We don't have to live in doubt!

When Jonah warned the people of Nineveh of God's judgement, they responded in these words:

^"Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened." - Jonah 3:9-10

I was struck by their sense of doubt - "Who knows? Maybe God will forgive us?"

Friends, I feel that we don’t have to live in wonder or doubt – will God forgive my sins? God has already forgiven our sins - this was done with Jesus' death on the cross. Jesus said that the work was finished and our sins were atoned for. 

It is up to us whether we choose to receive this gift and then to live as if it were true. Let us also remember that our God is gracious and compassionate.

Psalm 86:15 - But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Shutting up the bullies

There are moments when we just wish that the bullies of this world would have their just rewards. This does happen eventually, but we are often not there to witness it. Taking a look at Psalm 86, with the fresh insights of Eugene Peterson, it is interesting to note David's unique prayer:

"Make a show of how much you love me
    so the bullies who hate me will stand there slack-jawed,
As you, God, gently and powerfully    put me back on my feet." - Psalm 86:16-17

His prayer is not so much that the bullies are physically assaulted, but rather that God's love is shown to be so overwhelming that all they can do is stand with their mouths wide open in amazement. The way that God restores David's troubled life will prove to be such a testimony that it will shut up the religious bullies for good.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Complete Opposites

 

Surrounded by evil people, a band of violent men and narrow minded religious folk, King David felt totally alone. Yet, in the midst of his predicament he remembered that God was still faithful and that God's character was completely opposite to that of his enemies. In his prayer, David proclaims:

"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
¹⁶ Turn to me and have mercy on me;
    show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
    just as my mother did.
¹⁷ Give me a sign of your goodness,
    that my enemies may see it and be put to shame,    for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me." - Psalm 86:15-17

Remember this today - God is Gracious and Compassionate.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

The "Otherness" of God

Reflecting on a verse from Psalm 86, I realised how different God is from us. Well, perhaps I should be more honest and say, "how different I am from Jesus." It brought to mind the term 'otherness' - God is like no other Being in heaven or on earth. Everything about God is different.

To illustrate what I mean, take a read of the verse I am referring to:


"But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,    slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness." - Psalm 86:15 (NIV)

Where I lack compassion, God is always FULL of compassion.
Where I lack grace, Jesus is gracious.
When I get impatient and easily angered, God is slow to get angry.
Where my love is weak, God's love is abounding.
When I give up too easily, Jesus is always Faithful.

Boy, I am grateful for the 'Otherness' of God today.


Living in Grace
D3LM3