Timely moments – fitting words

Timely moments – fitting words

For everything, there is an appointed time and an appropriate time for every activity on earth. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11

 1 For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

 2 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.

 3 A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.

 4 A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.

 5 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

 6 A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.

 7 A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

 8 A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.

 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time.

Throughout history, at appropriate times, the Father has raised up ideally suited, capable, seemingly tailor-made individuals to utter memorable, heartfelt, appropriate words.

“In war, resolution

In defeat, defiance

In victory, magnanimity

In peace, goodwill” (Churchill).

“Four score and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in Liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”

“Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.”

“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate – we cannot consecrate – we cannot hallow – this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.

It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth” (Lincoln).

“Not only are there times and seasons in this world, but there is also an overruling providence in our lives. From before our birth to the moment of our death, God is accomplishing His divine purposes, even though we may not always understand what He is doing” (Wiersbe).

As there are ebbs and flows to times and seasons, our personal experiences also have their fluctuations and swings.

The Father is at work, and He is at work all the time. As we interact with His assignments for our lives, the use of the right words and actions can significantly impact outcomes. Good word choice conveys empathy, understanding, respect, and clarity, enhancing effective communication. Similarly, aligning our actions with our words and intentions demonstrates integrity and nurtures trust.

The rub comes when we speak ill-timed words or take inappropriate actions. Sometimes, we act out of defiance and stubbornness instead of peace and goodwill; we may ultimately find ourselves opposing the will of the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 13:5 But I have placed my trust in Your lovingkindness; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation.

Father, thank You for making everything beautiful in its own time.

INSIGHT

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.

The Hebrew word translated as “season” or “appointed time” is zeman. This term does not refer to a general period but rather to a specific moment in time. It is forward-looking, gazing into the future and suggesting there is an exact time for something to occur. Its focus is not on the concept of time itself but on the succession of events within the space-time continuum.

Consider the fairy tale Cinderella. In the story, she is mistreated by her jealous stepsisters and stepmother, living a life of drudgery and misery as a maid in her own home. A kindly Fairy Godmother comes to her aid, providing her with a beautiful silver gown and a unique pair of glass slippers so that she may attend Prince Charming’s ball. However, there is one condition: the magic spell will be broken at a specific moment in time, midnight. At that moment, the coach and horses, the footmen and driver, and the dress all revert to their original forms. This perfectly illustrates the concept of an “appointed time.”

Appointed times, seasons, and every event under heaven are planned and actualized through the Father’s grace and peace. Regardless of the circumstances, grace and peace are always the present possessions of every child of the King.

What are grace and peace?

“These are two things you can always have, no matter what your circumstances. Grace is all God’s power, all his love, all his beauty available to you. It is a marvelous term that wraps up all that God is and offers to us. It comes from the same Greek word from which we get our English word charm. Grace is charming, lovely, and pleasant. It is something which pleases, which imparts charm and loveliness to a life.”

“Peace is freedom from anxiety, fear, and worry. These are the two characteristics which ought to mark Christians all the time: Grace – God at work in their life; and peace – a sense of security, of trust” (Stedman).

Understanding grace enables one to place great trust in the Father. Trusting in the Father allows one to experience tremendous peace and rest, knowing that the Father is gracious and kind. The Father reveals His personality, character, and ways through His words.

Psalms 33:13-22

 13 The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.

 14 From his throne, he observes all who live on the earth.

 15 He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.

 18 But the LORD watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love.

 19 He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in times of famine.

 20 We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield.

 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.

 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

 

From His unlimited and eternal perspective, the Father sees and knows all. Because He is omniscient, He is aware of our innermost motives and intentions. Because He created us, He has a perfect understanding of how we feel, think, and act. There is no misunderstanding; He knows us thoroughly. Yet, remarkably, He still calls us into His love, His fellowship, and His life!

When children of the King respond to His call to know, worship, and choose to serve Him, several remarkable things often occur in the innermost parts of our being. We experience inner peace, joy, increased hope, and confidence. The Father designed worship to develop a deep love for Him and His people.

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© Dr. H 2024

Wilderness Therapy ∙

Wilderness Therapy ∙

This was the regular pattern – at night, the cloud that covered the Tabernacle had the appearance of fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. In this way, they traveled and camped at the LORD’s command wherever he told them to go. – Numbers 9:16-18

Deuteronomy 8:2-18

 2 Remember how the LORD your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character and to find out whether or not you would obey his commands.

 3 Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

 4 For all these forty years, your clothes didn’t wear out, and your feet didn’t blister or swell.

 5 Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the LORD your God disciplines you for your own good.

 7 For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills.

 14 Do not become proud at that time and forget the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt.

 15 Do not forget that he led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock!

 16 He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good.

 17 He did all this so you would never say to yourself, “I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.”

 18 Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful.

Trails Momentum of Henderson, N.C., is a therapeutic outdoor-adventure program for young adults based upon Wilderness Therapy.

Wilderness Therapy has the potential to be a transformative experience for young adults. Taking participants out of their comfort zones and challenging their boundaries encourages pursuing new goals and passions while testing and affirming their faith. Through Wilderness Therapy, young adults can experience personal growth and expand their horizons.

This journey of self-discovery provides young people with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their capabilities, and their limitations.

Those who successfully navigate the challenges of Wilderness Therapy often gain a newfound sense of self-awareness and discover inner strengths they never knew existed. They develop self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment by facing and overcoming challenges that they previously thought were insurmountable.

Wilderness Therapy is nothing new. The Father used it to guide and transform the generation of Israelites. Wilderness Therapy successfully transitioned the people from slavery to becoming resilient inhabitants of the Promised Land. A unique aspect of the Father’s Wilderness Therapy program is that He is always present, providing constant support to those who embark on this journey. They were never alone in the wilderness.

The Father’s presence among His people was not that of a mere observer but of a leader. The Lord led them using the cloud. He directed the Israelites to move or settle down and determined the duration of their stay in each location, whether for one night or two days, a month, or a year (Numbers 9:22). The Father guided them and directed them on every leg of their journey (Duguid and Hughes).

REFLECT & PRAY

How blessed we would be if we went when the Father told us to go and stayed when the Father told us to stay! Obedience brings blessings (Stanley).

Father many children of the King are reticent to travel or move about. You use Wilderness Therapy to transform lives. Encourage me to be willing to follow You wherever Your love leads.

INSIGHT

The wilderness in the Scriptures is not just a physical place but also a symbolic one representing spiritual trial and growth. It often serves as a significant setting for spiritual growth and character development. Through various stories, it becomes evident that the wilderness is integral to the development of resilience, faith, leadership, and deeper reliance on God.

In the wilderness, all familiar comforts and securities are stripped away, forcing people out of their comfort zones and requiring them to rely solely on the Father’s provision. A new and profound experience with the Father often leads his servants into a more intimate and profound relationship with Him.

The lessons learned in such desolate places prepare God’s servants for the challenges and responsibilities ahead. Even the Lord Jesus Christ was led into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the enemy.

He is the ultimate prototype for overcoming life’s trials and tests through obedience and reliance upon the Father and His Word. The Lord Jesus Christ had internalized the Scriptures, memorizing them in the context of life’s vicissitudes. In each situation, He quoted Old Testament Scriptures, the firm foundation upon which He stood to resist and overcome. He was armed with the sword of the Spirit, the living Word of God.

Matthew 4:3-4

 3“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

 4 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deuteronomy 8:2)

Matthew 4:6-7

 6 “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

 7 Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God’” (Deuteronomy 6:16).

Matthew 4:9-10

 9 Satan said to him, “All these I will give you if you will kneel down and worship me.”

 10 “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’” (Deuteronomy 6:13)

The Father’s sovereign and purposeful guidance and leadership of His people is seen in how He led them in the wilderness. The Israelites stayed in one place for as long as God intended, and each experience along the journey was purposeful and not coincidental (Wenham). The people had to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. They had to follow God’s visible guidance each day until the cloud came to a halt – this required unwavering obedience to His will (ESV – Notes).

“There was no place for fussing and crying out, ‘Are we there yet?’ What they had to do was watch the cloud and follow carefully wherever it went. . . This journey is at the will of the Lord himself and under his direction every step of the way” (Duguid and Hughes).

It required forty years and the death of an entire generation for the Israelites to learn to trust God more than their eyes or emotions.

What does it take for us to learn to trust God in the same way?

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© Dr. H 2024

Looking beyond ∙

Looking beyond ∙

Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. – 2 Kings 6:17

2 Kings 6:15-17

 15 When the servant of the man of God got up early the following day and went outside, troops, horses, and chariots were everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha.

 16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!”

 17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes and let him see!” The LORD opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Laurel and Hardy, legendary icons of the golden age of American cinema, carved out a unique niche as one of Hollywood’s most beloved comedy duos during its early years. The lanky Stan Laurel and his stout, rotund counterpart Oliver Hardy became household names from the late 1920s through the mid-1940s, endearing themselves to audiences with their hilarious and charming performances.

Their on-screen adventures consistently plunged them into an array of predicaments with unforeseen outcomes. Oliver Hardy, often portrayed as the more responsible and authoritative figure, would frequently find himself exasperated by Stan Laurel’s innocent yet bungling antics. This led to one of the most memorable catchphrases in film history: “Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into.” Delivered with Oliver’s trademark look of dismay and a pouty expression, this line became synonymous with the duo’s comedic style, making appearances in over 15 of their films.

Beyond their slapstick humor and perfectly timed gags, Laurel and Hardy’s enduring appeal lay in the chemistry and camaraderie between them. Their ability to evoke laughter through simple, relatable scenarios, combined with impeccable comedic timing, turned their films into timeless classics. Audiences of all ages could identify with their charming misadventures, ensuring that their legacy would continue to thrive long after their final curtain call.

Children of the King frequently encounter challenging predicaments due to their own choices. Life is filled with uncertainty, which raises a pivotal question: How do we make the best decisions? The Father has given us minds capable of observation, calculation, and logical reasoning to navigate through life’s complexities.

In the kingdom of the Father, there is much more. Sometimes, clarity doesn’t come from hard work and perspiration but rather from divine inspiration. The children of the King are guided more by faith than by sight. Human sight is limited to the physical world that can be seen and observed. However, there are unseen realities that are not visible to the human eye.

Elisha and his servant found themselves in a difficult situation. They were surrounded by enemies who intended to harm them. Humanly speaking, they were defenseless and had no earthly means to resist. However, Elisha knew something that his servant did not. He could see beyond what was visible and could see the unseen. Elisha was aware that the Father had sent an army of angels to protect him and his servant. This angelic army came with the power and authority of the commander of Heaven’s army. In the face of Heaven’s army, the Syrian forces were impotent.

Elisha, the prophet, was a seer. He could see angels, and he was fearless because he saw with the eyes of faith. The angels were more than a match for the Syrian army. Elisha wanted his fearful servant to be able to see as he did, so he prayed that the eyes of his servant would be opened to see the unseen.

2 Kings 6:17 Elisha prayed, “O LORD, open his eyes, and him see!”

A whole new reality opened for his servant, one that can only be seen by the eyes of faith. The angelic armies had been there all along, yet they remained cloaked to the ordinary human eyes. Much remains invisible and thus hidden to those who do not look with eyes of faith.

“Trusting God means looking beyond what we can see to what God sees” (Stanley).

REFLECT & PRAY

The limitations of our physical eyes restrict our natural vision here on Earth. However, our spiritual vision knows no bounds. It enables the eyes of our hearts to open and see the unseen.

Father, I often don’t know what to do. I am limited by my human resources. Help me learn to tap into Your resources and walk by faith, not by sight alone.

INSIGHT

Elisha was a servant leader and a man of faith. He routinely saw the unseen, things that were hidden from others. This extraordinary ability had landed him in the precarious situation of being encircled by adversaries. Aram, the king of Syria, was at war with Israel. He had drawn up secret plans for attack. Time and again, his covert strategies were foiled. His plans were thwarted. He was furious and decided there must be a spy within his ranks that was betraying him.

There was a spy, all right. But that spy was Elisha.

2 Kings 6:12 Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!

Elisha had prophetic insight. He could see the unseen and discern what was hidden from others. Geographical distance and palace walls were not obstacles to him.

A leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way (John C. Maxwell). A leader can translate vision into reality, faith into substance, and hope into conviction. While a boss issues orders. A true leader guides.

A leader is optimistic and upbeat. They radiate confidence and resilience. Challenges are not overlooked nor ignored; they are addressed and surmounted. Ultimately, a leader is defined by optimism, courage, foresight, planning, and implementation.

“The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been” (Henry Kissinger).

2 Corinthians 4:18 We look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Paul’s unwavering trust and confidence in the Father’s promise and power rips away the veil of limited physical sight. The chasm between the visible and invisible, the temporary and the eternal, is seamlessly bridged by the lens of faith.

2 Corinthians 5:7 We walk by faith, not by sight

“If we think only of the things that are visible, we are bound to see life that way. But there is another way. The writer to the Hebrews said of Moses: ‘He persevered as though he saw him who is invisible (Hebrews 11:27)” (Barclay).

Supernatural sight, that is, seeing the invisible, comes through faith in the One who is Himself invisible. It is a paradox. It cannot be validated through scientific experimentation.

Ephesians 1:18 I pray that eyes of your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called.

What do you see, enemies or the angels of Heaven’s army?

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© Dr. H 2024

Do you feel lucky? ∙∙

Do you feel lucky? ∙∙

Look! I have set before you today life and prosperity on the one hand and death and disaster on the other.- Deuteronomy 30:15

Deuteronomy 30:15-19

 15 Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster.
16 For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.
17 But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods,
18 then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy.
19 Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

Released in 1971, the film “Dirty Harry” achieved critical acclaim and commercial success. Its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance was so profound that the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Film Registry in 2012. This iconic movie not only left a lasting impact but also pioneered a new genre of police film.

Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Inspector Dirty Harry Callahan, working in the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), is a masterclass in building tension. As Dirty   Harry confronts the robbers during a bank robbery, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats. The scene reaches its peak when the third robber surrenders, intimidated by Dirty Harry’s memorable ultimatum:

“I know what you’re thinking: ‘Did he fire six shots or only five?’ Well, to tell you the truth, in all this excitement, I’ve kind of lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’

Well, do you, punk?’”

Every day, we are faced with a myriad of decisions, each shaping the tapestry of our lives in subtle or profound ways. These choices can be as trivial as deciding whether to wear a blue or red shirt or as impactful as determining how we allocate our free time. We might choose to immerse ourselves in a captivating book, binge-watch the latest TV series, or engage in physical exercise.

The media we consume also represents a significant aspect of our daily choices. Whether we absorb news from digital platforms, listen to podcasts, or scroll through social media, these decisions influence our perspectives and inform our understanding of the world around us. Additionally, our dietary preferences—be it opting for a quick snack, preparing a home-cooked meal, or dining out at a favorite restaurant—not only reflect our individual tastes but also impact our health and lifestyle.

At the core of these decisions is the inherent freedom we possess to make choices that align with our personal values and desires. While some options, such as selecting an outfit, may seem inconsequential, others hold greater weight and contribute significantly to our overall quality of life and sense of fulfillment. At the same time, some are momentous and life-changing with eternal consequences.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But not everyone has a right to their own Truth (Lutzer).

Ultimately, from the Father’s perspective, choices are black or white, good or evil, wise or foolish.

REFLECT & PRAY

“We almost always have choices, and the better the choice, the more we will be in control of our lives” (William Glasser).

Father, in my lifetime, I have made so many poor choices. Thank You that You are my counselor. Encourage me to make better choices, the right choices, and the best possible choices.

INSIGHT

In the Ancient Near East, during the time of Moses, when treaties were made and contracts were made, people invoked witnesses to their ratification. Often, the witnesses were their gods. This practice persists in the modern American justice system, where individuals are asked to “swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.”

In the Book of Deuteronomy, we see a profound moment where the Father stands as a partner in the Mosaic Covenant. In this sacred pact, He is bound by His own divine authority, for there exists no higher power to invoke as a witness. Consequently, the Father calls heaven and earth to serve as His witnesses.

Pause for a moment and reflect on the fact that our outcomes are determined by the choices we make. How can we achieve our desires when we feel dissatisfied and frustrated with our current situation? Recognizing that achieving our true desires involves making better choices is essential.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

The smart move is to gather as much helpful information as possible. We have access to the revealed truth of the Word of God. Seeking knowledgeable and wise counselors can empower us to make well-informed decisions, leading to the best possible outcomes.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.

Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 12:15 Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

In His image, the Father created us, endowing us with minds to think, hearts to feel, and a will to make choices. The Father urges us to make righteous decisions. We are not mere robots; instead, we can hear God’s Word, learn God’s will, and decide to obey or disobey (Wiersbe).

Making decisions, in itself, is not a difficult task, but making the correct choices is an entirely different matter. What are the consequences of our actions?

The Father has presented the most crucial choices in clear and straightforward terms, making them easy to comprehend. Life and goodness lie on one side, while death and evil loom on the other. Who really wants to choose death? Perhaps only the desperate, the despondent, and the depressed might consider such a choice.

Just to be clear, what are the choices? Choosing to love and obey the Father leads to life and goodness while rejecting the Father results in death and evil.

Do you feel lucky?

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© Dr. H 2024

Have mercy ∙

Have mercy ∙

LORD, have mercy on me. – Psalms 9:13

Luke 18:9-14  

 9 Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else:

 10 “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector.”

 11 “The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!’

 12 ‘I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’”

 13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’”

 14 “I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The Judds were an American country music duo consisting of lead vocalist Wynonna Judd and her mother, Naomi Judd. As one of the most successful acts in country music history, The Judds released six studio albums between 1983 and 1991. They earned five Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group and nine Country Music Association awards. Additionally, they achieved 14 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

The Judds released “Have Mercy” in September 1985. It became their fifth number-one song on the country chart.

Have mercy on me

You treat me so bad I’m in misery

It’s breaking my heart, can’t you see

Baby, baby, have mercy on me

Have mercy

The Jesus Prayer is a short formulaic, simple, mantra-like prayer:

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

The Jesus Prayer holds a significant place in Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition and is often referred to as the “prayer of the heart.” Throughout the history of the Orthodox Church, it has been deeply revered, widely taught, and fervently discussed. As part of personal devotion and meditation, the prayer is traditionally recited continuously, emphasizing humility, repentance, and the acknowledgment of human fallibility while seeking mercy and grace from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Partial snippets are found in the Old Testament. Psalms 9:13 LORD, have mercy on me.

The Jesus Prayer is quite similar to the prayer made by a tax collector in Luke 18.

The story portrays two men with contrasting attitudes. One, a Pharisee, was self-assured in his religious beliefs and practices. He felt he lacked nothing, so he requested nothing and received nothing. On the other hand, a tax collector recognized and acknowledged his spiritual poverty. He sought much, received much through his humble request, and was shown great mercy by the Father.

REFLECT & PRAY

Good and caring parents are merciful and gracious. They want only the best for their children and discipline them with love because they love them.

Father, thank You for disciplining me with love and mercy. Thank You for always remembering mercy!

INSIGHT

Grace is getting what you do not deserve

Mercy is not getting what you do deserve

Mercy involves the compassionate treatment of those in distress, particularly individuals under one’s power or control.

Cats are renowned for their effectiveness in eliminating vermin like rats and mice from human homes and buildings. However, observing a cat with its prey reveals a different story. The scene is the epitome of a lack of mercy. Initially, the cat captures the mouse, only to play with it and tease it before ultimately killing it. Why? This behavior is driven by instinct, a common trait among felines worldwide. It amuses the cat but is far from enjoyable for the mouse. Why do they act this way? Simply because they can.

The New Testament advises us to walk wisely and circumspectly, much like a cautious cat (Ephesians 5:15). It also commands us to show mercy, urging us not to withhold it. Instead of giving people what we think they deserve, we are called to extend compassion.

This is how the Father treated us.

How do you envision the Father? When you picture Him, what comes to mind? Do you see a loving Father with outstretched arms eager to lavish you with love and care? Or do you imagine a stern, critical, and somewhat wrathful judge?

The Father is a little bit of both.

Deuteronomy 13:18 The LORD your God will be merciful only if you listen to his voice and keep all his commands.

The Father responds to our thoughts and actions, engaging with us in real-time as we walk through life with Him. When we are faithful and live by His principles, we bring joy to His heart. However, when we violate His principles, there are times when the Father reacts with anger.

Isaiah 54:8 In a burst of anger, I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love, I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.

He is the Father of mercies, the all-merciful Father, the gentle Father, or simply the merciful Father. Even in His wrath, He remains merciful. He is not prone to anger but instead filled with loyal love and devotion for His children. His displeasure is fleeting. The Father’s abundant warmth and tender love far outweigh His brief moments of chastisement. His discipline is short-lived when compared to His everlasting love.

The psalmist asked, LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? (Psalm 130:3). The answer is clear: no one. Even when God must judge sin, He continues to show mercy (Stanley).

Habakkuk 3:2 In wrath, remember mercy.

We are to be just like Him!

Luke 6:36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

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© Dr. H 2024