Lunchtime Live: Extending Mercy

Continue reading “Lunchtime Live: Extending Mercy”

Our Weakness, God’s Strength

“Lamb of God ” by Meghan Williams, Dyed4you Art

2 Corinthians 12:9-11 (TPT) But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. 

I must admit that there are times when I have viewed a picture of a lamb and cringed. It’s not because I dislike how they look. On the contrary, such gentle and innocent faces are precious. However, it has been hard for me to accept that such sweet creatures were God’s choice as a sacrifice. In just the same way, our sinless and meek Savior—the Lamb of God—was God’s choice to bring atonement for the world. Continue reading “Our Weakness, God’s Strength”

Worth the Price

Isaiah 53:5 (VOICE) But he was hurt because of us; he suffered so. Our wrongdoing wounded and crushed him. He endured the breaking that made us whole. The injuries he suffered became our healing.

By design, I operate in the gift of mercy. However, I admit that the person I find it hardest to have mercy on is myself. Other than God, I alone know the depth of my sin. I know my record. I cringe when I see that the thoughts of my heart do not align with the heart of God. Unfortunately, harboring unforgiveness and contempt towards myself is a practiced behavior. Continue reading “Worth the Price”

El Chai (the Living God)

Zechariah 10:1 (VOICE) Pray to the Eternal, asking for rain in the spring; He is the One bringing the storm clouds. He fills them with heavy rain, showers of rain for the plants of the field for everyone.

Beloved, pray for rain. Pray for Me to swing wide the floodgates of heaven and saturate My people and all the earth. I AM the One who brings refreshing in the dry, desert seasons. I AM El Chai, the Living God, and I bring life and bring it in abundance. 

In My great mercy, I pour out My rain on all – the righteous and the unrighteous. I will not withhold My life-giving flow, nor deny anyone the opportunity to grow. Be sure to use wisely the blessing that I give that increase can be given all the more.  Continue reading “El Chai (the Living God)”

Be Moved

Matthew 9:36 (AMP) When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion and pity for them, because they were dispirited and distressed, like sheep without a shepherd.

Beloved, see as I see. Look not to the world with judgement and disgust, but rather be moved with compassion. For without Me people will seek every manner of substitute to fill the God-shaped void within them. 

So be light, and shine brightly. Win those around you to Me without needing a word. Shine forth godly character saturated with unconditional love, that they might have a taste of My heart for them and know no substitute will ever suffice.  Continue reading “Be Moved”

Cover in Love

Philippians 2:2 (TPT) So I’m asking you, my friends, that you be joined together in perfect unity—with one heart, one passion, and united in one love. Walk together with one harmonious purpose and you will fill my heart with unbounded joy.

Beloved, extend grace to those around you remembering the times you yourself have needed it extended to you. Respond to offense with mercy, respond to anger with love, and respond to pride with humility. 

When faced with unkindness, refuse to respond in like manner. Demonstrate your godly character through your grace and steadfastly loving responses. Remember that their words and behaviors are representative of who they are rather than who you are. Cover them in love and pray for them.