Promise for Today - What You Expect

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.

2 Peter 1:3 NLT

The vast majority of people pay no attention to eternity. They’re living for the here and now, which is a waste. Most of what’s “here and now” isn’t going to matter in five days, much less 50 years—and certainly not for eternity.

If we stretched a rope from California to Tokyo, and that represented all of eternity, your life on earth wouldn’t even register by comparison—not even a millimeter! So how do you live in light of eternity? You live for God’s glory, because he’s going to share his glory with you in heaven. You don’t get to choose what’s going to happen to you the rest of your life. But you do get to choose how you respond.

You can face the future as a cynic, a critic, a pessimist, or a doubter. You can face the future expecting the worst and experiencing the worst. You can face your future being ungracious to other people, and you can live for your own glory.

Or you can face the future with gratitude, generosity, and graciousness . . . and live for God’s glory.

Which one do you think will make you happier? Which one do you think will make you more successful? Which one do you think will bring a smile to God and bring rewards in heaven?

Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (ESV).

We were created because God wants a family. He wants to spend eternity with his family. He wants to spend eternity with you and me! Heaven is one of the main reasons we can have joy—God has given us eternal life, and living in heaven with him will be amazing!

Talk It Over

In what ways does God use your time on earth to prepare you for eternity?

How does being grateful and generous make you happier?

When you expect the worst in life, what does that say about what you believe about God?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          In a world rife with confusion and noise, it is so easy for our souls to become tangled in the web of worry and anxious thoughts. There are so many voices vying for our attention and so many distractions that draw our focus away from You. Yet, we are reminded by Your Word to quiet our spirit and redirect our thoughts toward You. We ask for Your strength to wait patiently, with unwavering faith and steadfast resolve, to trust that You are working, even when we do not see it. Lord, we lift our hearts to You in expectation. When the storms of life rage and uncertainties loom large, it is so easy to forget that our expectations should rest in You, for Your plans are always for our good. You are a faithful God, and Your promises are everlasting. As we meditate on this verse, we seek to cultivate an attitude of expectancy. Help us, Father, to see and acknowledge the blessings that already surround us. May we learn to recognize the mercies and the moments of grace that often go unnoticed in our rush to find resolution. Teach us that the beauty of waiting lies not only in the outcome but also in the process of becoming more attuned to Your voice and sensitive to Your Spirit. God of all hope, we also lift up those who find waiting to be hard and heavy. For those who feel burdened by their expectations and are struggling to see Your hand at work, we pray for comfort and reassurance. May they find their souls anchored in promise and their hearts renewed in faith. O Lord, remind us all that You are not indifferent to our struggles but that You are ever-present and intimately involved in our lives. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Practical Ways to Show Mercy

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

Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

God extends his mercy to us, even though we don’t deserve it and can’t earn it. All we have to do is ask for it: “O Lord, you are so good and kind, so ready to forgive, so full of mercy for all who ask your aid” (Psalm 86:5 TLB).

How can you be merciful to others as God is merciful to you? Here are seven practical ways to demonstrate mercy in your life:

Be patient with people’s quirks. 

What person in your life has irritating quirks? How can you practice patience with them this week?

Help anyone around you who is hurting. 

Who around you is obviously hurting? What’s one specific way you can help that person? If you can’t think of anybody, then you’re not paying attention. Look closer!

Give people a second chance. 

Who do you need to give a second chance to? How can you put aside your own pain and give someone who’s hurt you a clean slate?

Do good to those who hurt you. 

Maybe you’re suffering from an old wound that you have not been able to let go of. You need to forgive and then turn it around for good. Who is that person in your life? How can you reach out to them in some way this week?

Be kind to those who offend you. 

Who offends you? Maybe it’s someone in the public eye. Maybe it’s a friend who has different views and says some pretty offensive things on social media. How can you be intentional about showing kindness to people who offend you?

Build bridges of love to the unpopular. 

When you think of an outcast, who is the first person that comes to mind? Who spends their lunch breaks eating alone or doesn’t seem to have any friends at soccer games? What specific thing can you do to bridge the gap between you and that person?

Value relationships over rules. 

Who is an unbeliever you could spend intentional time with over the next few weeks? Then consider inviting that person to church. This is your ministry of mercy.

Take some time to reflect on your answers today—that’s where you can begin showing mercy. God has already shown you mercy, and as you extend it to others, you’ll experience it in new ways.

Talk It Over

Which of these seven ways to show mercy comes most naturally to you?

Which of the seven ways to show mercy is most difficult for you? Why do you think that is?

How has someone shown mercy to you? What difference has it made in your life?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

          You have shown us mercy beyond measure, forgiving our faults and embracing us with grace. 
Teach our hearts to mirror Your kindness, so that we may see others through eyes of compassion. When we are tempted to judge, remind us of the patience You have shown us. When we are hurt, help us to choose forgiveness over resentment. When we feel weary, renew our spirit to love without limits. Let our words bring healing; let our actions reflect understanding. Let Your love shine through us as a safe haven for the broken.  Shape us into a vessel of Your mercy, so that through us, others may encounter Your love.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Agents of Mercy

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)

Would you like to see your relationships transformed? Then become an agent of mercy.

Here are seven characteristics of mercy that God wants us to learn and apply in our lives:

1. Mercy means being patient with people’s quirks.
How do you become more patient with your kids, spouse, coworkers, or friends? You ask God for his wisdom. The Bible says in James 3:17, "But 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 and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere." (NLT).

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)—and when showing mercy, “do it cheerfully” (Romans 12:8 NIV).

3. Mercy means giving people a second chance.
When somebody hurts us, it’s normal 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, because that’s what God does with us: “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’ve got to be more interested in winning people to Christ than in winning the argument. Jude 1:22-23 says, “Show mercy to those who have doubts . . . even though you are afraid that you might be stained by their sinful lives” (GW).

6. Mercy means building bridges of love to the unpopular.
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).

7. Mercy means valuing relationships over rules.
Romans 13:10 says, “Love fulfills the requirements of God’s law” (NLT). If you want to show mercy, put people before policies; put others’ needs before procedures; put relationships before regulations. Choose love over law.

Showing mercy doesn’t always come naturally. And so, in tomorrow’s devotional, we’ll discuss specific ways you can demonstrate mercy in your own life.

Talk It Over

Why do we so often try to win the argument instead of trying to win people to Christ?

If mercy means valuing relationships over rules, what do you need to change about the way you interact with your spouse, children, coworkers, or those with different political beliefs?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father, 

         Fill our hearts with Your tenderness, that we may see others through eyes of understanding, not judgment. Teach us to listen with patience, to forgive without keeping count, and to offer kindness even when it is not returned. When we are tempted to turn away, remind us of the mercy You have shown to us.  Let our words bring comfort, our hands bring help, and Your presence bring peace. May our lives be a reflection of Your boundless love, so that mercy flows from us as naturally as breath. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Promise for Today - Blessed are the Merciful

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

Matthew 5:7 (NLT)

If you want to live the kind of life God blesses, then you’ve got to learn to be a minister of mercy. That’s how he wired life to work.

But why does God expect you to show mercy to others? Why should you be merciful? 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 the mercy that 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. Between now and when you get to heaven, you’re going to make a lot of mistakes—and you’ll need God’s mercy when you do! So don’t withhold it from others. 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 leads to happiness. Look again at Matthew 5:7. It says that God blesses those who are merciful. The word “blessed” also means “happy.” So the more you learn and demonstrate mercy, the more blessed and happier you’re going to be.

If you want to start giving and receiving more mercy, pray this prayer today:

“Heavenly Father, when I look at the sin and shortcomings in my own life, I’m so grateful for the mercy you have given me. I want to become a merciful person and to give others the same mercy you’ve given me. Give me courage to offer mercy, even in hurtful and painful situations. And let my acts of mercy point others to you. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen."

Talk It Over

What does it mean to “love mercy,” as Micah 6:8 says?

How has God blessed you when you’ve shown mercy to others, even when it’s been difficult?

Think of some ways that you could have shown mercy to others in the last week. How might that have changed the outcome of a specific situation?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father:

           We need Your grace to love others as You have loved us. If there is hurt, bring healing. Where there is misunderstanding, bring clarity. Fill our hearts with patience, kindness, and humility so that we reflect You and Your love in all our relationships. Strengthen the bonds that honor You and remove anything that hinders Your will in us. We want to walk according to Your Word to be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other, just as You forgive us. We ask for Your mercy and Your strength to let go of any bitterness and pain. Heal our hearts and teach us how to extend grace to all others. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - What God Gives

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 

Philippians 2:13 NLT

God is working in you. The word “working” in Greek is the word "energos", from which we get our word “energy.” God is the energy driver in your life. You’re not just going on willpower. You’re not just going on your own power. God says he will give you the power you need, no matter what you’re facing.

Not only is he working in you, but he is also with you. The Bible says, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. . . . On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you” (John 14:18, 20 NIV). That’s quite a promise! The Bible says that Christ is in you, that you’re sheltered with him, and that you’re sealed with the Holy Spirit. That means that, for the devil to get to you, he’s got to get through the Trinity. That’s pretty good protection and a great relief from fear.

Not only is God with you and in you, but God is also for you. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (ESV).

When a shepherd leads the sheep, guard dogs are always at the back, keeping watch and making sure the sheep move in the right direction. The Bible says that the guard dogs in your life are God’s goodness and mercy. God’s goodness and mercy are always at work in your life. God gives you the things you don’t deserve—that’s his goodness. And he doesn’t give you the punishment you deserve for your sins—that’s his mercy.

His goodness includes the blessings you experience now but also the gift of your salvation: “For 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).

No matter what you’re going to face today, this week, or next year, you won’t face it alone. God is with you, he’s working in you, and he is for you. That’s good news! It helps you let go of fear about what you’re facing and replace it with happiness.

Talk It Over

What does it look like when you switch from living in your own power to living in God’s power?

When do you doubt God’s presence the most? Ask God for faith to see him at work in this specific area of your life.

How does your perspective of a difficult situation change when you know God is for you?

- by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

           Thank You that You’re going to be with us today, that You’re going to be working in us today, and that You are for us today and every day. We cannot do this life without You. Manifest Your Word in us today, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Held Hostage

Love is . . . never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-5 TLB

One of the best things you can do for your family and friends is to show them mercy. Mercy is love in action. So when you overlook irritations and choose to be kind to those closest to you—even when they don’t deserve it—you’re being merciful. 

Another important way you can show mercy is to let go of past hurts. Do you keep a mental record every time someone in your family does something wrong? Are you quick to remind a friend of how they’ve hurt you? The Bible says that real love doesn’t store up hurts and offenses to be used later for revenge. When you hold on to a hurt like that, you are not being loving.

In today's text, notice how “rude” and “does not hold grudges” appear in the same passage. That’s why people are rude: they’re reacting to an old hurt and taking it out on others. And when they react to a past hurt, they can’t relate to the present.

Leviticus 19:18 says, “Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself” (GNT).

Are past grudges holding you hostage today? Don’t hold grudges over your loved ones' heads. And don’t tell other people about your grudges, either. That’s gossip! Instead, just let them go. Sometimes it’s hardest to show mercy to the people who are closest to you. But when you can let it go and be merciful, you become more like Jesus.

Talk It Over

What grudge have you been nursing? Why? How can you be intentional about letting it go?

There are many steps you can take to find healing from past pain—including seeking biblical counseling and mentoring, praying through Scripture, and obeying the Holy Spirit. What is one step you can take today, however big or small, toward healing?

Why do you think it’s sometimes more difficult to show mercy to your family than to anyone else?
 - written by Pastor Rick

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Prayer:

Father,

          You sent Your Son to pay for our sins so that we could live in freedom - freedom from the darkness and pain of sin. Freedom from holding onto past hurts and grudges. Your Word tells us that Your mercies are new every morning. Teach us to love and to be merciful like You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Most Powerful Witness Pt 2 of 2

When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. 

Colossians 4:6 (NCV)

One of the best ways to be a witness for Jesus in a world that’s becoming more judgmental, selfish, and unforgiving is to show mercy to others.

Yesterday we looked at two things you can do to build a lifestyle of mercy: Watch and listen for the needs of others, and don’t be offended by the sins of others.

Here are two more ways to show mercy:

Choose your words carefully. If you’re going to show mercy, there are some things you just can’t say. You can’t be rude or sarcastic. Mercy puts a filter on your mouth and helps you choose words that build people up instead of tearing them down.

Maybe you grew up in a family where it was common to put each other down, and now you’ve developed the same pattern in your own life. How do you break that habit? Ask God for wisdom because “the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy” (James 3:17 ESV).

The wiser you become, the more merciful you’ll be to the people around you—no matter how much they disagree with you or dislike you. That’s because the more you understand the hurts of other people, the more likely you are to cut them slack and show them mercy.

Value people’s salvation over keeping rules. Jesus modeled this over and over. A good example is found in the book of Matthew. Jesus says this to the legalistic Pharisees: “You are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things” (Matthew 23:23 NLT).

Jesus didn’t like how the Pharisees prioritized tithing over more important things, such as treating people fairly, showing mercy, and having faith. He wants us to “not neglect the more important things” too. He would rather see our kindness break through to others so that, one day, they will give their lives to him. Jesus is more interested in kingdom building than in rule following.

Every time you show mercy, it’s your greatest Christian witness to the world.
Written by Pastor Rick.

Talk It Over

When you were a child, how did your family model mercy with their words? How did they not model mercy with their words?

What situation do you anticipate being in this week that will require you to extend mercy?

Have you ever struggled to show mercy to someone, but when you learned about their past, showing mercy became easier? Why do you think that was? 

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Prayer:

Father,

          Thank You for the unlimited mercy that You bestow on us. Open our eyes to see as You see, and please open our hearts to love as You love. Help us to never miss the opportunity to show mercy to those in need. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - The Most Powerful Witness-part 1of 2

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Luke 6:36 (NIV)

Have you noticed how unmerciful and unforgiving our world is? It seems the highest form of humor is the put-down. Even comedians get paid for their sarcastic and cynical jabs at others. In an increasingly unkind world, your greatest Christian witness can be showing people mercy. For when people see you showing mercy, especially considering how rude and mean society has become, they’ll say, “That’s what I expect a Christian to be like—like Jesus.”

Jesus said it, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (NIV).

There are four things you can do to build a lifestyle of mercy. We’ll look at two today and two tomorrow.

Watch and listen for the needs of others. Whose needs? The needs of people in your neighborhood, at your work, and in your family. Mercy always begins with awareness. If you’re not aware, then you don’t care. 

The Bible says, “Look out for one another’s interests, not just for your own” (Philippians 2:4 GNT).

You don’t struggle to be merciful because you’re a bad person. It’s because you’re too busy. Busyness is the number one destroyer of mercy in your life. When you’re moving from event to event and task to task, it’s hard to pay attention to the people around you. And when you’re not looking and listening for people’s needs, it’s nearly impossible to be merciful.

Don’t be offended by the sins of others. You can’t say, “Go clean up your life, and then I will accept you.” No - mercy is unconditional! If you’re going to show mercy to people, you can’t be offended by them. You can’t minister to people if you’re looking down on them.

Jesus wasn’t offended by people’s sins. In fact, he hung out with the worst kinds of sinners. He was even accused of “guilt by association” because he spent time with people who were corrupt, unloving, and manipulative.

This doesn’t mean Jesus approved of everything they did. God doesn’t approve of everything you do, but he accepts you completely. Showing mercy doesn’t mean you say everything someone does is okay. Drug addiction and adultery, for example, are not okay.

But you can still show mercy. You can do for others what Christ has done for you.

1 Peter 4:8 ICB reads, “Most importantly, love each other deeply. Love has a way of not looking at others’ sins.”  - written by Pastor Rick

Talk It Over

Why is mercy so hard to find in the world today?

Who has shown you mercy, even when you didn’t deserve it? What were the circumstances?

Have you ever withheld mercy from someone because you didn’t agree with their lifestyle? If so, how might you react to them differently today?

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Prayer:

Father, 

          Thank You for Your Grace - it truly is amazing! Please help us to fully grasp the miracle of Your mercy and grace toward us. And teach us how to be merciful and full of grace toward others. Forgive us for all the times we missed it. Let us see with Your eyes of love - to recognize needs in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our jobs, and for those in our church. Provide us the wherewithal to be Your hands and feet to those You have placed within our sphere of influence. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today Favorite - Can't Argue with That

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

Galatians 5:16-17 NLT

I remember a particular time when my life was an illustrated sermon of this Scripture passage. I had an appointment where I had to interact with a technician. For a moment, I couldn't make up my mind whether I was going to write "forced me" or "allowed me to interact" but in all reality, it was both. At the beginning, I felt forced.

I can't explain it, but the minute the person opened her mouth, it went right to my last nerve and I was irritated. I wanted to be judge, jury and executioner, but felt the nudge in my heart to hold my tongue. To just be quiet. Hold my peace. I wanted so badly to point out and emphasize each of this person's inefficiencies, but the thought came unbidden, "What would Jesus do in this situation?" and I was reminded of every time God had shown me mercy and offered me grace for mistakes I made when I was trying to do the right thing. How could I argue with that?

In Phase 2 of the interaction, I thought I might get a different tech. No, not a chance. Same person and for the second phase, I was the captive audience for over an hour. While the tech ranted and raved about politics and conspiracies that had nothing to do with the work being done, I was trying to convince God that there was no possible reason I should have to listen to her drivel. I could make it stop. He reminded me of all the times He had listened to me rant and rave about everything and anything. And He reminded me that when I would finally run out of steam, He would speak a Word of Truth to my situation, and I would be changed. Then He graciously topped it off with this passage in Colossians 3, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony." (vv. 12-14 NLT). I definitely could not argue with that.

And sure enough, there came a place in the one-sided conversation where she asked an open-ended question, which then gave me the perfect opportunity to say that my trust is in God, and not in the government. That God alone has the plan and purpose for not only us, but also for all the elections and the world. Next thing you know, she's pouring out her heart about circumstances in her family, and God allowed the opportunity for me to speak Truth to her situation. And while I just planted the seeds into her life, I know someone else will come along and water those seeds, and God will give the increase because His Word says He will (1st Corinthians 3:6).

Now, for good measure to test the battle in my flesh, after I left the facility the second time, the tech called me again to say she'd forgotten to send me for the third part while I was there and asked when I could come back. I wanted to be mad. I really wanted to... but I got a mental image of the seed just sown being burned up before it had a chance to root. How do I argue with that?

Reflecting on the day where I spent much of it in battle with myself, I am grateful that God, in His great mercy and love, provides companions for this journey who point out His goodness and who help to keep me focused on what truly matters. I am thrilled that I can thank God for the victory He gave instead of suffering the guilt of wounding someone and missing His purpose for today. And while my preference would be a day without battles, His ways are not our ways. And I sure can't argue with that!

Prayer:

Father,
          As it is written in Romans 5:3-5, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly You love us, because You have given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with Your love." Please continue to grow us up in You. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Promise for Today - Psalm 86 Abundant in Mercy

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.
Psalm 86:5 NKJV

Psalm 86 CEB Common English Bible
A prayer of David.

Lord, listen closely to me and answer me, because I am poor and in need.
Guard my life because I am faithful.
Save Your servant who trusts in You—You! My God!
Have mercy on me, Lord, because I cry out to You all day long.
Make Your servant’s life happy again because, my Lord, I offer my life to You,
because, my Lord, You are good and forgiving,
full of faithful love for all those who cry out to You.

Listen closely to my prayer, Lord; pay close attention to the sound of my requests for mercy.
Whenever I am in trouble, I cry out to You, because You will answer me.

My Lord! There is no one like You among the gods!
There is nothing that can compare to Your works!
All the nations that You’ve made will come and bow down before You, Lord;
they will glorify Your Name, because You are awesome and a wonder-worker.
You are God. Just You.

Teach me Your way, Lord, so that I can walk in Your truth.
Make my heart focused only on honoring Your name.
I give thanks to You, my Lord, my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever,
because Your faithful love toward me is awesome
and because You’ve rescued my life from the lowest part of hell.

The arrogant rise up against me, God.
A gang of violent people want me dead.
They don’t give a thought for You.
But You, my Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy;
You are very patient and full of faithful love.
Come back to me! Have mercy on me!

Give Your servant Your strength; save this child of Your servant!
Show me a sign of Your goodness so that those who hate me will see it and be put to shame— show a sign that You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
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In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lent - Day 39 - Evidence of God's Gift

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025

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When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ 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. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.

Matthew 25:31-46

Jesus gives us a picture of what it will be like on the day of judgment. All people will be judged on the last day, and it will be like when a shepherd separates His sheep from the goats. There are two things we should notice about this day of judgment for the sheep. First, before any of the acts of kindness are viewed and compared Jesus already separates those who receive the inheritance from those who do not. Second, to those who receive the inheritance Jesus says, “Come, you who are blessed by God.” No matter how we live our lives entering into God’s inheritance is still a gift, still a blessing that God gives. And yet we see Jesus’ words that talk of lives of grace, mercy, and kindness. This section is not a checklist we make sure to complete in case Jesus is watching. Jesus is saying, as my child filled with the Holy Spirit you show mercy because you have been given mercy. You show love because you have been given love. You show grace and forgiveness because you have been given grace and forgiveness.

Prayer:

Jesus Christ, 

                You have made us Your sheep. We surrender our will to be directed by Your Spirit that we might show mercy and love to Your church, and to the world. Amen.

Lent - Day Seven - You Are Blessed

 Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2025 

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Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: 

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:1-20

So often the Beatitudes are described as “attitudes we ought to be” if we want to have that future kingdom of heaven. This, however, is a misunderstanding of what is being communicated by these opening words to that sermon Jesus preached on a hillside long ago. 

These are not things we strive for, or a list of categories to see how we fit into the list. These are the characteristics of all who are followers of Christ. In realizing our sinfulness, we are poor in spirit. Seeing the reality of sin and evil, we mourn. Understanding our sin makes us realize our lowliness. By the Holy Spirit that realization works in us a hunger for Christ’s Righteousness. Christ says, “You are blessed for yours is the kingdom of heaven.” Remember that His kingdom is not simply a thing, a place, or something in the future. It is also the present reign of God in your life now and for eternity.

Prayer:

Jesus,
          You have called us into Your kingdom. Grant that our lives may demonstrate Your gracious work through humility, mercy, peacemaking, and hungering for Your righteousness. Amen.

Pause to Remember a New Beginning

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh EACH morning.
Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT [emphasis mine]

If I had a dollar for every time I've heard, "I'm SO ready for this year to be over!" I believe I could retire today. So many people waiting for the new year to make resolutions, to start over, to have a new beginning, a fresh start.

Oh, the beauty of God's love and faithfulness! We don't have to wait for a new year to begin again. His mercies are new EVERY morning. Let the richness of that sink into your spirit!

Happy New Year!

Prayer:

Father,
            Open our eyes to see Your Truths and the provision You have made for us - for forgiveness, for new life, and for fresh starts each and every morning that we live. Let Your praise always be on our lips and ever rise before You as a sweet-smelling savor! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Advent Day 15 - God Uses Imperfect People

This year's Advent devotionals are from A Celebration of Advent:
A 25-Day Devotional by New Spring Church of Anderson, SC
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“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
Matthew 1:1

What kind of people fulfill the purpose of God? Look at Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1. The people included in Jesus’ family tree are far from perfect.

Abraham followed God to an unknown land but lost faith in God’s plan for his family and had a son with his maid (Genesis 16:1-4). Tamar disguised herself as a prostitute (Genesis 38). David, known as a man after God’s heart, committed adultery and murdered his good friend to cover it up (2 Samuel 11). Rahab was a prostitute (Joshua 2). Manasseh and Abijah were evil (2 Kings 21:1-3 and 1 Kings 15:3).

Matthew 1 is proof that God accomplishes His perfect plan with imperfect people. This doesn’t excuse our sin. The men and women in Jesus’ family tree brought suffering to their world. People were hurt, even killed as a result of their decisions. But God’s grace is greater than our sin. Jesus commissions us to be part of His story. As we tap into the message and the power Jesus gives us, God works through us to change the world despite our flaws.

Reflect: Read Matthew 1:1-17

How does God work through human imperfection? How have you seen this?
What does it mean to repent? How does God’s kindness lead to repentance?
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Prayer:

Father,
          Thank You for Your overwhelming Grace and Mercy to use us - imperfections and all - to fulfill Your purpose and plan. Keep us ever mindful that it is YOUR power, YOUR plan, YOUR purpose, and YOUR perfection. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Deserving Of - Thanksgiving Devotional #12

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

Psalm 103:8-12 NLT

My sister loves me. She forever takes up for me. When she thinks I've been wronged in some way, her first response is either, "You didn't deserve that!" or "You deserve better than that!" (whatever "that" is). She loves me fiercely and is always in protective mode, even though she's the younger, but then of course, I love her right back. That being said, I would be terribly misguided if I started to believe that somehow, I deserve to only have good things happen in my life and that nothing bad should ever happen to me, based on my own actions.

In the light of God's Word - and let's be honest, every area and every moment of our lives should be lived in the light of God's Word - the only thing we deserve is death. Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." A few chapters before that Paul writes, "For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 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 3:23-24)

See how that is? Based on our own works, we fall short and our payoff is death. Based on God's works, we are made right with Him and we get eternal life. We don't get what we deserve! We get mercy and grace. How can we possibly thank Him enough?

Paul says it best in Romans 12:3 in The Message when He writes, "I’m speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it’s important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by WHAT GOD IS and by WHAT HE DOES for us, NOT BY what we are and what we do for Him." [emphasis mine]

Prayer:

Father,
          How can we ever thank You enough for NOT giving us what we deserve? We thank and praise You for the precious gift of Your Son offering us eternal life. We are humbled by Your grace and mercy in our lives. Help us to keep our hearts and eyes wide open to Your Truth. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Good News and Bad News

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Colossians 4:56 NLT

So, there's good news and bad news. 

The bad news is that a particular conversation was neither gracious nor attractive. I was angry and indignant and instead of exercising self-control - one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit - I went right to telling how the cow ate the cabbage. What I said wasn't wrong, but my attitude certainly was. I did not swear, but neither was I gracious.

The good news is God loves me enough to correct me. The good news is His mercies are new every morning. The good news is His grace is sufficient. The good news is if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from ALL unrighteousness (1st John 1:9).

Prayer:

Father,
           Don't give up on me... Thank You for correcting me. Please pour out more of Your grace and Your mercy so I may represent You withOUT error. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen

Have Mercy

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind beggar was sitting beside the road. When he heard the noise of a crowd going past, he asked what was happening. They told him that Jesus the Nazarene was going by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
“Be quiet!” the people in front yelled at him.
But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
When Jesus heard him, he stopped and ordered that the man be brought to him. As the man came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord,” he said, “I want to see!”
And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.
Luke 18:35-43 NLT

We all know this story is about a physical healing miracle. And it is extraordinary! And all who saw it praised God, too. However, I keep thinking about this from the aspect of spiritual blindness...

We might hear the world passing by, but not quite see what's truly happening. Would we cry out to Jesus, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”? And when the world around us tried to drown out our pleas, would we cry all the louder for mercy to have spiritual insight? 

Prayer:

Father,

          We cry out for Your mercy! Rip the scales off our eyes! Let us see as You see - with hearts of compassion, ready to offer grace and forgiveness, and to speak Truth in love. We want to be Your hands extended to those in need. Help us, O God. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Oh, the Humanity

A Samaritan traveling the road came on him. When he saw the man’s condition, his heart went out to him. He gave him first aid, disinfecting and bandaging his wounds. Then he lifted him onto his donkey, led him to an inn, and made him comfortable.
Luke 10:33-34 The Message

Just about everyone knows the parable of the Good Samaritan or at least has heard something about it. Always, it's about being a good neighbor, being someone who will help another, but I missed the main point. Today, I heard it taught in a way I'd never heard before and I want to share it with you. Let me set it up for you. 

Our church recently went to 3 services on Sunday morning. Pastor Alan jokingly referred to the earliest service as the "old folks" service - those of us who have attended church for a long time. This morning, he asked if we attend church simply because that's "what we do" on Sunday or because we want to come together to worship the King of kings, our Lord and Savior? Are we choosing church attendance for religious reasons or for deepening our relationship with Jesus? Then he referred back to the parable.

Verses 30-32, Jesus speaking, There was once a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way he was attacked by robbers. They took his clothes, beat him up, and went off leaving him half-dead. Luckily, a priest was on his way down the same road, but when he saw him he angled across to the other side. Then a Levite religious man showed up; he also avoided the injured man.

I never understood why the priest and the Levite couldn't be bothered to help the man who had been beaten and robbed and left half-dead. They were, after all, religious men. As it turns out, that is precisely why they didn't help him. Both of them were about their religious duties, bound by Jewish laws. If they had touched that man, by law, they would have been considered unclean and unable to enter the Temple to perform their duties. 

However, Jesus came to Earth to set men free, but they couldn't hear Him. The priest and the Levite missed the humanity of the situation because of religion. Do we do the same?

Do we not care for someone because of their political views? Do we not speak to someone because they don't believe the way we do or act like us? Do we miss their humanity because of religion? Jesus is not about religion. God looks on the heart.

Prayer:

Father,

         Change our hearts, O God! Make us ever mindful to extend Your love and grace to all in all we do. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

Lent - Day Twenty-Eight - God Meant it for Good

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024 

56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That He will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where He was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest Him.

John 11:56-57

“It is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” Little did Caiaphas know how these words indicated God’s work that was to come. Jesus died: the One for the many. The Apostle Paul speaks similarly (Romans 5) when he describes how sin came into the world, and to all people, through the disobedience of one man (Adam). But he goes on to describe how, by God’s gracious will, the righteousness of One (Jesus) who was sent to the cross leads to justification and life for all. God brings about his good work for our well-being, even in the midst of those who plot for the death of Jesus. This not only reminds us of the salvation secured for us by God’s mercy, but also of the mystery of God’s good and gracious work.

I can’t help but think of the Old Testament account of Joseph and his brothers. Out of their jealousy and anger, they sold Joseph into slavery. That led to a number of trials Joseph had to endure, including years of unjust imprisonment. Through those trials, God brought Joseph into the house of Pharaoh and to a high position within the government. This gave Joseph the ability to help his brothers when they came seeking food during a famine and to save his entire family. Joseph describes all this by saying, You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive (Genesis 50:20). We may not always be clear as to what hidden work God is doing in the midst of our lives. Nevertheless, time after time, God’s word directs us to see that he is good and gracious. He has Christ for all, and works things for our good, even if in the most hidden of ways.

Prayer: 

Almighty God, 

                       Thank You for Your salvation given to me because of Jesus. May it always remind me that You work things out for my good. Strengthen my faith during times when Your gracious activity seems more hidden than I would like. Amen.

Reading Further - John 11:45-57

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples.

55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him.

Lent - Day Nineteen - Lives of Grace and Mercy

Lent Devotions from Concordia University 2024

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”
John 8:10-11

In today’s reading, Jesus teaches us that grace and mercy are more important than condemnation when the scribes and Pharisees bring a woman who had been caught in adultery to him. “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” With these words, Jesus not only comes to the aid and rescue of this woman but also turns the men’s accusations back onto themselves. Jesus has already said that he came not to condemn, but rather to save (John 3:17). However, that does not mean there is no condemnation. The law still exists, still accuses, still condemns. Therefore, to the men who refused to acknowledge their own sin, Jesus speaks in a manner to effect repentance. But to the woman who could not deny or escape her guilt, he brings grace and forgiveness: “Neither do I condemn you.” Christ inspires us to set aside the question of guilt or innocence (because we all stand in the place of guilt) and through him “enter into a new life in which one’s regard for self and one’s relationship with others are based on grace and mercy.”1 That inspiration, given to each of us, is what leads us, not only to repent of our sin, but also to change our sinful lives.

Prayer: 

Lord, 

       In Your mercy, hide Your face from my sins. Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. Amen (Psalm 51)

1 Culpepper, The Gospel and Letters of John, p. 170.

Reading Further - John 7:53-8:11

53 They went each to his own house, 1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 Early in the morning he came again to the temple. All the people came to him, and he sat down and taught them. 3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst 4 they said to him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?” 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him. Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. 7 And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And once more he bent down and wrote on the ground. 9 But when they heard it, they went away one by one, beginning with the older ones, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. 10 Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”