February 19, 2010

SHARE HIS UNFAILING LOVE

Key Verse
"How priceless is your unfailing love..." (Psalm 36:7)
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Central Truth

Our God is just, faithful, and shares His unfailing love with believers that know Him. Pray for those who do not fear Him and who plot evil; reach out to the lost before they are thrown down and cannot rise.  

Reflections

Do you know someone that has a talent to write; not necessarily writing lyrics or poetry, but thank you notes or cards?  I have a friend who can write bad news and it still sounds encouraging. He should write for Hallmark.  On the other hand (no pun intended), there are others, like me, that sometimes struggle to find the words to capture a thought or desire.  Writing a devotional can be a challenge, but I like to think of it as being part of my journey. 

Not all of the authors of the psalms were naturally gifted poets or musicians; as with the rest of the Bible, their words were God-inspired.  When I want to spend time in the Word but don't have a specific passage in mind, I turn to Psalms.  It's here that God's words speak directly to my heart and reach into the depths of my soul.  God's presence seems to surround me.  Verses 5-10 describe His faithfulness, righteousness, and justice.  Close your eyes and paint an image of what His unfailing love looks like as it reaches to the heavens and His faithfulness to the sky. Priceless love. Abundant love. As believers and followers of Christ we have a never ending gift - a gift we are called upon to share with others.   

But this can be a challenge; these are confusing and uncertain days we live in. Verses 1-4 speak of the evil and wickedness which, to me, is very prominent in today's society. Due to space constraints, I'll avoid going into detail, but you get the gist.  During these troubling times, nonbelievers (and believers) are searching for answers and might ask “Why does God let bad things happen?” Wow; that is THE big question.  It's on my list to ask God when I get to heaven. While that might be true for you too, it's not the best answer for someone seeking Truth. What about responding with something like, "I don’t know all the answers, but I know God loves us. Where are you in your relationship to God?" And so the journey begins.   

Discussion Questions

1. How did you respond if you've been asked, "Why does God let bad things happen?" 

2. Who do you know that's experiencing difficulty or facing unfortunate trials?  How can you help them?

3. What's stopping you from inviting an unbeliever to church with you?  

4. Do you know how to initiate spiritual conversations? If you don't know, find out! (HCBC has many resources.)

Comments

The views expressed under “Comments” are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.

  1. David Skeen

    February 19, 2010 07:58 AM

    My answer to question 1: Because God lets me (and sinners like me) live. "For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated."-v2 (ESV) Each of us has iniquity in our lives; we struggle with sin. God calls us to recognize this sin and to hate it; to repent and seek his forgiveness.

  2. Robert

    February 19, 2010 08:02 AM

    Well written Beth! Most likely when we get to heaven all our questions for God will have evaporated in the awe we experience being in His presence.

  3. Laurie Carlson

    February 19, 2010 08:54 AM

    Thanks Beth for your simple reminder to just take the word literally by closing your eyes and imagining the truth of the words. Your devotional is also providentially placed on the day following a city tragedy. Yes, bad things happen too frequently. But in the midst of bad things, we can be lights. My friend responded to a house fire yesterday, comforted the female owner of the house by offering assistance in anyway she could personally or through her church. The woman was grateful and took her name and card. Only later did we discover that this house fire was in the midst of a greater story. The pilot who crashed a plane first burned his house and a believer was there to give aid with simple words of comfort. God places us in the midst of tragedies big and small and are we using them for His glory...no matter what?

  4. Tom Jeannett

    February 19, 2010 12:41 PM

    Thanks Beth. Your thoughts were so encouraging and just what I needed to hear today. Your encouragment to "Close your eyes and paint an image of what His unfailing love looks like as it reaches to the heavens and His faithfulness to the sky" Was very powerful. What a gift we have to share with a terribly hurting world! Thanks again Beth.

  5. Barbara Parkhurst

    February 20, 2010 04:40 PM

    Great devotional, Beth! I love the emphasis on God's all encompassing love. You expressed it so beautifully.

  6. CJ

    August 14, 2010 03:48 PM

    Thanks for sharing the RIGHT attitude about things we do not understand or have answers.

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Beth Cooksey

Beth Cooksey

My name is Beth Cooksey.  I became a member of HCBC over four years ago and serve in various adult ministries.  I love the outdoors, working in my yard/garden and volunteering for animal rescue groups, primarily Central Texas SPCA and Austin Sheltie Rescue.  It's very rewarding to foster homeless animals (Shetland Sheepdogs) until they find a new home.  I've only adopted two Shelties out of the 16 I have fostered.