God

The Story of God is True

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It was Wednesday night, and I sat in the sanctuary beside one of my Awana kids. It was lesson time for the Sparks (K-2). Our leader was telling the story of salvation and Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. Suddenly, this first grader turned to me and asked in an almost startled voice, “Is the story of God true?” Yes. Yes, Graham, the story of God is true. You mean it’s real? Yes, it real. It’s not fiction? No, it really happened. He was amazed and excited. Apparently, the reality of what he was hearing had just sunk in for the very first time. Hopefully, all the puzzle pieces of the Bible verses and lessons he learned in Awana last year are coming together. And, hopefully soon, he’ll make the decision to become a Christ follower.

This exchange reminded me of the necessity of teaching Bible verses and stories to children. Kids love stories, and they love listening to them over and over. And when they learn that the story really happened. That it’s true. It suddenly takes on a whole new dimension. It takes on real meaning. And they will relive that story in their minds time and time again. And they will tell others.

When kids never have an opportunity to read the Bible or to even hear the Bible stories, they are missing out on so much history and lifelong lessons on morality, ethics, obedience, sin and salvation. They don’t know that God created the earth and all plants and animals and humans in seven days. They don’t know how Daniel survived an overnight stay in a den of lions, because people who hated him wanted him out of their lives. They don’t know that David killed a giant named Goliath with a stone and slingshot. They don’t know that Noah built an ark and put two of every kind of animal in it, along with his family, because a flood was going to cover the entire earth for many, many days. They don’t know that Jonah disobeyed God and was swallowed by a whale, just to be spewed out of his mouth three days later. They don’t know that God’s only son, Jesus, was born to a virgin named Mary. They don’t know that Jesus was put on trial, nailed to a cross and died in order to forgive our sins when we repented. They don’t that Jesus chose twelve men to be his disciples and spread the good news of salvation. They don’t know that Jesus is coming to gather his followers so they can spend eternity together. And there are so many more stories the kids will never know. Stories like the Sermon on the Mount. The miracles of Jesus. Saul’s conversion and missionary trips. John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus’ ministry. They don’t know about all the prophecies that have been told, and that many have come to pass and the remaining ones will in good time. They don’t know what they’re missing.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5-7

We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments. Psalm 78:4-7

How will kids know that they need to repent of their sins if no one tells them? How will they ever hear the Good News of salvation if they’re never in church or with followers of Christ? Who will tell them if their parents choose not to attend church or read the Bible to them? How will they know? And how will they pass down the need for salvation to their own children if they don’t hear it first?

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

And we wonder why the world is so topsy turvy. We wonder why today’s culture believes dangerous ideologies. We wonder why people are resorting to horrible crimes and violent tendencies. We wonder why there is an abundance of evil and corruption in the world. We wonder why people don’t know the story of God. Perhaps they’ve heard it and rejected it. Perhaps no one has ever shared the Good News with them. Perhaps it’s time to do so. Perhaps it’s time to wake up and move beyond the fear of being rejected by our unbelieving peers and family members and present the Truth to them before it’s too late. Perhaps it’s time for Christians to get out of their comfort zone and start sharing the Good News.

So yes, Graham. The story of God is true. It actually happened. All of it. And you can choose to accept it or not. It’s your choice. But know this. If you reject it, you will not spend eternity with God. But if you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior and follow him, you will be with him for eternity. So choose wisely.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15

The Sanctity of Life

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Just yesterday, I attended the celebration of life service for an infant who didn’t survive the womb. Stillborn. Her life was cut so short that she was alive only in the womb. She died pre-born. Her parents are devastated, to say the least. She was very much wanted by this loving couple. Their first child buried before her due date. That precious life that was cut short before it really began was sacred. That child’s life was determined and ordained by God. Only he knows why her life did not go beyond the womb.

The service was beautiful. The gospel message was shared. Beautiful music filled the sanctuary. Friends and family came to pay their respects to a child they never knew. Many photos of this child were shared. Photos of her alone. And photos with her parents. I must say. Some may have been taken aback by the photo display, but they are a precious memory the parents will savor for a lifetime. Those photos told the story of a life cut far too short. They told the truth of a life not ready to be lived outside her mother’s womb. But that photo montage also told a story of love that those young parents have for their child. A beautiful love that will last a lifetime, but now cemented in death.

Those photos were also the vivid evidence that a pre-born child is fully human. That this pre-born child was fully formed and a person. If anyone had doubts before seeing the photos, there absolutely could be no question now. To say a baby forming in her mother’s womb is not a person is to deny reality. And this display proved it without a doubt.

When the parents, with tears streaming down their faces, carried the casket down the aisle, there was not a dry eye in the church. It was a tender moment to see them to carry their child one last time.

What makes life sacred? What does that sacredness demand? And what are its limits?

What does it mean that God made mankind in his own image? What does that mean for us? Human life has inherent value not because of what a person does, but because of what they are. They are a bearer of God’s image. As image bearers, we are designed to know and love God, as well as live under his rule. We are made to worship God.

Earlier this week, I read of parents in the Netherlands who allowed their nearly two-year old daughter to be euthanized. Why? She was born prematurely and had severe epilepsy, cerebral palsy and brain damage, along with other debilitating conditions. This was not the termination of a pregnancy, mind you. This was the deliberate act of ending the life of a toddler who had no say in the matter. All because of severe disabilities. We shudder at the thought. Don’t we?

Some say this was a grave ethical violation. Many others say it was murder. And still others call it justified.

You must not murder. Exodus 20:13

Earlier this year, a popular YouTuber and his wife proudly and publicly announced the impending birth of their first child. They were excited, to say the least. Then tests showed that the child was to be born with an extra chromosome. Trisomy 21. Downs syndrome. They chose to end the pregnancy. And they’ve staunchly defended their actions. Defiance and pride have somehow allowed them to push aside their joy and excitement of becoming parents. They didn’t want a child who would be totally dependent on them, so they terminated the life growing in the womb.

Isn’t life still sacred even though the body may be disabled or disfigured? Or, if someone is mentally ill or faces lifelong challenges? That body houses a living person with a heartbeat and a soul. So, does life stop being sacred when it doesn’t fit our definition of a full and acceptable life? Have we gotten to the place that life must be easy and convenient in order for it to be good? If someone can’t contribute as we expect them to or be self-sufficient, are they unworthy to live? These lives have value. They are not disposable.

We have forgotten that God knew us in our mother’s womb. He’s ordained each of our days and knows everything about us. Even the disabilities and deformities he knows and allows.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! Psalms 139:13-18

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-27

We’ve heard of the mother who killed her three young children and then tried to end her own life. Her case ended in a mistrial. The jury couldn’t come to a unanimous decision. One juror wouldn’t be swayed by the bullying of eleven others to declare her not guilty by reason of insanity. He’s now been doxed and threatened because he stood strong on his beliefs. He’s been made to look like the bad guy.

And in a copycat situation, another woman ended the life of her two-year old after becoming invested in the sympathy being shown to the first woman. She’s now charged with murder. Let’s hope and pray that a trend is not on the horizon.

When you make killing children in the womb all the way until birth a religious sacrament, as the Left has, you inevitably slide down the slippery slope. ~Nate Jackson

And another sad reality is that now we’re applauding the murder of people we disagree with. The UnitedHealthcare CEO who was gunned down in broad daylight. The widely known Christian leader murdered in front of a large group of college students. There are those who rally around the killers and applaud their evil act. We’ve lost the ability to have public discourse on highly debatable topics. If we don’t agree, the person must be destroyed in whatever manner deemed appropriate.

If anyone takes a human life, that person’s life will also be taken by human hands. For God made human beings in his own image. Genesis 9:6

We have really drifted as a society and have normalized what was not supposed to be normal in the name of acceptance and tolerance. ~Anonymous

We’ve normalized the unthinkable, and we continue to slide down the slippery slope of ethical and moral behavior. The slide may not end, but it will continue to escalate. We have to remember that all humanity is created in the image of God. Murder isn’t just a crime against a person. It’s an assault on the image of God himself.

The sixth commandment is pretty clear and basic. You must not murder. Yet we do it without counting the cost. It’s someone’s life that is ended, due to another person’s anger or selfishness. Jesus raises the bar in the Sermon on the Mount when he says you’re subject to judgment if you’re angry with someone. He doesn’t even mince his words when he calls out people who offend others with only their tongue, let alone if they end someone’s life. All life is precious in the sight of God. Not only should we not end another’s life, but we also shouldn’t speak ill against them. The sacredness of life moves away from the hand and into the heart. Gulp.

Jesus came into the world fully human. It’s because of the Incarnate (Son of God in human form) that makes our humanity so sacred. We are the image and property of God, which means that all of life is sacred.

You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. Matthew 5:21-22

And here’s the kicker. We are capable of so much. God made us as reasonable beings. We’re capable of knowing and loving and serving and enjoying him. He made us different from all of his other creation. He made us to think and to reason and determine right from wrong. And deep down, whether we admit it or not, we know who God is and what he expects of us. We choose to ignore it and follow our hearts, which will lead us far astray. And that’s what has been happening ever since Adam and Eve deliberately chose to eat the fruit that God told them not to eat. We’ve been slowly and steadily sliding down a decaying moral and ethical slope.

Here’s the good news. We can stop the slide. We can halt the decay in our own hearts and lives. We can repent and turn our hearts toward God and choose to serve Him only. We can refuse to sin. As Christians, we must live the alternative to cultural demands and expectations. We must not back away from truth and the belief that all lives have value, even the vulnerable ones. We must stand for life.

When Your Heart Skips A Beat

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

What crosses your mind when someone brings up their faith or Christianity or their church service last Sunday? Are you all in for the conversation, or do you try to duck out and spare yourself some grief? Does your heart skip a beat when someone mentions that God is good or that He has answered their prayer in a great and mighty way? Do you want to be swallowed up by the earth at that very moment because you’re uncomfortable with the subject? Or would you be genuinely interested in what they had to say?

Many people, Christian or not, try to avoid conversations about the Bible or church or faith in general. Perhaps they think they’re not educated enough to speak about those issues. Perhaps they don’t have faith and don’t want others to know. Perhaps they are a believer, but don’t want others to know. Some people just want to avoid the topic, no matter what.

If you had been alive during the time of Jesus’ birth, you would have been in one of two camps. Either your heart skipped a beat when you heard the news, because you knew this long awaited event was the best thing that had ever happened to mankind. You knew this was the event that had been promised so many years ago and it had finally happened in your lifetime. This was incredible news! Or. Your heart skipped a beat because you were enraged that someone, and of all things a tiny baby, was said to be the Savior of the world. You knew you would fight this announcement at all costs. Because it just couldn’t be true. How could it be? A baby is no savior. Who cares about the stories of the star in the east and the prophesies of a Messiah. This baby is nothing special, and you were determined to squelch all rumors that he was.

And here’s what we know today. The good news of Jesus Christ’s birth, death and resurrection still causes a mixed reaction. Multitudes experience a life-changing event when they repent of their sins and choose to follow Him. They know their lives have been changed, and they want to let others know. On the other hand, there are many others who reject the good news of salvation and want nothing to do with it. They reject it outright and oppose it as if it were the kiss of death. They will oppose all talk of the subject.

And here’s what we also know. We each have a choice as to how we will handle the news of Christ’s offer of salvation. We can accept it and follow the path to eternal life with him. Or we can reject it, which means we will wallow in sin. And living a sinful life will look different for everyone. The life of someone not following Christ may be very successful and full of material possessions. They may achieve at the highest level of corporate success. They may be able to afford all the latest gadgets and toys and vacations and pleasures that money can afford. But they reject any discussion about the Savior of the world. Success in this life doesn’t mean that someone isn’t a follower of Christ, but it also doesn’t mean they are. And just because someone doesn’t live a life that is questionable doesn’t mean they are living forgiven.

Choose this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

God isn’t afraid of our choices, but he knows the end result of what we choose. After all, he allows his angels to choose and a host of them chose unwisely. And he’s not afraid of skepticism or doubt. That’s normal in life. But when we choose to challenge him, we need to know exactly who and what we’re dealing with. When we choose to ignore him, we need to know the full extent of the choice we’ve just made.

I want to be careful when I say this, but the rejection of Christ is an acceptance of the evil one himself, Satan. Many who reject Christ may say they’re not Satan lovers, but they’ve rejected Christ. So who do they think they’re following if it’s not Christ? I know. It’s an uncomfortable thought, and it may sound harsh. Most people who don’t accept the teachings of Christ don’t claim to be Satan worshippers. They don’t claim to follow the leader of the underworld. They may believe they are self-made and self-fulfilled and don’t need God in their lives. They don’t know the capabilities of the one who thought he could out-God God. They don’t know that he lost in his quest of self importance and pride to de-throne God. And that’s exactly why he’s no longer living in the presence of God Almighty. They don’t know that God threw him and his host of angels out of heaven and has doomed them to an eternity in hell. His name was Lucifer, and he was once a high ranking angel. Now he’s known as Satan and is the leader of darkness.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death. Revelation 12:7-11

How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. I will climb to the highest heavens and be like the Most High.’ Instead, you will be brought down to the place of the dead, down to its lowest depths. Isaiah 14:12-15

Many call themselves Christians, yet they haven’t repented of their sins. But Christianity is a humbling act of confession and turning from all sinful behavior. It’s a commitment to living a life in fellowship with Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground. If we haven’t chosen Christ as our Lord and Savior, he will not recognize us on the day we stand in judgment before him.

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’ Matthew 25:41

In Joshua 24:14-28, Joshua implored the Israelites to choose to serve the Lord, and they promised they would. He knew exactly what punishment would lie ahead for them if they turned their backs on God. He told them plainly that he and his household would serve the Lord, and they must choose who they would serve. Just as Joshua chose and all of Israel had to choose, so does everyone else even today. Who do you choose to follow? One more question. When you’re face to face with God on judgment day, will your heart skip a beat because you’re being ushered into his presence for eternity or because you’re not?

For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

The World Will Know That There is a God

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We’ve heard it all over the news. The United States has struck a deal with Iran. Oh. The negotiations were headed by a team from Pakistan. One Muslim country worked with another Muslim country and a “Christian” country to sign the memorandum of understanding. For the record, it’s not a peace deal. We can only hope that it results in peace. We have to wonder if there will actually be peace. Will Iran forever put aside their plan to make a nuclear weapon? Or, are they just playing games? Were they just saying the appropriate words they knew everyone wanted to hear? Are they sincere? Only time will tell, but we had better hope that this is the real deal. If not, I’m afraid the consequences will be far worse than we could even imagine. Again, time will tell.

Apparently, there are still ongoing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. One news article I read quoted a well-known senator, who expressed concern that the U.S. and Iranian governments had different definitions of what they had agreed to. Could be. Not everyone has the same definition for the same word these days. And cultural practices and expectations can also thwart true understanding of an issue.

I’ve been reading reports about this truce and the potential fallout. There was already a hiccup when Israel struck Beirut. Iran threatened to retaliate, and the US made a statement against Israel. It was a back and forth and back and forth in the negotiation process. Not everyone wants to play nice. And here’s the main thing about the entire deal, the US knows that Iran follows a religion that approves of lying. So, trust is on very shaky ground. Even now. And Pakistan stood steady trying to prevent sabotage of any kind from either party. American diplomacy alone could not seal the deal. It took an outside force to finalize the truce. The formal signing was set for Friday, June 19th in Switzerland, but was then cancelled when the documents were signed electronically earlier in the week.

Now, some may ask which side won. You can be sure each side will take ownership of the winning bracket, regardless of the reality. In this situation, are there any winners? Is that the point? Peace is the point. No nuclear weapons or capability for a country known to brutalize its own people, let alone the rest of the world, is the point. But somehow, that main issue has been set aside. For what? People have been killed and persecuted for years by a hedonistic regime, and many knew it was time to stop them. For years, no one did any thing to stop the horrific treatment of a Persian people by an Islamic regime. This war has been costly on every side. And it impacts the world in ways we haven’t really seen yet. We must hope and pray that the issue is settled once and for all, but let’s not hedge our bets on it.

Here’s the main problem. Iran has definitely been weakened, but not defeated. The leadership regime has not been removed from power. The people of that Persian nation are still at risk of persecution and death. Is the country better off now than it was before the conflict began? Will the nation still be able to rebuild nuclear capabilities at some point in the future? If so, what was the point of all this conflict? The nation of Iran also has a history of not keeping their word. And they haven’t agreed to eliminate their nuclear capabilities.

These global issues may seem to be manmade. They are long standing and deeply rooted in darkness. Deep down, there’s a dark spiritual aspect that’s being played out. When global leaders and nations turn against God, it can only be expected that evil will prevail. The world needs to know that there is a Savior. There is still a God who is in control in evil times and even when evil leaders pursue those who stand against them. No one is above God’s commands, and all will answer to him. No one nation has all the answers and performs fully in line with God. That’s the nature of mankind. Unfortunately. We can’t trust any one in power to be God for us. We must look to God alone. There will come a day when all mankind will bow to God Almighty, and the world will know without a doubt that there is a God.

The whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 1 Samuel 17:46

You may know the story of David and Goliath. David was from the tribe of Judah in Israel. Goliath was from the country of Philistia. The history of the two countries’ disagreements starts long before these two men faced off. The conflict between the Israelites and Philistines was initially about the territory of Canaan and religious and cultural differences between the two nations. When the Israelites left Egypt under Pharoah’s hot pursuit, God promised the land of Canaan as their future home. God also required the Israelites, once they arrived in their new land, to eliminate everyone living there. Everyone. God didn’t want his chosen people to be enticed to worship any other god but himself. He knew the failings of mankind, and he wanted his people to have no part of idol worship.

The story, of course, has a twist because the Israelites didn’t eliminate every last person from Canaan. And the remaining people worshipped other gods. As the Israelites moved into their designated territories in Canaan, they met and befriended the locals. And, of course, they intermarried and began worshipping gods other than the One True God. Just as God had forewarned, his chosen people headed down a dark and evil path moving further from him.

Throughout the years, Israel’s army fought different battles with the Philistines. Some they won. Others they lost. And now Saul, the first king of Israel, had led his men to a battle with the opposition. A giant in the Philistine army would come out to taunt the Israelite army every day. He was big and bad and had killed many men. He seemed fearless and egotistical. All of Israel’s army ran from his presence. Until the day David came along bringing fresh supplies to his brothers and saw what was happening. He saw the men’s fears, and he wanted a piece of the action.

David had a deep faith in God, and he was also a mighty warrior in his own right. Oh. He had never fought a battle with other men. But he had killed lions and bears preying on the sheep in his pasture. He knew how to defend what was rightfully his, and he did it willingly and skillfully. He had no fears about facing the giant all his fellow warriors ran from. So he offered himself to fight this giant named Goliath. If you know the story, you know that he stood facing this warrior with only a few stones and a sling. But when he pulled that stone back in the slingshot and let go, it found its mark. Right in the middle of the giant’s forehead. Goliath came toppling down. David then picked up Goliath’s sword and finished him off. Israel had won the battle. All because a young man had faith in a God he couldn’t see, but knew that this God would stand with him in the toughest fight of his life.

Before David shot the fateful stone into the forehead of Goliath, he gave the speech of a lifetime. He let Goliath know that God would be the victor that day, and no one else could claim the victory. I’m sure Goliath scoffed as he heard David claim victory before it actually occurred. But after that stone pierce his forehead, the giant fell face forward into the soil. What Goliath thought was an innocent act of bravery by a shepherd turned into his face to face meeting with God Almighty. It was in that moment that he stood in front of his Maker giving an account for his life and every action he had taken and every word he had spoken. There was no time to repent. Goliath was dead.

David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

David knew the match up between himself and Goliath wasn’t about his skill. It was a statement to let everyone watching know that God was real and active. David didn’t wait for conditions to be favorable or for Goliath’s daily threats to make sense. He stepped into an impossible situation and trusted in the God he knew and who had defended him in the past. He trusted that God would show up in his moment of need, just as he had every other time David called on him. And God led him to defeat a self-important giant of a bully. God saved the nation of Israel that day, using a young man who was obedient in the time of trouble.

The situation in Iran has few similarities to David and Goliath’s story. In one situation, both parties claim victory. In the other story, there was a definite victor and a definite defeat. Headless bodies don’t get up and walk away. But parties that haven’t been eliminated live to fight another day.

What does this say to us today? There will always be factions at war with each other. Country against country. Man against man. Man against evil. Man against good. And man against God. Does the world that you inhabit know that you serve a real and active God? Do the people you associate with on a regular basis see God working for you and through you in every battle you face? Have you bowed to the God of the universe and vowed to follow him and eradicate all sin from your life? Do you turn your back on temptations and ungodly desires? Do you stand strong in the face of giants who want to destroy you and what you stand for? God is on your side and will defend you and strength you in your times of trouble.

Does the world that you live in on a daily basis know that there is a God because of the way you live your life?

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

You can read the full story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17.

God’s Word Will Prevail

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Imagine living in the days of Abraham. God instructed Abraham to leave his family’s homeland and go to a new country. God promised to make of him a great nation during his time in the land of Canaan. There were two problems to that promise, at least in the mind of Abraham. He and his wife were old. And they were childless. During his time in Canaan, Abraham had had a son with his wife’s servant girl. God specifically told him that the great nation would come from him and his wife, Sarah. Not the son of the slave. So Abraham trusted God. And twelve years later, Sarah became pregnant. Sure enough, they had a son and named him Isaac. Just as God had promised.

The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” Genesis 12:1-3

Isaac later took a wife named Rebekah, and they had two sons, Jacob and Esau. God had told Rebekah during her pregnancy that the older son would serve the younger one. And, as God’s promises always come to pass, Esau served Jacob. Of course, their story came with several twists and turns of deceit by Jacob and a burning hatred for him by Esau. But God’s promise stood firm.

Jacob later became the victim of deceit by his own father-in-law. This man had two daughters and had promised the second one to Jacob. But, lo and behold, Jacob was deceived and married the older daughter, Leah because the older always marries before the younger one. He had to work seven more years to earn the woman he loved. Together with Leah and Rachel and their two handmaids, Jacob became the father of twelve sons. Those sons became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. Thus the great nation God had promised to Abraham was formed. Today, their descendants are the Jewish people.

Imagine living in the days of the early church. The majority of the twelve disciples were met with a violent death at the hands of those who opposed their teaching. They knew their lives were in danger. They knew their days were numbered. But they continued to travel from town to town, preaching the Good News that Jesus had shared with them. They had been called to preach the Good News to everyone, Jew and Gentile, and they did so even at the cost of their own lives.

Think of the day of Pentecost, which was basically the birth of the New Testament church. It was a one-day event, yet it had a huge impact on the church and the spread of the gospel. But it didn’t solve the world’s problems of that day. Stephen was later martyred. Many believers were persecuted, thrown in prison and killed. Regardless of the pain and suffering that occurred because of the opposition they faced, the teachings of Jesus were still widely spread. And the growth of the church continued at a rapid pace. The glory belonged to God, even during the suffering of the church.

Though the gospel was preached in the midst of much conflict, it continued to increase and prevail mightily. Multitudes turned from worshipping idols to serving the true living God. Consider today the growth of the underground church in countries hostile to Christianity. It’s growing at a tremendous rate, while the western world shrugs its shoulders and turns its back on God.

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 1 Thessalonians 2:2

So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily. Acts 19:20

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

And yet. After all those many, many years, the truth of God’s Word still stands.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:12-13

Now here we are living in the days of excessive social media and AI, along with cultural and political disarray. We can’t live in fear of the unknown. We can’t live in fear of not knowing what will happen in the near or distant future in this country or world. Why do we want to put that level of pressure on ourselves?

We must realize that the gospel is being preached amid the conflict and chaos of our times. God’s word will not return void. As Allie Beth Stuckey says, “God’s eternal plan of redemption is going off without a hitch.” He knows exactly what is happening with the war in Ukraine, the war in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, the upcoming midterm elections, the economy, the death of Charlie Kirk and everything else. He sees and he knows, and he is holding the world in the palm of his hands. Yes. He loves everyone in the universe, and he wants each of us to turn to him. He wants us to repent of our sins and follow his ways. But he loves us so much that he’s given us the choice. So, regardless of how we choose to live our lives, and regardless of how seriously we mess up this world and our lives, he still loves us. And he’s waiting for us to turn to him. And regardless of the chaos and confusion of today’s world, God has ordained all our moments. He knew exactly what life would be like for us right now. And he’s allowed it. So, if he knows and allows it, we can trust him.

God rarely reveals himself directly. He very rarely proves himself through positives. He usually proves himself through negatives. The presence of evil is one of the great arguments on behalf of God. Evil is a thing that we get to experience in the world. Because it exists, we get to experience what goodness is. ~Jeremy Boreing, Relatable podcast Episode 1347

Don’t think that God isn’t trustworthy because life isn’t going according to your five year plan. God’s ways are better than anything we can plan or imagine. Some people just enjoy hearing themselves talk. They think too highly of themselves. God isn’t like that. When he says something. When he promises something. It will come to pass. Not necessarily in our time or on our terms. But in God’s holy, ultimate plan and timing, his word will be fulfilled. He does not speak empty words. Every sentence written in the Bible is reliable. Every last letter and stoke of the pen has a meaning, and it will be fulfilled.

For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Matthew 5:18

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

Invited Guests

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We were invited to a Christmas party by a host we didn’t know. And we knew none of the other invited guests. It was quite interesting to say the least. We were the strangers entering a home where most everyone knew someone else. It felt a bit awkward at first walking into a house full of unknowns, but we managed to meet some interesting people. The house felt a bit cramped with such a large crowd, and the host informed me that they wished they had made the kitchen and dining room bigger when they were building the house over twenty years ago. At the time, they were expecting their third child. Then a fourth came along a few years later. Now in a few months, they’ll be empty nesters.

The house was overflowing with talking, laughter and food. Their youngest son, who is a musician, played for the crowd. The mini concert was beautiful, but it caused even more noise in the cramped space. Some people who were already living with hearing loss felt as if they had lost even more of their hearing that night. But we all continued talking.

We met a couple who had moved here from San Diego four years ago. They said they didn’t miss anything about their life out west. They had settled into this neighborhood we were visiting and loved it. She was working remotely, but was planning to retire soon. They were building onto their house. She said they had attended our church for a bit when they first moved here, but it wasn’t the right fit. They have since found a “theologically conservative” church a little farther away.

Another woman has been single more years than she had been married, and she didn’t expect that to change anytime soon. She said she met the hosts at church. She enjoys visiting her daughter at work on Sunday evenings for dinner.

Then we met a couple who attends our church. I’ve never seen them before in my life, but there they were. After talking for a time, we discovered we had attended the same college a few years apart. And we even knew some of the same people. The wife has had two cornea transplants in the past year, and her husband is losing his hearing. But they love life and enjoy camping in nice weather.

The hosts were very pleasant people. We talked as if we had known each other for years, even though the wife and I had met only days earlier. And my husband, who is a musician, had a great conversation with the musician son. We had a nice time with a group of strangers that evening. After all, friends start off as strangers.

The house was crowded with standing room only for the latecomers. It was loud with many voices all at the same time. You had to talk loud and listen closely to the person next to you. But somehow it worked. Everyone took it in stride. There was no pushing or shoving, just polite jostling as people struggled to get from here to there. People moved cautiously through the space carrying plates of food and cups of warm wassail. It was a pleasant evening in the midst of strangers.

It’s the holiday season and people are being merry and bright. Festivities abound this time of year, and it doesn’t hurt to meet new people who are celebrating the birth of our Savior.

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Luke 2:10

This time of year is when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I think about the trip Mary and Joseph took that led them on an adventure of a lifetime.

I wonder what thoughts and fears were swirling in the minds of Mary and Joseph when they learned they must go to Bethlehem. I wonder what strangers accompanied them as they set off for Bethlehem. They couldn’t have been traveling alone. After all, Augustus had authorized a census to be taken throughout the Roman empire. Every man was forced to return to his ancestral town to register himself and his family. There must have been hordes of people on the roads going in different directions during that time. There must have been much confusion and anxiety in the preparations for travel.

But a couple in their situation, engaged to be married and pregnant with her first child, it would have been very unusual to travel together. Yet, here they were. Traveling to a distant place where Joseph’s ancestors were born. I wonder. Did he still have family in Bethlehem? Did he know anyone there who could assist them in any way?

Mary and Joseph were most likely surrounded by strangers. They intermingled with them and made acquaintances as they traveled. And they kept traveling. Others could see that Mary was heavy with child. Who knows if they offered assistance. They didn’t know that this couple traveling weren’t yet wed. They didn’t ask. And I’m sure Mary and Joseph didn’t tell. They were all on a journey to be counted. All familiar yet unfamiliar. Even Mary and Joseph not yet married. They knew each other, yet they didn’t. They had never lived together, yet they were alone in a crowd sharing the most intimate of times. Tied together through a betrothal and a pregnancy all begotten by God.

And when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, all the inns were full. People who arrived first got first pick of the best places to lay their head. By the time the couple arrived, there was no room for them. Oh. I’m sure they weren’t the only ones stranded out in the open. But a bigger problem was that Mary was heavily pregnant. Due at any time. What were they to do?

They eventually found a space to keep them sheltered from the elements. It could have been a barn. Or a cave. It was in fact a stable for the cattle. That’s where they lay their heads. And as it would happen, Mary delivered this child of God. Born in a stable in the dark of night. Was anyone with them to help her? Or were she and Joseph all alone? We don’t really know.

But there were people out and about. In the fields, shepherds were watching their sheep. Suddenly an angel was hovering in their presence. And he spoke words of joy and blessing to them. After he shared the good news that the Promised Messiah had been born, a host of angels joined him singing and praising God. Then this band of weary shepherds went to find the babe in the town of Bethlehem, just right where they were told he would be found. He would be in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. And he was.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14

Oh. Mary and Joseph weren’t alone for long. As this strange band of shepherds burst into the stable, there was the baby just as they had been told. He looked like any other baby. A newborn. But they knew he was different. And they bowed to worship him. I’m sure Mary and Joseph were in awe. How did anyone know they were in the stable and that Mary had just given birth? How did these men know? They weren’t strangers for long, as the men shared how the angels surprised them in the field with the great news of the birth of Jesus.

You can read the full story in Luke 2.

Mary and Joseph encountered these shepherds coming to worship the Messiah. They wanted to pay tribute to their Savior. Little did they know of the life he would lead, but they bowed before him in humble gratitude. Strangers yet kin in spirit.

Later, when the wise men came to call, it was with the same reverence they bowed in worship. As they offered their humble gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, the knowledge of who they were worshipping left them in awe. A small child yet the Savior of the world was in front of them, unaware of the mission of his life. They too were strangers in a foreign land yet bound by the Lord of the universe.

We too can be strangers to the Savior, yet we don’t have to be. We too can bow in worship before him, not only during the season we celebrate his birth, but we can choose to bow before him in submission every day. I pray that your life will be lived in surrender to His will. Don’t be a stranger to the goodness and forgiveness of God. He is the Good News the world has been awaiting.

Crushing Disappointment

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It was the night the Awana kids had been waiting for ever since the opening week. They could wear their Halloween costumes, and they were allowed to spend their hard-earned Awana bucks in the Awana store. They were so excited. They didn’t know what goodies were waiting for them in the store, but they were ready to find out. They were thrilled to see everything on display as they took turns carrying in their fake money and shopping for goods. And when they came back with their prizes, they were beaming.

It was finally the last little boy’s turn for my group. I went with him. He was ready to spend the seven fake dollars he was holding in his hands. But he wanted to save some for the next time the store was open. They only problem was that seven fake dollars don’t buy much in the store of little goodies. There were some big costly prizes to be bought with the right amount of money. And the prices and size of the prizes trickled down to little bits. He had to stay in the little bit section. He looked and looked over all the prizes that were in his price range, but he couldn’t find anything he wanted. Nothing was jumping out at him. And I tried to help him by pointing out toys and goodies he might have missed. But no. Nothing.

And then the most awful thing happened. Someone came to the door of the room and told us that the store was closed. Shopping was done. As I coaxed him out of the room, his head hung dejectedly down to his chest. He had nothing to show for his seven fake dollars. The boy who is usually full of his own self importance was left with nothing. I tried to encourage him by telling him that he had time to earn more money for the next time the store was open. It will be a few months before the store opens again.

The kids can earn Awana bucks by memorizing Bible verses and bringing their Bible, Awana book and vest each week. He sometimes forgets to bring them, and he doesn’t always have a Bible verse memorized. He’s more interested in talking back and writing on the white board. He doesn’t seem to understand that those things don’t earn him any money. He’s only seven, and he may not have much encouragement at home to learn the verses each week. But he can do it if he would put forth the effort. I see some moments of encouragement and goal setting with him in my future.

As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. Philippians 4:15-17

As I was reading my Bible this week, I came across Philippians 4:15-17. It jumped out at me differently this time. I wondered. Did Paul ever feel disappointment in his situation? Did he assume all the churches would financially support him as he sat in prison? Did he believe that the believers in the cities he had travelled to on his missionary journeys would remember him in his time of need?

Paul had been put in prison because of his teachings about Jesus Christ who had appeared to him on the road to Damascus. Paul’s life had been transformed by the saving power of Jesus, and he used every day of his life to tell others about his newfound freedom in Christ. He wanted others to know this Jesus and believe in him, too. But there were those who didn’t agree, and they hated Paul with a vengeance. As he had once hunted followers of Jesus, he found himself being hunted for the same reason. And then he was imprisoned before being killed.

In the book he wrote to the Philippian church, Paul was joyful. As he sat in jail, he showed no signs of disappointment or discouragement. His faith was in Christ alone. He wrote letters to the churches he had visited and ministered to. He would hear along the grapevine how the churches were doing, and he learned of the struggles some of them were experiencing. He wrote to give them words of encouragement and admonishment. He loved those people and hoped and prayed that they would remain faithful to God. Since he couldn’t be with them in person, he did the next best thing by writing letters.

When Paul was in prison, he needed financial support. One church he had ministered to sent him money and supplies on a regular basis. Others sent nothing. He told the church of Philippi that he had learned to be content with nothing and with a lot. He had lived through both extremes and found that God was the sustaining force of his life whether his belly was full or empty. Whether he was warm or cold, he would praise the Lord. His situation would not alter his view of God or his joyfulness.

I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. Philippians 4:12

I wonder though if he ever experienced disappointment in the churches that never helped him out. Did they ever think about him and then ignore his needs? Were they just always so low on cash and supplies that they couldn’t scrape up anything for him? Didn’t they think to plan ahead and set aside a little bit each week to share with him? Did they just not have enough faith to trust God for their needs? Or were they so single minded that they only thought of themselves? Can you imagine him sitting there pining for the generosity of those who had been helped by his teachings? And then getting nothing in return? We never hear of that in his writings.

Unlike my little Awana guy who didn’t plan appropriately enough to earn more money and was greatly disappointed, Paul was joyful regardless of his circumstances. He was thankful for those who prepared ahead of time and faithfully helped him out. He knew that times were tough for them, as well. And he let them know that he was joyful regardless of his situation, and he wanted them to be joyful with him. He didn’t create a list of those who never helped him, and he never chastised them. Even though he knew that this group of believers in Philippi was the only church to send him supplies, he loved the others just the same. He knew that if they shared with him in need, God would bless their generosity. The other churches didn’t know the joy they were missing out on by not helping a fellow believer in need.

Paul’s joyfulness can be a great lesson for us when we become disappointed and disillusioned with others. Our expectations may be out of control and unrealistic, while the actions and words of others may be, as well. Our joy must come from God and God alone; not in our accomplishments, which are fleeting, but in the love and mercy of God our Father. He alone is our present help in trouble. He will not fail or forget us. He stands with us as we stand strong in faithfulness to him.

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!” Nehemiah 8:10

He Knows My Name

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I’ve lived in this house for over a year now. I met my next door neighbor before we even moved in. And soon after we moved, he was added as a contact in my phone. He sold us a water softener system, and he’s been in my house multiple times and offered assistance in many other ways. As I type this, he’s in my garage changing the filters on the water softener. He occasionally calls me to check up on us if he doesn’t see us in the yard. He’s a good neighbor, indeed.

Just last week, I saw a new dentist. The dentist’s office is in my neighbor’s hometown about thirty minutes from where we live. The hygienist told me that she and her husband had grown up in that town, so I mentioned that my neighbor did, too. She asked his name, so I told her. And I told her that he works for the business his dad owns. She knew exactly who I was talking about. After living in a large city for many years, I’m still surprised when I talk to someone I don’t know who knows someone I do know. It doesn’t really happen too often in a large metropolitan area, but it seems to happen quite often around here.

But when I mentioned his name to the hygienist, she corrected me on his last name. For over a year now, I’ve had the wrong last name typed in my contact list. How that happened, I’m not really sure. I knew that I had initially confused the two last names, but I thought I had it correct. All this time, I’ve been wrong. Oh. I’ve never called him by the wrong last name. But I had mistakenly slapped the wrong name on him. I quickly corrected my contact list and made sure to inform my husband, because I had also given him the wrong information.

My neighbor will never know that I got his last name all mixed up. He’ll never know I’ve been calling him one name all the while it’s another one. I would definitely recognize him anywhere I saw him, but I would have gotten his last name wrong. That could have been embarrassing. But I’ve now been corrected, and all is good.

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

God was intentional about creating me. His timing is perfect, and by his hand I was created. He knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb, so of course, he knows my name. He has the most intimate and thorough knowledge of me, more so than anyone else. I’m his creation, and he created me with significance and purpose. God is the one who formed me in my mother’s womb, so he is the one who commissions me to go and serve him and him alone. He knows the plans he has for me.

I don’t have to worry about God forgetting my name or calling me by the wrong name. After all, he created me in his image and named me. He values me and wants to have a relationship with me. God is omniscient, so he knows everything. After all, he even knows the number of hairs on my head.

And just when I seem to forget all that God can do, I’m reminded that he knows when I sit and when I stand. He knows my thoughts. He knows the good and the ugly thoughts I have. Before I even speak, he knows what I will say. And he loves me with an unfailing love.

You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. Psalms 139:2

I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. Jeremiah 31:3

Oh. I don’t think my neighbor will need to walk with me through deep waters or go through rivers of difficulty with me. He won’t give his wife and daughter as a ransom for my freedom, but he has offered assistance more times that I can count. He isn’t my Savior, and he isn’t my Lord. He doesn’t need to redeem me. But he is the definition of a good neighbor. And now I know his name. But the one who knows me best and loves me most will do that and more for me. And he’s always known my name.

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Isaiah 43:1-3

No. It isn’t all about me. The love of the Lord God Almighty is endless and reaches to the farthest corners of the world. Just as he loves me entirely, he loves everyone else the same. He knows your name just the same as he knows mine. And he will welcome you with open arms when you come to him in full repentance. Accept him today as your Lord and Savior and you will be welcomed into the family of God. He already knows your name, and he’s waiting for you to accept his call to repentance.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16

Unearned Favor

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

We moved to a new state eleven months ago. This new state doesn’t have the bank where we have banked for our entire marriage. So, throughout the last months, we have been slowly moving checking and savings accounts to a new bank closer to home. It’s been a process. Stopping and restarting automatic payments and deposits. Hoping we haven’t forgotten any. I think we’ve finally crossed the finish line with the previous bank. Oh. We didn’t have any complaints with the former bank. We just needed a bank that was close to home. Not two states away.

We happened to be near a branch of the old bank a couple of weeks ago, so we stopped in to finally close out all the accounts. It was the end of an era. As we sat down with the bank manager, he pulled up our accounts. He calculated any interest that might be owed on the small amount we still had in the bank so he could produce a final check for us. And then he said the words we all hope to hear but usually don’t. Do you have another account? I told him that we had already moved our investment accounts, so no. There are no other accounts.

But lo and behold. There was an account in the name of the man of the house. It had sat dormant for many years. And the balance in that account blew us away. How could an account with that much money be forgotten and set aside? How does that happen? I don’t know. But it did.

I have to confess. As I sat there, I created in my mind a long list of ways to spend that wad of unknown money. We had hit paydirt. Oh no. Don’t get me wrong. We weren’t suddenly wealthy. But when you’re told you have a nice amount of money coming to you that you didn’t expect, you get a little excited. But I do have to admit that I sat there waiting for the shoe to drop. Would he discover that the account really wasn’t my husbands? Would the man have to come clean that what he thought was our account really wasn’t? But no. He didn’t. And we walked away with a lot more money than we had expected. It felt good to have that extra cash in our pocket.

What will we do with the money? You ask. I have no idea. Right now it’s sitting in a savings account accruing a very small amount of interest. But it’s ours, and it feels good. To be honest, I could have it spent in no time. Our new home has a host of updates that need to be made. Oh. We’re whittling down the list a little at a time, so every little bit of unplanned financial surprise is just that. A surprise.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Did you know that the word grace was used 124 times in the New Testament? And the apostle Paul used that same word 86 times in his writings. Grace is undeserved favor in God speak. And grace is getting something that we shouldn’t get without working for it. But God gives it to us without charge to us. Oh. There was a payment for grace. A huge sacrifice. Anyone who knows anything about the Bible knows that the sacrifice was God’s only Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus was crucified and died on a cross for the sins of every person who has ever had life. We didn’t have to ask for this favor. It was given to us freely. At least, it’s free for us. Someone did die for us to have that favor. And he did it willingly.

I think about the free gift of grace. It’s similar to the free money we discovered in a forgotten checking account. Oh. But this gift of grace is different.  It has eternal consequences.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

When I think of grace, I’m reminded of the neighbor who shoveled my driveway all winter.  And he asked if I minded if he did it.  And then another neighbor recently loaned us two window air conditioning units when our central air stopped working. They didn’t have to offer these acts of kindness to us, but they did it from the bottom of their hearts with no expectations of receiving anything in return. That’s what grace is. Good neighbors. Kind hearts. Acts of generosity.

Grace is an act of kindness we don’t expect or deserve.  It’s just given free of charge without any expectation of repayment.  So when the snow shoveling neighbor asked if we would mow his lawn while he was on vacation, you bet we said yes.  And when the air conditioning neighbor asked to use our water line and hose while he worked on a concrete project next door, you bet we agreed. 

God’s grace extends to everyone who calls on his name for salvation. We can also offer grace in a multitude of ways to those who need a helping hand or a favor. They may ask, but they may not. We can still offer a loving hand to help.

I remember the story of Jesus stopping to rest at a well outside of the town of Sychar in Samaria. He knew that a woman with a checkered past would come to the well in the heat of the day to draw water. She didn’t come with the masses of women during the cool morning hours, for fear of being rejected. She came alone when no one would be around. Except on this day, Jesus sat there waiting. He asked for water, and she was surprised at the request because he was Jewish. She knew Jews looked down on Samaritans. And then he offered her living water that would quench her thirst forever. She questioned how that was possible. So he told her of this living water that would change her life. And he continued on to tell her that he knew of her five husbands and that the man she currently lived with wasn’t her husband. He didn’t judge her or rebuke her. In love he offered her forgiveness and grace. Undeserved favor. And desperate for it, she gratefully accepted the invitation. And she ran and told the people of her town the good news.

Oh. Don’t be fooled. This woman from Samaria was very aware of the tensions between the Jews and her people. She knew exactly why Jews wouldn’t associate with people from her region, so she was very surprised when this obviously Jewish man sitting alone at the well asked her to get him a drink of water. She didn’t hesitate to serve him, but she had questions and he had the answer she didn’t know she needed.

You can read the story of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) Ephesians 2:4-5

Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. Romans 3:24

Did the bank manager, out of the goodness of his heart, just randomly offer us a sum of money that wasn’t owed us? Did the neighbor just randomly choose me out of thin air to shovel my driveway? Did the other neighbor happen to walk down the street and assume our air conditioning wasn’t working because our windows were open? No. The banker realized the money legally belonged to us, so he set the bank right with us. The neighbor shoveled our driveway because he knew I was living alone. The other neighbor offered the two air conditioners when I happened to mention our situation during a random conversation. These men used the gifts they had to serve those who were in need. Oh. They didn’t have to offer anything, but they did. And that’s exactly what Jesus Christ offers to anyone who comes to him. He offers forgiveness, grace and mercy. He will wipe our slate of sins clean when we confess and repent. He will make us a new person ready and willing to serve him. The least we can do is bow in submission and receive the free gift of salvation that he is offering.

God’s Goodness in My Morning Walk

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

As I rounded the corner to turn west that morning, the flag flying low slapped me in the face. Oh. I walk by this flag every morning, but I barely notice it. This brush across the face by the stars and stripes reminded me that I’ve been slapped with freedom just by being born in this country. It reminded me that I’m proud to be a citizen of this great nation. Politics aside, I’m living free. And that feels good.

But I also notice a few less patriotic scenes as I walk along. One of the recently sold houses was purchased by a young family. I’ve never seen the kids, but I see all their bicycles and toys and deflated inflatables lying on the lawn. For the life of me, I don’t understand why they don’t pick up these toys each night and put them away. And, for pete’s sake, the SOLD sign is still stuck in their yard. But the scene that I witnessed that morning outshone all the mess before me. I saw the mom and dad on the porch hugging each other as they shared a morning kiss. They stayed in that embrace for a few seconds before he pulled away. As he walked down the stairs to his truck, he timidly smiled at me.

Oh. I’ve noticed this couple on the front porch several other mornings, just not in a sweet embrace. I’ve seen them sitting there chatting before their busy day starts. One morning, they were sitting on the lawn and she held a book in hand. I imagined that she was reading the Bible to her husband as a loving way to start the day. But I don’t know if that’s true or not. It’s refreshing to see a young couple enjoying each other’s presence before the house erupts with kid’s needs.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

On around the corner sat the sheriff’s car. I’m not sure if he was processing paperwork or waiting for speeders. Either way, I walked on by without hesitation. I’ve seen this car in the church parking lot many other times, but never with a law enforcement officer sitting in it.

I’ve had multiple occasions to meet dogs while getting my steps in. One such morning, I walked past a trailer just as the owner opened the door to let her two dogs out. One rushed at me and brushed against my leg. As I continued walking, the owner yelled with her gruff, smoky voice to get back here, with a profanity thrown in for good measure. Each morning that same dog barks at me from inside the trailer as I walk past, and the owner lets out a gruff rebuke each time.

On one morning’s walk, I had the opportunity to meet a dog named Goldie. Her owner held tightly to the leash, because she said Goldie would want to follow me. I told her that I once had a dog that would try the same thing. Goldie seemed to be mild mannered and gentle. She didn’t rush toward me or make a sound as I walked past. Oh. I called her by name so she would hopefully see me as a friendly sort.

Further on in my walk, another dog ran through a neighbor’s yard toward me. Oh. He was a friendly guy. He’s a hunting dog. I had met him a few month’s earlier when he got loose one morning. At that point, I had no clue where he lived or who owned him, so I was able to pull him into the house and call the number on his collar. The owner later came to pick him up. Through my morning walks, I’ve now discovered where Toby lives. He barks at me each morning as I walk past his house. He doesn’t realize I rescued him months earlier. But on this particular morning, he ran toward me from a yard that was not his. As I reached to find his owner’s phone number on his tag, he felt the shock from his collar. Off he ran toward home. And as I continued on my path to home, I heard his owner yelling loudly at him over and over again.

I notice the cars and trucks on the streets as people are leaving to begin a new workday. I’m thankful that my years of daily work have come to an end, and look forward to years ahead of slow living. I hope these workers realize that while the days are long the years really are short. Soon, they will be the ones pursuing a slower pace of life.

I see the old 2-story Victorian that recently had a facelift. It now looks loved and well cared for. It now looks inviting. I would love to commend the owner if I ran into them on the sidewalk. If only the neighboring houses would follow suit. Too many houses in this small town don’t have any appeal, yet the streets are lined with years old trees. It’s obvious the houses and the village have been around for many, many years, but the pride in it has fallen to a severely low point. I discovered a lawn ornament in the lawn across the street from that spiffed up house. I’m not sure how long it has sat there, but I have to believe it’s been a long while. The pale blue toilet sure makes a statement, all right.

I noticed the alley that I recently learned has likely been used as a drug selling spot at one point in history. I avoid walking that path. Now the owner of the big house has a legitimate job and the illegal sales seemed to have stopped. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. If only he would take care of his property, the neighbors would rejoice.

As I turn the curve to my street, I notice how it is lined with trees to the west. I walk the remaining yards to my front door, and head to the shower to remove all traces of sweat. It’s gonna be a good day.

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalms 23:6

Why am I thankful for this phase of life I’m in? There is power and freedom in a slow lifestyle. Living in a simple, half-forgotten village that seeks for relevance is not for everyone. It’s a quiet life that I’m loving. And I’m reminded each day on my walks that God is so, so good to me. I have so much to be thankful for. For many years I lived with the hustle and bustle of city living, full-time work and busyness. Retirement brings contentment and fulfillment in ways I never imagined. Life is good.

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

I love You, Lord
Oh, Your mercy never failed me
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands
From the moment that I wake up
Until I lay my head
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God

I love Your voice
You have led me through the fire
And in darkest night You are close like no other
I’ve known You as a Father
I’ve known You as a Friend
And I have lived in the goodness of God, yeah

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God, yeah!

‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
‘Cause Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
Your goodness is running after, it’s running after me
With my life laid down, I’m surrendered now
I give You everything
‘Cause Your goodness is running after (It keeps running after me)

And all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
I’m gonna sing, I’m gonna sing
‘Cause all my life You have been faithful
And all my life You have been so, so good
With every breath that I am able
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God
Oh, I’m gonna sing of the goodness of God

~Bethel Music