A Compassionate God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Find a quiet place where you can be alone. Take a deep breath and ask God to reveal more of His character to you today.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”

—Psalm 103:8,13

Read Psalm 103:8-14 in your Bible. Underline the words or phrases that teach you about God’s compassion and how He shows it to us.

• Think about the analogy in verse 13. How does it help you to better understand God’s compassion? If compassion isn’t a big part of your relationship with your parents, how is God’s compassion different?

• How have you seen God display His compassion in someone’s life? In your life?

Respond

Think about God’s compassion toward you—shown most clearly in Jesus willingly taking on our sin and defeating it on the cross. Journal your response to God’s compassion below. Take time to thank and praise Him for specific ways He has treated you with compassion.

Behind the Story

In verses 11-12, the psalmist used imagery to help us understand both God’s love and compassion toward us.

“As high as the heavens”: This is an immeasurable distance used to show that God’s love for us is infinite.

“As far as the east from the west”: Another immeasurable distance is used to help us see that God doesn’t just forgive; He takes our sin away, removing it from our lives.

The Point

Compassion is a key component of God’s character. Because compassion is at the core of who He is, God has not given us what we deserve: punishment for our sin.


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Ruler Over All

Posted by Karah

Pause

God’s sovereignty is a difficult subject to wrap your mind around, but it’s crucial to understanding who God is. Stop right now and ask Him to give you an open mind and heart to hear and experience what His sovereignty truly looks like.

“Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth. Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases.”

—Psalm 115:1-3

Read Psalm 115:1-2 carefully, paying attention to what it teaches you about God and His character. Then, consider these questions:

• How does this passage point to God’s sovereignty?

• “Whatever He pleases” doesn’t mean that God is always changing His mind or giving in to whims; it means He does what He has planned. How would truly recognizing this aspect of God’s character change your point of view on things that happen in the world? In your life?

• Why is it vital that God’s children understand that He is absolutely sovereign?

Sovereign-adj.= Possessing supreme or ultimate power; God’s absolute rule and reign

Respond

• Take a minute to really think about the concept of God’s sovereignty. He is over all. Nothing happens that He has not ordained for His glory and purposes. In a world that seems out of control, God is in control. What an amazing God! Praise Him for that today.

• For further study of God’s sovereignty, read Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:35, and Romans 9:19-21.

Behind the Story

Written at a time when Israel had suffered devastating defeats and when God seemed nowhere to be found, this psalm records the taunts of Israel’s pagan enemies. They misjudged Israel’s defeat in battle as the result of God’s weakness or non-existence, even asking, “Where is your God now?” But instead of complaining, Israel announced their confidence in Him, declaring God sovereign over all, including the powerless idols these nations worshiped. Idols can do nothing, but our God is on His throne and knows His plan and purpose.

The Point

God is the ultimate Ruler with supreme power over all. He does what He pleases, always acting for His glory and your good—wanting to bring you back into a right relationship with Him.

 


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Worthy of Worship

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a few moments to worship God. Pray aloud a psalm, sing your favorite worship song to Him, or just sit in silence, meditating on His greatness.

“Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory

and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens

and on earth belongs to You.”

—1 Chronicles 29:11a

Read David’s prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 in your Bible. Take note of all the words or phrases that reflect how David viewed God. Think through these questions:

• What are some of the words or phrases David used to express why God was worthy of worship? What words or phrases would you use?

• Notice the phrase “in the sight of all the assembly” in verse 10. Why is it important that this wasn’t just David’s private worship?

Respond

Read over David’s praise in verses 10-13 again. If you were writing your own prayer of praise to God, what aspects of His character would you include? Jot down a few.

Look over those words again. As you live your daily life—not just at church—are you living like those things you praised God for? If so, how? If not, what changes will you make today to trust God’s greatness and majesty more in those areas?

Behind the Story

Chapters 28 and 29 in 1 Chronicles detail David’s final days as leader. Earlier in life, David had endeavored to build a temple for God, but God had explained that David’s son would build the temple (1 Chron. 17). In the closing days of his reign, David commissioned his son Solomon to build the temple. He donated much of his personal fortune to the project, called the people to support Solomon in building the temple, and to also offer their own gifts and talents to the Lord to use in the process.

The Point

Because God is majestic, He is worthy of our worship. We should worship Him, but we should also call others’ attention to His character and lead them to worship Him, too.


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Shout it Out!

Posted by Karah

Pause

Silence your phone and turn off anything that could distract you from God’s Word and what He needs to say to you today. Spend some time in silence before God, kneeling as acknowledgment of His majesty.

In your Bible, read Psalm 145:1-7, underlining any words or phrases that point to God’s majesty.

“One generation will declare Your works to the next and will proclaim Your mighty acts. I will speak of Your splendor and glorious majesty and Your wonderful works.”

—Psalm 145:4-5

Your works and your mighty acts: Telling of God’s great works in history and in your own life. Who needs to hear what God has been doing in your life?

Splendor: The sum total of God’s attributes; the vast greatness of who He is; His magnificence.

Majesty: God’s grandeur, beauty, and honor.

Wonderful works: God’s mighty deeds and miracles, all of which display His power and awe those who see them. What works of God in your life or someone else’s have brought you to a place of awe?

Splendor, glorious majesty, and wonderful works describe God’s majestic character, but if you told your peers and friends about Him using these words, they’d probably think you were pretty weird. How would you describe God’s character to your friends?

Respond

Look at the list of people who need to hear about God’s work in your life that you listed earlier. Pray for each one by name, asking God for opportunities to share. Jot down one way you’ve seen God at work recently that you’ll tell them about.

Read the entire psalm, underlining any words or phrases that teach you about our majestic, yet personal, God.

Behind the Story

Psalm 145 was written by David to extol God’s greatness. In it, he used several verbs to describe ways that he, along with others, will tell others about God’s greatness: declare, proclaim, speak, give a testimony, and joyfully sing. It’s interesting to note that in Psalm 145:7, the phrase “give a testimony” literally means “pour out a memory.” That means the people were telling about important things God had done in their lives. What memories will you pour out in praise to God?

The Point

When you realize the truth about God’s majesty, you won’t want to keep it to yourself. If God is this majestic, this powerful, you must tell “the next generation” about Him.


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Unveiled

Posted by Karah

Pause

Ponder this quote:

“The purpose of worship is to change the face of the worshiper.”

—Max Lucado

“We all, with unveiled faces, are looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord and are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory; this is from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

—2 Corinthians 3:18

Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.

How would you write verse 18 in your own words? Give it a try:

What does this verse have to say about you? Who are you to become more and more like? Are you?

As followers of Christ, we should be becoming more and more like Him. It’s not a change that happens overnight, but by the Holy Spirit, God works in our daily lives to conform us to the image of His Son. In salvation, God takes the veil of sin away from us so that we can truly see Him and become like mirrors, reflecting His light to the world.

Respond

• Personalize this verse and pray God’s Word back to Him. Ask Him to reveal the areas in which you aren’t reflecting Him and confess them to Him today.

• Memorize Philippians 1:6, trusting that God will do as He promised.

• For further study and greater context, read 2 Corinthians 3:14-18.

Behind the Story

After Moses witnessed God’s glory on Mt. Sinai, he wore a veil over his face while the glory of God faded. The people had to look at the glory through the veil. In today’s passage, Paul reminded His readers of Moses’ veil, using it to symbolize the spiritual blindness we all have before Jesus opens our eyes. When you became a Christian, that veil was taken away, so that now you can truly know God and reflect His glory, love, and power to the world around you because He lives in you.

The Point

If you’re a Christian, Jesus has removed the veil from your heart. You are being transformed into His likeness and should reflect His majesty to the world around you.


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Heirs of God

Posted by Karah

Pause

Start your time with God today with a time of worship. Listen to “Desert Song” by Hillsong United to prepare your heart.

“The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God’s children, and if children, also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—seeing that we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

—Romans 8:16-17

Read Romans 8:14-17 in your Bible. Read verses 16-17 again carefully and think through these questions:

• Think about what the children of extremely wealthy people stand to inherit someday, even though they’ve done nothing to earn it. How do you feel about those children?

• As a child of God, what do you stand to inherit?

• What have you done to deserve that immense inheritance? Is this fair?

You are a child of the Most High, Amazingly Majestic God. Your inheritance far surpasses anything a wealthy family could leave their children.

Respond

If the Most High God dwells within you, then you share in some of His majesty. Grab a dry erase marker and go look in the mirror. Do you look like you share in Jesus’ glory? Do you feel majestic? On the mirror around your reflection, list ways you are majestic because Christ dwells in you and God is your Father. Cling to Biblical truth, not your feelings, as you write.

Behind the Story

In this passage, Paul declared that children of God should not “fall back into fear.” Why? Their relationship with God is secure. They’ve been adopted and get to call Him Abba (Daddy) forever! They will never lose their place in His family. Not only are they children, but also heirs, even co-heirs with Christ. Why is this good news?

The Point

As Christians, we are heirs of God Himself! Fear doesn’t have to run your life because you know the majestic Father through the Son and are guided by His Spirit.


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A Majestic Son

Posted by Karah

Pause

Briefly look back through the last two devotions on majesty, then consider how God’s majesty is displayed in Jesus, His Son. Thank Jesus for what He has done in your life.

Who do people say you look like? Do you agree? Jot down or sketch some characteristics you share with that person.

With that concept in mind, read Hebrews 1:2-4 in your Bible.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” —Hebrews 1:3

What does it mean that Jesus is the radiance of God’s nature?

The word, character, comes from the Hebrew, charaktēr, meaning “engraving.” Used only here in the New Testament, it pictures a distinguishing mark being imprinted onto an object, like a coin. The idea is that Jesus gives us a clear picture of God’s character. How does He do that?

God’s word is a powerful force. By it, He created the world and through it, He governs the world. How does this help you to understand His majesty better?

Respond

Consider the ways Jesus gave up His majesty when He took on flesh. Meditate on what the majestic Creator and ruler of the universe gave up to die on the cross for your sins. Thank Him for His sacrifice. Journal your prayer below.

Behind the Story

The writer of Hebrews gave importance and authority to the words and actions of Jesus by setting Him apart from the prophets. Jesus didn’t just speak for God—He was God. By asserting that God spoke through Jesus “in these last days,” (v. 2) it might seem as though the writer of Hebrews thought the end of the world was near. More than likely, however, the writer meant that God spoke with finality through Jesus, His Son. Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation and the only way to be saved.

The Point

Jesus possesses the full majesty and character of God the Father. He is God. He created the world, then took the sins of that world upon His own shoulders, making a way for our salvation and eternal life with Him.


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None Like You

Posted by Karah

Pause

Meditate on ways God is unique and set apart from us, His creation. How does His greatness and majesty set Him apart? Ask Him to prepare your heart for what He has to teach you today.

List your three best friends, then list the celebrities you think they most closely resemble. Why did you choose that particular celebrity for that friend?

We like to make comparisons, mostly because they help us to understand things better. Comparing a friend to someone else helps you explain to others what he or she is like. But while comparisons may work for people, they don’t really work when it comes to God.

Read Jeremiah 10:6-7,10, focusing on verse 6.

“Yahweh, there is no one like You. You are great; Your name is great in power.”

—Jeremiah 10:6

• According to these verses, who can you compare God to?

• There’s no one like God. What does the fact that He is incomparable have to do with His majesty? Explain.

Respond

Write your own psalm or poem, contrasting God from all other living beings. For example: Humans remember wise sayings, but God creates those sayings.

Behind the Story

Jeremiah wrote these verses in hope of motivating the Israelites to worship God. They had turned away from Him, and Jeremiah was quite certain that they would now be invaded and carted off to foreign lands where the inhabitants worshiped false gods. In preparation for this impending invasion, he highlighted the truths about God’s majesty  and greatness. If he could help the people remember that God is the One True God, perhaps they would turn to Him during their captivity, rather than running after the false gods of their future captors.

The Point

Everything in creation can be compared to something, but there is no comparison for God. He stands alone in His majesty and greatness.

Memory Verse

Write out Psalm 145:3-4 on a sturdy sheet of paper or index card. Replace key words and phrases with symbols or write them in a different color to help you remember them.

 


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All Dressed Up

Posted by Karah

Pause

Take a few moments to sit outside or take a walk. How is God’s majesty evident in His creation? Praise Him for revealing His majesty through the world He has made.

“The Lord reigns! He is robed in majesty; The Lord is robed, enveloped in strength.”

—Psalm 93:1

Read Psalm 93 in its entirety in your Bible. Re-read verse 1, then list several synonyms for each of the following key words. For each word, circle the synonym that you think most closely resembles God.

Reigns: rules, governs, leads, controls

Majesty:

Strength:

• What are some things you would describe as being majestic? Why? How is God’s majesty different than those things?

• “Robed in majesty” calls to mind the regal robes a king would wear after a decisive victory. It pictures grandeur, stateliness, and dignity. Knowing that, what does it mean to say God is majestic?

Respond

Meditate on the truth that God defines majesty. He is regal, stately, a King who reigns forever. As that truth sinks in, praise God that His majesty isn’t just an act He puts on, but is at the center of His being. Journal your praise.

For further study on how God is clothed in majesty, read Psalm 104:1-13.

Behind the Story

Psalm 93 is an enthronement psalm, which means that it boldly declares God to be the sovereign, majestic King over the entire earth. It is part of a group of psalms (93-100), written as worship songs, which celebrate God’s reign. It places God’s sovereignty and majesty in direct opposition to the sinful state of this world, demonstrating that, despite the depravity of humanity, God’s reign is mighty and sure.

The Point

God doesn’t just look majestic or carry Himself in a royal manner. He defines majesty. He is clothed in it, wrapped in it, and made up of it. It is who He is.


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Clean Hands, Pure Heart

Posted by Karah

Pause

Look over the last few devotions, recalling what you’ve learned about God’s justice. Spend some time praising God for who He is—just, always right, always good.

Read Isaiah 1:16-18 and consider the questions that follow:

“Wash yourselves. Cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil. Learn to do what is good. Seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause. “Come, let us discuss this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will be like wool.

—Isaiah 1:16-18

Where do you see God’s desire to fight injustice in this verse? Underline any words or phrases that highlight how you should respond to injustice.

According to this passage, what is God’s attitude toward sin?

God called His rebellious children to repent of their sin and return to Him so they could live lives full of His compassion and justice. How has He done the same in your life?

Respond

• Thank God for His compassion toward you and His gift of salvation in Jesus. Ask Him to help you see others through the lens of His love and compassion.

• Take a hard look at yourself. Are there any areas of your faith where you’re just going through the motions, looking good on the outside, but rife with sin on the inside. Admit them to God today and ask Him to make you as white as snow.

• For further study on God’s love for the defenseless, read Jeremiah 7:5-7, 22:3; Zechariah 7:10; Matthew 23:23, 25:31-46; and James 1:27.

Behind the Story

Isaiah was a prophet in Jerusalem around 700 B.C. He lived in a time when the Israelites had turned their back on the Lord. While they went through the motions and rituals of their faith, their hearts were far from God. He called this corrupt, rebellious people to repent and return to Him and His ways. Today’s passage stresses an important truth: God doesn’t care how good we look on the outside or the things we do. He cares about our hearts and how we live out the ordinary days of our lives.

The Point

If you’re a Christian, God has called you to a new way of life characterized by His compassion and love, especially in our treatment of the defenseless, poor, and forgotten.

 


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