Verse of the Day - Psalm 103:13

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. ~ Psalm 103:13 (NLT)

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Dads have a tough job. They are, I believe, given the strength role in the home, giving children the firm direction they need (sometimes firm on the bottom, when needed :-). Yet, they love their kids so much, and often go soft when little eyes look up for a hug or a piece of candy from the grocery store. Deep down, dads can be real softies.

That is the balanced character of God. He disciplines those He loves (Proverbs 3:12), and yet has abundant mercy and compassion on them, too (Psalm 103:8). People who think that God is an angry God with a celestial bat, waiting to knock people's head off are ignorant of God's character. They just don't know Him. They haven't really read the Bible to see how He gives people chances over and over and over again to turn from their destructive lifestyle. They haven't seen the love He showed on the cross, as He gave up His Son to die for them. They haven't experienced the amazing mystery of His forgiveness in their hearts and minds, for all the wrong they've done. They don't know my Dad like I know Him.

He [Jesus] came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. ~ John 1:10-13 (NLT)

If you have laid down your will to God and asked for Jesus to come into your life and be the center, you are a child of God. He's no longer a big, bad bully up in heaven -- He's your Father. And you have the opportunity and the responsibility to give unbelieving people a picture of what your Heavenly Father is really like. All we who are children of God need to shine a light on Him, so that the world can see what He's really like. He's full of compassion and mercy, not giving us what we deserve. He's faithful and patient in our weaknesses. He's gracious and kind in His spiritual gifts. Do you talk about Him with others, so that they hear it from your mouth? When difficult circumstances come your way, are you able to give Him praise to others, because you've experienced His love that never leaves nor forsakes? When the Holy Spirit guides you through this life and you know it's your Father's hand, do you share that with people around you?

Our God is an awesome God. And He is also a loving Father. You know it, but the world is clueless. God wants the world to know of Him, so that they can really know Him. Let us open our mouths and let the world know the loving kindness that He has for all those who will come to Him with an honest, humble heart.

Love,
Joelene