THE KINDNESS OF GOD

 

Romans 2:4 (NLT) 

"Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you?  

Does this mean nothing to you?  

 Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" 

Nothing moves me more to humility, tears and gratitude than the Kindness of God. I know what I deserve, God's righteous judgement. The overwhelming reality of my unworthiness and yet the incredible worth of me to God can only be see and understood by the cross and Christ's suffering for my sin, which He did not deserve, but I do!

How well the Scriptures explain this: "God showed how much he loved us (me) by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we (I) might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we  (I) loved God, but that he loved us (me) and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our (mine) sins."   1 John 4:9-10 (NLT) 

Romans 5:8 (NLT)  "But God showed his great love for us (me) by sending Christ to die for us (me) while we (I was) were still sinners."

 

I cannot over emphasis how much this personal kindness of God means to me. Words simply fail. The following Scriptures will give insight and understanding into such glorious grace, magnificent mercy and loving kindness.

Titus 3:4-5 (NLT)  "4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit."

That is why the question is asked: 

"4 Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? 5 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed." Romans 2:4-5 (NLT)  

 

The Apostle Peter reminds us of God's kindness: " The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV) 

 

And John reminds us of the great reason for God's kindness. “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16 (NLT)

  

The following song: "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need" expresses the emotions of why I feel so deeply grateful for the wonderful Kindness of the Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

"Amazing grace will always be my song of praise,

For it was grace that brought me Liberty,

I do not know just why He came to love me so,

He looked beyond my fault and saw my need,

I shall forever lift my eyes to Calvary,

To view the cross where Jesus died for me,

How marvelous the grace that caught my falling soul,

He looked beyond fault and saw my need."

That you Father for your kindness revealed at the Cross of Christ and the gracious forgiveness of all my sin. And for the Holy Spirit's indwelling presence. In the gentle Name of Jesus my Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

"I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NLT) 

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) 

25 The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. 

Heavenly Father, help me to ponder these passages of Scripture with a sincere and humble heart willing to share Your generosity with others.

King David an example -

1 Chronicles 29:5-9 (NLT) 

5 ...... Now then, who will follow my example and give offerings to the LORD today?” 6 Then the family leaders, the leaders of the tribes of Israel, the generals and captains of the army, and the king’s administrative officers all gave willingly. 9 The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD, and King David was filled with joy. 

1 Chronicles 29:10-14 (NLT) 

10 Then David praised the LORD in the presence of the whole assembly: “O LORD, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and ever! 11 Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O LORD, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 12 Wealth and honor come from you alone, for you rule over everything. Power and might are in your hand, and at your discretion people are made great and given strength. 13 “O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name! 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us! 

1 Chronicles 29:16-17 (NLT) 

16 “O LORD our God, even this material we have gathered to build a Temple to honor your holy name comes from you! It all belongs to you! 17 I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. You know I have done all this with good motives, and I have watched your people offer their gifts willingly and joyously. 

O heavenly Father, you are the Source of my life, the Sovereign of my Soul and the Supply of all I need. Your Word reminds me: "19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 (NLT) 

Father, the Apostle Paul encourages me in giving: "7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 

12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. 13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!  2 Corinthians 9:7-15 (NLT) 

Father I pray, that you will help me to share in the joy, generosity, and grace of giving, for your honor and glory and to help others in their needs. In the name of Jesus our generous Lord and Savior. Amen.

 

Meditation on the Gift

2 Corinthians 9:15 (NLT) " Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! "

1 Corinthians 15:1-54(NIV)  "1 Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, "

Acts 4:12 (NLT) "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved."

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." Romans 1:16 (NIV) 

Romans 6:23 (NLT) "23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. "

Psalm 116:12-14 (NLT) "12 What can I offer the LORD for all he has done for me? 13 I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the LORD’s name for saving me. 14 I will keep my promises to the LORD in the presence of all his people."

Father, in answer to the question above, I will lift up the cup of salvation for all to see wonders of your love for us. I will worship and praise Your Name with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength. And I will live out my promise of trust and obedience to you as a testimony to the gift of your infinite grace. Through the Name of our and Savior Jesus. Amen.

From the Hymn "Marvelous Grace."

"Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, yonder on Calvary's Mount Cross out poured there were the blood of the Lamb was spilt. Grace, grace, God grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within, Grace. grace, God grace, grace that is greater than all our sin."

A TRIBUTE TO MY WIFE ON MOTHER'S DAY

 

A tribute to my wonderful wife and the amazing mother of our children.

"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown....."                      Proverbs 12:4 (NIV) 

The jewels in the Royal Crown are 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and four rubies. It is a treasure of greatest value. Wanda is a treasure of greatest value and jewels in the crown.

Diamond - 

Like a diamond glistening with colors from the light refracted, Wanda's personality is reflected through her life in her joy of living, industry in working, and diligence in managing her home. In her gifts of art, decoration, and music. In consistentantly cooking and baking. In exciting adventures when the chance comes, and travel. She thrives on helping people and be a caregiver to many young and old.. She focuses on what needs to be done and consciously does it. She is both strong and venerable in of life circumstances. She embraces the fullness of life in all of her activities. She greets family, friends, neighbor and stranger with a beautiful smile and a gracious greeting.

Sapphire shines exquisite light of excellence - Wanda is  committed to the absolute conviction of and commandment to truth. of the Bible. She is loyal to the commands of God in her obedience to His Word and will. and the woman, wife, and mother God created her to be. 

Emerald - Spiritual growth.  Wanda loves the Lord with of her heart and learns each day how to trust Him more. She is devoted to the Bible, she shares her faith in every opportunity: The mall, market, Gas Station, Restaurant, laundry room. Anywhere and everywhere, always ready to tell of her relationship with the Lord.

Pearl - The priority of her values. Marriage, Children, Friends, Church, Community. She will portraited in Proverbs 31:10-31 

 Proverbs 31:10-12 (NLT) 

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

 Proverbs 31:27-31 (NLT) 

27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. 

28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 

29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” 

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. 

31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. 

Rubie- Service, suffering and sacrifice. Wanda in many ways ministries to others with her gifts and talents. She has experienced suffering as all people do and has learned through God's grace to give thanks in all things for what God is accomplishing through them for her. She knows the truth of Romans 8:28. There are times when sacrifice, putting others before yourself and their needs is necessary to ensure their benefit. This she does with humility and mercy.

Her influence and love is well attested to by the following statements:

She is loved and pleasing to God because she is " a woman who fears the LORD ..." . Proverbs 31:30 (NIV) 

She is loved and cherished by her husband because he trusts her completely.

She is loved and precious to her Children because of her sacrificial love and devotion to them.

She is loved and appreciated by her friends because of her loyal friendship and kindness for them.

Indeed, of Wanda it may be said : "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Proverbs 31:29 (NIV)  

She is the crown for her husband, The Queen of her home, The pride of her children, The Lady of Nobility for her friends. She is the is the quindecinnial Woman. This is all from the grace of God and to the glory of God from whom all blessings flow. And this grace is wonderfully displayed in the life of Wanda. She is the Royal Crown of my life! How true the Word of God is: "The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD." Proverbs 18:22 (NLT)