Titus 3:4,5 “But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us…”
I Kings 15:11, 14 “Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as did his father David…his heart was loyal to the Lord all his days.”
II Chronicles 14:4 [Asa] “commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers, and to observe the law and the commandment.” He prayed, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O Lord our God, for we rest on You, and in Your name we go against this multitude…”
It is one thing to read about God’s lovingkindness toward man and another thing to experience the benefits of living as one of God’s children. One of the benefits that never cease to amaze me is the call from a friend when I desperately need someone to talk with. Getting bogged down with the details of making a living or performing an obligation can challenge my will power and my desire to share my burdens with others; yet having the support and godly encouragement of friends and family strengthens me to continue doing the next right thing.
Another benefit I experience comes from recognizing the extraordinary example of God’s provision seen through the ‘coincidences’ that turn around what appears to be a disaster on the horizon. Time after time when hope had seemed lost and my anxiety had heightened too dangerously close to unbelief, these unexpected gifts (sometimes even given through strangers) are dropped in my lap. These interventions outside of my influence remind me that God has no limits to what He can and will do for His children. Such was the case recently when God provided at just the right time the financial means that were much needed. Without my knowledge, a blessing was waiting to be delivered, and all I knew to pray was that whatever happened, I would be dependent on God.
As special as these reminders are to me of acts of good works that demonstrate the love of God, I am always humbled that He chose to include me in His plan for doing good works. Though I try to live a life of obedience to God and the rulers and authorities of the land, my good intentions are often interrupted by the common sins to all. Yet, even though I stumble instead of walking a perfect understanding of what God has planned, He makes it possible to receive His blessings through His most gracious gift of all – His great love for us. He loves us, and this not because of anything we have done right or wrong. He loves us because He chooses to do so. He is the Lord who does not fret over the fears I cry out to Him, and He never withdraws His Spirit from me. He shows kindness, love, mercy, and power, and I just have to rest on Him even though I’ve done nothing to deserve His care. How wonderful is this God we serve who loves us and who makes us “His heirs according the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7)
Sixty-six books in a year 