Lovingkindness

When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your descendant after you, who will come forth from you, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men, but My lovingkindness shall not depart from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever. 2 Samuel 7:12-16

Nathan spoke these words of God to David. So it would be David’s son who would build God’s house—not David. Not only that, but God promised that His lovingkindness—that of the Holy Spirit. Lovingkindness is a word that combines goodness, kindness, and faithfulness. Those are part of the fruit of the Spirit—see Galatians 5:22… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23. What a promise—lovingkindness would not depart from David’s son! But Solomon didn’t live up to God’s standards. God is still faithful in His love for even His unfaithful followers. David wrote about God’s lovingkindness…The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. Psalm 103:8-11. God is worthy of our love and respect. How are you showing Him respect and sharing with others God’s lovingkindness today?

Prayer ~ Holy Spirit, shower me with Your lovingkindness. I am unworthy, but like David, I am repentant. I do not want to hold onto anger. I deeply respect, love and honor You all the days of my life and I look forward to dwelling in Your house forever.

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

Are you giving up something for Lent? Some people have the Lenten custom of giving up sweets, favorite foods, coffee, sodas, a meal each day, sleeping in a comfortable bed, or a favorite television programs. Are they doing this in devotion to Jesus? If you abstain from those or other things will that help you focus on Jesus, His life, ministry and His death? Consider a meatless or fish meal for today.

Grilled Fish Salad
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
 ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

 

¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

 

¼ teaspoon pepper
4 fish fillets (6 ounces each) – salmon, cod, halibut, tilapia or other fish
1 package (5 ounces) spring mix salad greens
1 large cucumber, chopped

 

1 large tomato, chopped

½ cup crumbled goat cheese

¼ cup red wine vinaigrette

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Rinse and dry fish. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over fish. Moisten a paper towel with cooking oil; using long-handled tongs, lightly coat the grill rack. Place fish skin side down on grill rack. Grill, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 10-12 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

 

In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, tomato and goat cheese; divide among four plates. Top with fish; drizzle with vinaigrette. Yield: 4 servings.

Adapted from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/feta-salmon-salad#ixzz3SEfhRuGB

© 2015 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted. Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm