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InTouch Early Light Devotional Wednesday November 17, 2004 Expressing Patience Ephesians 4:1-3 We are called to be patient in conflict. It is our spiritual obligation to express this characteristic because God knows there is great power in patience. Our natural tendency is to shout back when we are wrongly accused, but to demonstrate Christ, we must choose a different path: Remain quiet when verbally attacked. A person's anger can feed our own and lead to a shouting match. Instead, allow him to have his say. Listen without responding. In our silence, it may be easy to mentally shut out the verbal assault, but we should hear the other person's concerns. Pray for whoever is attacking you. We probably do not feel like praying, but that is not the issue. Control your thoughts. It can be tempting to dwell on the injustice of a situation rather than focusing on God and what He thinks of us. Control your emotions. Rely on the Holy Spirit to give you right responses. Be ready to forgive. We are to be patient when wronged and willing to release our hurt. (2 Timothy 2:24) Speak encouraging words. Express appreciation for bringing concerns to your attention. And ask for forgiveness if you have made a mistake. To our human flesh, these seven practices sound foolish and ineffective. In fact, the opposite is true. There is great power and fortitude in patience because so few people can practice it well. To respond rightly impresses nonbelievers because they see something in you that they desperately want for themselves. * * * Prayer Team Join the In Touch Ministries Impact Prayer Team and receive your free Personal Battle Planner devotional and prayer journal. http://www.intouch.org/prayerteam/index_38205069.html Free Online Study Take this free four-lesson study modeled after Dr. Stanley�s latest series, America at the Crossroads. http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/exploring/studies/AATC_39235013.html >>> Share the good news <<< Please forward this message to a friend! FREE Christian Book http://l.salemweb.net/swnoffer0203/ ____________________SUBSCRIPTION INFO_______________________ * This newsletter is never sent unsolicited. To unsubscribe from this newsletter immediately, simply click on the link below. If this link is not clickable, simply cut and paste it into the address bar of your browser. http://www.salememail.com/unsub/209/1698058.aspx * Copyright � 2004 Salem Web Network and its Content Providers. All rights reserved. 1698058 ____________________________________________________________ TRINITY COLLEGE & SEMINARY OFF CAMPUS & ONLINE Experience Personal & Ministry Growth Through Bible-Focused Degree Programs Associate and Bachelor of Arts Master of Arts, M.Div., Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Ministry http://l.salemweb.net/tcs2003tr/footer/ ____________________________________________________________ Questions or comments can be sent to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
