Let us be honest. We all secretly harbor an unforgivable act. It may not be a matter of criminality. It could be a simple error born of arrogance, fear, or unbridled anger. Or it is the never absent memory of the emotional pain that we inflicted on someone we claimed to have loved. The act may be remembered only in the recesses of our consciousness. But the consequent guilt can never be stilled. It is that insidious guilt that keeps us from experiencing the fullness of God’s grace inspired forgiveness and mercy. That sense of unspeakable peace that flows from Jesus Christ. We seek to justify, to nullify, and to subjugate our guilt. Sadly, our human condition renders it impossible to believe that God has already forgiven our transgressions. Yet, to enter that freeing sense of divine mercy, we need to own our guilt. To substituting charitable deeds or empty rationalizations for an honest relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Then and only then can we stand before the Cross and allow God’s grace to fill our hearts. Now that is genuinely Good News. Blessings, Pastor Tom Psalm 46:1-3 & 10-11 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Mercy is a word that we use so often when we are describing our God. “He is merciful”. “Grant us mercy”. “May the Lord have mercy upon you”. The word mercy is used 174 times in the Bible. Mercy relates to forgiveness or withholding punishment. In Psalm 52 we are told that the mercy of God is not only an encouragement to trust, but the object of it, that is the grace and goodness of God in Jesus Christ which endures continually. The spiritual works of mercy address the needs of peoples’ minds, hearts and souls. We can show mercy in the following ways: 1. Admonish the sinner (give correction to those who need it) 2. Instruct the ignorant (share our knowledge with others) 3. Council the doubtful (give advise to those who need it) 4. Comfort the sorrowful (comfort those who suffer) 5. Bear wrongs patiently (be patient with others) 6. Forgive all injuries (forgive those who hurt us) 7. Pray for the living and the dead Psalm 52:8-9 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the faithfulness of God forever and ever. I will praise You forever, because You have done it, And I will wait on Your name, for it is good, in the presence of Your godly ones. |
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October 2022
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