I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, As much as in all riches.
Memory of the month: Proverbs 15:1-A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Today's reading: PSALM 84-86 ROMANS 12
The Power In God's Kindness
We must be able to be completely honest with ourselves to be completely honest with God and let's face it-all God ever wanted from us is to be truthful with Him...
So why would we not be completely honest with God? He has shown us mercy. He has chosen us along with His original children, the Jews, to be allowed to be saved from our sins. So what do we have to fear?
We fear because we know we have sin. If we do not fear, we are in danger of our own weakness to sin.
Romans 11: 20...And you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Don’t be proud, but be afraid.
Be afraid of pride and arrogance. Be afraid of not trusting God. Be afraid of trusting self.
Romans 11:22 ... But He is kind to you, if you continue trusting in his kindness.
The kindness of God-to trust the very kindness of God-we read that we are to fear God. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.(Proverbs 1:7, 9:10; Psalm 111:10)
Building on that beginning we must move to being brutally honest about our own weaknesses. As we learn to focus on the tender mercies of God(Luke 1:78; 1 Timothy1:16), His kindness to us becomes overwhelming.
Luke 1:78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the Dawn will visit us from on high, 79 to shine on those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”
1 Timothy1:16-But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
What is 'healthy fear' in regard to all this?
Fear of our own weaknesses; fear of pride; fear of self not being truthful before God; fear of not living in the reality of God's kindness.
So much for the talk of fear. Our lives are grown by the Spirit of God in hope and faith in hard times as well as good.
1 Corinthians 10:13 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.
Ephesians 6:13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
1 John 5:4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is so much in God's character to focus on. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control(Galatians 5:22,23)-all of which are of God's character. We should and do praise Him for all of them but right now, thank Him for His kindness, mercy and patience with us all and pray that it does, in fact, rub off-become part of our character for His glory.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Forgive me for my fear of not coming before You and help me to focus on Your never-ending kindness.
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