Rejoicing in hope; patient
in tribulation; continuing
instant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
It's often the seemingly little and insignificant things and events which help to change the favor and mood of the day...
in tribulation; continuing
instant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
It's often the seemingly little and insignificant things and events which help to change the favor and mood of the day...
This afternoon, for instance, while I was walking along the top floor of the prison's E-North cell block, I came upon my friend, Joel. He had a smile on his face as he was sitting in his cell reading his Bible. So I stopped to chat with him.
Joel had been reading from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah the prophet, and he told me some of what he had just learned. I in turn read to him from what I had been studying earlier today from Romans chapter twelve in the New Testament. Usually there is one special verse which the Holy Spirit seems to place in my heart for a particular day. Today it was from Romans. So I told Joel about what I believe it means to rejoice in hope, and to have a faith that never wavers in the promises of God.
Then he and I discussed what it is to have patience during our times of difficulty and disappointment, knowing that the Lord has a perfect time for everything. We also looked at Romans 8:28 which speaks of "all things" working out for good to those who love God. And we talked about the importance of always staying in prayer, especially when we're facing problems of different kinds.
Joel, who sometimes struggles with depression, was having a good day. I was encouraged by seeing the joy on his face. Hope, patience, and prayer. These are the ingredients which help Christians to live joyfully and victoriously.
D.B.
Joel had been reading from the Old Testament book of Jeremiah the prophet, and he told me some of what he had just learned. I in turn read to him from what I had been studying earlier today from Romans chapter twelve in the New Testament. Usually there is one special verse which the Holy Spirit seems to place in my heart for a particular day. Today it was from Romans. So I told Joel about what I believe it means to rejoice in hope, and to have a faith that never wavers in the promises of God.
Then he and I discussed what it is to have patience during our times of difficulty and disappointment, knowing that the Lord has a perfect time for everything. We also looked at Romans 8:28 which speaks of "all things" working out for good to those who love God. And we talked about the importance of always staying in prayer, especially when we're facing problems of different kinds.
Joel, who sometimes struggles with depression, was having a good day. I was encouraged by seeing the joy on his face. Hope, patience, and prayer. These are the ingredients which help Christians to live joyfully and victoriously.
D.B.
