Promise for Today - Because Mercy

God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

Have you ever noticed that if you’re critical of others, they’re critical of you? If you’re kind to others, they’re kind to you? Or if you’re generous to others, they’re generous to you? Whatever you give in life, you’re going to get in return.

The same is true of God’s mercy. [Our verse for today -] Jesus says in Matthew 5:7, “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (NLT)

But why does God want you to show mercy to others? Why is being merciful so important?

Because God has shown you mercy.

Ephesians 2:4-5 says, “God’s mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God’s grace that you have been saved” (GNT). God wants you to pass on (share) the mercy you’ve received from him.

Because God commands you to be merciful.
Do you want a summary of what life’s all about? Here it is: “The Lord has told you what is good. This is what the Lord requires from you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to live humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8 GW).

Because you’re going to need more mercy in the future.
You’re going to make a lot of mistakes between now and when you get to heaven, and you’re going to need God’s mercy. But you cannot receive what you are unwilling to give. James 2:13 says, “You must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment” (NCV).

Because showing mercy brings happiness.
Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful” (NIV). The word “blessed” also means “happy,” so the more you learn and demonstrate mercy, the happier and more blessed you’re going to be.

Because so many people in the world are living for themselves, showing mercy and grace to others will always stand out. Be known for your mercy as you model for others how good God has been to you, and you will make an eternal difference!

Talk It Over

What do you think it means to “love mercy”? (Micah 6:8)

How have you seen God bless you when you’ve shown mercy to someone—even when it was difficult to do?

Think of a way you could have shown mercy to someone in the last week but didn’t. How do you think it might have changed the outcome of that situation?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          You have shown us grace when we least deserved it, and kindness when we could offer nothing in return. Soften our hearts toward those who stumble, and open our eyes to see them as You see them— 
precious, loved, and worthy of compassion. When we are tempted to judge, remind us of the mercy You have poured over our lives. When we are hurt, teach us to respond with patience instead of anger. Let our words bring healing, and my actions reflect Your gentleness. Fill us with a love that forgives quickly, serves humbly, and seeks peace over pride. May our lives be a living testimony of the mercy we have received from You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - So Loved

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

1 John 4:9-10 (NLT)

Everything in life changes—relationships, jobs, health, finances. But there’s one thing in the universe that will never change: God’s love. God loves you, no matter what. Your failures, your brokenness, and your sin can never diminish his love. Knowing you can count on God's love provides a rock-solid foundation for your life.

The Bible’s most famous verse, John 3:16, says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (NIV).

Consider the small word “so” that goes before “loved” in that verse. “So” suggests the extravagance of God’s love. God loves you with a generous, extravagant love that can never be taken away. It’s beyond comprehension. He loves you on your good days and your bad days. He loves you when you sin and when you are faithful to him.

It's important that you don't just recognize this lavish love intellectually. You need to experience it emotionally, to really understand it deep down in your spirit. Love is God’s nature. God created the universe and everything in it just so that he could love it. And God created you so he could love you.

In fact, in Jesus, God shows what real love, his love, looks like. The Bible says, “God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:9-10 NLT).

Many people say they love you. But God showed you he loves you. He loves you so much that it hurt. He sacrificed his Son. When Jesus died for you, he was saying he loved you so much he’d rather die than live without you.

The Bible says that’s what real love—the kind of love you can build your life on—looks like. Real love makes sacrifices. Real love gives all. Real love endures for all eternity.

That’s the kind of love only God has for you. He’s waiting with open arms to show you his goodness, mercy, and love.

Talk It Over

Why do you need to build your life on something that cannot be lost or taken away?

When do you most often doubt God’s love?

What does God’s love, demonstrated in Jesus, tell you about how you should love others?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You for the gift of Your Word, which reveals the magnitude of Your love. Help us to open our hearts and minds so we may truly understand the breadth of Your love — how it stretches across nations, generations, embracing every believer and reaching the most forgotten in our world. May we also comprehend the length of Your love — its eternal nature, stretching from the beginning of creation to the end of time. Teach us to trust in Your everlasting presence, knowing that Your love will never falter, no matter the trials we face. 

       Immerse us in the depth of Your love — the part that goes beyond surface understanding, that sees and heals our brokenness, and brings restoration to our souls. Help us to walk alongside others in their pain, reflecting Your compassion to them. And may we be lifted by the height of Your love — the glorious hope it brings, elevating us from despair to joy, from darkness to light. Call us to rise above the mundane to live a life that reflects Your holiness and majesty.

      Father, we surrender ourselves to Your love — unconditional, perfect, and complete. Let it fill every thought, word, and action, transforming us from within. Help us to share this love with others, so that they too may know the fullness of Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Heaven's Reunion

There will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words. 

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (MSG)

When I was young, I didn't really think about heaven that much. First, it seemed so boring—at least the way the world describes it. Second, it seemed like a long way off. And third, no one I knew was there yet. But I know a lot of people who are in heaven now, and I can't wait to get there and be with them.

In heaven, we're going to be reunited with our loved ones who love the Lord. Those who are in the family of God are all going to be there.

Who would you like to talk to first in heaven? Of course, you’re going to meet and worship the Lord first. But who are you excited to see next? Every believer throughout history will be there. Would you like to talk to Moses? You can! How about Abraham or Mary or Paul? I don’t know about you, but I definitely have some questions for Jonah. You’ll see famous people from throughout Christian history and scientists and world leaders and people from every tribe and nation. You're going to have all of eternity to talk with them!

The Message paraphrase says, "There will be one huge family reunion with the Master" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Can you imagine how emotional, how joyful that's going to be? Then verse 18 says, “So reassure one another with these words.”

My mother is in heaven, my father is in heaven, my older brother, Jim, is in heaven, and my youngest child, Matthew, is in heaven. I have many dear people who served with me in ministry in heaven. The more of my family and friends who are on that side of death, the dearer heaven becomes to me.

Are you encouraged by the thought of being in the presence of Jesus and reunited with your friends and family? When we are grieving with someone, we should share that encouragement with them. If they and their loved one know Jesus as their Savior, then death is not the end. They will see them again!

This is God’s goodness to us: there is no greater hope in life than a big family reunion for eternity!

Talk It Over

How does knowing you will see fellow members of God’s family in heaven motivate you to share the gospel?

Who in your life needs to hear about God’s offer of an eternal home in heaven? What will you do about it?

What kinds of things do you think you will want to talk about in heaven, once you’ve left the world behind?

-by Pastor Rick

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Prayer (prayer for salvation, following the 'Reunion' prayer)

Father,

         Hold close the ones we love who have gone before us. Let their laughter bloom again in the gardens of Your kingdom, where no shadow falls, and no tear is shed. Keep them in the warmth of Your presence until the day our own steps take us through the gate of pearl. Grant us patience in the waiting, faith in the unseen, and hope that does not fade with the years.
      When the trumpet of Your promise sounds, may we meet again in the embrace of forever - no more parting, no more night - only the joy of reunion in Your everlasting peace. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

****************Prayer for Salvation

Will you be part of the heavenly family reunion?

The Bible says you can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. You cannot earn your way into heaven: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, pray this prayer:

“Dear God, you have promised that if I believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

Promise for Today - Ambassadors of Truth

God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 

1 Corinthians 14:33 (ESV)

God has called you to represent him everywhere you go. Just as countries send ambassadors, God is sending you out to tell others about his love and forgiveness.

But maybe you lack the confidence needed to share your faith. Maybe you think it requires having a salesperson mentality. But that simply isn’t true! You don’t have to be good at “closing the deal” to invite people into God’s family. You see, all humans have the same inner longings. So, when you tell others about Jesus, you’re offering them something they’re already looking for. What a confidence booster!

Another confidence booster in sharing your faith is this: Most people don’t really know what they believe. They may label themselves a certain way, but when you scratch beneath the surface, they sometimes don’t even know what that system believes.

Some people claim to think a certain way but end up contradicting themselves. For example, they’ll say, "There are no absolutes in life." But that’s nonsense because that statement contradicts itself. They may as well say, “There are absolutely no absolutes in life.” In fact, people who make that claim live by rules and beliefs based on absolutes all the time.

Sharing your hope in Christ can help bring clarity to people’s lives. It gives them the understanding they need. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 14:33, “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (ESV). The truth of God’s Word sets people free from contradiction, confusion, and everything else that binds up their lives.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV).

Next time you lack the confidence to share your faith, you can relax, knowing that the message of Jesus will bring much-needed clarity to people’s lives.

Talk It Over

Do you live life consciously that you are an ambassador for Christ everywhere you go? If not, how might that practice change your life and the lives of those around you?

What confusing or conflicting beliefs did you once have? How has God’s Word brought clarity to those beliefs?

Who do you have who can hold you accountable to share your faith while you do the same for them?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

           Make us faithful ambassadors of Your truth. Let our words be seasoned with grace, our actions reflect Your love, and our lives bear witness to the transforming power of the Gospel. Give us the courage to speak boldly when the world is silent, and the wisdom to listen deeply when hearts are hurting.
      Clothe us with the armor of righteousness, so that we may stand firm against deception and fear. Fill us with compassion for the lost, patience for the searching, and steadfastness in the face of opposition. May we never distort or dilute Your Word, but proclaim it with clarity, humility, and love.
      Holy Spirit, guide our steps so that every conversation, every decision, and every moment becomes an opportunity to point others toward Christ. Let Your presence in our lives bring light into darkness, hope into despair, and peace into chaos.
      Father, we surrender our will to Yours. Use us as Your vessel - whether in quiet acts of kindness or in bold declarations of faith—to draw others closer to You. May our lives be living testimonies that Jesus is Lord, and may all glory be Yours forever. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Knowing What Counts

Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. 

Philippians 3:8 (NLT)

Every day when you wake up, you need to remind yourself of what counts and what doesn’t count. Don’t be distracted by things that are insignificant and petty.

Why is it important to remind yourself of what matters? It’s easy to lose your joy over some small thing. In fact, it’s usually the small irritations—not the big issues—that cause you to lose your happiness. Somebody cuts you off when you’re trying to make a turn, and you lose your happiness. The clothes you put on don’t fit anymore, and you lose your happiness. It’s the little things that sometimes affect people the most, and yet they don’t really matter.

Paul said in Philippians 3:7, “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done” (NLT).

What was the most important thing in your life before you met Jesus Christ? Was it your career? Making money? Maybe it was getting a date or being popular. For some believers, the most important thing was collecting possessions or getting ahead or proving themselves. Paul said all those things are “worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).

Here’s a good question to ask when you’re distracted by worthless things: How much will this matter in 100 years? Many things won’t even matter tomorrow, much less for eternity. When you ask this question, it changes your perspective. You understand that all the things you used to care about don’t even compare to the joy that comes from having a relationship with Jesus.

When you become a Christian, Jesus doesn’t only change your perspective. He changes your values. You no longer want to do the things you used to do. He changes your “wants.”

When God comes into your life, you learn the joy of knowing Jesus. And that’s what really counts.

Talk It Over

What small things have you been worrying about that are robbing you of your happiness?

What was the most important thing to you before you believed in Jesus Christ? How do you feel about it now?

What are some practical ways you can turn your focus to God and keep an eternal perspective?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          In the words of Paul, we want to count all things but loss for the excellency of knowing You, our Lord and Savior. Help us to discern what truly matters in this life - not the achievements, possessions, or status that pass away, but the eternal value of Your love, grace, and truth. Father, we acknowledge that the world often pulls us toward things that bring temporary joy but leave emptiness behind. Teach us to see all such pursuits in their rightful perspective, so that we may set our hearts on You above all else. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - A Soul Restored

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3 (ESV)

Why does your soul need to be restored—and how can God restore it?

There are all kinds of ways that souls are damaged, but they most often are damaged when we try to deal with our grudges, our guilt, and our grief on our own. The truth is, God never intended for you to carry those burdens alone. So how does Jesus bring you rest and restore your soul?

Jesus turns your hurts into holiness.
Sometimes we hold onto our hurt; in other words, we hold grudges. And when you start thinking about retaliation or getting revenge against someone who has hurt you, you become bitter. But you can trust God with your hurt. He has a way of bringing good even out of evil. Romans 8:28 promises, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (NIV).

Jesus takes your sins on himself.
You should only hold on to guilt for about five seconds—long enough to realize you were wrong, confess it to God, and let it go. But instead, many people carry around the burden of unconfessed guilt. The Bible teaches, “[Jesus] was willing to give his life as a sacrifice. He was counted among those who had committed crimes. He took the sins of many people on himself. And he gave his life for those who had done what is wrong” (Isaiah 53:12 NIRV). There’s no need for you to keep living with guilt for something that God has already forgiven and forgotten.

Jesus feels your grief and heals your heart.
Grief [can be] good; it’s how we get through life transitions. But sometimes we get stuck in our grief. And unprocessed grief will hurt you. But there’s good news: Jesus understands your grief because he’s experienced it, too. Isaiah 53:3-4 says, “He was hated and rejected by people. He had much pain and suffering... But he took our suffering on him and felt our pain for us” (NCV). However, he doesn’t just feel your grief; he heals it: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 NIV).

God never intended for you to go through life carrying all your grudges, guilt, and grief alone. Jesus wants you to come to him for restoration. He promises, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NLT).

Talk It Over

What hurts have you held onto and allowed to become grudges? Ask God to take those hurts and work them for good in your life.

What old sin do you still feel guilty for? Take a few minutes to confess it, to accept God’s forgiveness, and to ask God to help you live in the freedom of being forgiven.

What grief have you never processed? Ask God to help you work through it and bring you healing.

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer: (make it personal)

Father,

        My heart is heavy with the weight of grudges, the sting of guilt, and the ache of grief. I lay these burdens before You, trusting in Your mercy and grace. Help me to forgive where I have been hurt, and to seek forgiveness where I have caused pain. Wash away the shadows of regret, and fill the empty spaces with compassion and light. Teach me to let go of what I cannot change, to honor what I have lost, and to walk forward with courage and hope. May Your peace settle deep within me, healing what is broken, and guiding me toward a life rooted deeply in love. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Building Bridges or Walls

The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy. 

James 3:17 (NLT)

Mercy is like a diamond; it is multifaceted. The Bible reveals seven facets of mercy, and if you will learn how to be an agent of mercy, it will transform your relationships.

1. Mercy means being patient with people’s quirks.
The Bible says in James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy” (NLT). The wiser you become, the more patient and merciful you become.

2. Mercy means helping anyone around you who is hurting.
You cannot love your neighbor as yourself without being merciful. Proverbs 3:27 says, “Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it” (GNT).

3. Mercy means giving people a second chance.
When somebody hurts you, it’s natural to want to get even or write that person off. But the Bible says, “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others . . . Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32 CEV).

4. Mercy means doing good to those who hurt you.
Mercy is giving people what they need, not what they deserve. Why should you do that? Because that’s what God does with you: “Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back . . . Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:35-36 NIV).

5. Mercy means being kind to those who offend you.
You need to be more interested in winning people to Christ than in winning an argument. The Living Bible paraphrase says it like this: “As for others, help them to find the Lord by being kind to them. . . . Hate every trace of their sin while being merciful to them as sinners” (Jude 1:23).

6. Mercy means building bridges of love to the unpopular.
This is what I call premeditated mercy, because you intentionally build friendships with people who don’t have friends or aren’t accepted at work or in society. When the Pharisees questioned why Jesus ate with tax collectors and other unpopular people, Jesus said, “‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners” (Matthew 9:13 NLT).

Talk It Over

Where in society do you see people more interested in winning arguments than in winning people to Christ? Is there a time in your own life when you have done that?

If mercy means valuing relationships over rules, what do you need to change about the way you interact with your coworkers or neighbors? What about with your family members?

This week, how can you intentionally show mercy to people around you who are hurting?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You for the mercy You have so freely given us - mercy we could never earn. Soften our hearts to see others through Your eyes, not through our judgments or frustrations. When we are tempted to withhold kindness, remind us of the countless times You have forgiven us.
Help us to listen with patience, speak with gentleness, and act with compassion. Teach us to forgive quickly, to love deeply, and to extend grace even when it feels undeserved. Let our lives be a reflection of Your mercy, so that others may feel Your love through our words and actions. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.