Long Suffering

The first time I heard about long suffering as a fruit of the spirit was in a Bible study. Of course I was used to my NIV Bible translation: "Now the fruit of the Spirit is love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Patience is hard. Like waiting in line at the grocery store when they're calling for snow. Or worse, waiting at the DMV. Or dealing with a strong willed child. And never, ever pray for patience, cause God will make you wait for something, right? Patience is a virtue.

But then someone with the King James Bible read the verse, and instead of patience, she read the word longsuffering. Longsuffing? I actually said something to the effect of, "Who would want the fruit of longsuffering? That is a terrible fruit!"

Several years later, in 2001, my best friend wrote me a letter where she shared the ways I exhibited the fruits of the Spirit. On patience, she said:

The 4th fruit is Patience - another translation is longsuffering. The definition is a person who has the power to exercise revenge but instead exercises restraint. I have seen you in situations where this definition could have said, 'here is Kelly.' I have been amazed at your ability to 'let things go' when others hurt you. This is truly God's patience manifested in you.

From her letter I was able to look back at my relationship with my mom. A childhood and early adulthood filled with longsuffering. (Also defined as patiently enduring wrongs or difficulties; patient endurance.) While I was in that phase, I didn't realize it was longsuffering. It just seemed like life. But in hindsight, I see it for what it was. Now I am able to see other times of the fruit of longsuffering in my life, and there are several.

What I've noticed is that longsuffering without Jesus produces bitterness in people. But longsuffering with Jesus makes us hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

I may have felt broken at times, but I am stronger because of my longsuffering. 

I can't imagine ever praying for the fruit of longsuffering in my life. But I am thankful to have come through it with Jesus. While I am hopeful that my fruit of longsuffering has matured, and I don't need to go through more, I am confident that with Jesus I will not lose heart.

When you experience times of longsuffering in your life, I hope you know that Jesus is walking through it with you, and that together you are achieving eternal glory.

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen,since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Book Review: A Thin Film of Lies

A Thin Film of Lies is a Christian crime novel. 

If you like suspense and crime novels, this book is a great Christian option to that genre. Still packed with the crime and action, we see a police woman who follows God, and listens to his nudge.  No, He doesn't help her solve cases, but His presence is presented true to life in His still small voice to follow Him.

Full of intrigue this is not only a  "who-done-it," it is a "why did they do it" that keeps you wondering how it will end. A fun summer read for the beach, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Summary:
The story tells of a homicide detective, Fran Anders. Fran is a dedicated, no-frills cop who takes her job seriously but with a wry sense of humor. A middle-aged, divorced, single parent with two teens, Fran hopes someday to find a great man and remarry, but she’s not holding her breath. Right now, she just wants to be a good cop and mother, and use her faith to help those she encounters in her line of work learn there’s someone “up there” who truly cares for them.

Her next case throws her into the lives of Mike and Alisa Jepson, a couple whose marriage is disintegrating fast. As leads come into the precinct for a recent murder case point at Mike Jepson, Fran watches the damage wrought on this couple, yet is unable to ignore the incriminating evidence. 

Although Fran reaches out to Alisa during her crisis of faith, she is unable to stop events from barreling toward a crash. Yet, despite the tragedies to follow, Fran sees how God has used the Jepsons’ trials and pain to bring Alisa back into His arms, with hope that Mike might follow suit.

Note: This novel is a suspense, crime fiction novel, faith-based but an intense exploration of human failings. It is spiritually uplifting but does have some gritty characters. This book would be best suited for readers who like to read mystery/suspense and like relational drama.

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

The Tape

I was late. And tardiness is one of my biggest pet peeves!

The day started out well enough. I was speaking for a women's luncheon, so I was busy prepping and praying. As I began to get dressed I remembered I needed my Bible. The day before my 9 year old asked if she could read my Bible - and when your kid asks to read your Bible YOU SAY YES! But now, the next day, she didn't know where it was. So I sent her on a seek and find mission.

Soon, I enlisted the help of her sister, and finally after I was ready I joined in, but the Bible was gone. Finally, I had to leave, so I grabbed another Bible and headed out the door. However, if you are in YOUR Bible often, you know that "another Bible" is a foreign place.  You can't "feel" you way to verses, you actually have to look them up. But - I had a Bible and it was time to go.

I jumped on the interstate and started practicing my talk. About 15 minutes later I noticed an exit sign. A distressing exit sign - because it was an exit in the opposite direction of the way I was supposed to be going. In my stress over the Bible situation, and speaking in general, I had gotten on the interstate in the WRONG direction. Now, I was 15 minutes away, in the wrong direction, and I was going to be late!

Immediately the tape started. You know the one? The negative self talk tape. Maybe you have one too, it's always on standby ready to play. It starts with a true fact, "You're going to be late." But from there it turns into all fiction, "How could you be late, how stupid! You are an idiot. What kind of person gets on the interstate the wrong direction. They'll never respect you if you're late. And what makes you think they want to hear anything you have to say anyway?" and on, and on.

But this time, I hit the "stop" button. And I started to pray. I thanked God for loving me just as I am, and for sending Jesus for filling the gaps by my failures.

One of my favorite contemporary Christian praise songs is Redeemed, Savior, Friend. I love the lyric that states, "You're familiar with my weakness, devoted to the end." Jesus knows full well all my weaknesses, but he loves my anyway. He doesn't expect me to be perfect, he died because I can't be. He knows my weakness, but he is devoted to me anyway.

Next time you "mess up big" like I did, stop the tape! Don't let the recording in your mind remind you of all your faults. Instead, remember your Redeemer. He knows your weakness, and he loves you anyway.

And as for being late...I was indeed 15 minutes later than the time I wanted to be there. But still 15 minutes before the event began. Because I hate being late. :-)

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. Psalm 103:13-14

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

The Devil Made Me Do It

Vacation Bible School has ruined my diet.  This week, my church hosted their annual Vacation Bible School (VBS). In addition to kids, my church also holds adult VBS. The adults have a time of praise, a lesson, a drama, and of course food, lots and lots of food. Meatballs, barbecue, ham biscuits, casseroles of every kind, dips, cheeses, crackers...and that's just the meal table! Next comes the dessert table, filled with cookies, cakes and pies of every type. Yes, VBS has ruined my diet. Or did it?

Truthfully, I am the only one who controls my diet. I have the free will to choose to eat a light dinner at home before VBS, or to go through the buffet line like it's my last meal. I made the decision to "sample" 3 different desserts. VBS didn't ruin my diet. I did.

Why do we always try to blame something or someone else for our poor decisions? Whether it be a simple misdirection, mistake or full blown sin, we point the finger anywhere but to ourselves. "She gave me bad advice." "Everyone else was doing it." "He started it." Or even, "The devil made me do it!"  

No one, not even the devil can control our behavior. God gave us the free will to make our own decisions. And thankfully, he gave us Jesus to pay the price for our bad decisions. But we have to confess them, not make excuses, or point our finger the other direction. We have to repent (change our behavior). And we have to accept the forgiveness God offers through Jesus' sacrifice.

Yes, I ruined my diet this week. But next week I will make better decisions. Because, I can do all things through Christ...when I chose to. And when I don't, I only have myself to blame.

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Counting the Costs

Last September I joined Weight Watchers. I counted points with great dedication, and by November I'd lost 15 lbs. In January, by keeping the weight off I achieved "Lifetime Member of Weight Watchers."  And by staying within 2 pounds of my target weight, I've maintained that goal.

Fast forward ahead to May. I became complacent in my weight management system. I stopped counted points, and estimated in my head. Suddenly it was the last day of May and I had to weigh in. And there it was. 

.04 lbs over my 2 lb weight gain limit. But then the weight counselor said, "I'm not going to charge you. Just get it back down by next month's weigh in."  I couldn't believe it! She gave me grace, even though I'd stopped counting points.

But now it is up to me to get back to counting, and back to my goal, for this month there will be no more grace.

Most people don't set out to sin. No, initially as Christians we are vigilant in our plan to follow Jesus. But at some point we become complacent, and we stop counting the costs. We slip into sin, accidentally.  Suddenly we find ourselves weighed down. Thankfully, Jesus too offers grace! He forgives our missteps and slips into sin. When sin increases, grace increases all the more. But does that mean we should keep on sinning?

As the Apostle Paul states, "By no means!" We are dead to sin, and need to live a life of righteousness.

So I'm back to counting points, trying hard to stay on track so that when I weigh in this month I reach my goal. And in the same way, I'll keep counting myself dead to sin but alive in Jesus. Because following Jesus is what counts, most of all!

 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Romans 6:11,12

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

My Promotional Video

I'm so excited to debut my new promotional video for my speaking and writing ministry! 

(If you are reading this via email, you may have to visit my blog to watch the video, so come on over!)

As a member of the Christian Women Affiliate, and their "Review Crew," I got this video in exchange for an honest review, and I can tell you I honestly cannot be happier!

The CWA Video Service, and the fabulous Evonne Mandella, work with you to make the perfect video for your needs.  (Evonne has a Master’s Degree from Bethany Bible Collegeand Seminary. She currently enjoys working with Christian Television Network to provide uplifting high quality videos year round. She has made Cinema Quality Videos for leaders in the Christian fitness, Magazine, and Christian television industry.)

All you have to do is send her whatever photos or graphics you need, as well as a video or audio clip, and she puts together something fabulous (as you can see).

I sent her a few things, and she took the initiative to visit my website, and get a feel for "who I am" and used some additional text from there. She worked with me to make the edits I wanted (you all know I am picky). And she worked tireless with me to find just the right music. (Let's just say I was particular here too).

And each time Evonne came back immediately with something to put a smile on my face. She was so wonderful to work with, I can't recommend the CWA Video service enough.

So if you need a promotional video for your ministry, book, etc., etc, check it out. Here are some details:

For Only $50 you will get:

• A custom made, high resolution video, specifically created with your taste and customer base in mind.
• The highest quality of music in the industry to find just the right song to match your product.
• High resolution video clips to further enhance to your product.
• Your own download-able mp4 version of the video to share, email, post to youtube, vimeo, whatever you like- it is yours.
• You will receive an embed code and link to your own personal video page. 

I hope you will check out the CWA Video Service. I think they’ll make you as happy as they have made me. 

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Seal of Approval

The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval has been reassuring consumers about their product-purchasing decisions for over 100 years and is one of the most recognized consumer emblems in the market today. The Seal is an emblem of the magazine's Consumer Policy, which promises a refund or replacement for defective products within two years of purchase. As consumers, we know we can trust things with the seal of approval.

Did you Jesus has a Seal of Approval? Not by Good Housekeeping (GH) magazine. But by God himself!  John 6:27 states, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." (Emphasis mine).

God's seal of approval tells us many things. It tells us that Jesus was tested and found to be the best. Just as the a GH sealed product has been tested against other products to prove it is the best and earned the seal, we know that Jesus too was tested. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness being tested by the devil. Each time the devil tempted Jesus, Jesus was able to refer to scripture and reject the temptation. No other person on earth has ever been able to live a sin-free life. So we know that Jesus earned the seal by being tested.

The seal tells us that we can trust Jesus. Products with the GH seal are guaranteed. If they fail, GH stands behind them to replace them. As sinners, we fail every day, and because of the failure, we are separated from God. But Jesus is that guarantee, stating that when we fail, he replaces our sin with his perfection (by his death and resurrection) so that can spend eternity with God in heaven. Jesus is a guarantee of eternal life.

Finally, the GH seal produces peace of mind for it's consumers. Jesus too offers peace of mind. We know that when we believe in and follow him, that we will have the peace that passes human understanding! We find hope in Jesus, when there is no hope. 

Jesus has God's seal of approval! And we too have been marked with a seal. Because of Jesus, we have been marked with God's seal of ownership - providing us the ultimate lifetime guarantee.

He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

2 Corinthians 1:22

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com