God's Lovingkindness and Compassion by Richard Maisenbacher

Richard Maisenbacher

God’s Lovingkindness and Compassion

David begins to list some of God’s benefits, beginning in Psalm 103:4 with “Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion.” Many believers agree that the Lord has redeemed us from the pit, however there may be some hesitation to say that He is crowning us with lovingkindness and compassion. Many have been discouraged in the last few years with how people have been communicating in the media, the government, education, religion, family, friends, and business relationships. Trust has been challenging not only with people and organizations, but many have had their faith with God stretched to new levels, including me.

In order to receive some peace and joy I have had go back to the Scriptures and renew understanding of my covenant relationship with God. In the Hebrew, the word covenant is berith, which literally means “to bind or to fetter: a binding obligation.” It is the ultimate expression of committed love and trust and was usually made to define, confirm, establish, or make binding a relationship that had been in the making for some time. From God’s viewpoint this relationship begins when He created us.

The word hesed found in Psalm 103:4, is translated lovingkindness in the English translation. It is defined as a benevolent action on behalf of another, promoting and preserving life through relationships and faithful commitment.

Compassion is a deep emotional response on behalf of someone else. It is a response that finds its ultimate origination in the heart of God. He does not just show kindness to people He is in covenant with; however, He loves His own creation regardless of our rebellion. He still loves us because that is His heart.

As believers it is a wonderful reminder that God crowns us with hesed (lovingkindness) and compassion. Even though we may not understand or agree with what God may be doing in the world, knowing that He loves and obligates Himself to us will bring peace in a turbulent environment. His written Word also will bring comfort, even though it speaks of the good fight of faith, wrestling against the enemy, and the war of denying self.

You may run into non-believers or those who are discouraged to the point they just do whatever they want to. An explanation of what Jesus did on the cross and that God has desired a covenant love relationship with them from birth may make a difference. He not only created us to love, but He obligates Himself to continually seek us even when we do not reciprocate our love to Him.

Whenever my negative emotions take over my opinion of the world around me, I choose to have faith that our God who not only redeemed us but crowns us with hesed and compassion is in charge…even if I don’t understand His ways. I choose to trust Him!

In His Covenant Love,

Richard Maisenbacher

info@thecovenantcenter.com
www.thecovenantcenter.com

Richard and his wife Becky have been in ministry for over 45 years. Pastors and founders of The Covenant Center, they have also served as elders and board members of various churches, as well as facilitated numerous home groups and classes.

They are dedicated to bringing freedom and wholeness to the wounded and captive through covenant understanding, healing, transformation, restoration, and reconciliation. They desire to see each person trained, equipped, and activated to serve in the Kingdom as they walk in their identity in Christ, being strengthened in their gifts, fulfilling their destiny.  Richard and Becky encourage and support individuals to grow in relationship with the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, maturing in wisdom, holiness, character, and the prophetic.

"Make Room For Me" by Becky Maisenbacher

Make Room For Me

Since November, I have been looking forward to this Christmas. Reflecting on Jesus’ birth and the reality of this coming special season, I recently asked our Father if He had anything to share. Days passed without an answer, however, as I awoke this Monday morning to the sweet whisper of Holy Spirit I heard His voice, “Make room for Me. Tell My people to make room for Me.”

Immediately I saw in my mind’s eye Mary and Joseph as they wandered, seeking an available room to rest from their journey, only to find all lodging filled. How lonely it must have been searching and hoping to find a room. I’m sure they trusted God would provide for them, but where? We find in Matthew 1:18-20 and Luke 2: 1-20 the story of their journey and Mary giving birth to Jesus in a manger.

As I read the Scripture again and pondered this event, I once again, heard the Spirit’s whisper – “Becky, tell them to make room for Me.” I then laughed aloud, “Isn’t that like you Father, to share a simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, message so we all can relate and understand. However, it’s also true as Scripture states in Psalm 25:2, It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search out a matter.” Sometimes He allows us to grow in understanding as we explore with Him and hunt for truth. I have experienced heavenly dreams that took time to understand, but basically God has always spoken directly, succinctly, and truthfully. “Be careful. Don’t go in there now. Go this other way. Give a call to them. Text this message. Pray for them. Spend some time with me today. Isn’t this beautiful! Read this chapter and verse. I love you. I am with you. I delight in you. You’re going to be ok. I will help you. Follow My peace.”

You get the idea, because I’m sure you’ve heard His gentle guiding whispers in your life too. God is all about relationship and simplicity. I personally believe people have made knowing God a bit complicated, where we look to those instructing us more than we look to Him. It is wonderful to have clergy, teachers, and pastors to guide and comfort us, but the One who is closer than a friend, always available, who cares for us, comforts and loves us, desires to guide us in this life and help us is God our Father, Jesus the Son, and Holy Spirit. I turn 75 this Spring and choices I made early in life without consulting Him were not very fruitful, in fact some were devastating. However, the choices made while spending time with Him, developing a relationship with Him, and asking Him for guidance and truth have led to some of the best choices of my life.

The Gospel is naturally supernatural! When we search for Him we will find Him. He delights in you and desires to be known by you. He is asking you to consider making room for Him now and in this New Year 2025.

You may ask. “Where do I start?” Ask Him to come into your life and make Himself known to you. Keep a journal and write down impressions or thoughts. Talk to Him and transparently share your heart with Him. Read His word. Studying His word will help you become familiar with His voice. Enjoy the peace you will find in His presence.

May I also submit to you a few foundational Scriptures that have guided me in life. I hope they bring truth to you too.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.

“The second is this. Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measured you use, it will be measured to you.” Matt. 7:1-2

“Honor your father and mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Deut. 5:16

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” Galatians 6:7-8

Therefore, you are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; if you who judge practice the same things.” Romans 2:1

It is not that we acquire the sins of others when we judge, but judging others does condemn us to blindly continue in the same sin or poor choices, missing the mark and causing us to be unavailable to God’s grace and healing.

The wonderful simplicity of His kingdom is when we realize our lack, we can come to Him and ask for His forgiveness, once again being placed in right standing with Him.

As we’ve entered not only a new season but also a new era, let Him find room and lodging in your heart so this coming year will not only be the most peaceful, but also the most joyful as e maHeHe makes Himself known to you. His Spirit is speaking: “Please make room for Me.”

Merry Christmas to you and family and blessings for the New Year!

In His Love,

Becky Maisenbacher

info@thecovenantcenter.com
www.thecovenantcenter.com

Becky and her husband Richard have been in ministry for over 45 years. Pastors and founders of The Covenant Center, they have also served as elders and board members of various churches, as well as facilitated numerous home groups and classes.

They are dedicated to bringing freedom and wholeness to the wounded and captive through covenant understanding, healing, transformation, restoration, and reconciliation.  They desire to see each person trained, equipped, and activated to serve in the Kingdom as they walk in their identity in Christ, being strengthened in their gifts, fulfilling their destiny.  Richard and Becky encourage and support individuals to grow in relationship with the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit, maturing in wisdom, holiness, character, and the prophetic.