Mercy

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.

August 23rd – Colossians 4:5 Read More »

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.

August 3rd – Colossians 1:13 Read More »

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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June 10th – Isaiah 55:7

Isaiah 55:7

Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

One of the greatest lies of the Enemy is that we are too lost, wicked, or unlovable for God. Nothing could be further from the truth. Because no matter who we are or what we’ve done, when we call out to Him, God can and will find us. And in His profound grace and mercy, will pick us up, clean us up, and offer His life transforming love and life saving forgiveness. We are all His children, and God longs to have a close, personal relationship with each of us. That’s why He calls us to forsake our wicked ways and come back to Him. To experience true freedom and healing that comes from the Lord alone. God’s forgiveness is a profound and transformative blessing. It’s a divine gift of love and mercy that transcends human understanding. And a gift freely given, not because we deserve it, but because of God’s infinite grace. It’s a beacon of hope that reminds us that no matter how far we’ve strayed or deeply we’ve fallen, there is always a path back to our loving Father.

 

June 10th – Isaiah 55:7 Read More »

June 9

Psalm 103:12

As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”

One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible is Psalm 103:12. Because it demonstrates the limitless extent of God’s forgiveness and grace. And not only does it offer us freedom from guilt and shame, but also a path to redemption and growth. Nothing can hold us down like the regret of past mistakes. It keeps us separated from God, and living in defeat. And that’s not the life God wants for us. I love what Charles Stanley says. “When we stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back. He weeps that you are missing out on His love, protection and provision. He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home.” When we confess and repent before God, we promises to remember our sins no more. So go to Him. Receive His divine forgiveness and restoration. And watch God take you on a journey of personal transformation, characterized by love, compassion, and a renewed sense of purpose.

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June 7th – 2 Corinthians 2:10-11

2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven, if there was anything to forgive, I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”

The devil has many tricks in his bag of deception, and unforgiveness is one of them. Constantly he reminds us of the many ways a person has wronged us. And how they should be made to feel guilt and shame. But by casting aside the lies of the enemy and choosing to forgive, we prevent bitterness from taking hold and festering in our spirits. Bitterness only builds a wall between our hearts and God, and gives Satan a foothold in our lives.  And worst of all, it can cause us to exhibit behavior that might lead others away from God. In Hebrews 12:15 we are told, “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it may be defiled.” As followers of Jesus we are to show the grace of God to all we meet. We are His ambassadors in the world. And our lives should be a testimony of the love, grace, and forgiveness of Jesus. One that it is a light to those who would receive it and a condemnation to those who would reject it.

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June 5th – Matthew 18:22

Matthew 18:22

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Our spiritual journey is an ongoing commitment to growth and change, so too is the act of forgiveness. Just like the limitless mercy of God who endlessly forgives us, our forgiveness for others should know no bounds. Because in God’s eyes, forgiveness isn’t a one time deal. But instead an ongoing commitment to show the same grace and mercy shown to us, and to have a heart like Jesus. Which for all of us should be our ultimate goal. And we can do it with God’s help. We can cultivate a spirit of forgiveness that transcends limits and seeks reconciliation even in the face of repeated offenses. This means letting go of grudges, extending second chances, and embracing a mindset of compassion and understanding. Forgiveness can be hard, but not impossible. And it does more for us than the one we are forgiving. Because it enables us to heal relationships, foster peace, and experience the transformative power of God’s love in our lives.

June 5th – Matthew 18:22 Read More »