And then I read this...

So after writting the blog below, and living out the day I went and read our pastor's weekly devotion...

Welcome to: The Word of Grace e-mail devotions courtesy of Pastor Joe Marquez: July 14, 2008



Good Morning beloved of the Lord! Last evening I was doing a little devotional reading and I happened upon the Hebrew word for love. This particular word is found in Deuteronomy 10:15- “Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today.” The Hebrews word for “loved” is the word “hasaq.” It speaks of a tethered love, a love attached to someone. Beloved, remember that God will not let you go. He has tethered Himself to you in love. You cannot win His love because you already have it and since you have it you cannot lose it.



The remembrance of God’s love led me to this morning’s devotion found in Romans 2:4 which reads, “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?”



Beloved, we need to remember that it was God’s kindness, His patience and tolerance which led us to repentance. It is the same kindness, tolerance and patience which will lead others to repentance.



Instead of being like Jonah who ran away and had contempt for the people of Nineveh , let’s be like God who wants to tether Himself to us in love. When we display the riches of God’s kindness, tolerance and patience to those around us; they will repent of their sins and give their hearts to Christ. It is His kindness which leads us to repentance.



Lord, help us to be kind to others today. As your Word says in Ephesians 4:32, may we, “Be ye kind, one to another, tender-hearted forgiving one another, just as God in Christ has forgiven you.”



Beloved, have a blessed week. I love you and will be praying for you! Remember that God “hasaqs” you. He has tied Himself to you and He will not let go!





In Him,



Pastor Joe Marquez

Calvary Chapel Northwest San Antonio



I LOVE IT!!!! One more thing on my list of how God is so gracious and real in my life. Amen and Amen.