“Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will (fall) be cut off.” Romans 11:22

Yesterday was the first day of school for my wife. While the craziness of a politically inflated pandemic has divided the public on ‘when’ and ‘how’ to start school, many private schools have determined to put education ahead of fear. As a teacher, she comes home with some very interesting stories.

I’m a Preacher and she’s a Teacher. That said, we both get to see the underbelly of 2 major organizations…Church and School! Conversations and events we’ve discussed might shock many of you! Because, just like a house full of kids, the ‘human family’ is FULL of surprises! And like any parent, God has ways to deal with every one of them.

Kindness and sternness may be considered opposites. In the Bible verse today we see that God’s possesses BOTH emotions. As a child of God, I can testify to EXPERIENCING both. Surprisingly, falling down often incurs more of His STERNNESS than His compassion. And NOTHING can cause me to take a harder look at where I have been, and where I am going, like a good fall!

Israel had been promised to be God’s favorite. She was given EVERYTHING necessary to reach the world for God. But she failed because ‘she didn’t watch where she was going!’ Whether by sin, laziness, stubbornness or failure to get with His program, Israel, God’s CHOSEN ones, got sent to a BIG TIME OUT! Which should encourage Believers to pay attention to where ‘we’ are headed as well.

Our Country stands at a crossroads. In 1 week we will have the opportunity to have a SAY in what direction we will head, at the voting booth. A privilege earned through the blood of others. A group is currently looking at the candidates and will give recommendations as to how GOD might want us to go. It is going to be up to YOU to predetermine whether we receive His kindness…or His sternness. The time to be hard is NOT NOW.