Numbers 21:4-5 (NIV 1984)

They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, …

JESUS IS COMING!

James 5:7-8 (NIV 1984)

Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.

HOLD OUR TONGUES

James 5:9-11 (NIV 1984)

Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The judge is standing at the door! Brothers, 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 consider blessed those who persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Acts 22:25  (niv 1984)

As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”

2 Corinthians 6:4-6 (niv 1984)

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness …

Job 1:21-22 (NIV 1984)

… “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

HOLD OUR TONGUES

Colossians 3:7-9 (NIV 1984)

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these; anger rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.

Colossians 3:10-14 (NIV 1984)

and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and is in all. Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievance you may have against another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

Keep the right attitude

James 1:2-4 (NIV 1984)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance, Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Galatians 5:22 (niv 1984)

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness…

So, what must we do?

         1.      Hold our tongue

         2.      Keep the right attitude

If we do these, we will grow in anticipation of Jesus’ return.