Friday; June 28

How would you describe God?  We live in a world that is filled with all kinds of ideas and perspectives on God – some of which are good, others ... well, not so much.  So how can we describe God?  Maybe the place to start is by allowing Him to describe Himself.  When Jehovah God was cementing His relationship with the Jews He noted, “Yahweh!  The Lord!  The God of compassion and mercy!  I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.   I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.   I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.  But I do not excuse the guilty.  I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected – even children in the third and fourth generations.” (Exodus 34:6-7). 
As I read God’s assessment of Himself, two things stood out to me.  First, God cares about His people.  He wants to offer forgiveness, hope and lovingkindness to His creation.  He desires a relationship with His people so fervently that He was willing to eradicate sin from our lives (the fulfillment of that story is found in the New Testament).  However, as much as God wants to live in peace with humanity, He will not overlook sin and rebellion.  Yes, He loves us; but He will also hold us accountable for the choices we make.  Just because we are His children doesn’t mean we get a free pass on being disobedient.
How is our relationship with God?  If we are going to be pleasing to Him, we must view Him as a loving Father who understands enough about us to offer us commitment and discipline.  What are we offering Him in return?
          Think About It!

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