Patsy Hall’s Blog

“(Joseph’s) brothers saw that their father loved him more than (them) and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.” Gen 37.4.  Joseph told his dream;“they hated him even more.” v. 5,8.  Joseph went to check on his brothers, they saw him coming and “plotted against him to put him to death.” v.18,  but sold him into slavery instead. There is no record of Joseph striking back.  

God’s favor was upon Joseph.  He was elevated as Potiphar’s personal servant. In this position, Joseph occasionally saw Potiphar’s wife. “Lie with me,” she said to him. Gen 39.7.  “She spoke to Joseph day after day, though he did not listen to her, to lie beside her, to be with her.” v. 10.  Joseph refused and lived honorably.  “Lie with me!” v. 12.   He fled but the wife’s false accusations landed Joseph in prison again v. 19-20.  There is no record of Joseph striking back.

While in prison, Joseph interpreted dreams of two men.  When one was released Joseph said, “Only keep me in mind when it goes well with  you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this prison…” Gen 40.14-15.  When released, he “did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” v. 23.  There is no record of Joseph striking back.

In Chapter 41, Pharaoh had a dream, Joseph interpreted it and is made Ruler of Egypt next only to Pharaoh.  The predicted famine began. In Chapter 42 Israel sent his sons to Egypt for grain. Joseph is suddenly reunited with those whose hatred had resulted in years of prison and slavery.  In Chapter 45, Joseph made himself known, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt.  Do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life…” He continued with blessings and promises for them and their families. v. 4-15.  There is no record of Joseph striking back.

Israel dies.  The brothers went to Joseph in fear, expecting the worst since their father was dead. “’Do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.” Gen 50.21.  There is no record of Joseph ever striking back.

By seeing how Joseph responded to circumstances, people and God, we see Faith, Peace, Goodness, Joy, Patience, Meekness and Gentleness—and SELF-CONTROL.  Such an example!  God may not make you ruler of a nation, but He will use any of us who walks in SELF-CONTROL.  Let Him have His way with you this week.

PRAYER:  Father, Joseph doesn’t seem real. How can someone be treated like that and not strike back!  All I know to do after that is say ‘here I am, Lord.  I’m not very SELF-CONTROLLED. I don’t know how to do it.  Walk me through things that give me the chance to exercise SELF-CONTROL.  In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Every learning curve carries with it methods, ways of thinking or doing that enable us to grow in the experience.  Psalm 121 is not labeled:  “A Psalm of Self-Control,” but it does give us a method—a shift in our thinking and perspective that will enable SELF-CONTROL to develop at the core of our being. 

Scenarios requiring SELF-CONTROL are filled with overt temptations to our weaknesses or subtle options for the “easy way out.” Here we realize we need someone stronger than ourselves, to keep us on course.  That’s where Psalm 121 comes in.  It shows us how to stand as SELF-CONTROL gains strength in our life.

Picture yourself.  You know the right course.  No one will know if you “squeak” by. God will, and sometimes even more critical at the time—YOU will know.  If you give in, that door of self-condemnation, low self-esteem, self-pity—in general, disappointment with yourself, will be re-opened.  You come to the end of your rope.  You realize finally that you cannot CONTROL your SELF.  You need help.

Now for Psalm 121.  You ask yourself,“Where does my help come from?”  You may not know how it works, but you know the answer:  “My help comes from the Lord, (after all) He made heaven and earth.”  As you struggle with human desires, your thoughts get on board with the Truth:  “(God) will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps YOU will not slumber.”  He is with you and will strengthen your soul in the circumstance. “He neither slumbers nor sleeps.”

As your mind and soul agree with these truths about God, you recognize with more assurance that “The Lord is your keeper the Lord is your shade on your right hand.”  As you believe the Word of God, pondering these verses, you begin to trust that God says these things to YOU!  Sometimes that comes as a powerful revelation….that these promises and truths are for and about YOU!

As you seek the Lord for strength and help with SELF-CONTROL, you will become more aware that “He will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.  The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.”  In other words, He will develop the strength of SELF-CONTROL in you, enabling you to stand in the midst of circumstances that in the past would have left you floundering in regret, shame or feeling like you’ll just never “make it.”

PRAYER:  Father, I believe my help comes from You.  Help me to trust that You really will strengthen me and not let me slip…that You will keep me.  As You develop SELF-CONTROL within me, may my trust in You also grow so I will go in and out knowing You protect me…partly through the establishing of SELF-CONTROL in my life.  I am so weak.  I finally see the reality of the lack of SELF- CONTROL  in my life.  Thank you for being my Help.  In Jesus’ Name, amen.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?  Run in such a way (in your life) that you may win.  Everyone who competes in the games exercises SELF-CONTROL in all things.  They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable.  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim….I buffet my body (through SELF-CONTROL) and make it my slave, lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.:  1 Cor 9.24-27. 

Paul always “nails me”.  Most of us have run races, played sports, done something physical that required training and endurance.  We worked at it, avoided certain foods, changed our life-style during the training, got up early to meet the requirement of the day.  We sweated, ached, pulled muscles, turned down desserts.  Training took precedence over social life.  And we have had moments of walking in SELF-CONTROL—not always easy, but usually rewarding. 

Lay Paul’s “race template” over your life.  Do you recognize that the responsibility of choice is in your hand?  Applying SELF-CONTROL may be impossible to do by yourself sometimes.  You may need a “coach,” someone more experienced, to help you press through to the next level in your relationship with the Lord. 

This week, ask God to show you an area(s) to target—something needing the discipline of SELF-CONTROL in order to grow in Him.  There may be things to set aside, stop or being to do.  It may involve relationships with others, something in your attitude or a change in activities or perspectives on life.  Rom 13.14 says:  “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (longings, desires).”    It’s something we all need to do. 

When I first started running, I had to walk part of the distance, but the time came when I could run the entire route with no walking.  SELF-CONTROL played a part in that change.  Then I ran a local 5k Race.  I knew my pace, speed and ranking.  As long as I kept applying SELF-CONTROL in my daily runs, there was overall progress and improvement.  I began to “look/feel” like a “real” runner.  It is the same in our walk with God.  When we take on the responsibility of SELF-CONTROL, deciding each day to apply it, God’s Spirit will work in our lives bringing change.  We will “look/feel” more like “real” Christians.  We will “run in such a way that we will win.”

PRAYER:  Father, it’s too easy to give up on some of these things I have to deal with.  It’s hard work and I don’t know if I’ll ever change.  I get discouraged and give in so easily.  Help me with my attitude toward this voluntary choice to be like You in the nitty-gritty parts of life.  Don’t let me get lazy in my standards, but keep me cognizant of my connection with eternity.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life,” 2 Pet 1.3a, so, let us make every effort to apply what we learn from the Word.  As we do, our lives become more effective and we will be enriched in our own understanding of Him.  No matter how long we have walked with the Lord, applying His Word is always at the top of our list, and that includes being SELF-CONTROLLED.

Leadership must “make every effort to add SELF-CONTROL to their faith, goodness and knowledge, because leadership must be “above reproach as God’s stewards, not self-willed, quick-tempered, drunkards or fond of ill-gotten gain.  Rather, they must be hospitable, sensible, love what is good, just and be SELF-CONTROLLED, holding fast to the faithful Word…” Titus 1.7-9. 

Older men are to be “SELF-CONTROLLED, dignified, sensible, walking sound in their faith, love and steadfast perseverance.” Titus 2.2.

Older women are “to be reverent in their behavior, not gossips or drunkards, but are to teach what is good, encouraging the young women …” Titus 2.3-4.

Young women are called to pay attention to the encouragement they receive from the older women about loving their husbands and children; being sensible, pure and kind, honoring their husbands and being good homemakers. Titus 2.4-5.

Young men are to be sensible and an example of good deeds, well grounded in the Word, dignified and sound in their conversation as they stand as examples of ones who walk with the Lord.  Titus 2.6-8.

Children are called to obey their parents as well as honor them, Eph 6.1-2.  Yes, children need to be trained to be SELF-CONTROLLED.  Prov 22.6.

We need grace to walk in SELF-CONTROL.   Read over the passages above that apply to you; their cross-references as well, and remember God’s grace. It came not only to bring salvation to us, but to instruct us in how to walk in SELF-CONTROL  so we can live sensible, righteous and godly lives. Titus 2.11-12.  Do you “live in the Spirit”?  Then God calls you to “walk in the Spirit,” Gal 5.25, adding to your life-style, SELF-CONTROL.  None of us are exempt!

PRAYER:  Father, for some reason this seems like such a big order–laying the obvious responsibility of choice upon me.  It seems to be a most impossible thing for me to do, yet I know with You, it will be possible.  Show me the areas of my life where I need to apply SELF-CONTROL.  Then help me as I begin to set up those restraints and boundaries I have put off doing for way too long.  Thank you, Lord…. Please help me.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

SELF-CONTROL.  It seems so simple and self-explanatory.  The control of self.  But let’s look further; after all, this is a character trait of God, one He wants to see functioning in our lives.  Still, it sounds like something we do: control ourselves.  So, how does God work this characteristic into our lives on a day-to-day basis?

The dictionary describes SELF-CONTROL as the control of one’s own emotions, desires or actions by one’s own will.  SELF-CONTROL is often translated as TEMPERANCE in the Bible.  Its dictionary definition is the condition or quality of being moderate, temperate or self-restrained.

In Gal 5.22, SELF-CONTROL means temperance or continence, a voluntary control over oneself.  It has the sense of being masterful or strong in something; having both a fixed position in a matter coupled with the strength, power and vigor to carry it out.  It most often refers to exercising self-restraint in regard to appetite with both food and chastity issues.

Listen to this, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.  THROUGH THESE, He has given us His very great and precious promises, SO THAT through them, you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”  2 Peter 1.3-4.

In verses 5-7 Peter gives further explanation:  “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, SELF-CONTROL; and to SELF-CONTROL, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.”

And the reason for all of this?  “For IF you possess these qualities in increasing measure, (continually growing in them!) they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” v. 8.

SELF-CONTROL impacts every aspect of our lives.  As a “branch” we must remain IN the Vine, voluntarily open to God’s plans and purposes.  Only then will the strength to stand strong and steady in God develop in our character.

PRAYER:  Oh God…I need Your strength and wisdom flowing in my life for this.  Help my spirit and my will to be pliable in Your hand as You begin to work SELF- CONTROL into my life.  Too often I throw off restraint in so many areas of my life.  Help me yield and stand strong in You, submit to Your plan and choose NOT to go my own way in circumstances that come.  All I want is to be more complete in You.  Help me, I can’t do this on my own.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Paul wrote this charge to Timothy, “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus . . . Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great PATIENCE and instruction.” 2 Tim 4.1-2.  As Paul mentored Timothy, he emphasized the development of a God-like character.  He told Timothy how in his own life“he had found mercy, in order that in him, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect PATIENCE, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” 1 Tim 1.16.  That includes us!

Paul wanted Timothy to be a worthy example of how believers should live and interact “. . .in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” 1Tim 4.12.  Paul trained Timothy (and now us) to speak, interact and relate with PATIENCE.  He mentored Timothy face to face and in personal letters.  He mentors us over time by those same letters, and we are responsible to pay attention to them just as Timothy was. 

Throughout the Epistles reference is made to the importance of PATIENCE.  “And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and PATIENCE; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other . . . just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.  And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . .” Col 3.12-15a. 

The ultimate example, of course, is Jesus.  The Cross demonstrated many things:  love, compassion, warfare, victory, forgiveness, Life, power, truth, righteousness, hope, faith, grace, mercy . . . the list is endless.  This week, think about the PATIENCE  that was demonstrated. Think about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual anguish Jesus endured.  Yet He never lost PATIENCE.  He endured and suffered long without complaint. He let God’s plan play out to the end.  He didn’t need the suffering.  He could have exercised His power and left the Cross and each of us to the destruction we all deserved.  But no, He endured.  He PATIENTLY endured, one moment at a time, bore our sin and never once lost His PATIENCE with us.  He did that as a human, as the Son of Man.  He set the example.  Paul followed.  Timothy followed.  What about you? “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord.” Ps 27.14.

PRAYER:  Oh Father, forgive me for falling short and not letting PATIENCE have its perfect way in my life.  I am so grateful for Your PATIENCE toward me, even before I knew You.  Where are the words to express my heart when I think of Your unending PATIENCE with me.  You never gave up on me, did You?  How can You be so amazing!  But You are.  I commit my life once again to Your hand.  Father, do what You need to do in me so PATIENCE develops and I can be more like you, more available for You to use.  Thank you, Lord.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“I (Paul) therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and meekness, with PATIENCE, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”  Eph 4.1-3.

This is an on-going prayer prayed for you and me.  As God answer’s Paul’s request on our behalf, how do you and I respond? 

In addition to praying for PATIENCE to be developed, look at the underscored phrases Paul includes.  He prays for us to have an attitude of humility and meekness; to show forebearance (to put up with, to endure); to be diligent in peacefully preserving unity.   Wow!  Paul holds us to a very high standard—one that is impossible for us to accomplish on our own.  We are just too human!  But there is that precious, powerful Spirit of God residing within us that turns things impossible for man into miraculous possibilities in Him!

Still, as weak human beings we must go through the process of PATIENCE being worked in us.  As God answers this 2,000-year-old prayer, we can depend on Him to“direct our path” Pr 16.9b, and “lead us in the way we should go” Is 48.17. 

PATIENCE takes practice.  It is essential to have PATIENCE when the situation at hand calls for us to put up with the attitudes of others—enduring things they may do or say that threaten our plans, hopes and dreams.  Other circumstances require us to respond in humility and meekness, PATIENTLY waiting for truth to be revealed, forgiveness to be granted or repentance to come.  As we strive to peacefully maintain unity in the Spirit, it may be needful for us to yield our desires, submit to different methods or just be still and let others learn to recognize God speaking to them.  PATIENCE often grows as we bite our tongue or refrain from always bursting out with our opinion on the matter at hand. 

PATIENCE takes practice.  It grows as we walk in relationship with each other, in this “one body and one Spirit” Paul talks about where God gives each of us the grace needed at the moment. Eph 4.4-8.  May God pour His grace upon you this week as He arranges circumstances and relationships in your life to give you opportunities to practice PATIENCE.  Be encouraged as He works upon you.  He is making you more like Him . . . and that’s a good thing!

PRAYER:  Dear Lord, I want to let PATIENCE have its way in my life, but Father!  It can be so hard.  Sometimes I want to scream because I don’t think I can endure another moment, or stomp out of the room because I’m tired and weary of being PATIENT.  Then, I think about You, and Your PATIENCE with me.  What can I say?  “I’m so sorry, Lord, have Your way.” Thank you for the grace You pour out. It strengthens me in this work You are doing in my life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Consider Jesus.  PATIENCE was perfect in Him.  And because of that, you and I had the time and opportunity to repent and be saved. 2 Pet 3.9.  As believers, we need to put on the same attitude Jesus had for us and extend His PATIENCE to others.  As we do, hearts open and God is able to use us more and more.

PATIENCE is in that famous list of “Fruits” in Gal 5.22-23.  In vs 24-25 the Bible says, “Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  IF we live by the Spirit, LET US also walk by the Spirit.” 

Those are pretty strong verses.  Do they describe you?  Are you crucifying your flesh, passions and desires?  If so, the “Fruits” will be evident in your daily life and you will reflect Jesus.  It’s a tall order, but remember, God is PATIENT.  He knows we are “works in progress,” with His Fruit developing according to his plan. 

Consider Jesus.  In Matthew 18, Jesus answers Peter’s question about how many times we must forgive each other.  He says, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.”  In other words, never give up.  We must always be PATIENT with those who continually sin against us.

Consider Jesus.  In Matthew 14, His cousin, John is beheaded. Jesus goes off to be alone, but a crowd of 5,000 plus followed, not giving Him time to mourn.  His response? “He healed their sick.”   The crowd remained, waiting, watching and listening as He taught the disciples.  At the end of the day, the disciples wanted to send them away.  His response?  “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!”  Jesus was PATIENT with the crowd who imposed upon Him at a time of personal pain and loss.

Consider Jesus.  He was PATIENT with His disciples as well.  They had seen Him cast out demons, heal the sick, heal a leper, raise the dead, speak truth to the religious leaders;  and yet they still struggled with this faith issue. Jesus, didn’t lose His PATIENCE with them.  His response?  He gave them another opportunity to exercise their faith as they handed out the miraculous increase of food.

Consider Jesus.  He was PATIENT with Peter.  After the crowd was fed, Jesus sent His disciples across the lake. Later, He walked on water to join them. When Peter asked to walk to Him on the water, Jesus said, come! Peter went, but when his focus shifted off Jesus he began to sink.  Jesus’ response?  He didn’t make Peter swim back, He reached down, pulled Peter up and walked back to the boat with him.  Jesus was PATIENT, whether he dealt with a crowd or just one person.

PRAYER:  Father, I know I am asking for difficult situations to rise up, but please, teach me to be PATIENT like You.  I would not have responded like Jesus did in these circumstances, but I want to.  Help me be like Him.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

There is a very disturbing passage in James 1.2-8.  Have you ever read it and thought, “I’ll never measure up”?  At such times, refer back to 2 Cor 12.9 where Jesus says, “My grace, is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in (your) weakness.”  It is encouraging to know Jesus sees our weaknesses and still wants us.  Now, let’s look at verses 2-4 in James 1.  Do these things sound like your life?

• Be joyful in all the various trials you face.
• Be aware your faith will be tested on a regular basis.
• Trust God—this process will result in PATIENCE developing in your life.

There is more!

• Let (that means you have a choice) the PATIENCE that develops, have the opportunity to get to fully impact every aspect of your life.

• If you do that, you will become more mature in the Lord.
• If you do that, you will be complete and steadfast, lacking nothing.

Sounds really good on paper and even makes sense!  But I always find myself asking the Lord, “How do I actually DO this thing You ask?”

God says, “ASK ME!” And God doesn’t play games; He gives answers to our questions.  But He wants you and me to ask, to ask in faith, not doubting His desire or ability to answer. vs 5-8.   LET Him complete the work He is doing in your life through the process of developing PATIENCE through ordeals you face.

Ask God to strengthen you in those impossible and difficult situations; to fortify you when you suffer abuse, false accusations; to teach you, to tell you what to do, how to respond, how to wait, how to endure.  His training results in even tempers and a willingness to suffer long, to bear difficult circumstances with joy.  As we contemplate that attitude of heart and mind, we usually find we fall short.  We get angry, grumble, blame someone or something else.  There are accounts throughout history and today of people who persevere, endure and suffer long in circumstances not of their own making.  As they count it all joy and focus on God, PATIENCE has its way, many lives are impacted.  PATIENCE needs the challenge of trials and tests to grow.  Are you willing for God to do this work in your life?

PRAYER:  Father, I struggle so with waiting for things to happen and change in my life, for answers to come.  Forgive me for not being willing to just be quiet and wait for Your timing and Your way in my life.  Help me, Lord…I need to be able to yield to Your will in my difficult situations…things I’d rather run away from.  I confess my desire for “instant answers and results” and ask You to work in me, whatever it takes, to develop PATIENCE in my life.  Just don’t leave me.  I can’t do this without You.  I trust You.  I trust You to walk me through and fortify me in the process.  I’ve missed so much because I’ve not been willing to let opportunities for You to work PATIENCE in my life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When people have PATIENCE with me I am happy, relieved. I feel accepted and loved.  But there is another “side to the coin.” I am also called to have PATIENCE.  Now instead of relief, I sometimes have images of endless waiting, enduring, even suffering, and no guarantee of good results.  The benefit of PATIENCE always seems to lie with the one receiving it.  Yet PATIENCE is a character trait of God!  When I ask Him to transform me, developing PATIENCE is part of that request.

James 5.7 says:  “Be PATIENT, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.”  Forbear with enduring temper, fortitude and longsuffering; whatever it takes, be PATIENT.  James gives the example of a farmer waiting for the rains or for the harvest to be completed.  Likewise, there is no quitting or giving up in our covenant with God.  He wants that continual “waiting-like-a-farmer” characteristic developed in us.  He wants us imitating the examples He gives in the Bible of people who inherited His promises through faith and PATIENCE, through believing, trusting and waiting. Heb 6.11-12.

Romans 8.28 gives us a scenario of PATIENCE being developed in our lives.  That “working together” in all things results in something “good for those of us who love God and are called by Him for His purposes.”   As we wait on Him with PATIENCE throughout our lifetime, good results come, promises are fulfilled and His Kingdom is impacted.  His purposes for us always involve PATIENCE,  faith believing, trusting, waiting; and yes, we are blessed in the process:

• Is 40.31, Ps 27.14:  Wait on God and your strength will be renewed
• Ps 25.3:  Wait on God and you will not be ashamed
• Ps 33.20:  Wait on God, He’ll be your help and shield
• Ps 37.9,34:  Wait on God, you will inherit the earth
• Ps 40.1, Mic 7.7:  Wait on God, He will hear your prayers
• Is 30.18:  Wait on God, you will be blessed
• Is 49.23:  Wait on God, you will not be ashamed
• Is 64.4:  Wait on God, He will move on your behalf
• Acts 1.4  Wait on God and you will receive things He has promised

“My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning; indeed, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Ps 130.6. This man had PATIENCE!

And yes, waiting was required.  Waiting is the “hothouse” where the seed of PATIENCE takes root and begins to grow, to transform us into Christ’s image.

PRAYER:  Father, my heart isn’t always in it when I ask You to help me to be PATIENT.  Nevertheless, Lord, Your will in my life, not mine.  Please, help me to endure, wait and trust You as You work in me to make me more like You in this area.  Forgive me for sometimes ignoring opportunities to grow in this area when I am aware of Your PATIENCE with me. I am so grateful.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.