What is Mercy?

Read: Matthew 9:27-33

This story begins with 2 blind men crying out to Jesus as He passes by, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.”

The people of that day knew that one day, the Messiah, the long-promised Savior would come from the ancestry of King David.  The fact that these two blind men addressed Jesus as the “Son of David” clearly shows that they knew who Jesus was, the Messiah. 

Mercy is not a word we often hear in everyday conversation today. Let’s explore some definitions.

Webster’s dictionary defines mercy as, “compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power.”

From the original language of the Bible, these definitions came to light:

“to give aid, assistance to the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched.” 

“granting even to the unworthy, favor, benefits, opportunities.”

“to feel sympathy with the misery of another, especially when it manifests itself in action.”

Grace is being given what we don’t deserve. 

Mercy is not being given what we DO deserve. 

Despite their blindness, these two men could clearly see who Jesus was.  He was the Messiah, the One who had come from God, with all of God’s divine power and authority. That is why they responded to Jesus question, “Do you believe I am able to do this?” with a resounding, “YES!”  

By faith these blind men realized that they were asking for what they did not deserve to receive.  But still, they were willing to:

 CRY OUT, to put their desires into words, to humbly ask for His help.

They were unafraid of embarrassment, or how much trouble they might get into for calling Jesus the Messiah.

They trusted in Jesus ability to heal them, and in His heart of compassion to act on their behalf. 

And Jesus did just that, even though He knew they would not obey His command to not tell anyone.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for Your endless grace and mercy to me!  I know I don’t deserve any of it.  Thank You for granting me your undeserved favor, benefits and opportunities in Your great mercy.  Your mercy and compassion are so great, You took the punishment I deserved and went to the cross for me!  Help me to be the reflection of love and compassion to the people I touch today.    

"Not by works of righteousness that we have done..."

Deuteronomy 9:1-6

In today’s reading Moses is talking to the Israelites as they are about to cross the Jordan River and enter into the Promised Land.  Verses 1-3 summarize the challenges (Anakites!) of claiming this new land and end with the promise that “the Lord your God is the one who goes across ahead of you like a devouring fire.  He will destroy them; he will subdue them before you.”  These had to be some exciting words for a people who have been wandering in the wilderness for many years!


But after the promises in verses 1-3 the tone changes.  Three times in the next three verses Moses tells the people that the victories that they are going to experience are not because of their righteousness.  In fact, the reading ends with Moses telling the Israelites that instead of being righteous they “are a stiff-necked people.”


These warnings made me think of Paul’s instruction to Titus in Titus 3:4-5:  “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit”.  (We hear a similar message from Paul in Ephesians 2:8-9).


God calls us to live righteous lives just as he did the Israelites.  But like the Israelites, we need to be reminded that our efforts toward righteousness do not “earn” our deliverance from our enemies (sin and death).  That only comes from the grace God showers on those who believe in his son, Jesus Christ.
  
As Lutheran Christians we like to talk about Law and Gospel.  The Law does a pretty good job of reminding us that our efforts toward righteousness are not enough.  The Law Shows us Our Sin (SOS).  The Gospel shows us the true source of our deliverance (salvation).  The Gospel Shows us Our Savior (SOS)!  


Thank-you Father for sending Jesus to win a victory for us that we could never win ourselves.  Help us to remember Moses’ message to the Israelites and Paul’s message to Titus as we give thanks for this incredible gift.  Amen.

Being the Most Powerful Person in the Room

by Thomas Denegre

Today’s reading from Mathew 5:38-47

As a Christian, you are called to be the most powerful person in the room. I’m not talking about Bill Gates power, or President of the United States power, or a mafia boss power.  I’m talking about the power of God that is within us to change people and to change the world.  Let me tell you about Louie Zamperini.

In the true story called Unbroken, Louie Zamperini was an American Olympic runner from the 1936 Berlin Games.  In World War II his plane crashed in the Pacific and he spent 45 days adrift in a life raft. Hardly alive he was captured by the Japanese and was tortured for the next two years. Barely holding himself together after the war, he recounts his story to crowds of people.  But he must first numb himself with alcohol to tell his stories.  Living in a death-ward spiral in alcohol, Louie attended a Billy Graham crusade giving his heart to Jesus.  His life became transformed and renewed where he set up a powerful ministry transforming the lives of thousands. Truly, when his heart broke for Jesus, life, meaning, and power entered into Louie.

So let’s explore the nature of power.

To satisfy justice, Jesus explained the old way of tit for tat; or eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth.  Throughout the ancient world the custom was revenge for a wrong against you.  This was the code of the sinner or the ungodly, (Psalm 1:1) who used their force of will upon one another. Force is not power.

We all know the outcomes of using the force of our will against another because for every push we impose we get one back.  Force always has a counter force.  Force seeks conflict and justification. Force is prideful, selfish, and brutish.  Force seeks to judge and condemn.  It results in polarization, not unity and its costs are high. Someone must always win or lose, whereby enemies are created requiring a constant defense. Being defensive is always costly as the anger, bitterness, envy, lust, and resentment will result in negative outcomes personally and culturally. This is the way of the sinner, the ungodly person, and the wages of sin is death. Romans 6:23

Then Jesus tells us how to become the most powerful person in the room.  He said we must love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us, “that you may be the children of your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:45) Finally, Jesus said, “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”(Matt 5:48)

Being perfect throws us all off, because we think it’s impossible.  Yet, we know our loving Father would never set us up for failure.  The Greek word here is 'teleios' and it can mean ‘perfect’ but it is more usually used to refer to maturity or wholeness. Research indicates the writers of the Vulgate translated the word into ‘perfectus’, when it really means “to be complete.” Or, to be made whole.

To understand this mystery the Lord brought to my attention two pieces of artwork.  In Japan, Kintsugi artwork will deliberately break a pottery bowl and mend it back with gold transforming it into a unique beauty.  The other artwork shows major cracks in a human sculpture with bright light shining through it.

The answer becomes obvious.  It is through our brokenness that our creator makes us whole and complete with the power of the Holy Spirit. Our brokenness does not come in our destruction, but when we open our hearts to God's love and trade in our pride for humility. In the same way, Louie didn’t become transformed and powerful until he opened his heart to Jesus. 

We become a unique beauty that radiates the light and power of God’s love.  By dying to Jesus, we admit to our brokenness, humility, failure, and incompleteness. We just can’t do things without God. By being born again, we become saints, (Eph.2:1-10) who are set apart to be with God. By living in life union with Jesus and having his words living powerfully within us, the power of God transforms us while His power radiates through our cracks into to the world.

When Jesus said, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one,” (John 17:20-23) we become the most powerful person in the room as the same glory of God that filled Jesus, fills us.  Did not Jesus say we will be doing greater things than himself? (John 14:12)  By being broken to God, His glory and power is allowed to complete us and to transform.

As a son or daughter of God we must understand the power of God’s glory is within us. Unlike the sinner’s (ungodly) use of force, a son (saint) of the light knows God’s power is rooted in love, meaning, significance, and purpose. Rather than having a counter-power, power stands still. It is like a standing field, such as gravity, that does not move, for love, forgiveness, mercy, kindness, compassion, and generosity are always received and never reacted to.

By being in God’s power we find nobility of purpose and sacrifice are inspirational, giving life significance. Like water filling a sponge, God’s glory completes us, enables us, and nourishes us.  God’s power is self-evident in that life is more important than death, that honor is preferable over dishonor, that the constructive is preferable over the destructive, that forgiveness is preferable over revenge, and that mercy is preferable over judgment and condemnation.

We become the most powerful person in the room by allowing our brokenness or humility to reveal God’s power through non-judgmental love, understanding, mercy, and forgiveness. By extending these powerful forces to friend and foe alike, we allow God to disarm them while soothing their wounded heart.  By living in life union with Jesus, we are given the ability or power to see people as God sees them.  Compassion, wisdom, and mercy will arise in our hearts from Jesus to make us the most powerful person in the room to transform lives such that, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Opposite Day

Luke 6:27-36

Predictable social behavior doesn’t apply in today’s reading.  If it did, Luke would have written, “Hate your enemies… If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them and slap them back!”  He doesn’t say that.  He tells us to do the opposite.  Love your enemies and keep loving them no matter what.

That’s tough.  Usually I want to curse my enemies and wish them bad things.  Having a soft heart seems kind of, well, soft and that typically isn't a good thing.  But, we as followers, aren’t called to live according to society's norms.  For us, everyday should be “Opposite Day.”

Someone takes something from you?  Let them keep it.

Someone needs money?  Give it to them and ask for no repayment.

Ultimately, we are called to be at our best when others are at their worst.  The only person who did this successfully was Jesus.  He’s the stick by which all else should be measured.  His kindness is to be our kindness.  His patience, our patience.  His mercy, our mercy.

So, this week I’ll be praying for a soft heart.  Not a weak heart or insufficient one, but one that beats strong with an unfailing love for others.

Father help me be an example of your love and to be kind without expectation.  And when I feel like retaliating, squash those hard feelings and replace them with soft ones.  Amen

#GivingTuesday

READ: Psalm 77:10-15

Today is Giving Tuesday, a unique phenomenon to the decade in which we live whereby we wrap up the first week of holiday shopping with a day of giving to our favorite non-profits. Since its inception in 2012, Giving Tuesday has grown exponentially, many years almost doubling the estimated total donations year-over-year. 

The numbers don’t lie: Giving is contagious.

In today’s scripture reading, the psalmist reflects on the many things God has given him. I’ve caught the fever, so let me do likewise. 

God has given me mercy by forgiving my sins through the atoning death of Jesus Christ. He has given me new life by raising Christ from the dead. He has given me companionship, wisdom, and guidance through the gift of the Holy Spirit. He has provided for my material needs, surrounded me with the family of believers, and begun restoring all that is broken within me.

Because of his great love for us all, God offers you these same gifts.

How then should we respond?

Let us today give forgiveness to those who have wronged us. Let us tell them about Christ that they may experience new life. Let us love one another, making time for each other, imparting our wisdom to each other, and guiding each other through the difficulties of life. Let us provide for the material needs of our fellow man, accept strangers as family, and lovingly spur one another on toward righteous living. 

Let us freely give as God has given to us.

Why, God? Why?

 

READ: Ezekiel 20:8-13, 30-36

As a young man, I had great difficulty reconciling the God who sacrificed his only son for the sins of the world with the God who judged his chosen people through exile, slavery, rape, and execution. I much preferred the former and oft asked of the latter, “Why, God? Why?”

Why did you hand the people you created over to such cruelty and suffering? Would you do the same to me or to the people I love?

I thought he would, and perhaps justifiably so. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 

I have done evil by breaking God’s commandments, as have my loved ones, as had God’s chosen people. In fact, Romans 3:12 says, “All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”

Do we then deserve to be spared from the evil of others if we ourselves do not do good?

Perhaps, then, we should question not the God who judges, but the God who shows mercy.

Did God not drown the world in the time of Noah? Burn to ashes the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? Has he not reserved the present heavens and earth for destruction by fire? (2 Peter 2:4-6, 3:10-11)

Why, then, should Jesus come into the world that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life? (John 3:16)

Because we’re sorry? Because we repented? Because we’re going to try harder and do better?

No. The Lord says, “But for the sake of my name …” (Ezekiel 20:9)

The name (or reputation) of God. That’s why the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, that’s why they were returned from exile in Babylon, and that’s why Christ died for the sins of the world. Because God’s name is synonymous with love, mercy, and grace.

In Ephesians 2:4-5, Paul puts it like this: “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”

Celebrate!

Isaiah 61:1-11

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2061&version=NIV;ESV

  

What is your most memorable celebration? For me, it was when my wife had a surprise birthday party for my fiftieth birthday. My brother’s job was to get me out of the house while my wife and sister-in-law decorated and all the guests arrived.

 

When my brother and I were about to return early before everything was ready, he faked heart attack symptoms. He must have been a good actor because I believed him. When we finally returned, all the guests were on the deck waiting to yell “Surprise!” And it was. In fact, it was a wonderful celebration.

 

As a young Jewish nation was preparing to occupy the Promised Land, God gave them the Law and rules to live by. Rules that would lead to celebration. The Year of Jubilee (described in Isaiah 61, but originated in Leviticus 25) was a yearlong celebration to be repeated every fifty years.

 

During Jubilee, all the prisoners were to be set free; all the slaves were to be released; all debts were to be forgiven; and all property was to be returned to its original owner. In addition, people were to not work land, which means that Jubilee provided a year of rest for not only the people, but also the land.

 

For many, Jubilee was to be an opportunity for them to start over with a clean slate; with nothing to feel guilty for or ashamed of. What would it mean for you to start over with a clean slate?

 

When Jesus started his ministry, he quoted from Isaiah 61.

 

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
    and recovering of sight to the blind,
    to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”       Luke 4 ESV

 

According to Leviticus 25, the Year of Jubilee started on the Day of Atonement. This was when the sins of Israel were laid on the head of a scapegoat, and were taken into the wilderness to pay for their sins.

 

Jesus did the same thing for you and me. He took our sins upon himself into the wilderness. We didn’t deserve to be set free from sin, but he did it anyhow. Just like those who were set free as a part of the Year of Jubilee.

 

Let’s celebrate!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do You Respond: Grace or Judgement?

1 Corinthians 1:4-9

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%201%3A4-9&version=NIV;ESV

 

How do you respond when… someone cuts you off in traffic and then puts on their breaks? When you feel like someone has slighted you? When your boss makes a derogatory remark about you? When your spouse doesn’t meet your expectations? Do you respond with grace… or with judgement?

 

During the first century, the Jews were steeped in the law. Grace was a foreign concept to them. As a result, Jesus had numerous confrontations with the religious leaders; Paul was beaten and persecuted multiple times; and the early church struggled with the issue of requiring circumcision.

 

There is something deep within the human heart that doesn’t want to forgive; doesn’t

want to show grace; but instead wants to judge and condemn.

 

It’s somewhat surprising that Paul writes in his letter to the believers at Corinth that he gives thanks for the grace shown to them; because they show so little grace to others. The Corinthian church struggled with divisions, immorality, discrimination against the poor and many other serious issues.

 

There’s a need for introspection. The Corinthian church needed it, and we need it.

 

How did you answer the questions in the first paragraph? If you are honest, you could probably add some of your own more pointedly personal questions. But, no matter how deeply imbedded our struggles, God’s grace and His faithfulness will win the day.

 

⁴ I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, ⁵ that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge… ⁷ so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁸ who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.      ESV

 

So the choice is yours. How will you respond to God’s grace and faithfulness? Will you show grace, or will you show judgement to others? God gave His grace to us so that we might share it, not keep it for ourselves.

 

 

 

Spoiled, But Hopefully Not Rotten

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. Romans 3:23-25

My eleven year old son is home-schooled.  It was a decision Steve and I made a few years ago and I love it.  I love teaching my son.  I love eliminating homework from our lives, opening up the evenings for fun activities.  I love being able to go on vacation whenever we want and not having to worry about his school schedule.  

One of the drawbacks is balancing his workload and mine.  I feel like I’m constantly moving throughout the day. Between lessons, I’m doing laundry, sweeping the floor, helping my husband with a few church things, making lunch, making beds… the lists is endless.  Evan noticed all that I was doing one day and said, “Man, I’m spoiled”.  I have to admit it felt nice to have him notice.

Have you noticed how spoiled we are with God?

As I was looking up what “Grace Alone” means I came across this excerpt from Christianity.com,

“We can only stand before God by his grace as he mercifully attributes to us the righteousness of Jesus Christ and attributes to him the consequences of our sins. Jesus’ life of perfect righteousness is counted as ours, and our records of sin and failure were counted to Jesus when he died on the cross.”

Our records of sin and failure were counted to Jesus when he died on the cross. I can’t even imagine a love that would do that for me.  I am so grateful for God’s grace.  I’ve heard before that “Mercy” can be defined as not getting what we deserve and “Grace”, getting what we don’t deserve.

We did not deserve to have Jesus perfect life of righteousness counted as ours, but that’s what God will see when meet him in Heaven.  He will see a perfect sinless child because of the sacrifice of Christ.  It’s what he sees now, when we approach his throne in prayer.  And he is able to see us sinless because of our faith in Christ, which is also a gift given by our Heavenly Father.

Just as Evan saw all I do for him, I sure hope we can see all God has done for us.

Read the entire scripture here Romans 3: 20-28

God calls us into righteousness

 December 15

Scripture Reading

Read Isaiah 42:5-8 and reflect on the passage.

What a remarkable thing, to be called by the Creator of the Universe. And to what are we called? God calls us in righteousness—to live, ourselves, in righteousness. We have no righteousness on our own. In the Messiah, we have full righteousness as a gift of mercy and grace.

God has “taken us by the hand”—it’s very personal. God has kept us for a purpose, a righteous purpose—to bring His light and sight to others, and to help prisoners be free. This is God’s plan for us.

Isaiah has quite a picture of God’s plans for our lives. God came that we might have life—in Jesus. He keeps coming that our lives might matter eternally. He will come again both in our own deaths and in final glory—to bring it all to a triumphant end...and beginning.

It is God’s plan and desire that we see ourselves as His special people in this way. Our lives matter, because God has created and redeemed us to make a difference in the lives of other people. We have a righteousness and a righteous purpose. Think of that!

Questions

1.      Where do you need help and light and mercy yourself? Where do you need the gift of righteousness to be applied in your life today?

2.      Think of someone you know who needs the light of Jesus—name them! Would you begin to pray for God’s righteous purpose of your life to them?

  

Prayer

Thank You, righteous God, that You call us and make us righteous by Your great mercy. Help us see ourselves as You see us—in Jesus. Amen.

—Paul Ulring

It depends!

What would I give to save the life of a family member?  My retirement nest egg?  My house?  My life? 

What if the life needing saving were not a family member, but a friend?  Would I dip into my savings account?  Start a fund to which others could contribute?  Donate bone marrow or a kidney, even? 

So, what would I give if this person were merely an acquaintance?  Maybe I’d spare a little something from my checking account?  Contribute toward their medical bills? 

And if it were a complete stranger, the one who asked for help, what would I give?  Just enough to assuage my conscience, perhaps, in case the request was legit?  Nothing at all? 

But what if the someone in dire straits were that one person who had only showed me disrespect, contempt and antagonism my entire life?  Would my response be anything other than, “It serves him right!” or “She’s getting her due”? 

That’s the way our sinful selves are wired.  If we love and how much we love – they both hinge on others’ closeness to us and their behavior toward us.  So even our mercy is self-centered and conditional!  Sad, but true. 

But that’s not God!  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.¹  His “whosoever” invitation reaches out even to those farthest away from him. And our behavior is no prerequisite to his mercy!  But God demonstrates his love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.² 

Christ crucified is God’s ultimate expression of love for us, the undeserving.  Now, that is love.  It is the love by which we were saved.  It is the love in which we are called to serve others.  No matter who. 

Today. 

¹ John 3:16
² Romans 5:8

1Timothy 1: 12-16

The Lord’s Grace to Paul and Us

Does not the Lord make example of people and situations in our lives in order to reveal himself or draw us closer to Him? Would you agree there have been times when you have felt or said; “That was a God thing?”

Paul was definitely “A God Thing” and he knew it. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16 Paul wrote something worth remembering; “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who believe on him and receive eternal life.” Yes, believe “on” him.

As we travel this journey of life and make ourselves aware of the trials and struggles others face, we can learn from their mistakes as well as triumphs. We can gain wisdom from their tears and their anger. Just as God is a relational God, we too are relational human beings in need of others.

 At times we may be the example, support or love needed by another, yet other times we are the one in need of a rock to lean on, a Paul in our life who can help us make sense of our situation.

Paul’s heart grew into one of passion and compassion for God and people. He is such an incredible example of transformation there are 13 books in the bible written by him.

Romans 
1 Corinthians 
2 Corinthians 
Galatians 
Ephesians 
Philippians 
Colossians 
1 Thessalonians 
2 Thessalonians 
1 Timothy 
2 Timothy 
Titus 
Philemon

No one knows for sure who wrote Hebrews, but if it was Paul, then his total is at 14.

Paul had to tell his story, through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. What a blessing for us!

Dear God,

We thank you for your gracious and unending love. You shower us with blessings we do not even acknowledge and offer us new mercies every day regardless of our gratefulness. Your forgiveness for Paul and for us goes far beyond reasonable in our limited minds, but we are so very humbled and honored to call ourselves your children. We will focus on you Lord, and though we too are the worst of sinners, we will use Paul as our example and you Christ, as our Rock.

Read/Listen to 1 Timothy 1: 12-16

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1-8

Our school district nurse uses the following as her e-mail signature line. “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”       Maya Angelou

The way we worship is contained in the way we live our lives. How we respond to various situations, and the approach we take with those we encounter speaks to the world of whom we serve.

 “We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously, if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8

Using our undeserved, God given gifts is worship in itself. Serving the children of the Lord through our strengths is honoring HIM.

First Peter 4:10 also reminds us;  “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

We all have our own personality and style, but as we grow as Christians we become more aware of the importance of living our lives in the way Christ did, as we are a reflection of Him.

As we share our talents and gifts with this world, may we be gentle in the way we display the love of our God, thoughtful in the way we reflect His grace, and sensitive in the way we reveal His mercy.

Read/Listen to Romans12:1-8 

Survivor: Outwit. Outlast, Outplay

Hebrews 4:12-16

 

Survivor - It is one of my wife’s and mine favorite TV shows. We watch every episode and get into the lives of the players. We find ourselves cheering for some and against others based on their behaviors and attitudes.

 

Imagine though, what it would be like to have a camera recording every action you take, every thought you have, every word you say and every motivation that drives you... You don’t have to imagine.

 

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account”.         Hebrews 4:13 NIV

 

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away, you know my every thought… Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it.”     Psalm 139:1-4 TLB

 

If we are honest with ourselves, these verses would make us very uncomfortable. After all, our eternal judgment is at stake, and if God knows everything about us, we don’t have much hope. But some of the most hopeful words in the Bible are included in Hebrews.

 

“But Jesus the Son of God is our great High Priest who has gone to heaven itself to help us; therefore let us never stop trusting him.  This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses since he had the same temptations we do, though he never once gave way to them and sinned”.            4:14-15 TLB

 

On Survivor, a jury of peers judge the final three participants. This jury is made up of the same people that the final players had a hand in voting out of the game. They may have been blind-sided by them, lied to or manipulated. They have observed the finalist over the last 39 days when they have been at their worst; thinking only of themselves; of what it would take for them to win the game, and doing anything to get there.

 

Although our Judge will be able to know and observe everything there is about us throughout our whole lives, both the worst and the best, we can still approach Him boldly and receive both mercy and grace.

 

 ^“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with fullest confidence, that we may receive mercy for our failures and grace to help in the hour of need”.          Hebrews 4:16           JB Phillips

 

What more do we need to survive than this? What more do we need to be victorious?

 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%204%3A12-16&version=NIV;TLB
https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Heb.4.12-Heb.4.16

 

 

All People Matter

Joshua 1:1-3, 3:1-10

All people matter to God, therefore all people must matter to us.

This week we visited and revisited the story of Jonah and the people of Nineveh. None of them deserved the grace and mercy of our Lord, but they received it because they were important and precious to Him.

Lord, please give us your eyes that we may see others the way you view them; through the lens of forgiveness and understanding, love, and hope of a life one day spent with you.  Help us dear God, to not only remember that all people matter to you, but to act on that knowledge to bring others into your grace.

The Starfish Story

While walking along a beach after a particularly high tide, a man noticed a boy picking up starfish after starfish and throwing them back into the sea. When he neared the youngster, he asked, “What are you doing?”

“These starfish will die if they don’t get back into the water,” the boy replied as he hurriedly continued his work.”

“There are thousands of starfish on this beach,” the man said. “Nothing you can do can possibly make a difference.”

The boy held out the starfish he had just picked up. “It makes a difference to this one,” he said and threw it into the ocean.

Though the task may seem impossible when looking at the multitudes in need of a Savior, remember, it is our God who is big enough to handle it. We are simply His messengers, and he doesn't expect us to save the whole world, that's His job. We can however, make a difference in the name of God, our Forever Father!

Read/Listen to Jonah 1:1-3

Read/Listen to Jonah 3:1-10