We are studying Romans in our small group on Sat. Unusually, I feel like a zombie by the time I get there, if I drive to Emory, come home, eat, take care of Evalyn, and get there. I hope today that I get out early and can rest some so that I have something to add besides eating and asking for my brain to function properly.
I read Romans 5:1-5 this morning. I think I'm going to like this chapter better. So far, I have learned way too much about circumcision and come up with why to many sacrilegious "far side" cartoons, that I think I will call the "bible side". Weird stuff... but it may sell. Got to have some sense of humor when going back and talking about the old testament and the things God had them do. Don't get me started on Abram and Sarah cartoons.
Romans 5:1:5 NIV
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a] have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
I like how the Message puts it also.... I need things a little dumbed down sometimes.
Developing Patience
1-2By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise. 3-5There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Glory in our sufferings? I can see that now. My Granny told me yesterday that I had such a good outlook and that made me feel so good for her to say that. I don't always for sure, who could. I'm logical, I'm statistical, but all this has changed me to be more patient, understanding, compassionate, emphatic, proactive, forgiving, and I believe a better person. I think the people around me are better people, they have told me themselves. Do I feel short changed, sometimes. Especially when I can't do something I plan or do something I enjoy. Ahhh, my fellow disabled, down hearted, laid off, sick and elderly how I do understand how you feel now. Please look toward God to see what other doors are open, there is one there.
8am, time to start the morning ritual of eating, meds, and flying to Emory. Carol and Frank are coming today... they are so much help. Pray for good news. Got my "In case they admit my ass bag almost packed" and "my a thousand things to do" in there, and my med bag, and my pillow, which I should name one day. I'm trying to get my turtle back, get this swelling down in my feet, and talk Dr. Khoury into 2 weeks off again. Will probably start back the oral chemo today, boo, just pray I get to come home, that's most important.
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