The Good Shepherd Gives His Life For His Sheep

John 10:11-18 KJV; The false shepherds run when wolves approach; but, the Good Shepherd stays and protects the sheep. He even lays down his own life for them.

Patience From Trials

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:2-3 KJV)

2022 seems to have already been filled with all kinds of temptations to be upset; to be angry; to be anxious. Crime has skyrocketed over the last few years. Wages have gone up; but, as many of us predicted, inflation has gone up even higher.  The supply chain has gotten incredibly slow.  

Our vehicle went into the shop yesterday. There is something wrong with the gear shift that caused the key to get stuck in the ignition on accessory when we try to take the key out. The mechanic was able to clean it up a bit so hopefully we can continue driving it until the part comes in. The part is expected in about four weeks.  For this kind of test, patience is required. We will attempt to not drive it unless necessary and hopefully it will last until they can do a more permanent fix. We are retired so this is probably doable for us. But, what about those who have to go to work every day? What happens when their only means of transportation goes down and they can't get the part to fix it? That would definitely be a temptation to much frustration, anxiety, and even anger. It would be a very trying test of one's faith.

As I've gotten older, I have noticed that generations below me have much less patience than I had at their ages. I accepted the temptations as reality and dealt with them. Yes, I would get upset at times; but, not usually enough to take it out on the world around me. 

It would be very wise for those who get so anxious that they can't function when they are faced with trials and temptations to remember that this will all pass and a new trials will come. That is the way of the world and until we learn to patiently deal with whatever comes our way  the anxiety that comes with trials and temptations will be compounded.

With faith; rejoice for God is with you in whatever you are going through and this too shall pass.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

The Holy Spirit Knows

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 

                                                                                      (Rom 8:26-27 KJV)

Troubles can weigh us down and leave us feeling like we are in between places and time; in a state of confusion. We can be in such a state that we are not even sure what is really troubling us and definitely don't know how to fix the problems as we find ourselves unsure of which direction we should take and not even sure how we should pray. 

At times like this we thank God for the Holy Spirit who knows exactly what is troubling us; knows exactly what we need; knows exactly what we should pray for. When we cannot figure out what to do we must trust the Lord. When we do not even know what or how to pray, the Spirit knows and makes intercession for us when we find that we cannot.

Do not fear. God knows what you need. 

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Phil 4:19-20)

God's Peace - Pr. J.