June 28, 2011
“The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me? … The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. … The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom shall I fear?” Psalm 118:6,14 — Psalm 27:1 New American Standard
… slow to anger .. Peace .. a Rock and a Fortress .. a King Forever .. righteous .. a Shepherd .. my light and my salvation .. my defense .. my strength .. my shield .. the sustainer of my soul .. compassionate and gracious .. my portion .. gracious and merciful .. good to all .. a Strong Tower .. exalted .. a judge .. a king .. a refuge for His people .. a stronghold in the day of trouble .. and faithful. What would your life look like today if you believed .. trusted .. and lived like all of this was true? How would you act throughout the day if you knew that you possessed an infinite supply of the Father’s love for you? The Bible reveals a God who is relentless in pursuing His children .. calling them (and you) out of darkness .. reminding them (and you) that His heart and purposes are redemptive .. and loving you so patiently until His Son makes you whole inside and out? God is for you today. That means He’s for you when things are going well and He’s for you when your world is falling apart. He’s not going to change who He is for your life today! He’s just as available as He was yesterday. He’s not going to measure how much He loves you based on your yesterday .. last month .. or last year. How far is it between the heavens and earth? It’s the height and width of a Cross. How far is the sunrise from the sunset? It’s the distance between the nails of His left and right hand. The Lord is for me… The Lord is for you today. And for your life He is going to be compassionate .. gracious .. slow to anger .. abundant in loving-kindness .. and faithful as you face the day! The Lord is for you … and it only takes a moment …
“God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag or scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs. As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him. As far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins.” Psalm 103:8-12 The Message
Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Grace-Chased & Caught Followers of Jesus and friends of Priority One (ken@priorityone.org)