FAITHFUL WAITING

"Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."  (James 5:7–8 NIV)

In a world of instant results and endless urgency, James draws us into the quiet strength of a farmer waiting for the rains. No crop matures overnight. No growth unfolds without trust in what’s unseen.

This is the rhythm of faith -- not passive resignation, but faithful anticipation. Patience and perseverance are not weak, but deeply courageous. We wait with hope. We endure with resolve. Because we know the harvest is promised by a God who never forgets His Word. 

-- SOUND BITES Ministry™

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THANKFULNESS TOWARDS GOD

How grateful we should be that our nation's founders recognized the importance of giving thanks. Though not considered a religious holiday by most, this traditional American holiday touches the very heart of the Christian message of thankfulness towards God.

In the original celebration, Pilgrims and Native Americans sat down together in peace and harmony to share the bounty of the earth with each other.  This year, as you take your seat between Grandma and Great-Aunt Helen, thank God for the love and warmth of family.  As you peer over the steaming bowl of mashed potatoes, pause for a moment to remember those who hunger -- both physically and spiritually.  And as you consider your life, take time -- on Thanksgiving Day and every day -- to reflect on the abundant blessings God has bestowed on you.

-- from CCON Connection


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GONE FISHING

"Simon Peter said, 'I am going fishing.' [The disciples] said to him, 'We will go with you.' They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, [the resurrected] Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, 'Children, you have no fish, have you?' They answered Him, 'No.' He said to them, 'Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.' So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish." (John 21:3-6 NRSV)

The events we call tragedies, set-backs, and failures are opportunities for God. He knows how to draw glory even from our ruin. The hour of deepest humiliation, when we feel defective and utterly disqualified, may be the hour that God uses us in unparalleled ways. Years of "wasted" efforts may be the years when God plants an eternal harvest; though we have fished all night and caught nothing, the Great Angler is still double-baiting His hooks.

-- David Roper in Seeing Through


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