Saturday, July 28, 2012

God Doesn't Wink At Me

I was reading this morning in my devotional time and I read that some people see God as a great grandfather in the sky who winks at sin and says that you are a good person - it's ok.  Well, I have to say that I have been guilty of this myself.  Sometimes when I loose my temper or have a bad attitude, I will think, "God knows me.  He knows I'm basically a good person, so he will laugh along at all my little slip ups - it's just me!"

While God is merciful and loving and kind and loves me more than anyone on this earth possibly could, He does not overlook my "slip ups".  Sin is sin.  God and I do not have a special understanding.  God never takes a light view of it, no matter how small.  His mercy is awesome, but I must confess my sin with a repentent heart.  He is quick to forgive, and I must be diligent in trying to live a life that brings glory and honor to Him.

God never changes.  He is the same God that we see in the Old Testament and the New Testament.  He is long suffering, but is also able to deliver discipline with a firm and mighty hand!  I have been, praise the Lord, a receiver of His discipline and it can be painful!  But He loves me and I feel that too in those times.  All of God's kids get disciplined, so I count myself worthy and happy to receive these corrections - some easy some not so much!

As an aside...
Ben, my 7 year old, made me a great spot on the porch for my devotions in the morning!  What a blessing he is!
The view from my chair

My special spot!

Isn't this beautiful!?