KINDNESS OF GOD

 THE KINDNESS OF GOD!!!

Romans 2:4 (NLT) 

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? 

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 my incredible worth 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!

Ephesians 1:7-8 (NLT) 

7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. 

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 (my) 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 Scriptures give insight and understanding into such glorious grace, magnificent mercy and immeasurable 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 kind Name of Jesus my Savior and Lord. Amen.

GOD FEARING MAN

 A God-Fearing Man

Cornelius is helpful to me because I do not prefer to be called a man of God or a godly man. I feel totally inadequate for such a description. I can never measure up to that expectation. But I can pursue a godly life enabled by the Holy Spirit. So, my desire and prayer is to be a God-fearing man.  Cornelius is a wonderful example of what it means to be a God-fearing man. His story is beautiful and inspires my life!

Acts 10:1-8 (NLT) 

1 In Caesarea there lived a Roman army officer named Cornelius, who was a captain of the Italian Regiment. 2 He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God. 

3 One afternoon about three o’clock, he had a vision in which he saw an angel of God coming toward him. “Cornelius!” the angel said. 

4 Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! 5 Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. 

6 He is staying with Simon, a tanner who lives near the seashore.” 7 As soon as the angel was gone, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of his personal attendants.       8 He told them what had happened and sent them off to Joppa. 

7 Aspects of Cornelius' fearing God which resulted in him being a man of God and a godly man. He experienced the grace of God and had the approval of family, Jews. Gentiles, fellow soldiers, and servants. Most important, his family was a reflection of his humble attitude and active loving obedience to God. 

Consider this about the faith, love and obedience of Cornelius:

Faithfulness in his trust in the Sovereign God and in total awe of God.

Earnestness in his heart and devotion to God.

Accountable in his behavior to God.

Responsiveness in his loving submission to God.

Inquisitiveness in seeking to know the purpose and will of God.

Non-neglectfulness in immediately obeying God.

Generousness in his compassion for the poor to the glory of God.

Romans 14:17-18 (NLT) 

17 For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too. 

This is the evidence of a truly God-fearing man and the influence and effectiveness of a life lived for the honor of God. My daily prayer is that I might be that kind of man for God’s glory. Let this passage encourage us:

Psalm 103:17-18 (NLT) 

17 But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children 18 of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! 

SHUT MY MOUTH

Well,

 Shut My Mouth!!!

Proverbs 10:19 (NLT) 

19 Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. 

One of the challenges or struggles I deal with, every day, is mouth control. My tendence is to overstate a case or issue. Such becomes a frustration to me and an affliction to family and friends. But, I am full of it, I can't help it. It's just that I enjoy studying the Bible so much I just want to share what I am learning from the Lord. 

But enough is enough and too much of a great thing becomes overwhelming because it is to much to hear it all. The question come to me: "Is there end to it? My answer is no. But there can be control so that people can listen and be encouraged. The Bible clearly tells me, Don, how to do this.

First, one of the fruits of the Spirit is "SELF-CONTROL." 22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, "23 gentleness, and self-control....." Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT

When I submit to the Holy Spirt here is the result: God is pleased, Wanda's Doctor is happy, Wanda, herself is thrilled and it gives great joy to my family and friends. Well, shut my mouth, what a blessing! So now I will daily consider the following verses:

Proverbs 17:27 (NLT) 

27 A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.

James 1:19 (NLT) 

'19 Understand this, my dear (Don) brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak,......"

To God be the Glory!!!

APPROACHING THE THRONE OF GRACE

 PRAYER - Approaching the Throne of Grace

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT) 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us (Me) hold firmly to what we (I) believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us (Me) come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will (I) receive his mercy, and we (I) will find grace to help us (Me) when we (I) need it most. 

Approaching the Throne of Grace in this way makes our prayers personal, positive and practical. 

Romans 8:28 (NLT) 28 And we (I) know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those (Don) who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. 

God never fails. He is always faithful to His promises. He will always do what is wise, best, and good for us. This is because we trust His word and seek His glory.

Deuteronomy 7:9 (NLT) 9 Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. 

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT) 4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! 

However, for me there is a confusing aspect in praying. I do not doubt God, I trust God and know He will answer my prayer. As it says cleary in Psalms 15:35 " I trust you, Lord. You will answer, my Lord and God."

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NLT) 24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 

Here is what I know when I approach the Throne of Grace: I know that God will give me His peace in every situation. I know that God will give me His patience through all conditions. I know that God will give me His power to overcome all challenges. It is the ultimately reality of Romans 8:28, and I Corinthians 10:13.

Peace - God, the Father - Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) 

16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT) 

3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! 4 Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock. 

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) 

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 

Patience - God, the Son -Romans 8:33-34 (ESV) 

33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 

1 Timothy 1:16 (NLT) 

"But so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience ..." 

Revelation 1:9 (NLT) 

9I John, am your brother and your partner in suffering and in God’s Kingdom and in the patient endurance to which Jesus calls us...." 

Power - God, the Holy Spirt - Romans 8:27 (NLT) 

27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. 

Jude 1:20 (NLT) 

20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 

Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) 

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers..." 

Romans 15:13 (NLT) 

13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Here is what I do not know when I approach the Throne of Grace in prayer. I do not know the details of what God will do in anwsering prayer. I do not know how He will, in His providence, answer prayer. I do not know the means, the people or the conditions He will use in answering prayer. 

But, here is what I do know about God answering prayer. In His love, grace, mercy, wisdom, will, purpose, plan, time, and for His glory, He will answer my prayer. I know that God's glory always results in my good. How could I ask for more than that?

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT) 

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 

Psalm 40:5 (NLT) 

5 O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. 

This is how I approach the Throne of Grace. This is how I pray for myself. And this is what I pray for my family and friends. Be encouraged! Have hope. God is good and faithful in all He says and does.

Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) 

20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 

AMEN!!!

A STROKE OF GENIUS

 A Stroke of Genius            

My greatest fear in life is not dying, To put it simply, bluntly and directly, it is a STROKE. The debilati1ng affects of a stroke is what I dreaded most. And then it happened. I so identify with Job.

Job 3:25 (NLT) 

25 What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come true. 

My stroke is no way near to the suffering of Job. His suffering was excruciating and beyond human comprehension, and only God can explain what and why and He did at the end of the book. 

What I learned from the Bible was God's will and wisdom in all I experience is for His glory which results in my ultimate good.

Romans 8:28 is forever true in time and eternity. Through it all, this I know, in the words of the Psalmist: "God love me."   Wow! And that is enough. 

The results of what God my heavenly Father has done so transformed my life that I see it now as a stroke of genius.

My life was transformed by the love and discipline of my gracious and merciful heavenly Father. The relationships with my wife, children, friends and even foes were totally changed. In all of my 86 years, this the is best and most meaningful time of my life. I can't even begin to express the joy of life everyday with the LORD and all those I love. "It is joy unspeakable and full of glory." I Peter 1:8  

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) 

10 For we (I am) are God’s masterpiece. He has created us (Me) anew in Christ Jesus, so we (I) can do the good things he planned for us (Me) long ago. 

Romans 9:23-25 (HCSB) 

2And what if He did this to make known the riches of His glory on objects of mercy that He prepared beforehand for glory— 24 on us, the ones He also called......"

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NLT) 

24 God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 

Paul said it so well: " So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."  2 Timothy 2:10 (NLT)

Sinclair Ferguson on a covenant with the Lord.

"A new year represents an opportunity to commit ourselves to the Lord. Today, January 1, 2024, Sinclair Ferguson invites us to express our commitment afresh to God and to pray for His help in the year ahead.

John Wesley borrowed the idea of a living covenant from some of the Puritans that he had read at an earlier stage in his life. 

So, I want to begin this new year by sharing that covenant with you, and to invite you, with me, to commit yourself to the Lord and to pray for His help through this new year.

"I am no longer my own, but Yours. Put me to what You will, place me with whom You will. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed for You or laid aside for You, exalted for You or brought low for You. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to Your pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You are mine, and I am Yours. May it be so. And may the covenant which I have just made here on earth be confirmed in heaven." End quote.

With Jude I am thrilled to shout: "All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen."  Jude 1:25 (NLT)

It is after all, "A Stroke of Genius."