a crying baby at 2:00 A.M., you know something about patience. According to the Bible, patience is a form of perseverance and forbearance that allows us to respond to frustrating circumstances with grace and self-control. Contrary to popular opinion, patience is not merely a personality trait but is a by-product of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the heart and mind of the believer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"color: #e2341d; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Moses went back to the Lord and protested,\u00a0 <span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d;\">\u201cWhy did you send me?\u201d<\/span> We become impatient when we focus more on our agenda than on God\u2019s will.\u00a0 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. We must wait patiently in prayer for God to do his work in us. If it seems slow, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. We develop patience as we learn to live from an eternal perspective.\u00a0 When the <span class=\"c14\">Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience.<\/span> Patience is a by-product of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><b><span class=\"c21\">Love is patient and kind.<\/span><\/b> <span class=\"c14\">Patience is one of the evidences of love.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">If we look forward to something we don\u2019t have yet, we must wait patiently and confidently. Patience is produced by the hope a believer has in God\u2019s eternal glory.\u00a0 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other-each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: <span class=\"c14\" style=\"color: #e2341d;\">love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.<\/span> We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #11549c; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Patience leads to harmony with others, endurance to handle difficult circumstances, and an expectant attitude of hope that things will get better.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">It demonstrates a thoughtful and careful attitude toward others feelings. Anyone can be patient, but there is a higher level of patience which comes from God through his Holy Spirit\u2019s presence and work in our lives.\u00a0 Since God chose you to be the holy people <b><span class=\"c21\">whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. God\u2019s love and work in our daily lives often brings patience. 1 Love is patient and kind.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"color: #e2341d; font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"color: #e2341d; font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><span class=\"c14\" style=\"color: #e2341d;\">Be humble and gentle<\/span>. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other\u2019s faults because of your love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><b><span class=\"c21\">Patience is a characteristic of love.<\/span><\/b> The more loving we become, the more we model the nature of God in our lives. God is incredibly patient.\u00a0 It is better to be patient than powerful; it is better to have self-control than to conquer a city.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c24\"><span class=\"c21\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God\u2019s will.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Then you will receive all that he has promised. <span class=\"c14\">Patience is evidence of strength of character.<\/span> Enduring patience flows from strong character.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Dear brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the Lord\u2019s return. Consider the farmers who eagerly look for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They patiently wait for the precious harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. And take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I will never pray to anyone but you. I will wait for the Lord to help us, though he has turned away from the people of Israel. My only hope is in him. I say to myself, <span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d;\"><span class=\"c14\" style=\"color: #e2341d;\">\u201cThe Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">So it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord. Patience is an aspect of faith and hope. <span class=\"c14\">The greater our hope, the more we patiently wait for it,<\/span> and the more our faith grows that it will truly happen. Jacob spent the next seven years working to pay for Rachel.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">But his love for her was so strong that it seemed to him but a few days. Finally, the time came for him to marry her. \u201cI have fulfilled my contract,\u201d Jacob said to Laban. \u201cNow give me my wife so we can be married.\u201d But when Jacob woke up in the morning-it was Leah!<span style=\"color: #11549c;\"> \u201cWhat sort of trick is this?\u201d<\/span> Jacob raged at Laban. \u201cI worked seven years for Rachel. What do you mean by this trickery?\u201d \u201cWait until the bridal week is over, and you can have Rachel, too-that is, if you promise to work another seven years for me.\u201d So Jacob agreed to work seven more years. A week after Jacob had married Leah, Laban gave him Rachel, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c25\"><span class=\"c18\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d;\">Patience is the key to achieving many goals. Achieving goals is rarely done with a quantum leap, but rather by small footsteps.\u00a0 We proudly tell God\u2019s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">But God will use this persecution to show his justice. For he will make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering. Patience is the key to enduring suffering. Suffering is better endured when patiently endured.\u00a0 We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy.\u00a0 When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, <span class=\"c14\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d;\">he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">By that same mighty power, he has given us all of his rich and wonderful promises . . . So make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span class=\"c14\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. They give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God\u2019s promises.\u00a0 When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. God develops our patience through our relationship with him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">The more we walk with him, the more we learn his patient endurance. Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. The Lord\u2019s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. People with good sense restrain their anger; they earn esteem by overlooking wrongs. Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span class=\"c14\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">God uses our relationships to develop our patience.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Abrasive relationships teach us to patiently endure. Loving relationships teach us to patiently enjoy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span class=\"c14\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation. Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and always be prayerful.\u00a0 God is pleased with you when, for the sake of your conscience, you patiently endure unfair treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing right and are patient beneath the blows, God is pleased with you. Samuel said, \u201cWhat is this you have done?\u201d Saul replied, \u201cI saw my men scattering from me, and you didn\u2019t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">So I said, \u2018The Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven\u2019t even asked for the Lord\u2019s help!\u2019 So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.\u201d Finishing is better than starting. <b>Patience is better than pride<\/b>. God uses life circumstances to develop our patience. We do not always choose the circumstances that come our way, but we do choose the way we respond to them. Sarai, Abram\u2019s wife, had no children.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">So Sarai took her servant, an Egyptian woman named Hagar, and gave her to Abram so she could bear his children. \u201cThe Lord has kept me from having any children,\u201d Sarai said to Abram. \u201cGo and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.\u201d And Abram agreed. Impatience may cause us to rush ahead of God\u2019s promises or try to force his promises to happen ahead of schedule. Saul waited there seven days for Samuel, as Samuel had instructed him earlier, but Samuel still didn\u2019t come. Saul realized that his troops were rapidly slipping away.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">So he demanded, <b><span class=\"c21\">\u201cBring me the burnt offering and the peace offerings!\u201d<\/span><\/b> And Saul sacrificed the burnt offering himself. Just as Saul was finishing with the burnt offering, Samuel arrived. Saul went out to meet and welcome him, but Samuel said, \u201cWhat is this you have done?\u201d Saul replied, \u201cI saw my men scattering from me, and you didn\u2019t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">So I said, <b><span class=\"c21\">\u2018The Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven\u2019t even asked for the Lord\u2019s help!\u2019 So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.\u201d<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><b>\u201cHow foolish!\u201d<\/b> Samuel exclaimed. \u201cYou have disobeyed the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your dynasty must end, for the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">The Lord has already chosen him to be king over his people, for you have not obeyed the Lord\u2019s command.\u201d Our impatience can lead to disobedience, causing us to miss God\u2019s blessings in our lives. Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient along the way, and they began to murmur against God and Moses. \u201cWhy have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?\u201d they complained. \u201cThere is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">And we hate this wretched manna!\u201d So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among them, and many of them were bitten and died. Then the people came to Moses and cried out, <b><span class=\"c21\" style=\"color: #e2341d;\">\u201cWe have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.\u201d<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">So Moses prayed for the people. Our impatience can lead to complaining and God\u2019s punishment. Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes. When Moses failed to come back down the mountain right away, the people went to Aaron.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">\u201cLook,\u201d they said, \u201cmake us some gods who can lead us. This man Moses, who brought us here from Egypt, has disappeared. We don\u2019t know what has happened to him.\u201d Our impatience can lead to poor life choices. Lord, be merciful to us, for we have waited for you. Be our strength each day and our salvation in times of trouble. Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. We depend on the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us, protecting us like a shield. I will wait for the Lord to help us, though he has turned away from the people of Israel. My only hope is in him. I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. Waiting on the Lord is bringing our timetable in sync with his.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">We try not to rush ahead of him or linger too far behind him. I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from him .I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. Waiting on the Lord is relying on him as the source of our daily strength for all situations, realizing our total dependence on him, and maintaining our hope in the promises of his Word. I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don\u2019t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. As for me, I look to the Lord for his help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Then he said to his servant, \u201cGo and look out toward the sea.\u201d The servant went and looked, but he returned to Elijah and said, \u201cI didn\u2019t see anything.\u201d Seven times Elijah told him to go and look, and seven times he went.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">We should wait quietly, patiently, courageously, and confidently with anticipation. How quickly they forgot what he had done! They wouldn\u2019t wait for his counsel! In the wilderness, their desires ran wild, testing God\u2019s patience in that dry land. Then God said to Noah, \u201cLeave the boat, all of you.\u201d Since you didn\u2019t believe what I said, you won\u2019t be able to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly come true at the proper time. Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Finally after two days, he said to his disciples, \u201cLet\u2019s go to Judea again.\u201d In one of these meetings as he was eating a meal with them, he told them, \u201cDo not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you what he promised. Remember, I have told you about this before.\u201d Don\u2019t say, \u201cI will get even for this wrong.\u201d Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. Don\u2019t be impatient for the Lord to act! Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you, giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. We should wait for his counsel, his timing, and his settling of personal and universal injustices. The Lord still waits for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for him to help them. The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. The Lord blesses those who wait for him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><b><span class=\"c8\">Important Promises From God<\/span><\/b><span class=\"c8\"><b>:<\/b>\u00a0 Those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. The Lord is wonderfully good to those who wait for him and seek him. Waiting for God\u2019s timing brings great rewards.<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p style=\"line-height: 150%;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Genesis 8:15-16<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Genesis 16:1-2<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Genesis 29:20-21, 25, 27-28<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Exodus 5:22-23<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Exodus 32:1<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 37:34<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 33:20<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 106:13-14<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"line-height: 19px; font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 130:5<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"line-height: 19px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 62:1, 5<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"line-height: 19px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 40:1<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"line-height: 19px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><span style=\"line-height: 21px;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 37:7<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Psalm 27:14<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; font-size: 16px;\">Psalm 5:2<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; font-size: 16px;\">Isaiah 8:17<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Isaiah 33:2<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Isaiah 30:18<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Isaiah 40:31<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Habakkuk 2:3<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Galatians 5:22<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">1 Corinthians 13:4<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Romans 8:24-25<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Romans 5:3-4<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Romans 12:12<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Romans 15:4<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Romans 15:5<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Galatians 5:22<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Colossians 1:11<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Colossians 3:12<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Corinthians 13:4-7<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Ephesians 4:2<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Proverbs 16:32<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Proverbs 19:11<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Proverbs 14:29<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Proverbs 20:22<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">James 1:2-4<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">James 1:3<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Hebrews 10:36<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">James 5:7-8<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">1 Thessalonians 5:14<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">2 Thessalonians 1:4-5<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; font-size: 16px;\">1 Samuel 13:8-14<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">1 Samuel 13:11-12<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Lamentations 3:24, 26<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Lamentations 3:25<\/span><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; font-size: 16px;\">1 Peter 2:19-20<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">2 Peter 1:4-7<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">2 Timothy 2:24<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Ecclesiastes 7:8<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Numbers 21:4-7<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Micah 7:7<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">1 Kings 18:43<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Luke 1:20<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">John 11:5-7<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\"><span style=\"line-height: 19px;\">Acts 1:4<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 27%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c12\" style=\"line-height: 150%; text-align: center;\"><span class=\"c11\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Perseverance<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">WHAT DOES PERSEVERANCE SHOW?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">PERSEVERANCE REVEALS GENUINE COMMITMENT<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">\u00a0PERSEVERANCE REVEALS GENUINE BELIEVERS<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">PERSEVERANCE REVEALS GENUINE FAITH<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Daniel served for 70 years in a foreign land that was hostile to God, yet he did not compromise his faith in God. He was truthful, persistent in prayer, and disinterested in power for personal glory. Importance: In order to fulfill your life\u2019s purpose, you need staying power. Don\u2019t let your Christian distinctness become blurred. Be relentless in your prayers, maintain your integrity, and be content to serve God wherever he puts you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">At last the wall was completed to half its original height around the entire city, for the people had worked very hard. The work of rebuilding the wall progressed well because the people had set their hearts and minds on accomplishing the task. They did not lose heart or give up, but persevered in the work. If God has called you to a task, determine to complete it, even if you face opposition or discouragement. The rewards of work well done will be worth the effort. Everyone will hate you because of your allegiance to me. But those who endure to the end will be saved.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">To believe in Jesus and <b>\u201cendure to the end\u201d<\/b> will take perseverance, because our faith will be challenged and opposed. Severe trials will sift true Christians from fair-weather believers. Enduring to the end does not earn salvation for us, but marks us as already saved. The assurance of our salvation will keep us going through the times of persecution.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Christ, the faithful Son, was in charge of the entire household. And we are God\u2019s household, if we keep up our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. Because Christ lives in us, we can remain courageous and hopeful to the end. We are not saved by being steadfast and firm in our faith, but our courage and hope do reveal that our faith is real. Without this enduring faithfulness, we could easily be blown away by the winds of temptation, false teaching, or persecution.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Nehemiah 4:1-23<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Mark 13:1-23<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Hebrews 3:1-19<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 27%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c12\" style=\"line-height: 150%; text-align: center;\"><span class=\"c11\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Persistence<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">HOW DOES GOD DEMONSTRATE HIS PERSISTENCE?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">CREATION IS AN EXPRESSION OF GOD\u2019S PERSISTENT GRACE<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">CHRIST IS AN EXPRESSION OF GOD\u2019S PERSISTENT LOVE<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">. OUR PERSISTENCE HOW CAN PERSISTENCE BE BOTH A STRENGTH AND A WEAKNESS?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">PERSISTENCE IN DEVELOPING YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE IS A STRENGTH<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">PERSISTENCE THAT BECOMES MERE STUBBORNNESS IS A WEAKNESS<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\"><span class=\"c7\" style=\"font-weight: bold; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">PERSISTENCE IN SEEKING AFTER GOD IS A STRENGTH<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Because church members had quit working and become disorderly and disobedient, Paul chastised them for their idleness. He called on them to show courage and true Christian conduct. Importance: We must never get so tired of doing right that we quit. We can be persistent by making the most of our time and talents. <b><span class=\"c21\">Our endurance will be rewarded.<\/span><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">As long as the earth remains, there will be springtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, day and night. Countless times throughout the Bible we see God showing his love and patience toward men and women in order to save them. Although he realizes that their hearts are evil, he continues to try to reach them. God\u2019s love is unmistakably persistent. When we sin or fall away from God, we surely deserve to be destroyed by his judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">But God has promised never again to destroy everything on earth until the Judgment Day, when Christ returns to destroy evil forever. Now every change of season is a reminder of his promise. Lord, in the beginning you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. Even they will perish, but you remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. You will roll them up like an old coat.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">They will fade away like old clothing. But you are always the same; you will never grow old.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">What does it mean that Christ is changeless (<b>&#8220;you are always the same&#8221;<\/b>)? It means that Christ\u2019s character will never change. He persistently shows his love to us. He is always fair, just, and merciful to us who are so undeserving.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><b><span class=\"c21\" style=\"color: #e2341d;\">Be thankful that Christ is changeless-he will always help you when you need it and offer forgiveness when you fall\u00a0 \u201cYour name will no longer be Jacob,\u201d the man told him.<\/span><\/b><span style=\"color: #e2341d;\"> \u201c<\/span>It is now Israel, because you have struggled with both God and men and have won.\u201d Jacob continued this wrestling match all night just to be blessed. He was persistent. God encourages persistence in every area of our life, including the spiritual. <span class=\"c21\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d;\">Where in your spiritual life do you need more persistence?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">Strong character develops as you struggle through tough conditions. Asahel would not give up, so Abner thrust the butt end of his spear through Asahel\u2019s stomach, and the spear came out through his back. He stumbled to the ground and died there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\">And everyone who came by that spot stopped and stood still when they saw Asahel lying there. Abner repeatedly warned Asahel to turn back or risk losing his life, but Asahel refused to turn from his self-imposed duty. <span class=\"c21\" style=\"color: #e2341d; font-weight: bold;\">Persistence is a good trait if it is for a worthy cause.<\/span> But if the goal is only personal honor or gain, persistence may be no more than stubbornness. Asahel\u2019s stubbornness not only cost him his life, but it also spurred unfortunate disunity in David\u2019s army for years to come . Before you decide to pursue a goal, make sure it is worthy of your devotion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c23\"><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-weight: bold; color: #e2341d; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><span class=\"c14\" style=\"color: #e2341d;\">Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. Jesus tells us to persist in pursuing God. People often give up after a few halfhearted efforts and conclude that God cannot be found. But knowing God takes faith, focus, and follow-through, and Jesus assures us that we will be rewarded.<\/span> Don\u2019t give up in your efforts to seek God.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"c8\" style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><b>Continue to ask him for more knowledge, patience, wisdom, love, and understanding.<\/b> He will give them to you.<\/span><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 33%; border-style: none;\">\n<p class=\"c22\" style=\"line-height: 150%;\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Genesis 8:1-22<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Hebrews 1:1-14<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Hebrews 1:10-12<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Genesis 32:22-32<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">2 Samuel 2:1-32<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">2 Samuel 2:23<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">1 Kings 2:28-35<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;\">Matthew 7:7-12<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"font-family: tahoma, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4637\">Part 1<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4638\">Part 2<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4639\">Part 3<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4640\">Part 4<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4641\">Part 5\u00a0<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4642\">Part 6\u00a0<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4643\">Part 7<\/a>\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/?page_id=4644\">Part 8<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_4641\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"4641\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon large\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"far\" data-icon=\"chart-bar\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-bar fa-w-16 fa-2x\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M396.8 352h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V108.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v230.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm-192 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V140.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v198.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm96 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V204.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v134.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zM496 400H48V80c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16H16C7.16 64 0 71.16 0 80v336c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h464c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16zm-387.2-48h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8v-70.4c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v70.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8z\" class=\"\"><\/path><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0How We Are To Act as Christians\u00a0Part 5 You never know, just who sees, you acting like Christians are to, you just may lead someone to Jesus, that really needed that kindness, or that smile, or just a word of hope. I made this list several years ago, when I was doing Bible Research for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n<p id=\"pvc_stats_4641\" class=\"pvc_stats all  \" data-element-id=\"4641\" style=\"\"><i class=\"pvc-stats-icon large\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-prefix=\"far\" data-icon=\"chart-bar\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-chart-bar fa-w-16 fa-2x\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M396.8 352h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V108.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v230.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm-192 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V140.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v198.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zm96 0h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8V204.8c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v134.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8zM496 400H48V80c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16H16C7.16 64 0 71.16 0 80v336c0 17.67 14.33 32 32 32h464c8.84 0 16-7.16 16-16v-16c0-8.84-7.16-16-16-16zm-387.2-48h22.4c6.4 0 12.8-6.4 12.8-12.8v-70.4c0-6.4-6.4-12.8-12.8-12.8h-22.4c-6.4 0-12.8 6.4-12.8 12.8v70.4c0 6.4 6.4 12.8 12.8 12.8z\" class=\"\"><\/path><\/svg><\/i> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Loading\" src=\"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/wp-content\/plugins\/page-views-count\/ajax-loader-2x.gif\" border=0 \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"pvc_clear\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":385,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"wf_page_folders":[18,25],"class_list":["post-4641","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4641","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4641"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4641\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/385"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4641"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"wf_page_folders","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/heavens-beauty.info\/wp-hb\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fwf_page_folders&post=4641"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}