Monday Morning Encouragement -- Be Patient, Be Strong


"You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near." James 5:8



James wants to encourage Christians to stand firm in trials. He reminds us that the Lord's return is near, and he tells Christians to "be patient" and "strengthen your hearts". 


The focus here is on the Lord's second coming. It is imminent. It will happen. The coming of Christ is mentioned some three hundred times in the New Testament. There is a mention of the coming of Christ one time for every thirteen verses from Matthew to Revelation. It is the one single event that every Christian should long for and watch for. 


The Christian life requires patience and endurance as we wait for the Lord's return. Trials are never ending. One may end, but another will eventually take its place. There will always be something for us to endure. That's true for everyone - believers and unbelievers alike. The difference is that we believers have access to the Holy Spirit, and He is able to empower us to endure tribulation. Our responsibility is to purpose to live with patience and strength, and then to ask the Holy Spirit to help us do so. His responsibility is to give us what we need. He is faithful. He will do it.


Today's music video is so very special to me. My friend and sister in Christ Marilyn Moseley of Mountaintop Spice blog creates Youtube Christian music videos, featuring her beautiful photography. The music His Strength Is Perfect by Stephen Curtis Chapman will bless you, I know, as will Marilyn's gorgeous slide show. Enjoy!



I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.



23 comments

  1. I am grateful that God has given His Holy Spirit to help us. Speaking for myself, relying on my own poor power brings much less desirable results. My prayer is that rather than panic when trouble comes, that my first thought will be to draw near to Jesus. He alone can comfort us. Thank you for this reminder, Nancy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karen, I feel the same way. I think the more we practicing going to the Lord first when we face a trial, the more natural and spontaneouis it becomes. Thanks for sharing. ♥

      Delete
  2. Hello, dear Friend - for that is what you have become since my "Bestie" in Illinois first shared your posts with me. You bless her SO much, and I now know why. I, too, look so forward to your posts on Monday and I, too, have shared with others. Thank you for sharing your heart for Our Creator with myself and the others who surely tune in each week. Using your God-given gift for encouraging others surely makes Him smile upon you. May He continue to bless you as you bless others. Peg from Van Buren, AR

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we are friends, Peg, as well as sisters in Christ. Your words encourage me. Thank you so much. God bless you, as well. ♥

      Delete
  3. Thanks for sharing. I follow Marilyn too and love her beautiful photography!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yep....I am waiting for the Glorious Hope. Yes, after many trials I am living in a time of rest and peace. I know more trials will come and I KNOW who to turn to.
    When I see this beautiful picture of this butterfly...it makes me think, God said to himself, "let's see...just a bit of blue will be perfect for this one!!!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is why I love nature so much. Every bit of it shows the artistry and creativity of our God. Love your comments, Addie! ♥

      Delete
  5. The music is beautiful. I think the second coming will be here sooner than later. With all that is going on in this world I feel God is going to intervene and help us to reset to more peaceful and loving lives. This country is so out of control. I pray for things to change. Not just for our generation but for my grands and yours to have a decent chance in life to grow up safely and have good adult lives. Have a good start to the new week. Hugs. Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true, Kris. I'm eager for His return. God bless you, my friend. Hugs.

      Delete
  6. Thank you for this very encouraging post & the video which was beautiful in pictures & the song. ~ FlowerLady

    ReplyDelete
  7. This world is a weary one that we live in! I find peace when I go outside, and enjoy the beauty God has created. I know His world functions perfectly according to His plan. When all the world seems to have completely gone crazy, I can look up at the skies, at the flowers, at the beautiful things He has created, and I find such peace and joy. Thank you for sharing my video with your readers. I pray it blesses them, it is a small way I can share with others the hope of Jesus that I see in this beautiful world He has created for us! His strength is what I depend on! Love and hugs to you dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And you promote God's peace and comfort with your videos, Marilyn. Thank you.

      Delete
  8. Always the best encouragement! Thank you for blessing us with your words.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a beautiful post of encouragement. I believe that God will give us the strength to stand fast, if we only ask Him for it. I can't wait to go Home to Heaven.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right there with you, Betsy. I'm eager to go Home. ♥

      Delete
  10. Oh, thank you for sharing dear Marilyn's channel! It is such a dear blessing! I am so far behind in my blog reading & correspondence. I am trying to catch up & was so happy to come visit with you this morning. Thank you for sharing this & for these reminders to keep pressing on! God bless you, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for posting this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're welcome. It's a pleasure to share God's word and encouragement. ♥

      Delete
  12. Beautiful post Nancy! and it comes at such a good time in my life! I love Marilyn's photography too and follow her blog... and this song is just beautiful. I look forward to your Monday posts sharing God's word, and your interpretations of it too. There are so many words from the Bible that comfort me. Hugs.. Marilyn

    ReplyDelete
  13. Your words and our dear friend's photography - and the words of this song - were the perfect reminder that we don't have to fear what the world around does. We look to Him - and His soon return - and His promise that He will never leave us. In the words of a sweet blind friend of mine a few years ago, 'He's coming to get us!'
    ~Adrienne~

    ReplyDelete

Your comments bring me joy! Thanks for stopping by.