We are to be shut out from men, and shut in with God.

>Philippians 4:6-7

We have become so accustomed to this hurried world that we've begun to demand speed in our spiritual life too. However, God "acts on behalf of those who wait for him" (Isa. 64:4 niv). Wise believers endure until the fruits of His labor appear.

In this devotion, we'll look at three reasons believers are called upon to wait. First, God may be preparing us to receive His blessings. Perhaps we need new skills or greater maturity. Sometimes people require fresh spiritual insight before their hands are ready to hold what their hearts desire. For example, David waited years to sit on his appointed throne. But when he did, he was a wise, strong, and battle-tested king.

Second, the Father is often teaching His children to have confidence in Him. How would believers ever learn faith if God immediately fulfilled their every request? In my own life, the Lord has often said two words: "Trust Me." And He has never been late to meet my needs. No matter how we justify rushing ahead of God, doing so amounts to saying, "I don't trust You."

Finally, the Lord will at times withhold blessing to protect us from harm we can't see. We may never find out what caused the delay. But be assured that God examines the object of our desire closely before placing it in our hands.

Waiting is rarely easy, particularly in this instant-everything world. But rushing ahead of the Lord short-circuits His plan. Believers who do are left unsatisfied, and they often must live with terrible consequences. Be patient while the Lord works out details. His best is on the way.

Dr. Charles Stanley.

It was at the airport, I was about to pass through the passage to the waiting hall when I saw a bookstand with many books on display. Of all the volumes only on little pamphlet caught my attention. Boldly written in red was the caption, ‘’IT’S A SERIOUS MATTER’’.

I paid for a copy and thereafter boarded the aircraft while asking myself what this serious matter could be, I curiously began to read, and this was the content:
There was this very prosperous city on an island. Everything went on fire for its inhabitants. Their political climate was most suitable and their economic policies were excellent. But one day, they woke up to discover that the sea around them was overflowing its bank at an alarming rate. Immediately, the government summoned all the inhabitants of the city to the harbour for evacuation.

All the people who went to the harbour were conducted into a waiting ship and were safe. But many others refused to leave the island. Some could not imagine leaving their beautiful houses, exotic and expensive cars, and choice possessions they had acquired over time. Others simply feigned ignorance of what was happening around them. Yet others claimed they were islanders and export swimmers and so, would swim across if the worst happened.

"Exploring the Importance of PATIENCE!"

When we wait, we begin to acquire a patient endurance that only waiting can produce. It will be this patience that carries you through the rough patches of ministry. It will give you a perseverance through the lonely, heavy-hearted, and weighted moments no one sees but God.

But it's more than just patience. This word has a direct correlation with the first part of the verse and the phrase, "confident trust in the Lord." Confidence, also identified as "courage" here, is vital to anyone's walk. One must have confidence in God and His promise, courage to carry out His will, and the ability to lean on that truth in trying times. Without this process and ability to live it out, one will struggle in any pursuit to encourage others to live accordingly.

Learn to trust in God and lean on His timing, and develop the ability to wait. If you try to make your dream happen on your own or rush the process, you won't cultivate this valuable trait. Only time and waiting can.

If you dream of preaching to thousands of people...or leading worship in an arena...or desire any form of ministry, first develop patience endurance. You'll need it on the journey!

Remind me often that I am in the world but not of the world. Fortify me to command the world’s respect through a lifestyle of holiness and consistency, as befitting a follower of your Son. And make me aware of those areas of my life that reflect the world’s ways more than yours.

In the name of him who experienced both reception and rejection. Amen.

God may not always give you the wisdom to solve your own problem. But you can always be assured that Jesus is strong enough to handle it, compassionate enough to feel it, loving enough to care for it, wise enough to deal with it.

Evil starts in our thinking and imagination – that is, in our hearts. It is a case of ‘garbage in, garbage out’. We need to watch not just our actions but also our thoughts, attitudes, motives and imagination.

Even in the midst of Evil and Corruption, it is possible to be different and to make a difference.

Here's a prayer to stay refreshed;

''Lord, help me to be righteous and blameless in my thoughts, words and deeds, walking with you in a close relationship. Help me to do everything you tell me to do.''

Do not let your past mistakes and failures define you.
That is the voice of shame.
You aren’t what you’ve done or not done.
You are not what’s been done to you.
You are who God says you are. His child.

What if people wore the meaning of their names for all to see? You’d smile to meet David (“beloved”), chuckle at Mary (“stubbornness”), nod with Joanna (“God is gracious”).

Matthew 1 begins with a long genealogy of more than 40 names — ​a few are familiar, many are obscure, but all look forward to the arrival of one central figure: the one named Jesus (“Savior”) or Immanuel (“God with us”).

Charles Spurgeon was thoroughly captivated — ​and motivated — ​by the names of Jesus. What’s in a name? Let’s let Mr. Spurgeon explain.