Acts of God's Steadfast Love

Our Love for God

God Commands Our Love, Respect, and Obedience:
Love and Worship God

Nehemiah 9:16-23 The Message 

16-19 But they, our ancestors, were arrogant;
    bullheaded, they wouldn’t obey your commands.
They turned a deaf ear, they refused
    to remember the miracles, you had done for them;
They turned stubborn, got it into their heads
    to return to their Egyptian slavery.
And you, a forgiving God,
    gracious and compassionate,
Incredibly patient, with tons of love—
    you didn’t dump them.
Yes, even when they cast a sculpted calf
    and said, “This is your god
Who brought you out of Egypt,”
    and continued from bad to worse,
You in your amazing compassion
    didn’t walk off and leave them in the desert.
The Pillar of Cloud didn’t leave them;
    daily it continued to show them their route;
The Pillar of Fire did the same by night,
    showed them the right way to go.
20-23 You gave them your good Spirit
    to teach them to live wisely.
You never stinted with your manna,
    gave them plenty of water to drink.
You supported them forty years in that desert;
    they had everything they needed;
Their clothes didn’t wear out
    and their feet never blistered.
You gave them kingdoms and peoples,
    establishing generous boundaries.
They took over the country of Sihon king of Heshbon
    and the country of Og king of Bashan.
You multiplied children for them,
    rivaling the stars in the night skies,
And you brought them into the land
    that you promised their ancestors
    they would get and own.

For Reflection

We all at one time or another drift from our awareness of God. But God never drifts away from us.  No matter what we do, God always forgives, wipes the slate clean and welcomes our return.

Look to Israel's history to see an unwavering forgiving God and know that God will not abandon you.  Know that your spiritual life influences your physical being and you can find rest and peace in the midst of tumultuous times.

Pray

Pray prayers of thanksgiving to your God who is steadfast.  Pray prayers of praise to your God who provides for you.  Pray prayers of adoration so that you can seek to mimic God's patience and loving care in dealing with your tribulations.

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