Author: mercyfortheday

Satisfaction Guaranteed

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes I feel unfulfilled. I think I need something new and exciting in my life.  I feel like something is missing, and I search for that missing piece. So when that happens, I go on a hunt. I try to find something to fill that void. So I take a walk through my house to see what can make me happy. But is happiness what I’m looking for?

As I walk through each room of my house, I check to see what I can change that might make me feel fulfilled. Something that might change my mood. Something that will give me a sense of satisfaction. Something that will refresh my spirit.

I look at the kitchen. Do I need to rearrange the items on the open shelves? Would colorful dishes look better than all white plates? Would a new plant look nice on the island? Are the cupboards filled with enough food? And if I look in the freezer, I’ll find the new stash of chocolate I just bought. Can’t run out of that. And when I bite into a piece of the chocolate, do I stop to ask myself how happy it makes me? Is one piece ever enough?

I look over at the living room. How does it look? I check to see if the decor is starting to look dated. Is the paint color fresh? Do the plants look healthy? Is the rug faded? Maybe I need to redecorate with new pillows. I just bought a beautiful new wall hanging. Maybe that will be enough change for awhile.

I check out the dining room. The runner on the table is several years old. Perhaps a new one is in order. The tray in the center of the table is one of my favorite pieces. But maybe it’s time to freshen up the look.

Then I walk into my closet. And what do I see? A rack of clothes. I wonder how often I wear each item. Then I remember that these are just the clothes for this season. If I walk into another room, I’ll find another closet full of clothes for the next season. And shoes? There are more than I need. That’s for sure. And how many do I wear on a regular basis? That’s a question I don’t even want to answer. Oh. I just bagged up a trashbag full of scarves and sweaters to donate. But I wonder how many more items from the closet I should also donate.

I open the door to the garage, and I examine my car. I know it’s not the latest model. It’s eight years old. It’s not as new as other cars I see. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles you would find in the latest models. It isn’t a luxury brand. Never mind that it’s paid for. It hasn’t been high maintenance, except for the expensive tires. I’m not embarrassed to be seen in it. Does it impress others when they see me drive up in it? Does it matter?

I walk outside to look at my flowerbeds. I see a lot of shady areas, but there’s also a little space for sun. I wonder if I can find room for a couple more flowerbeds. I envision lots of blooming flowers, but I realize I must be realistic about what will attract deer and what will repel them. I also must be realistic about how much work it will take to keep the flowerbeds looking nice. Can I get enough flowers in the little space I have? Or will it be too much work?

I log onto my bank account. I check the balance of all my accounts. Is the market up today or is it down? Is my money safe? Am I financially secure? Am I prepared for retirement? Can I pay my bills? What will it take to satisfy me? Am I looking for meaning in all the wrong places?

You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy. Psalms 63:5

Feasts are known to be satisfying. But that satisfaction doesn’t last. It leaves a longing for more. The thing about the feast. It’s not meant to be a last meal, but perhaps a celebration. It is not meant to fulfill every last longing that someone has. It is a moment in time that will last in memories for a lifetime. But it doesn’t bring lasting fulfillment.

Then it dawns on me that I’m looking in the wrong place. Food and clothes and cars and flowers and money are all good things. I don’t need luxury. I don’t need fortunes. I don’t need fame. They don’t provide lasting peace and fulfillment. But what I do have is peace. Peace of mind. I have a calm assurance that all is well with my soul. I have deep abiding peace.

I know that my relationship with God is the most important part of my life. But I sometimes get sidetracked by other things. I realize the the peace I have because of God’s forgiveness is the calming I need in my life. I realize that as I faithfully read and study God’s Word, I have a greater knowledge and wisdom for making life decisions. I don’t need to search for a quick fix to boredom and discontentment, because I am content in the knowledge that I am deeply loved by a God who knows my name. He fights for me. He died for my sins. He is my Savior. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

The world may try to satisfy that longing in your soul. You may search the wide world over but you’ll be just as before. You’ll never find true satisfaction until you’ve found the Lord, for only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul. Yes, only He can change your heart and make you whole. He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet joy and love and heaven, too. For only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

If you could have the fame and fortune, all the wealth you could attain. Yet, you have not Christ within, your living here would be in vain. There’ll come a time when death will find you, riches cannot help you then. So, come to Jesus, only He can satisfy.

Only Jesus can satisfy your soul. Yes, only He can change your heart and make you whole. He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet joy and love and heaven, too. For only Jesus can satisfy your soul. Yes, only Jesus can satisfy your soul.

Lanny Wolfe

Need Help Getting Dressed

~ mercyfortheday ~ 7 Comments

Every day I get dressed.  Of course.   I should get dressed twice, if I really think about it. One outfit I wear every day is the one that is noticeable to anyone who sees me. The other one is invisible. But it’s there.

The problem with the second outfit is that I have to remember to put it on each day. And some days I have trouble remembering it. Other days, I only wear part of the outfit. I seem to have trouble getting the full outfit on. It shouldn’t be that way. Because the full outfit is required if I am to get any real use out of it.

Perhaps the remedy to my problem is that I should put it on first. Before my visible outfit. 

The thing is. I wouldn’t be caught dead without the clothes that are visible. I wouldn’t want anyone to see me in a state of undress. It would be embarrassing and humiliating. It would be unthinkable. 

So why do I feel that it’s ok to be in a state of undress when it comes to the invisible outfit? I should feel embarrassed and humiliated by not wearing it. Oh. That outfit is a little beat up. It’s been in battles. It’s been on the front lines of spiritual warfare. It’s no longer shiny and  new. There are dings and dents. But it’s holding its own. It’s one of a kind. Built just for me. So there’s no trading it in for a newer shinier model. It’s built to last for a lifetime. 

The armor of God is tailor made just for me. How can I ever forget to suit up each day?  Each piece of the suit has a specific use. Without each piece, I’m not fully protected from evil or temptation. I’m putting myself at risk by not taking the time to get dressed properly. Why do I do that?

Oh. I know why I need to wear this armor. I know why I need to get suited up. It’s been made clear to me. There’s no other way to fight the advances of the evil one. I must wear this armor every day. Every piece of it.

Put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Ephesians 6:13

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:10-12

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body of armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:14-17

Each piece of the armor has a specific purpose. It’s made for a custom fit. Perfectly designed with me in mind.

The belt of truth. Stand your ground and put on the belt of truth. If you’ve ever worn a belt, you know it tells the truth. It tells the truth of the size of the waist it surrounds. There’s no fooling it. The belt does not lie. It either goes all the way around the waist. Or it doesn’t. If it doesn’t fit, there’s a different truth to tell.

But the belt that a Roman soldier wore had a sheath for the soldier’s weapon. A sword. The sword was tucked into the sheath attached to the belt. When I put on the spiritual belt, I add truth to my wardrobe. And that’s what matters the most. I must be wrapped in truth at all times.

The breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate is a shield that protects the vital organs of a soldier’s body. If a soldier didn’t use this shield, any injury would most likely be fatal. Just the same, if I don’t use my shield of righteousness, any attack from the enemy of my soul could prove fatal. The shield is strong. It’s made of the best material to combat strikes from the enemy.

Some may ask what righteousness is. Righteousness is doing what is right in God’s eyes. So if I’m doing what’s right in God’s eyes, I am shielded with the strength of God’s protection. If I choose lawlessness, then God’s protection falls away. I am at risk of receiving a fatal blow. Righteousness guards me against the attacks of Satan. His attacks of sin can’t penetrate through the strength of the breastplate if I’m following God’s instructions.

The gospel of peace. For shoes, I am to put on the peace that comes from the Good News. Because I must be fully prepared. If I am walking in God’s peace, I won’t be so easily tripped up on the bumpy and difficult path of life that I’m walking. Because that path takes me through the enemy’s territory, and I have no idea where the traps and potholes will be placed. They are put in place by Satan’s army to divert me from the path of peace and truth. I must avoid the obstacles at all costs. If my feet can be shaken loose from the path of peace, then I will stumble and fall prey to his advances.

When God summons me down the road of obedience, he doesn’t clear the path so I can walk along with ease. He allows those obstacles and bumps, so the shoes of peace I wear will steady my travels and keep me close to him. But I must wear these peace coverings as a means of protection. They allow me to move freely, without fear of what lies ahead on the path.

The shield of faith. A shield is raised up by the soldier to protect him from being hit by the enemy’s arrows. Faith is the shield that I must raise to block the advances of the enemy. My faith must be strong. The strength of my faith determines how long I stay in battle. If I lower or drop the shield of faith, then I might as well surrender. I’ve lost the battle. This fight requires a strong faith. Even faith the size of a mustard seed can win battles.

I must block fear with the shield of faith. I am fighting a spiritual war. With the shield of faith, I can deflect the fiery arrows that the enemy is shooting at me. My faith shield is my first line of defense. Without it, I am lost and defeated. Satan will be free to swoop in and capture my soul. Faith is my weapon of strength.

The helmet of salvation. The helmet is a vital piece of equipment in a battle. It protects the head. Any injury to the head would most certainly prove fatal. This piece of a soldier’s equipment cannot be forgotten. It is a life saver.

When I place the helmet of salvation on my head, I am guarding against the weapons of the mind. Because the mind is its own battlefield. My thoughts and desires. My dreams and goals. My fears and beliefs. They all start in my mind. My mind must be centered on my Heavenly Father. I must think on things that are true and honest, just and pure, lovely and of good report, virtue and praise. These are the thoughts that must fill my mind. Otherwise, the enemy of my soul will wreak havoc on my thoughts. My salvation depends on my mind staying pure and centered on the Host of heaven’s armies. I am fighting for my salvation, and it begins with my mind.

The sword of the spirit. Actually, I must carry only one offensive weapon as I wear this outfit. I am to carry a sword that is tucked into the belt of truth around my waist. The Word of God is the sword stored securely in my belt. It is my only offense against the attacks of the evil one. Sure. I can be all suited up to protect myself. But when I fight, I fight with the Word of God. I can’t leave home without it.

All the other parts of my armor are meant to protect me. To shield me from the attacks. But the sword of the Spirit is my weapon of choice. It’s the only weapon that I can use to fight fairly and truthfully. None other can compare. Oh. Some may say that it’s a poor choice of weapon. But if they’ve never studied this weapon, they don’t know the extent of good it can do. We can be destroyed if we don’t know God. And this sword is so powerful, it can cut through every defense the enemy throws in its path. If a child of God is wielding this weapon, nothing can stand against it. God’s word will prevail.

So, the weapons I am given to fight this spiritual battle are truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God. These are my weapons of choice. I better get dressed.

Buckle up. Here. We. Go.

Safe Place

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

The man who sits in the oval office has recently given his first public interview. He said his faith is a safe place. He enjoys going to church because it gives him time to be alone. His wife hangs inspirational quotes on his mirror. He doesn’t want to proselytize. In other words, he doesn’t want to convert anyone to his faith.

I thought I would examine his words. I want to see if they ring true to Scripture. Because they could be my words, if I’m not careful.

What does it mean for faith to be a safe place? Should my faith be safe? Yes, it is by grace I have been saved through faith, and not of my self. It is the gift of God. That feels safe. I feel safe knowing that God loves me. Regardless of what I do or what I say, God’s love is eternal. His love for me will not change. That feels safe. I know that I can turn to God with my deepest wounds and hurts, my successes and failures. He is rooting for me. He is fighting for me. He never leaves me. That is my safety.

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:8

If this man’s faith is a safe place, why doesn’t his wife hang Scripture on his mirror? Why not fill his mind with God’s inspired word instead of someone else’s words? Wouldn’t he feel more secure seeing a Bible verse and thinking on it?

Ever since I read that I’ve been wondering. Should our faith be a safe place?  Do we go to church to be alone?  Who does that? In Hebrews 10:25, we’re told not to neglect meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. The point of attending church is to be with other like believers. Not to be alone.

I wonder. Is he looking for safety and peace in all the wrong places?  Am I?

Is my faith a safe place?  Yes, I rest safely in the arms of Jesus as I walk this road of life. I feel safe in God’s love and care.  But standing for my faith is another story.  Where’s the safety in that these days?  What have I got to lose if I share my faith and my beliefs?  Possibly everything.  Do I stay silent in order to feel safe? If my faith is safe, is it faith at all?

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 1 Peter 3:15

So basically, what this man is saying is he doesn’t want to help fulfill the Great Commission. You know the one that commands us to tell others about Jesus Christ. I have to ask myself. Am I willing to share the Good News of my faith, or do I too want to keep it to myself?

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, Of all peoples. baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Doesn’t the Great Commission still apply even when our basic liberties and rights are being threatened?  

I wonder what the twelve disciples of Jesus would say if they heard someone say they didn’t want to share the gospel. Would they laugh or cry? Knowing the suffering they endured for sharing their faith, what would they say this man.

Take the world, but give me Jesus. All its joys are but a name. But His love abideth ever, through eternal years the same.

Fannie J. Crosby

I wonder.  Does the man who leads the free world feel secure in his eternity?  He has signed off on ending the life of unborn babies. Will that be on his conscience?  Will that be in his book of records that God reviews as he someday stands in judgment?  I shouldn’t even ask these questions.  I am not God.  I don’t have to make these decisions.  What I must do is faithfully pray for this man.  For I too will be judged.  What sins do I try to cover with my pious acts and words?

There is no free ride to heaven. It takes effort on my part. Someone else, namely Jesus Christ, did the hard part. He died for my sins. Now it’s up to me to keep my spiritual nose clean. I need to stay true to his teachings and act accordingly. No. It’s not necessarily a safe thing to do. This practice of dying to myself, helping the needy, sharing my faith. But who wants to just slide into heaven? Let’s go in with a bang. 

Father, I pray that the scales will fall from my eyes and I will see your Son clearly. I pray that I will recognize the error of my selfish ways and repent of my sins. Help me to live out my faith boldly knowing there may be a cost.

My faith has found a resting place,
  Not in device nor creed;
I trust the Ever-living One,
  His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument,
  I need no other plea;
It is enough that Jesus died,
    And that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves,
  This ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him,
  He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word,
  The written Word of God,
Salvation by my Savior’s name,
  Salvation through His blood.

My great Physician heals the sick,
  The lost He came to save;
For me His precious blood He shed,
  For me His life He gave.

~~Eliza E. Hewitt

Good Samaritan

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I didn’t see her fall. But there she was on the cold snowy street. On all fours. Strangers ran over to offer help. Even with kind hands supporting her, she was struggling to get up. A young man lay his coat on the ground to give her traction. Yet she was only able to crawl over to the sidewalk. Once she made her way to the brick building, she was able to pull herself up into a standing position. She leaned against the cold wall for a minute to regain her composure. Embarrassed and humiliated, she stood and collected herself before moving on. I wasn’t sure if she was alone, or if someone in the small crowd was accompanying her on her errands.

 She was of an older age. White hair. Slow gait. Youth had passed her by. She appeared to struggle with bodily movements that the young take for granted. She carried a small black handbag. I never saw her face. Was she confused or disoriented? Was she anxious because of the winter weather? I don’t know if her mental faculties were in place. She needed help whether she wanted it or not. And several strangers rushed to her side.

It was a reminder to me that there are plenty of kind people in this world. There are good samaritans who will step up and help a stranger in need. Not necessarily wanting to be obvious about their good deed, but lending a hand when it is called for.

I asked myself. If I had seen her first, would I have rushed to offer a helping hand? Would I have shown kindness? Or would I have been a silent sidewalk gawker, hoping someone else would step forward?  

That same day, a friend had asked me to hold her accountable if she was acting in an unkind way. She said that as close friends we need that accountability, and she expected me to speak up if I saw something ungodly in her behavior. If only more of us would ask for accountability and then hold others to it when asked. This is another good samaritan act that is often overlooked and unwanted. Who of us wants to be told we’re acting in a shameful way? Who wants to be set straight? But kind words of correction and admonition can be set a wayward soul on the right path.

Love your neighbor as yourself. Leviticus 19:18

Someone else recently received a life changing diagnosis, followed by major surgery. The treatments that lie ahead would cause anyone to be anxious. And rightfully so. Friends brought food for the family. Acts of kindness were shown. Work schedules rearranged. Love continues to be poured into a family whose normal routine has turned upside down for the foreseeeable future. Random acts of kindness and words of encouragement are a blessing to the one in need.

I have to ask myself. Do I look for opportunities to help others? Not necessarily when their need is obvious. But when it’s a quiet gesture of support and encouragement? When it will be unknown and unnoticed by others? Do I still offer help?

There’s a story in the Bible about a man who asks Jesus how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus asks him if he has read the Scriptures. After all, the man asking the question is an expert in religious law. He has probably memorized most of the historic Scriptures. And he quoted the exact words that will give him eternal life. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself. And Jesus confirmed that he should live the words he just quoted. Then Jesus gave an example of what that lifestyle would look like.

To read the full story about the Good Samaritan, read Luke 10:25-37.

In the story of the Good Samaritan, the man who offered the help was a member of a hated group of people. They weren’t followers of the holy Scriptures. And the two men who offered no help were supposedly godly men. Shouldn’t each of us be willing to help someone in need? Our differences don’t have to separate us. We can reach across the divide to help a needy soul, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyle. Kindness never goes out of style.

Prisoners of War

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There is a movement. An uprising, if you will. Trying to silence those who don’t agree with certain social and political ideals. It seems to have come on suddenly, but really. It’s been years in the making.  The social and political ideals have been formulated by ones who have taken a stand against biblical truths. They’re fighting for justice. They say. They are silencing those who don’t fall in line with their agenda.

We think this type of persecution is new. It’s not. It’s been happening for centuries. Just not in our country. It’s a new thing for us. We’ve always had the freedom to say what we want. Now the belt is tightening, and we’ve begun to squirm with a new, unfamiliar discomfort. 

When will things return to normal? We ask. I’m afraid we’ve awakened a new normal. And there’s no going back. There are those who won’t ever let us go back. All in one fell swoop, this country has lost its innocence. We can no longer claim to be accepting of differences of opinion. It’s only one way or be canceled.

 Reminds me of a story I read recently in Daniel 1-3 in the Old Testament.

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord : He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. Psalms 91:1-2

The city of Jerusalem had been conquered by the Babylonians. The best of the best Jewish people were taken prisoner. Their biblical names were exchanged for pagan names. They were forced to learn a new culture, along with the pagan customs and lifestyle. Indoctrination was the name of the game. They were tested on their acceptance of their new lifestyle. If they passed, they were promised careers in the royal palace. They were treated like royalty with the idea that they would discard their childhood learning and customs.

The lesson: Beware when your enemies try to become your friends.

But some of the young men didn’t forget their rich heritage.  They remembered their Jewish customs and remained faithful to the One True God. In their hearts, they were Jewish regardless of where their next meal came from. They were God’s favored people living in exile in a foreign land.

Oh. It was their country’s fault. Their country had forsaken God and his commands. And not just for a couple of years. They ignored God’s leading for hundreds of years. They ignored the warnings he spoke through his prophets. So He allowed hard times and persecution to come their way. But even though not all the people had forsaken God, they all still suffered. And they were captured along with those who had turned their backs on God.

There’s a lesson we can learn from these young men. Oh. We’re not out of the fire yet. The embers are just getting warm.  But this nation still has time to repent and return to God. Will we do it or will we continue down the path of sin?

If we as believers have prepared ourselves, we can face the fire head on. Just as the three men did. They were able to stand for truth. At all costs. Without fear of what lay ahead for them. They would not and did not back down from their decision to disobey their orders. 

If you read their story, you know that there was an extra person with them in the fire. They weren’t alone in their suffering. They stood true to their beliefs. They didn’t waver in their faith. And God was with them each step of the way. In the most difficult moment, they knew they were in God’s hands. Regardless of what happened. If they survived or not, they would stand true for the Living God as they stood in the fire. And He stood with them.

It’s a necessary reminder for us as we travel difficult paths. We aren’t alone. We don’t have to bow to those feeding us lies. We can stand strong in our faith. And regardless of the outcome, God is with us.

I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. Psalms 16:8

If we don’t stand for truth and speak up, we may begin to hear the rocks speak out for us. What fools we would be. Do we want to gain the world and lose our souls? 

Shipwreck

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It was a trip for the ages. 

Paul was in prison and had requested a trial before Caesar. That meant he must get to Rome, Italy from Caesarea, Israel. What he didn’t know was that he could have been released from prison if he hadn’t asked for a trial with Caesar. But since he asked, he was sent to Rome.

It was to be a long and dangerous trip over treacherous waters.  On the journey, they met with a huge storm. God spoke to Paul time and again on this journey, so he advised the crew on what to do to survive the trip. The storm lasted 14 days. Imagine. 14 days on a wooden ship in a terrible storm in the middle of the sea. There’s nowhere to go. There’s no chance of escape. They must ride out the storm. Will anyone survive?

When God spoke, Paul listened and shared the message he had been given. God told Paul he would survive the trip and stand in front of Caesar. So Paul was calm. He showed no fear. God was with him. God was for him. Not against him.  Paul listened to God and obeyed. His life was spared. He earned a great reputation on that trip. He stayed true to God during the difficult storm. 

They had started the trip with good intentions. The ship was loaded with provisions and trade merchandise for their stops at different ports. They had even tied a lifeboat and pulled it behind the ship. But when the storm arose and never let up, they had to start throwing items overboard. They had to set priorities on what was most important. In the end, they threw out most everything. Then they realized they were close to land, so they decided to run the ship aground. Their bet didn’t work. The ship hit a sand barge and busted up. 

When the boat began to tear apart, the soldiers thought to kill all the prisoners. But no. The commanding officer wanted Paul alive because he spoke with great wisdom and truth.  So the prisoners were spared.

Everyone had to swim to shore with only the wet clothes on their backs. But everyone survived.

They. Lost. Everything. 

For the full story of Paul’s shipwreck, read Acts 27.

In this way, I will show my greatness and holiness, and I will make myself known to all the nations of the world. Then they will know that I am the Lord. Ezekiel 38:23

We may think we’re living in tough times. This past year has been a blur, but yet our eyes have been opened wide. Some people have had the worst year of their lives. They’ve lost much, and there seems to be no end in sight. They struggle to make ends meet. Their kids are still schooling from home. Unemployment has dwindled or dried up. Thousands of jobs have been eliminated. Families have lost loved ones and haven’t been able to say goodbye.

In this life, as believers, we will struggle. But we persevere with God’s help. God is bigger and stronger than all our earthly struggles. He will see us through the best and the worst of times. In this storm of life, God is calling us to go deeper into our relationship with him. Let’s not just serve God on the surface. Let’s not just serve God on Sunday mornings. Let’s be faithful to him when we need him most. He will not waver or falter. Let’s hold onto him.

We will go through rough seasons in our lives. We may stand to lose everything. We may face loss of life and/or livelihood. But we will survive.  In the midst of the storms of life, God is still speaking. He is still guiding us. We must listen closely and do as he says. We must toss aside the things of life that are slowing us down. We must shift our focus on staying close to God and and obeying him.

Do you feel as if you’re in the worst storm of your life? Are waves of doubt and fear crashing in all around you? Do you fear you may not survive this storm? Have you had to toss aside all the extra baggage that you’ve clung to for security and pride? Have you prepared for the storm? Have you dug deep into God’s Word and filled up with His goodness and mercy? Are you ready for the storm that’s brewing?

And just maybe. Maybe it’s time to stop and count the number of times that God has been with us through other storms. Let’s slow down and remember God’s goodness. His faithfulness. Oh. We may not come out of the storm in the same shape we entered it. We may not come out unscathed. But we can survive and move forward one more time. Let’s remember that the God who helped us in the past will help us in the present and in the future. He never changes.

If we listen for God’s voice and obey, we will be safe in the storm. Oh. The waves may roll and the winds may blow. But God is faithful and stronger than any storm we face. We live in confidence of better things to come. We live in the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. We don’t have to suffer in shame. We know that on the day of resurrection, Jesus Christ will receive us into his glory. Let’s live with that bold grace and confidence.

This could be your time. That breakthrough could be tomorrow, or it could be next year. But, you have the opportunity to turn however you’re being tested into a testimony. So many heroes were wounded deeply before they were used greatly!

Tim Tebow

Points of Light

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A former President used a phrase in different speeches that called for organizations spread throughout the nation to do good. He asked for people to get involved. He called for a thousand points of light. After he left office, he founded an organization with the same name.

Here’s what he said.

I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. We will work hand in hand, encouraging, sometimes leading, sometimes being led, rewarding. We will work on this in the White House, in the Cabinet agencies. I will go to the people and the programs that are the brighter points of light, and I will ask every member of my government to become involved. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.

George H.W. Bush

It’s a great idea. A thousand points of life. But what does it mean? Does it make any sense? Does it have any meaning in light of current events? This man was on a mission to find willing men and women who would work together to do good.

I am on a mission to find believers who are willing to be a point of light in their neighborhood. In their schools. In their communities. In their churches. Are there people who will stand for truth at all costs?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

As a believer, we have many opportunities to let our lights shine. When we serve the poor, our light is shining. When we give to the needy, our light is shining. When we are persecuted for standing for truth. When we speak words of truth in a conversation filled with lies. When we share our God-given gifts. When we live a biblical life, our light is shining. Let’s shine our light for the world to see.

Duty. A Christian must pray. We must pray about everything. We must pray that the lost seek a relationship with God. We must pray for those who hurt us. We must seek forgiveness for our sins. We must pray for our spiritual, business and government leaders. Whether we agree with them or not. We must pray for our nation to return to God.

As believers, we can’t live this life without God’s help. We can’t do it on our own. We must turn to God on a regular basis to seek His will and His guidance. We can’t serve God alone and in our own strength.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

As Christians, we must forgive those who have wronged us. We must lay down our desire for revenge and forgive others. Forgiving others isn’t an option for those who call themselves believers. We must ask God to give us a heart of forgiveness, grace and mercy.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32

Sacrifice. We must give ourselves to serving God, at all costs. We must stand strong against the false teachings that are being shared these days. We must live a holy life. That means putting aside the desire to be accepted by those who don’t follow Christ’s teachings. There must be an obvious difference in how we conduct our lives. In the words we say. In the activities we participate in. In the ways we spend our money. What sets us apart may cost us everything in this life, but will reap us an eternal reward. Are we up for the challenge?

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:1-2

Commitment. Be faithful to God. As believers, we must grow in our relationship with him. We must commit to doing the things Jesus would do. Love others. Forgive. Serve others. At the end of our lives, we need to be able to say we have fought the fight. We have finished the race. We have kept the faith. Our lives must be consistent with Christ’s teaching.

And may you be completely faithful to the Lord our God. May you always obey his decrees and commands, just as you are doing today. 1 Kings 8:61

Patriotism. We on this earth are looking for a homeland. We are strangers and exiles on this earth. Heaven is our home. We must stay true to biblical principles. We can’t let scoffers and mockers dismantle our beliefs. Let’s hold our light high so others can see that our faith won’t be swayed by the evil deeds and words of others. Read the Bible. Attend church. Spend time with those of the faith. Spend much time in prayer. Faithfully support our church with financial offerings.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20

As Jesus is the light of the world, so too must we be a light.  We must never try to hide our light when we’re being ridiculed or mocked. In this day of trouble, others are looking for the light but they don’t recognize it. We must be that beacon of hope for them. 

This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine.

A Prayer for the Nation

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Dear Heavenly Father,

I thank you for the freedom this great country was founded on. For over two hundred years, we have been afforded the right to freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to live as we choose. For that we are grateful, as we see so many other nations that have repressed and oppressed their citizens. I fear we as a nation are moving toward censorship and persecution of Your faithful followers. Grant us the wisom to follow your ways.

 I pray for the one who now sits in the oval office to have a clear mind and a strong body. For he needs to give this country his best efforts. I pray that his attentions will be undivided as he leads this land. May he be for the values that center around faith, family and country. May he put God first in his every waking breath. I pray that he will seek to be morally and ethically pure. That he will listen for the still small voice guiding him toward truth and purity. May his intentions, thoughts, words and actions be pleasing in your sight, Oh Lord my Rock and my Redeemer. May we honor his position and show respect for him, as well as the one who is a heartbeat away from the same position.

I pray that the new administration will not turn their back on your mighty hand of leading. I pray they will humbly seek your face. For it is arrogance and shamelessness that will cause a nation to fall from your grace. I pray that they will lead without reproach. Open their hearts to seek you and to find you when they seek you with their whole hearts.

I pray for those who stand for stopping heartbeats that have never beat on their own. I pray that the hearts of those individuals will once again beat for the unborn. Oh. That they would seek forgiveness for ending the lives of so many innocent ones. May they have a heart for family values. May they stand for the right to life for all conceived.

I pray for those who seek to push an immoral, ungodly agenda onto this nation. May their plans be thwarted and their goals unrealized. I ask that you place courageous believers in high positions to uphold truth and dignity for a nation founded on godly principles. May they not be swayed by financial offerings or greedy ambition. May they seek only your heart for this great nation.

I pray for those who seek to do harm to the one who has left the highest office in the land. I pray that they will repent of their hatred and venom. Heavenly Father, forgive them when they run to you for forgiveness. And have mercy on their souls when they repent. For they know not what they do. Their hearts have been hardened to the truth. And they no longer seek to show honor where honor is due.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

I pray for the one who has left the oval office. His words and actions have pleased many, but gravely offended others. May he seek your forgiveness even though he believes it isn’t required of him. He too will one day bow before you, as will his accusers. I pray that as he moves to private citizenship that you will guard him from the schemes of the devil. Those of his own making and those who are bent on destroying him. May evil plans not succeed. I pray that you will shield him from danger and protect his family from the evil intent of others. Bless his honest endeavors and may his ventures succeed.

I pray that any hypocrisy and corruption will be exposed at the highest levels. I pray for truth to be shared and applauded and evil to be on full display and punished to the full letter of the law.  Root out the evil and wickedness while it is still day. For the night will fall and the lost will not be saved. Father, heal this nation.

You alone, Father, know the plans you have for this great nation. Have we squandered the good from our children’s future? Will they suffer for the sins of their forefathers? Will they be prepared for the persecution that may fall upon them? Draw their hearts to you. God have mercy, I beg.

Is this change in leadership our final call to repentance? Is this our last opportunity for revival? Father, set our hearts toward our eternal home. For our only hope is in you. Not in a man sitting in a basement or in an oval office. Deliver us from the hypocrisy that is feeding our newsrooms.

 Oh. I pray for believers to desperately seek you while you may be found. May we repent of our selfish ways. May we have contrite and humble hearts. Show us your grace and mercy, I pray. Forgive us for abusing your grace. We so take it for granted.

I pray for those who ignore you. And for those who blaspheme your name. When they finally bow before your throne and call you Lord one day, may they see the folly of their ways. Will you have mercy on their souls or will you allow the harshest eternal punishment? You are Lord and You are God. Your ways are higher than our ways. Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Do as you will.

I find myself reaching more and more for my Bible. God, I’m searching for reassurance that you are faithful when our country is faithless. I yearn for the peace that only You can give. I seek comfort in knowing that my heavenly Father loves me even when I am unlovely.

Father, I pray that the revival will begin with me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

Who To Believe

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I get massages on a regular basis. Out of need. Of course. I have a scar that has built up scar tissue, and it causes much tightness in my shoulder. So, of course, when the massage therapist advised me to get monthly massages, I obliged. Who wouldn’t? I also have some trouble with my right foot. The muscles get tight, which makes walking uncomfortable. She suggested I keep my feet in their natural state as much as possible. Basically, I shouldn’t wear shoes.

I love this massage therapist. She pursues training in new massage techniques. She uses several different methods to help provide relief to my tight and aching muscles. She seems to work magic. I walk away from her sessions feeling relaxed and renewed.

When this massage therapist moved away a few years ago, I had to find another. I had to find someone else who would be able to provide as much relief for my problems as she had given. It was a difficult task. But I found someone who worked in different ways to achieve the same results. This massage therapist is a man with much strength. He is determined to remove all the tightness from my muscles. His massages aren’t relaxing, but they are effective. They are just what I need.

But he gives different advice. As he was working on my tight right foot the other day, he asked if I wore shoes. I said no. Since I’m working from home, I only wear shoes when I leave the house. He didn’t seem pleased with that news. He acted as if my feet would be better off in shoes, rather than in their natural state.

Who am I to believe? Why wouldn’t allowing my feet to be in their natural state be better than being boxed into a shape formed by man or machine? Would my feet be better off walking on more padding? Should I choose what feels more comfortable or what is easiest for me? How am I to know what is right?

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Psalms 73:26

I think of my daily walk with God. What words am I feeding my soul? Am I getting a daily dose of God’s word in my diet? Or am I filling my mind full of words written by man about the Bible? There is a lot of truth out there. But there is also a lot of false teaching. My first line of defense must always be God’s word. It’s time to put away the junk food and feast on banquet food.

As I consider how best to care for my feet, I have a choice. What is easiest or what is most effective? Am I willing to pay the price now to have healthy feet, or do I just slip my feet into flimsy flip flops and be carefree? Because later, after years of neglect, there will be a much heavier price.

When I think of my spiritual life, I must consider the price I’m willing to pay today in order to be welcomed into the pearly gates of heaven one day. Is the price today so high that I forfeit it for comfort and pride? If I don’t pay the price today, I will pay it for eternity. The price today is a bargain, really. Serving God faithfully. Obeying his instructions. What do I have to lose? That seems to be the question these days.

I’ve never suffered for being a follower of Jesus. I’ve never been inconvenienced for my faith. I’ve never been persecuted or threatened because I attend church or read my Bible or pray. I’ve never been denied the basic comforts of life because I’m a Christian.

Could that day come? Yes. Will it? Only time will tell. But as for today, I will live for Christ regardless of any discomfort I may face in the future. My hope is in God Almighty and the salvation he freely offered.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here, in the love of Christ, I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save
‘Til on that cross, as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin, on him, was laid
Here, in the death of Christ, I live

There in the ground, his body lay
Light of the world, by darkness, slain
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave, he rose again
And as he stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am his and he is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Could ever pluck me from his hand
‘Til he returns or calls me home
Here, in the power of Christ, I stand

Keith and Kristyn Getty

Do You Blush

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The ending of a prayer this week has sparked a new controversy. Or shall I say. It has added fuel to the fire. Who doesn’t know that saying Amen at the end of a prayer isn’t a statement of gender identification. In an effort to be politically correct, this former pastor made a mockery of himself, not of prayer or faith. And the fact that a former minister is the one saying the prayer says so much about how lost this great nation truly is. Can we honestly say we are a nation under God? Can we?

On a daily basis, the news is streaming acts of ungodliness without shame. As a nation, we are no longer ashamed of our sins. We no longer blush over wrongdoing or apologize for our sins. We do not heed the warning of our conscience any longer. To say that we’ve lost our way is an understatement. Is it possible for this great nation to repent and return to worshipping God? Who is the god of this nation?

Are they ashamed of their disgusting actions? Not at all—they don’t even know how to blush! Therefore, they will lie among the slaughtered. They will be brought down when I punish them,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 6:15

We are clearly living in an upside-down world where right is wrong and wrong is right, where moral is immoral and immoral is moral, where good is evil and evil is good, where killing murderers is wrong, but killing innocent babies is right.

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What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. Isaiah 5:20

Just recently, I realized that I had accepted a belief that didn’t align with Scripture. After voicing that belief to another, I felt my spirit checked to reconsider what I felt was truth. As I realized I had bought into a lie, I knew I needed to repent and follow biblical truth. What I learned was that I need to test every belief to see if it aligns with Scripture. If it doesn’t, I need to pray for forgiveness and turn my thoughts and beliefs toward God.

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? Jeremiah 17:9

We’ve forgotten how to disagree. Nowadays, it seems that we all must agree on a subject or we can’t be trusted. We kill unborn babies in the womb up to the day of delivery. We’ve come to the conclusion that there are more than two genders. Some have gone so far as to demand a change in the way pronouns are used.

The nuclear family is in jeopardy. We no longer blush about making the holy commands of God unholy. We applaud same sex marriage and call it equality. We congratulate our child who wants to change their gender. When was the last time we stood against the destruction of our sacred family values? 

We proudly congratulate an unmarried couple on their pregnancy. It’s assumed that at some point an unmarried couple will live together before marriage. But do they know what God says about such matters? Does anyone care anymore?

We think nothing of spewing out four letter words. We show a falsely perfect family life on social media. And yet we applaud those who have publicly announced the deconstruction of their faith. 

We’ve stopped reading God’s Word. We don’t even know the most repeated Bible stories. We can’t pass down biblical truths that we’ve never learned.

And we call ourselves Christians. 

“Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: I am planning disaster for you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.” But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires.” Jeremiah 18:11-12

At times, we choose comfort over truth. My question is why are we comfortable with lies? And how does that happen? How long does it take before we have exchanged the truth for a lie? Why do we stay silent when we know the truth?

We’ve forgotten how to spot the lies that we hear or see. False and exaggerated stories fill the news. We don’t look for the truth. We accept what we’re told as gospel. Especially if it’s comfortable for us. 

Why do we choose comfort over truth? Is it because we don’t know truth anymore?

I’m blushing over here. Are you?