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Pastor Bob's Two Minute Devotion
                April 6, 2015
            Is Leniency Love?

 

You've heard it too, someone saying disapprovingly, "If God is a God of love He wouldn't allow this awful thing to happen."


Life happens.  Genetics, environment, opportunities, calamities, the choices we make - all these come together to make our lives what they are.  We are not exempt from the normal occurrences of life.  Do you think God should make exceptions and treat some people better than others? Remember, Jesus died for everyone.  

Should He ignore our actions and alter the consequences?

It is only because of His mercy and grace that we can be spared the judgment that we probably deserve.


Why is it that we are quick to blame God when things go wrong but give Him little or no credit when things go right?  We see this in Luke 17:12-19.  Ten lepers cried out to Jesus and were healed, but only one came back to Jesus and gave thanks for the healing. 

 

"One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him-and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Luke 17:15-17
As parents we often have to stand firm and deal out justice even when we would rather ignore our child's misbehavior.  Being too lenient is not an act of love.
 

How can we know if what happens to us is good or bad or for our ultimate good?  Many new businesses are begun during times of layoffs.  Many turn to the Lord during times of illness.  All writers know that without conflict there is no story, without a defining moment there is no plot.  The eternal struggle between right and wrong is drama and the choices we make are what build character.

 

       There is an old Chinese story - - -  

Father:  My son got a fine horse as a present.

Friend:  That was good, very good.

Father:  No that was bad.  He fell off the horse and broke his leg.

Friend:  That was bad, very bad.

Father:  No that was good.  The general came and took all the boys off to war but because my son had a broken leg he was spared.


Consider the big picture. How does what is happening to me today affect the ultimate outcome of my life? 

As Joseph said to his brothers who sold him into slavery...

"
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." Genesis 50:20


Trusting Him to use our circumstances for His Good,

Pastor Bob and Marion Rieth
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Media Fellowship International is a Christian organization that works with people in the media and arts community in a confidential and non-judgmental way. It is a safe support group where people can receive encouragement and godly counsel and have fellowship with other Christians in the industry.

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The mission of Media Fellowship International is to introduce individuals to Jesus Christ and encourage them in their daily walks of faith and to use their talents to make a positive difference in our culture. MFI has small group Bible studies and special outreach events in Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, North Carolina and Washington D.C.  MFI Seattle Office 425.488.3965 Email: MFI@usa.net