Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. (Psalm 119)
Luke 6:27-38 How is God merciful? Jesus lays out his Father’s mercy in several extraordinary statements: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who abuse you; give to everyone who begs from you; don’t worry about getting stolen things back; do good and expect nothing in return; do not judge; do not condemn and forgive! Without the help of the Holy Spirit of God, as extended to us, to me, by Christ Jesus, I might be able to be merciful occasionally. But with the Holy Spirit’s help, I have access to an infinite mercy that I can then extend to others through my prayers, words and actions. As I navigate the wonders and the waves of today, how will I need to extend the mercy of God to others? How will I live into my heritage as a beloved child of the Father of Heaven? Holy Spirit of God, help me be merciful as you are merciful. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. (Psalm 145:8,9) Hear the rhythm, know the rhyme, Come, all people, It’s Mercy time! Anonymous (with apologies to Cool Runnings) Soli ad gloriam Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca
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Christ Jesus, help me continue to be rooted and grounded in you, abounding in thanksgiving…9/8/2021 Colossians 2:6-15 It is extraordinary! Because Jesus was obedient to God’s plan he was able to pivot all of human history away from the darkness of death and destruction, toward the Light, Love and Life of God, the Creator and Father of humankind. Each day I live, each conversation I speak, and each thought I think, I have opportunity to stay with the deceits and dank bitterness of the ways of the world: pride, greed, malice, jealousy, lust, gluttony and acedia; or I can choose to follow Jesus and exercise prudence, justice, temperance, courage, faith, hope and love. I cannot choose a virtuous life without the help of the Holy Spirit of God. But with the Holy Spirit’s grace, I am able to live into the virtues of heaven, of holiness. How to release this power for true Life within? St. Paul advises abounding in thanksgiving. When I am ‘tracing the grace’ of God, in men, women and children, or in any of the circumstances of the day, then it is hard to remain turned to the darkness, and much easier to be like Jesus – a holy, steady and continuing Light in the world. Today will I continue to walk with Christ in every thought process, every conversation, and every action? Christ Jesus, help me continue to be rooted and grounded in you, abounding in thanksgiving. The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his compassion is over all that he has made. (Psalm 145:8,9) God’s strength in your weakness is His presence in your life. Andy Stanley Anonymous Soli ad gloriam Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca Colossians 1:24 – 2:3 The strength that God supplies is different than how I usually perceive strength. Society today values ‘strength of character’, the strength to dominate and control, and the strength to persevere to accomplish all I plan to do. The strength that God supplies to those who are his friends and walk with Him, is the strength to love despite human frailties, the strength to approach all of creation, including other human beings with humility and wisdom, and the strength to stand with my head up looking for God’s grace and salvation, no matter what happens. This is the strength that Paul used, whether travelling as a missionary, or proclaiming the Gospel with his life, whether arguing in public squares and synagogues, or writing letters, when he was shipwrecked or when he was beaten and imprisoned. The strength that God supplies sees me through times of disease and successes alike, always allowing me to continue to walk in the wakefulness and wonder of his Grace and Mercy. As I labor throughout this season of harvest and the uptake of fall activities, will I rely only on my own strengths, or will I use the strength that God supplies. Holy Spirit of God, help me use the strength you supply. For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 62:1,2 ) God’s strength in your weakness is His presence in your life. Andy Stanley Anonymous Soli ad gloriam Gospel Mystery of the Day on FaceBook & www.gospelmysteryoftheday.ca |
AuthorBeverly Illauq lives in Kemptville, Ontario, where she greets each morning by seeking the Gospel Mystery of the Day - the Word of the Lord for direct and practical application to the specific challenges & joys of the day. Archives
March 2024
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