“Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God,” Nehemiah 9:31 (ESV). “Mercy” is but another word for God’s essence and attributes in action. Why is it so hard for us to offer mercy to others while at the same time crying out for more of it for ourselves? Sadly, we justify our own lives as worthy of mercy while simultaneously disqualifying the needs of others. And when we see that God is merciful to anyone we feel is unworthy of His mercy we are perplexed and offended. Hoarding mercy while denying it for others turns the heart bitter and disqualifies us from His mercies toward us. Father forgive our miserly ways. You do not have love for one but deny it for another. You are love personified and Your mercies endure forever. Grant me grace to rejoice in Your merciful kindness at all times.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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