My Language: Thoughts from Josh Brown of Day of Fire
Written by Josh Brown
April 2007 devotional for HM Magazine.com
It's the goodness of God that leads to repentance.
This year I turned thirty years old and if there is anything I have learned as an old man, it is this, God is Good!
He is real good, and He's not just good to people who deserve it. He's good to people like me, who, no doubt about it, don't even come close to being worthy of His gifts, mercy, provision, and love.
I'm being honest here. If you were to look at my track record you would definitely see that everything that I have ever tried to do in my own strength has been a failure. You would see there are times I am dishonest, greedy, lustful, slothful, and very, very, selfish.
It's in these times that I feel the greatest separation from God. It's in these times that I begin looking for the hand of God to finally strike me down and disintegrate me into nothingness, but in His great mercy, He doesn't.
Instead of obliterating me, He breathes a blessing on me. Instead of continuing the beating that I have been afflicting upon myself, He pours soothing ointment upon my open wounds.
I'm telling you, God loves me like the coolest father who has ever lived loves his young son. It's this love that keeps me going back to the cross to receive mercy. It's this love that actually changes my heart and gives me the ability to live life in a right way.
I have good news for you. God loves you the same way and He's looking for ways to show you. He's not the one throwing stones at you. He's the one who took the punishment for all your wrongdoing. He isn't mad at you anymore. He loves you and greatly desires to show you His goodness.
It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance.
Food for thought:
1. Verses to consider:
"Surely your goodness and love will be with me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever." -Psalm 23:6
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Josh Brown is the lead-singer of GRAMMY-nominated and Dove Award-winning rock band, Day of Fire. dayoffire.com
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Previous devotionals:
January
February
March
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