14th December Advent Devotion – Our Father’s heart
Hello,
There are so many facets to God, for me coming to know him as my Father is profound and precious. Each experience of His love for me draws me deeper, shapes and transforms my heart. This miracle is multiplied as he trusts and enables me to carry His heart and bear His image to those around me. For these and many more reasons, I long to know him more and more.
Dive with me now into the vast ocean that is Our Father’s heart
Isaiah 41:13 says For I hold you by your right hand I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.”
Comforting words to those in darkness, brokenness & loss. He offers the tender hope and compassion of our Father God who reaches out to us, takes hold of our hand and whispers strength in our ear, don’t be afraid I will help you.
So many today suffer fear and loss, lives devastated by war and persecution.
Take a moment to ask Father God to reach out and take the hand of all who suffer today.
In Psalm 145, David also speaks of an unconditional loving gracious Father. He testifies of his own experience. “The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.”
I’m really enjoying reading Psalms from The Passion Bible and its beautiful account of Psalm 145 reveals so much of God’s heart to us.
1My heart explodes with praise to you!
Now and forever my heart bows in worship to you,
my King and my God!
2Every day I will lift up my praise to your name
with praises that will last throughout eternity.
3Lord, you are great and worthy of the highest praise!
For there is no end to the discovery
of the greatness that surrounds you.
4Generation after generation will declare more of your greatness
and discover more of your glory.
5Your magnificent splendor and the miracles of your majesty
are my constant meditation.
6Your awe-inspiring acts of power have everyone talking!
I’m telling people everywhere about your excellent greatness!
7Our hearts bubble over as we celebrate the fame
of your marvelous beauty, bringing bliss to our hearts.
We shout with ecstatic joy over your breakthrough for us.
8You’re so kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it
and so very patient with people who fail you.
Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness.
9God, everyone sees your goodness,
for your tender love is blended into everything you do.
10Everything you have made will praise you, fulfilling its purpose.
And all your godly lovers
“They will tell the world of the lavish splendor of your kingdom
and preach about your limitless power.
12They will demonstrate for all to see your miracles of might
and reveal the glorious majesty of your kingdom.
13You are the Lord that reigns over your never-ending kingdom
through all the ages of time and eternity!
You are faithful to fulfill every promise you’ve made.
You manifest yourself as Kindness in all you do!
14Weak and feeble ones you will sustain.
Those bent over with burdens of shame you will lift up.
15You have captured our attention
and the eyes of all look to you.
You give what they hunger for at just the right time!
16When you open your generous hand, it’s full of blessings,
satisfying the longings of every living thing.
17You are fair and righteous in everything you do,
and your love is wrapped into all your works.
18You draw near to those who call out to you,
listening ever closely, especially when their hearts are true.
19Every one of your godly lovers receives
even more than what they ask for.
For you hear what their hearts really long for
and you bring them your saving strength”
“God, you watch carefully over all your lovers like a bodyguard,
but you will destroy the ungodly.
21I will praise you, Lord!
Let everyone everywhere join me in praising
the beautiful Lord of holiness from now through eternity!
Excerpt From: Brian Simmons. “Psalms Poetry on Fire and Proverbs Wisdom From Above.” iBooks. https://itun.es/gb/4Uf-6.l
Think for a moment about a time when God met you with his Kindness.
What happened? How did you feel?
Why not write your own psalm expressing your heart to God for who He is and His acts of grace, mercy and kindness in your own experience
Our Father’s mercy and kindness is offered freely to all through the gift of His only Son, Jesus. Sadly for many, the thoughts and feelings of a loving Father have been stolen through difficult experiences. Even in this there is hope for change. I am changed and I’ve had the privilege to pray with many and see what was stolen or lost restored.
Today He is reaching out to you to take your hand.
Be encouraged, “He says Don’t be afraid I am here to help you.”
Jonathan David Helser sings the most beautiful song, Abba. Listen to his testimony and worship now.