Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
— James 5:8

Though sin abounds in society and the tears of life flow, as children of God, we have a wonderful and bright hope of a better day. The coming of the Lord is not a fearful thing to those who are saved. We look forward to the day that the Lord Jesus will break through the clouds and usher us to our eternal home in Heaven. There will be no more tears, no heartache, no pain, no sickness, no burdens for lost loved ones; we will be in the presence of the One who loved us and gave His life for our redemption. The song, Bright Anticipation, says: “I am waiting, I am longing for the summons to come, When from sorrow and trouble I’m free; When with Jesus I am reigning in that heavenly home, Where forever its beauties I’ll see.”Read more

“There is a miraculous change when someone is truly saved through the power of Jesus Christ. A Christian—a disciple of Jesus Christ, can follow in His example and live without committing sin (I Peter 2:21-22). Many in the religious world have watered down this simple, doctrinal truth to excuse unrighteousness.”
Issue 2, Sin and Salvation.

“The infilling of the Holy Spirit is a work of faith and does not always come by great demonstration or emotion.” “The true evidence of the Holy Spirit is the ability and power to live a holy life.” Issue 8, The Infilling of the Holy Spirit.Read more

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. — Psalm 32:8

In a world full of trouble and confusion, what a wonderful promise and consolation God gave to David. God will do the same for us today. In our questions and in our needs He assures us, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go.” God will pilot us through uncharted waters. He will be our captain and leader when we know not which way to go. He will be our teacher in the difficulties of life. He will be a counselor in times of confusion. He will be a shepherd when we go astray. He will be a light in our darkness and a hope in our uncertainty.Read more

(Summary of an ancient Chinese tale. Originally recorded by Demi.)

A story is told in China of a young boy named Ping. He loved flowers and whatever he grew would always blossom into a beautiful flower. In the kingdom where Ping lived, the emperor had no son, and he needed a successor. The emperor, who also loved gardening, distributed flower seeds to boys throughout the kingdom. Whoever grew the most beautiful flower from his seeds would become the next emperor. Ping carefully planted the seed from the emperor in a pot with rich soil. He watered and cared for the seed, but nothing happened.Read more

Despisest thou the riches of his [God’s] goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? —Romans 2:4

There is no way to escape the judgment of God, for it is certain that “we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10) and give an account of how we lived life. However, the Lord in His infinite mercy is prolonging time that more people may be saved from the power of sin and have opportunity to prepare for eternity. God’s mercy is extended to the worst of evildoers, and His love reaches to the most despised of society. He has compassion on the vilest of sinners, and He cares for the ostracized and rejected.

So many are despising the goodness of God by ignoring His love and longsuffering and refusing to accept the beautiful plan of salvation. Indeed, it is the goodness of God that leads people to a condition of repentance. When one’s eyes are opened to the great love of God and to the gift of eternal life, it softens the heart and creates a desire to embrace all that God has provided.

We do not deserve kindness, longsuffering, or mercy because we have all been in a state of rebellion against God. It is in that state of rejecting God that He so often manifests His love by helping the sinner during difficult times of life.  When the storms come like a tornado, wreaking havoc, God once again demonstrates His care. When people’s actions cry out for judgment due to the harm and pain they cause others around them, God offers mercy and is longsuffering. He delays His judgment and withholds punishment with infinite kindness. The riches of His goodness are revealed time and time again to fallen mankind.

Why is God so longsuffering? Why is He so good to people when they do not deserve it? Because it is His goodness that will lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4). His goodness and love draw people and encourage them to turn around. It leads people to forsake wrong and cling to those things that please the Lord.

The door of mercy is open and forgiveness awaits the repentant heart. Praise God for His goodness! ■