Monday, October 30, 2017

He Who Has Mercy (Isaiah 49:9-11)

Today’s scripture: Isaiah 49:9-11

My Bible study gals are going through a study of the names of God. We’ve learned that He’s our Jehovah Nissi—our banner, protector, and guide. He’s our Jehovah Elohim—our creator. He’s our Jehovah Rapha—our healer.

I’ve probably written before how much I love that God chose to call Himself by so many names. We can call on Him by name no matter our circumstances.

You and I have been looking at another name for a few weeks. While I don’t have a Hebrew word to give you, I think we could call Him: “He who has mercy.”

And in His mercy, He leads us. He guides us. He provides for us. He protects us. He feeds us. He gives us light in the darkness.

He who has mercy … on you … on me.

Praise Him!

Friday, October 27, 2017

Having Mercy (Proverbs 14:21)

Today’s scripture: Proverbs 14:21

It’s sometimes way too easy to become complacent.

For example, Russ and I are really blessed to live in a community that would probably be described as upper-middle class and above. There are people who were former mid-level managers and fire captains alongside former CEOs and surgeons.

We don’t want for food, clothing, or shelter.

And yes, it’s easy to be satisfied with our little piece of paradise on earth.

Yet, we can never forget that there are many—so many—who have less than we do, and since we have been given so much, we need to have mercy for those who don’t.

That “having mercy” can be done in many ways. We can pray. We can give. We can go.

I don’t believe God is pleased when we hoard what He’s blessed us with. However, when we give generously, when we pray with diligence, when we put feet to our words, I picture His smile.

And when we do have mercy? Then we smile too!

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

God of Mercy (Psalm 59:16-17)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 59:16-17

I’ve memorized several verses that speak to God’s being my refuge, my strength, my burden-bearer. These are my “go-to” verses when everything around me is chaos. I’ve sought these verses frequently in the last few weeks.

Psalm 46:1 reminds me that He is my refuge and help in times of trouble.

Jesus promises to help carry my burden when I’m weary in Matthew 11:28-30.

Paul writes how God’s strength comes through my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

And today’s verses again remind me that God “has been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.”

He indeed is my “God of mercy.”

And I’m so very blessed that I can go to His word and seek His promises.

For strength. For refuge. For rest when I’m weary.

Monday, October 23, 2017

Mercy Over Judgment (James 2:13)

Today’s scripture: James 2:13

While God is merciful to those who choose to follow Him, He is not obligated to show mercy to those who reject Him.

Harsh words?

Maybe.

But God reveals Himself to all people. Paul wrote how nature itself is witness to Creator God:

"They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God" (NLT Rom. 1:19-20).

We have all been created with what’s been called a God-shaped hole in our hearts, and many—millions upon millions—have filled that hole with a relationship with God.

And we receive His mercy over judgment.

However, others—millions upon millions—have ignored the evidence around them and have rejected God.

So … how can they expect to receive His mercy?

If you want to receive mercy over judgment, commit your life to Him today. If you’re not certain how to do that, then please send me an email. We can talk more about a relationship with the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Mercy as High as the Heavens (Psalm 36:5)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 36:5

One of the things I love about living in East Tennessee are the stars. In Southern California, they had to fight with the lights of the city, but here … I can sit on my deck in the evening and look up to nothing but stars.

God’s mercy is as high as the heavens. It reaches far beyond what my eyes can see. It extends to the outermost ends of the universe.

His love for me, His desire to save me and forgive me … It’s beyond my human comprehension.

Amazing.

How could He love me as much as He does? Or as the psalmist asks:
…what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? (NLT Ps. 8:4)
Amazing.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Love Mercy (Micah 6:8)

Today’s scripture: Micah 6:8

I love this verse. I absolutely love it!

If we who call ourselves followers of Christ would live by these words, what a difference we would make in this world.

If we did “justly” treating others as we want to be treated …

If we “loved mercy” showing mercy and compassion to others …

If we “walked humbly with our God” each and every day …

Or as another version states:

See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God. (CEV)
It’s a tall order, but if we only lived this way … every day.

Monday, October 16, 2017

Forever Mercy (1 Chronicles 16:34)

Today’s scripture: 1 Chronicles 16:34

Forever …

That word means more to me the older I get.

Forever …

As the old hymn says, “This world is not my home; I’m just a’passin’ through.”

Or as a more contemporary praise song asserts:
All I know is I’m not home yet. This is not where I belong. Take this world, and give me Jesus. This is not where I belong. (© 2011, Building 429)
I can’t wait for forever with my Lord and Savior! He offers us forever goodness and enduring mercy.

The love and compassion He has for me here on earth will be forever.

Forever… I can’t wait!

Friday, October 13, 2017

Blessed Are the Merciful (Matthew 5:7)

Today’s scripture: Matthew 5:7

On Monday, we looked at how merciful God is to us … giving us eternal life when we deserve eternal separation.

So, if we have received such mercy from Him, can we be anything other than merciful to others?

When someone wrongs us and deserves punishment, can we offer mercy? Can we forgive?

We should.

In fact, Jesus Himself said that when we are merciful, we are blessed. When we are merciful, we receive mercy.

Are you holding a grudge? Is unforgiveness keeping you from offering mercy? Go to our merciful God and ask Him to help you show mercy … just as you have received mercy.

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Seeing God's Mercy (Isaiah 63:7)

Today’s scripture: Isaiah 63:7

As I write this devotional, I can’t help but think of all the tragedies our nation has experienced over the last several weeks.

Hurricanes. Floods. Fires.

The tragedy in Las Vegas.

Riots. Conflicts.

Hate.

Where’s the lovingkindness and mercy of God through all of this?

It’s hard to see goodness or mercy or grace—or love—when all hell seems to be breaking loose.

But I do believe in a loving God. I do believe He continues to offer grace and mercy to His children.

We live in a very sinful world. Generation upon generation has turned further from Creator God, and as creation rejects Creator more and more, He’s honoring our choices.

So, a perfect world becomes ever more imperfect. Man’s inhumanity to man grows darker.

And yet … if we commit our lives to the God who is still in loving control, we will see goodness. We will see mercy. We will see lovingkindness.

In spite of everything else we see …

Monday, October 09, 2017

Abundant in Mercy (Psalm 86:15)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 86:15

Since January 1, we’ve looked at verses about faith and grace, hope and joy. We’re going to wrap up the year looking at mercy—both God’s mercy for us and how we’re to be merciful to others.

Today, we look at some of God’s amazing attributes. He’s full of compassion. He’s gracious. He’s longsuffering. He’s abundant in truth

And He’s abundant in mercy.

When we looked at verses about grace, I included a phrase I learned long ago:

Grace is getting what we don’t deserve; mercy is not getting what we do deserve.

We don’t deserve forgiveness and salvation … but through grace, God forgives us and offers salvation.

We do deserve eternal separation from God … but with mercy, God brings us back into relationship with Him and promises eternity with Him.

What a wonderful God we serve. Rich in grace. Abundant in mercy.

Friday, October 06, 2017

Exceeding Joy (Jude 1:24-25)

Today’s scripture: Jude 1:24-25

As we finish up our few weeks looking at the word joy, I leave you with a wonderful benediction from the book of Jude.

I echo these words of hope and peace and joy. I pray you will seek the one who will “keep you from stumbling.” The one who will “present you faultless.” I pray you will enter His presence each day with “exceeding joy.”

And may you praise Him each day remembering that He is our wise Savior. Give Him “glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.”

And amen.

Wednesday, October 04, 2017

Go Out With Joy (Isaiah 55:11-12)

Today’s scripture: Isaiah 55:11-12

I feel incredibly blessed that I’m not on this journey called life alone. My God is walking alongside me on the path that He has designed … just for me. His plan is one of peace, with a future and a hope (Jer. 29:11), and He promises that I will “go out with joy, and be led out with peace.

I don’t know about you, but I find this so assuring! The Creator of the universe is in loving control of all things, and that means He is in loving control of my life too. I can find joy in all things because I know He is working for His glory and my good (Rom. 8:28).

As we’ve already discussed in earlier devotionals, joy doesn’t come from circumstance although we all experience those very happy times. It comes from the confidence knowing that our loving God is leading us, helping us, guiding us, protecting us, and providing for us.

We can live every day knowing that He is sending us out with joy and leading us with peace.

Praise Him!

Monday, October 02, 2017

Joy in Christ-likeness (1 Thessalonians 1:5-7)

Today’s scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7

Did you know that as a follower of Christ you are the gospel on feet? That, through you, others see what it means to know Jesus? And that you are an example to other believers?

Does that fill you with joy? Or a bit of fear?

I believe it was St. Francis of Assisi who said, “Preach at all times. When necessary, use words.” I love that. Some of us are not gifted speakers or evangelists. We won’t fill a pulpit or teach a Sunday school class.

But we can find “joy of the Holy Spirit” when others see Jesus in us. We can live to serve others and glorify God. We can “preach” without saying a word.

What sermon are you preaching with your daily life? Is the gospel being told? Are you an example of Christ-likeness to other believers? Ask Jesus to shine through you so that His story is told.