NIV 365-Day Devotional Plan (2017)Sample

The God of Empathy

Observation
God accepts everyone regardless of their season of life or the state of their maturity. He isn’t a one-size-fits-all God but rather one who knows us inside and out: “The LORD has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:13 – 14).

If we come to God with humility, he will respond with compassion, but if we come to him proud or thinking we are right and everyone else is wrong, then he will humble us.

The Pharisees came to Jesus proud, and he pressed hard against them. On the other hand, the woman caught in adultery came to Jesus with humility, and he forgave her with kindness.

Application
Let us be careful as to how we approach the things of God, for he is holy. Ecclesiastes 5:1 – 2 tells us: “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.”

Prayer
Lord, thank you for reminding me of your holiness. I am privileged to relate to you in honor and fear. You are a great and awesome God, yet you are merciful and kind. Thank you for allowing me to learn your ways in order that I might cooperate with you each day.

Taken from NIV LifeConnect Study Bible