God’s Word…
“Jesus answered them, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:7-8
Followers of Jesus have the promise that the coming of the Lord is at hand! While we wait, God provides us with foretastes of the joy to come. To establish our hearts, He sends us the early rains of baptism, salvation, growing faith, and fellowship. When we worship with our brothers and sisters, and partake in the Lord’s supper together, the Holy Spirit fills us with love for God. In the sacraments, we are reminded of His work of redemption through Jesus Christ. We receive God’s late rains when we read the scriptures and meditate on His word, lifting our prayers of praise and thanksgiving to Him. His indwelling Holy Spirit holds the memory of joy experienced by Adam and Eve in their relationship with God. When Jesus returns, we will know the state of perfection they once lived with Him in paradise. God’s promise will be fulfilled according to His perfect timing.
IN PRAYER: Heavenly Father, reset our heart each day to our Lord’s coming. Thank you for reminding us through creation, as we watch sunflowers track the sun across the sky day after day. Grant that we grow in faith for the harvest to come is meant for all! May we bear your fruit and give it to others in Your name. Amen.
God’s Word…
“Jesus answered them, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.”
James 5:7-8
Followers of Jesus have the promise that the coming of the Lord is at hand! While we wait, God provides us with foretastes of the joy to come. To establish our hearts, He sends us the early rains of baptism, salvation, growing faith, and fellowship. When we worship with our brothers and sisters, and partake in the Lord’s supper together, the Holy Spirit fills us with love for God. In the sacraments, we are reminded of His work of redemption through Jesus Christ. We receive God’s late rains when we read the scriptures and meditate on His word, lifting our prayers of praise and thanksgiving to Him. His indwelling Holy Spirit holds the memory of joy experienced by Adam and Eve in their relationship with God. When Jesus returns, we will know the state of perfection they once lived with Him in paradise. God’s promise will be fulfilled according to His perfect timing.
IN PRAYER: Heavenly Father, reset our heart each day to our Lord’s coming. Thank you for reminding us through creation, as we watch sunflowers track the sun across the sky day after day. Grant that we grow in faith for the harvest to come is meant for all! May we bear your fruit and give it to others in Your name. Amen.
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Image: original color pencil and watercolor collage by Robin Lybeck: Tracking His Promise
