The Daily Word: Thursday, November 21st, 2019
Ezekiel 42:1-43:27
James 5:1-20
Psalm 119:1-16
Proverbs 28:6-7
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. – James 5:7
Transformation with God is both immediate and progressive. There was an “early rain” when you gave your life to Jesus. You got saved! When you received Jesus as your substitute, God separated you from your sin “as far as the east is from the west ” (Ps 103:12)! You are now Heaven-bound because your life is “hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3).
But you are still a work in progress. And that’s okay! There is a “letter rain” that will nourish you as you allow the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Jesus – to transform you. You are being conformed into the image of Christ (Rom 8:29); and that takes time! You are becoming more and more like Jesus every single day!
For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. – Heb 10:14
You have been made perfect! But you are also being perfected. Don’t get frustrated if you don’t act like Jesus overnight. Don’t get bitter if your life doesn’t immediately look like the Book of Acts! Stay patient! And have faith that God will do everything He promised to do.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for taking Your time with me. I thank you for the early rain; and I open my heart to the latter rain! I pray You would finish the work You started in me, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2019. All rights reserved.