MERCY

It has been an interesting search for what I am thankful for---God has provided them one at a time--out of the blue--mostly when I was not even thinking about it.  When I first came up with the idea of spending a week writing about what I am most thankful for--the idea of family--freedom--provision--nature--was my answer.  God had other things in mind and reminded me daily--when I was away from the screen--with my thoughts elsewhere-He would gently nudge me and remind me of the great elements of the faith---and I was thankful.

As the week is waning---I could not let it pass without expressing my thanks for mercy.  Mercy flows from my lips quite a bit-one of my favorite exclamations, "MERCY!" slips from my lips several times a day.  I must admit---it is not always directed to The Father--or as a prayer--I have been known to ask for mercy from the taskmasters in my life.




And NO--Grace and Mercy are not the same--I found this excellent explanation-

 "Mercy is God not punishing us as our sins deserve, and grace is God blessing us despite the fact that we do not deserve it. Mercy is deliverance from judgment. Grace is extending kindness to the unworthy."



I would bet money most of you think I am a great Christian, wonderful example of a Godly woman.  Here is the truth-I fail miserably day in day out.  As Paul so poignantly put it,

"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." Roman 7:15

That pretty much sums up my day---messing up-over and over.  And yet He has mercy on me---a sinner.  The Greek Orthodox monks repeat two prayers over and over in the course of a day-

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have favor on me, a son."

Through His mercy---I have found favor.  

A righteous judge calls me before the judgement seat---I am accused and convicted and Jesus steps forward with a Get Out Of Jail card--setting me free.  Even better---it is forgotten---my sin is expunged from my record.  Now that, My Friends, is mercy!  To not only be forgiven---but for my sin to be forgotten.

I have forgiven those who have sinned against me, but find it impossible to forget.  Our Holy God---forgets--wipes the slate clean--bathes us in mercy--and sets us free.

So how could I not be thankful for mercy---
YES, LORD---HAVE MERCY ON ME!

He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
Psalms 103:12







6 comments

  1. Kyrie Eleison. Christe Eleison. "Lord have mercy" and "Christ have mercy".

    God bless you, Lulu; and may He always have mercy on you.

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    Replies
    1. Beautiful, Victor & may He have mercy on you!
      Blessings !

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  2. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner, I pray.

    And wonder of wonders, He does.

    I am so grateful for this amazing grace ...

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    Replies
    1. Amen - truly amazing Grsce that he would have mercy on the sorry wretch I am!
      Blessings, Friend!

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  3. Romans 7:15 is me all over too. It's because of His Word "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." [Romans 3:23] Thank you LORD for your mercy and grace!
    Hope your day is blessed my friend. ~:)

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!