Monday, September 16, 2013

Week 7: The Kindness and Goodness of God, Day 3: A Tenderhearted Savior

Today’s Treasure: "Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."" Matthew 19:14

Lord, give us a heart like yours. So tender; seeing past the person until we see their need. A heart like yours is what I desire more than anything. Compassion for others.

Lord, help us to live into the scriptures below.

Ephesians 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Proverbs 31:26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [is] the law of kindness.

2 Peter 1:7 - And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Listen to "A Heart Like Yours," by CeCe Winans

Week 7: The Kindness and Goodness of God, Day 1 & 2: The Loving-kindness of the Father

“Without kindness, goodness becomes harsh and self-righteous. Without goodness, kindness becomes indulgent tolerance.” Beth Moore, “Living Beyond Yourself”

Day 1: A Nurturing Parent

Today’s Treasure: “This is what the LORD says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24

Read the following scriptures to know God as Father.

Abba Father – Romans 8:15
Everlasting Father – I Corinthians 8:6
Father of All – Ephesians 4:6
Father of Mercy – II Corinthians 1:3
Heavenly Father – Matthew 6:9

Day 2: Cords of Kindness

Today’s Treasure: “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” Hosea 11:4

In the New Testament, the Greek word translated “kindness” signifies “goodness in action”. The kindness of God, therefore, refers to God’s goodness in action. It is God’s goodness expressed in deeds of kindness towards man. It is God’s goodness prompted in grace and tenderness and compassion.

God shows the exceeding wealth of His grace in kindness toward us through the life, sacrifice and intercession of Jesus Christ (Titus 2:11-12). Jesus' life epitomized kindness — love in tender action.

Who wouldn't serve a God like this - loving, kind, good, gracious, amazing, awesome, Father...the list goes on and on. Think about who God is to you and take time to tell Him. This is what worship is - telling God who he is to you!