4
Or do you show contempt for the riches
of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s
kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 5
But because of your stubbornness and
your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for
the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.Romans 2:4-5 NIV
Have you ever ignored the press of conviction upon your heart? Maybe
you rationalized your wrongdoing with the thought that if God were
really upset, He'd put a stop to things by disciplining you. Psalm 50:21 reminds us that the silence of heaven does not mean approval. Remaining in sin is an abuse of the Lord's patience.
When God seems slow to react, we might hope He's overlooking our
transgressions--we'd like to continue in sin because the momentary
pleasure is more appealing than obedience. But thankfully, the Father
knows our weaknesses, our innate carnality, and the state of our
spiritual growth, and He therefore measures His response. Motivated by
love and a desire to gently restore His children to righteousness, God
refrains from doling out immediate punishment. Instead, He waits for the
Holy Spirit's proddings to impact the believer's heart. The weight of
conviction is actually an invitation to turn from wrongdoing and return
to godliness.
However, we're a stubborn people. There are times when we persist in
sin because the sentence against an evil deed isn't executed quickly
(Eccl. 8:11). In this dangerous situa-tion, it's possible to immerse
ourselves in sin and harden our hearts against the Lord. Then the Holy
Spirit's call to repentance falls on spiritual ears rapidly going deaf.
As we learn and understand more about God and His ways, we are
increasingly responsible to live righteously. The Lord is not slow; He's
patient. Do not abuse His patience with callous disregard for His
statutes. Repent and be holy in the sight of the Lord.
From Dr. Charles Stanley & www.intouch.org.
Today's Bible Verse...
Command those who are rich in this
present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which
is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us
with everything for our enjoyment.—1 Timothy 6:17
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
It is awfully easy to try to build our security around money, isn't it? But world catastrophes, economic collapses, embargoes, and natural disasters can wipe out the basis of our security if it is in earthly wealth or physical things. But if our hope is in God, we get to share the bounty of his blessings in the world around us and the assurance that what is most important in our life cannot be taken away from us.
My Prayer...
Faithful and loving God, I am so thankful that you are the one in whom I can find my identity, values, hope, security, and future. You have blessed me in so many ways, but please help as I'm working to put my trust in you and not in earthly wealth or possessions. To you belong all glory and praise, now and forever. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
Today's Verse Illustrated...
Reluctant to Start Building Campaign by Steve Phelps
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