Mercy

October 12th – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

My heart is broken with the tragedy of the war in Israel. The reports of the brutality against God’s people are horrific. Yet even when our circumstances are dire, tragic, and devastating, Paul tells us to embrace a spirit of joy, gratitude, and prayer. Finding such joy and gratitude can be challenging. But God is always with us in our pain. And His love can guide us towards a place of renewed hope and appreciation, even in the midst of heartbreak. For His abundance is always present through His grace, mercy, and the hope we have in Christ. So no matter what we face, we can always rejoice in joy over our relationship with God, and give thanks in all circumstances. For His love and provision are steadfast. And no matter the what the Enemy tries, God is always in control. And the best defense is to rejoice pray without ceasing. Because it connects us to the abundant source of God’s wisdom, strength, and guidance. Allowing us to draw strength and hope from His unwavering presence.

October 12th – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Read More »

October 3rd – Exodus 34:6

Exodus 34:6

the Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

In a world often filled with conditional love and expectations, God’s love stands out as a beacon of unconditional grace and acceptance. While human relationships may be marked by “I love you if” or “I love you because,” God’s love declares, “I love you, period.” His abundance of love, mercy, and faithfulness knows no bounds. It’s not limited or finite but overflows with tenderness and forgiveness. And even greater still, God’s love isn’t dependent on our performance, appearance, or achievements. It’s a love that embraces us in our brokenness and imperfections, offering forgiveness, mercy, and unending compassion. This divine love is the purest and most selfless form of love, inviting us to find security, worth, and belonging not in meeting conditions, but in the boundless, unwavering love of our Heavenly Father. God’s abundance of love extends to all His creation, inviting us to experience His boundless grace, turn to Him in times of need, and rest assured in His unfailing love that endures forever.

October 3rd – Exodus 34:6 Read More »

September 3rd – Genesis 8:22

Genesis 8:22

While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”

With all the extreme weather happening across the planet, climate change seems to be the issue of the day. And the Bible is very clear. We are called to be good steward’s of God’s creation. To cherish this beautiful planet He gave us to live upon. Yet no matter the weather conditions, we never need worry about the cycle of seasons ending. Because as Creator of all things, God has ordained the changing seasons as a constant rhythm of life. Many are the uncertainties we face. But we can find peace knowing whatever gets thrown at us, what remains unchanged is the reliability of the seasons. And just as the earth continues to rotate, bringing forth spring, summer, autumn, and winter, we can trust in God’s faithfulness in our own lives. For His promises are reliable. And His grace, love, and mercy as guaranteed as the changing cold to hot. This allows us to live with the assurance that God is always present. And always guiding us through the different seasons of our personal journeys.

September 3rd – Genesis 8:22 Read More »

August 24th – Colossians 3:3

Colossians  3:3

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”

I am always blown away by God’s amazing grace. Even though I fail Him daily, He still loves me, wants me, and calls me His own. And when the world tells me otherwise, God tells me I am His valued treasure. For every one of His children are the jewels in God’s treasure chest. Each one uniquely precious, carefully crafted, and irreplaceably valued in His eyes. And just as a precious treasure is securely tucked away for safekeeping, our identities, hopes, and destinies are safeguarded within the embrace of Christ. What a beautiful picture of the close relationship we have with the Lord. This hiddenness in Christ offers a profound sense of security, as we find refuge from the storms of life in Jesus. And as we navigate through life, we can draw strength from the assurance that our true selves are known and cherished by our Savior. Our lives, enveloped in the mystery of Christ, are infused with purpose and hope, reminding us that our ultimate fulfillment is found in Him alone.

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August 23rd – Colossians 4:5

Colossians 4:5

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

Many agree that we are indeed living in the last days. And at anytime we could hear the call of Jesus. Time is running out. And as believers, we are called to be vigilant and wise stewards of the time we have left. Each second God gives us on this earth is to be used to advance His kingdom and for His glory. To live out our God given purpose. And to spread far and wide the saving message of Jesus Christ. Every moment is a gift, and we are entrusted with the responsibility to use it wisely. That means demonstrating love, compassion, and grace to all we meet. Being salt and light to a desperate world, striving for personal spiritual growth, and a closer relationship with the Lord. The impending return of Jesus calls us to prioritize eternal values over worldly pursuits. And to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. So let us grab hold of the remaining time to live faithfully, serve wholeheartedly, and shine brightly as we await the glorious return of our Savior.

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August 3rd – Colossians 1:13

Colossians 1:13

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.”

Many try to twist the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Or try to make it more complicated than it is. But the core message is this. Once we were dead in our sins, eternally separated from God. But because He loves us so much, God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue us. And through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered the power of sin and death forever. Now all who call Him Lord, Christ delivers from the dominion of darkness and transfers into the kingdom of His marvelous light. Because of God’s boundless mercy, He lifts us from the depths of despair, transforming our lives into beacons of hope and righteousness. By embracing His deliverance, we can walk in the glorious freedom of His truth. And we can experience the joyous journey of living as children of light, guided by God’s eternal love and presence. Jesus is returning soon to set up His kingdom on earth. And only those who receive His free gift of Salvation will be citizens of the most glorious domain ever known.

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June 30th – Psalm 79:9

Psalm 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake.”

When Asaph cried out to God for forgiveness, he knew God would respond. Why? For His name’s sake. Meaning God’s character and reputation are all deeply connected with His forgiveness. Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself as a compassionate and forgiving Father. When He forgives us, it showcases His divine attributes and brings glory to His name. God’s forgiveness shows His unwavering commitment to righteousness and justice. And it proves how much the Lord desires to have a close, personal relationship with each of us. By forgiving us, God shows His boundless love and mercy, revealing His true nature to the world. Even more wonderful, when God forgives it highlights His power to transform lives and bring about spiritual restoration. Ultimately, forgiveness for His name’s sake ensures that God’s character is upheld and His glory is magnified in the process of redemption and reconciliation.

June 30th – Psalm 79:9 Read More »

June 21st – Luke 23:34

Luke 23:34

Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”

When we are wronged, betrayed, and hurt, we want swift and immediate justice. Yet in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” There isn’t anyone who was betrayed more than Jesus. Beat, tortured, spit upon, cursed, and hung on a cross of wood, Jesus could have called an army of angels to exact justice upon those who hurt Him. (Matt. 26:63) But despite being unjustly condemned, Jesus uttered the powerful words, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This act of forgiveness reveals Jesus’ boundless love and mercy. And it shows that forgiveness doesn’t depend on the actions or remorse of the wrongdoer. By extending forgiveness, we not only free ourselves from the burden of anger and pain but also create an environment of healing and restoration. Through Jesus’ example, we are reminded of the power of forgiveness over justice and its ability to foster love, compassion, and reconciliation in our relationships.

June 21st – Luke 23:34 Read More »

June 17th – Psalm51:10

Psalm 51:10

Create in me a pure heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

When it comes to forgiveness, I absolutely love what Pastor Joe Focht has to say. “There is no more confused message that you and I could give to a lost and dying world than to live in sin and at the same time to tell people about the transforming power of Jesus Christ. God will not use a compromised life to reach a compromised world. God will use a life that is given over to Him. That is a demonstration of the message that through the power of Jesus Christ and His love, He can transform our lives and set us free.” Everyday our lives are testimonies to the world about the love, grace, and mercy of God. And everyday it watches to see if we are practicing what we preach. We each sin daily and are in need of God’s forgiveness. And that’s exactly receive when we come before Him in true confession and repentance. He is faithful to wash away the filth in our hearts and cleanse us with His loving grace. We too should be exampling that same kind of forgiveness to a hurt and darkened world in desperate need of God’s saving grace.

June 17th – Psalm51:10 Read More »

June 12th – Mark 11:25

Mark 11:25

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses”

Forgiveness isn’t just about letting go of hard feelings or seeking reconciliation with others. It goes deeper, reflecting a fundamental aspect of God’s character. When we forgive others, we demonstrate to the world the mercy and grace that we ourselves receive daily from God. Jesus teaches that our forgiveness from God is intertwined with our willingness to forgive others. By holding onto grudges, resentment, or refusing to forgive, we create a barrier between ourselves and God’s forgiveness. When we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts, it hinders our own spiritual growth and prevents us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and mercy. That’s why Jesus encourages us to cultivate a forgiving heart. A heart of Christ that lets go of bitterness, and releases others from the debts they owe us. Because in doing so we open ourselves up to receive the abundant forgiveness and grace that God offers. And receive healing, reconciliation, and a deeper connection with God and others.

June 12th – Mark 11:25 Read More »