Monday, March 27, 2023

Monday, March 27, 2023
Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Over and over the Bible tells us to rejoice, be happy, and dwell on the good things that God has given you. He wouldn’t have been repeated so many times in His word if it wasn’t important! The Lord is the source of perfect goodness, perfect love, and perfect joy. Any happiness that you can find in life, you can find in Him tenfold. If the God of the universe is a God of joy and love, what sorrow could possibly stand against Him? Does any negative thing even matter? Rejoice in the Lord, always; again, I will say, rejoice!

Friday, March 24, 2023

Friday, March 24, 2023
Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

People are wired to please themselves, and things like kindness, mercy and humility don’t always come naturally. But a person who has truly placed themselves God’s hands bears fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These attributes are the evidence of a transformed life because they are rooted in an earnest desire to follow God and live a life that is pleasing to Him. The Lord has shown you so much good and mercy; the forgiveness of sins is the greatest gift you could ever be given! What could be better than to live joyfully, loving justice and kindness, and walking humbly with your God?

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Thursday, March 23, 2023
Psalm 100:5
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.

The Israelites betrayed the Lord again and again, constantly cycling through phases of rebellion, sin, and repentance throughout their history. But every time God’s people forsook Him and broke His commandments, He was there for them… often to pluck them out of the mess they had made for themselves. God is good and merciful; His steadfast love never ends, and He is faithful to His people, which includes you! No matter what happens, the Lord will never turn His back on you or reject your repentance. He is always good, always loving, always faithful, and always merciful, then, now, and forever.

Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Luke 6:36
Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

You need mercy every bit as much as your worst enemy. You’ve committed crimes, not just against other people, but against the Almighty God himself. He gave you the rules, and you spat on them, grieving His heart and forever barring you from life after death. Anyone less than perfect deserves His wrath… and that’s pretty much all of us! But of course, the story doesn’t end there. Instead of letting you face the punishment you deserve, Christ became sin and took care of it for you. You’ve been shown the greatest and most selfless act of mercy that could ever be shown. It’s a tough act to follow, but with the Lord’s help, you can forgive the unforgivable and show mercy to those who deserve none, just as your Father in Heaven did for you.

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Matthew 5:23-24
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Jesus spoke often of forgiveness and of the condition of your heart. How you treat others matters, not only with your actions, but with your thoughts and feelings too. The Lord wants you to seek Him, but if bitterness against someone is festering inside you, He wants that to be taken care of. Is there someone you know who has wronged you or damaged you in some way? Ask yourself if you’re willing to forgive that person and show mercy. If that answer is no, God will help you make it a yes; let Him not only govern your life and your actions, but also your heart.

Monday, March 20, 2023

Monday, March 20, 2023
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Mercy is a profound act of love that goes against human nature. A merciful person throws aside their want for vengeance, recognizing that even their enemies are God’s children. Punishment may be deserved, no doubt, but the merciful one deserves punishment too; sin is sin after all, and everyone falls short of God’s standard for being a “good person.” The only difference is that their sins have been paid for by Christ’s blood, and when you fully recognize the price that was paid for your wrongs, showing mercy becomes a whole lot easier. Blessed are the merciful, for they have and will receive mercy.