Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- May 29, 2012
“One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and, “You reward everyone according to what they have done.” Psalm 62:11-12
The Lord is all-powerful and all loving. He is tough and tender. Jesus Christ is angry at religious hypocrisy and forgiving toward genuine repentance. He is a strong support in the middle of suffering and provides loving reminders to those who stray from His ways. He is friends with sinners and prays for His enemies. Indeed, Almighty God rules with justice and compassion. His holy heart lovingly leads with wisdom and mercy.
Furthermore, we are privileged to trust in Christ and His character. Our image of God illustrates and influences how we treat others. For example, our children need us to be tough and tender. Wise rules and guidelines enforced with a gracious attitude bring out the best results. So, we love them with discipline that teaches the “why” behind the “what”. We explain how the habit of honesty earns the respect and trust of friends.
“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power.” Ephesians 3:7
Like the positive and negative posts of a battery’s power supply, so the Holy Spirit empowers your faith with the eternal energy of God’s grace and power. So, by faith you stare down suffering with internal righteous resolve. Because you trust Jesus, your faith toughens your commitment to overcome adversity in Christ’s strength. A child born with a debilitating disease is an invitation to learn and model Jesus’ love at the deepest level.
Are you troubled by the tension that God is both tough and tender? If so, use this discomfort to place yourself in an aggressive posture of prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in the appropriate way to apply firmness and friendliness in your work relationships. Things and people are normally not as bad or good as they might seem. Your family and friends need to see you tough and tender. By God’s grace be humbly bold!
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Prayer: Heavenly Father, how do you want me to be both tough and tender with my family?
Related Readings: Exodus 15:13; Psalm 36:7; Acts 4:33; 6:8; Ephesians 3:18
Post/Tweet this today: By faith you stare down suffering with internal righteous resolve. #faith #suffering
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i need much help here lord i know i have not bridled my toung yet
JESUS IS NOT ANGRY WITH HIPOCRITS HE IS DISPLEASED
And one of the most effective ways that the enemy works is having us react with toughness when we should be tender and tender when we should be tough. Dear Lord help us to discern the the difference by Your Spirit, I pray.
Amen.
Dear Wisdom Hunter writer, im so thankful that i run into your site for this much needed guidance during this trial that we are facing. your devotions have giving me such peace in Christ and i hold still till i see the end result. Thank you for guiding me to my fathers arms.
Thank you Maru, it’s an honor to write these devotions and it is encouraging to hear that the Lord is using them in your life.