October 2008 Blog Archive

October 15, 2008
1 Tim 1:16 NIV
…I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Every morning His mercies toward us are new… (Selah - pause & think)

       When was the last time you gave a whole day to meditate on mercy; allowing it to be the "theme of the day" amidst your busyness? I admit, my natural tendency leans more towards focusing on the "to do" list than on my heart attitude. I'm leaning on God for that to change.

       Mercy is something we would do well to elevate in our hearts and lives. What has mercy done? Mercy has made a way – a clear path between God and us. It has raised us up from the pit that sin dug and dusted us off until all that remains is completely clean and beautiful. This is the work of mercy. It's the entry point of our faith every day.

       Every day as I wake up to God’s love for me I take a shower in that mercy; I'm positioned to receive God's goodness and prepared to do Kingdom quality work. Sometimes I get distracted from that amazing gift and start to take an account of my past foolishness or the pain caused by others. It's then that I find myself standing in the dust again. When this happens, it never fails; He finds me and rescues me. Once again I hear Him call; I feel His grace and mercy surround me and I see Him rolling up His sleeves to wash my feet. He brings healing to my heart, easing my mind. He opens my eyes to see that in Him I am saved and thoroughly clean.

       Join me today in this commitment to mercy.  I will not return to the mire. Not only will I protect myself from the dirt and resist every 'mud-slinging' accusation from the enemy – I will protect all God’s people; praying mercy for even those who do not protect me. In time we will all see that mercy is the key to our victory.

To fulfill the destiny for our lives we must come to terms with our need for discipline. Just like an athelete trains and prepares to win, we discipline ourselves for "the race". "We do it" for a prize beyond all comprehension: an eternal reward and the pleasure of the Lord.

Discipline is the key to a fulfilled life. Too often there is a false notion that God will do it all. "Jesus paid it all", doesn't that mean He'll do it all, too? What Christ has done is secured our position as children of God. He has saved us and made us free. What Christ cannot do is make our choice to receive that adoption and to emulate our Father. That is a matter of discipline; something that God has empowered us to live by, a fruit or a healthy result of a Spirit lead life.

We are created to live with this strength in our lives. Just like developing physical strength - there is a season we must endure, a training period where our strength is challenged and increased.  God is faithful to the process of our development; He will help us as we determine to live a disciplined life. He is our trainer; teaching us the best and perfect way. Follow His lead. He will train you and He will lead you into victory.

It's tempting to listen to and revel in the promises of God - just to savor the peace of it all. In a world that is full of unrest - His Word brings such a sense of calm. But the Word of God; His Word that echoes in our hearts as we listen to Him, is not given merely for our refreshment but also to prompt us as messengers of peace. He gives us Words of hope, Words of healing; Words of redemption found in the Gospel not just for our sake, but for those within our influence.

We are not our own, we are Ambassadors of Christ. As you listen to that "still small voice" and God speaks His Word within your heart, savor it for a moment and then share the good news. God saves, heals and delivers. Let those who hear be healed and don't be moved by those who turn away. Let your voice be heard in this generation.

Surely the Lord God will do nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.

Is anybody out there listening? Is anyone listening for that "still small voice"? He's talking. He's leading, pouring out wisdom for His people to live by. Are you listening? Do you realize that your salvation was intended to create a relationship with Him where you can talk to and listen to Him everyday?

He's talking, revealing secrets to prepare His people for the days ahead. Quiet your heart and listen to God. He is very near and very concerned about the matters of your life. Let none of His words be missed - listen to God - He's revealing His secret to His servants!