Today is July 9. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you.     Take a moment and quiet yourself. Take a deep breath. Welcome God’s presence. And say, “Come Holy Spirit.”       Today’s reading is from the book of James, chapter 5.   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. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.”   Are you feeling impatient about anything today? Are you suffering? Is there any bit of grumbling in your heart? Talk to the Lord about how you feel. What’s the state of your heart, and of your attitude, as you come to prayer?     I think that many of those listening need to hear these words: The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. He is merciful while you wait. He is compassionate as you struggle to use self-control. He is near to you, and He will bless you in a time that requires patience. Listen to the passage again, and let the words drop into your heart and shift your attitude.     James says, about Job, that ‘the Lord finally brought about’…. Something good. Finally. After a long time of suffering. Finally, then, Job experienced God’s compassion and mercy. Is this difficult for you to understand? It is for me! It is easy to grow impatient, and to grumble. As we close our time of prayer, ask God to increase your trust in the goodness of his character as you wait to see him move.Music: Patient Work - Vineyard Columbus - (YouTube)

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