Because JESUS is kind HE forgives my sins, my
faults, my mistakes, my errors. So HE is
a forgiving and gracious GOD because of HIS kindness.
A lot of people have the wrong concept of GOD, like
the man who was going up to Big Bear to his cabin. As he was going he ran out of gas. He got out of his car to push it off the road
and as he got out another car came behind him and hit his car and pushed it off
the cliff. He decided he'd walk on up to
his cabin and it started snowing. He got
totally drenched, caught a cold, sick.
Just as he rounded the bend to his cabin he noticed the lightning had
struck it and it had burned down. He
went over and started beating his head against a tree saying "Why me GOD? Why me
GOD?" The heavens opened, the
clouds parted, and a voice said, "Because some people just tick me
off!"
Some people, that's really what they think GOD's
like. They think that GOD's out to get
them. Some of you who are even believers
whenever you have a problem you start thinking, "GOD's getting even with
me." Something goes wrong in your
life, "HE's getting even with me. I
didn't tithe this month. GOD's getting
revenge."
Does GOD really act like this? Is HE this grumpy grouch who carries grudges
up in Heaven? HE’s a cosmic kill-joy, waiting for you to make one
mistake and say, "I caught you!"
No!
Sometimes people say to me, "I don't believe in
GOD." They know I'm a retired
pastor and they think that's going to shock me.
I say, "So what? Do you
think that changes anything?" I
always say, "Tell me what kind of GOD you don't believe in. I may not believe in HIM either."
Have you ever thought about the fact that maybe some
of your ideas about GOD aren't true?
Maybe some of the ides and images you grew up with about how GOD acts
toward people aren't right? That's why
you've got to go to that book of truth, the Bible, and find out what HE's
really like.
In fact, GOD so deeply wants you to know what HE's
really like, HE came to earth, 2014 years ago in human form. He was called JESUS CHRIST. He came to earth so we would know what GOD is
really like. One of the things that JESUS
taught is GOD doesn't carry a grudge. HE
is not the GOD of shame. HE forgives my
sins. Because I deserve it? Not a chance.
But out of His kindness, HIS grace.
There was a pastor who said a lady was coming to him
every single week, "Pastor, GOD convicted me of this sin." Every week, like sin of the week. Finally he said, "Does GOD ever say
anything nice to you?"
Some of you were raised by unpleasable parents and
you've taken that image and switched it over to GOD. That's not right. HE is a forgiving GOD. Why?
Because HE is kind.
Just a thought from the front porch…
2 comments:
Love this! Our faith is not centered around how we feel and the good or bad things we do. It is about our God who, though perfectly righteous, is entirely forgiving and gives it to all Who accept. Centering life around who Jesus is definitely deepens our relationship with Him.
It really does and it also helps in our relationship with others.
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