Sunday – God’s Patience toward us

2 Peter 3:9  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Challenge: Prior to this passage Peter talks about the judgment day.  He points out that the judgment day will be coming as God promises.  God’s Love for us is so vast that he wants us to have every opportunity to come into a relationship with Him. God is patient with us showing us mercy and forgiveness.  Focus on God’s patience toward you even when you were undeserving like the servant in the parable.  Think about how clean you felt the day you were baptized with your sins forgiven and starting a new life.  Write a note to God thanking him for his patience toward you. 

Monday – Our Patience toward God

James 5:7   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.

Challenge: James is encouraging his readers to be patient in suffering. Just like the farmer cannot change the weather but is dependent on God…Christians are to be patient and dependent on God.   In what circumstance do you find that it is difficult to be patient with God?  Thank God for always being there to support you in times of trial. 

Tuesday – Our Patience toward family

Proverbs 15:18  A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.

Challenge: As sure as a lack of patience will turn your home into a war zone, the practice of patience will foster peace and quiet.  What was the circumstance around the last time that you lost your patience with a family member?  Resolve to not rush to judgment but listen to what the other person is saying next time you are in that circumstance. Pray to God that he will grant you the patience to discuss the topic in love. Talk to that family member about that circumstance.  How did it work out? 

Wednesday – Our Patience toward friends

Ephesians 4:2  Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Challenge: A true friend is patient.  Write down when you had your patience tried by a friend.  Were you disappointed or hurt by your friend?  Focus on being humble and gentle with your friend showing them mercy and forgiveness.    

Thursday – Our Patience toward our neighbor 

Proverbs 14:29    Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.  

Challenge: As this scripture states, understanding your neighbors position helps you be patient with them.  Listen to your neighbor and try to understand them.  Your challenge today is to be a good listener.  Write down the circumstance and how you performed. 

Friday – Our Patience toward our enemies

Proverbs 16:32  Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.

Challenge: This is one of the hardest ones!  How do you be self-controlled with your enemy?  As this proverb states you are better than a warrior that takes a whole city if you can do this one.  God is the only one that can give you the strength to deal with being patient with your enemy.  Practice self control with someone that you have a hard time getting along with.  You are showing them the love of God.  Write about your experience. 

Saturday – Our Patience toward the lost

Romans 12:11-13  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Challenge: Paul encourages the Romans to be patient in affliction and to share with those in need and practice hospitality.  Write down the name of someone that you want to influence for God.  What is a way that you can share with them or practice hospitality?  Pray for God to give you the patience to minister to them.