¹⁶“But our ancestors were proud and stubborn, and they paid no attention to your commands.¹⁷They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt.But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them, Nehemiah 9

Miracle after miracle, provision, protection and direction. The Lord loved, watched over and cared for His people in such a profound and real way and yet they strayed and ran from God, they were proud and stubborn. I read about the history of the Children of Israel and get angry because of their rebellion in the face of real life miracles.

Then, I think about myself and those around me and I remember that I’m no different, I’m no better. I have seen God miraculously provide and heal and I make a note to remember and memorialize those moments, but all too soon, I am right back in my same rut again. I have a tendency to be easily distracted, to wander from the path, to be proud and stubborn and I realize that I am just like those that I turn my nose up at.

Thank God there is second half to this passage! “But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them…” My salvation isn’t dependent on my performance. God’s love isn’t conditional on whether I am good or bad, whether I succeed or whether I fail Him: God loves me. Period.

I must correct back to His will for me more quickly. I must humble myself before God needs to humble me. My pride gets in the way of my service to Him and I must constantly war against it. I will remember the miracles that He has and continues to do and praise Him always.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your love and forgiveness. I want to live in such a way so that when I stand in front of You I will hear You say, “Well done my good and faithful servant, enter in to the joy of your Master.”

In Jesus name,

Amen

Devotions for October 13

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