Inspired by...: God's Word

Showing posts with label God's Word. Show all posts

Saturday, July 7, 2018

Let your speech always be with grace.

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.

By your words you will be justified.

The tongue of the wise promotes health.

If you take out the precious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth.

But as you abound in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, . . . see that you abound in this grace also.

Lord, our country is being torn apart by words unfitly spoken. May those who know You speak wisely and with grace.

Blessings,

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Inspired by . . . what we believe

There are two studies which have been impacting me greatly over the last several months and weeks.

My Dreamer and I have been listening to Alistair Begg's sermons on the book of Daniel entitled And He Shall Reign. (the entire series can be downloaded here for free)

And, more recently, (as I mentioned previously) I have been doing the First5 study, Suffering & Sovereignty which is based in Job, Lamentations, and Ecclesiastes. (This study runs through October 21st so there is still time for you to join us if you wish)

Both studies focus on the sovereignty of God. Daniel gives us the "big picture" which is critical for us to see and understand especially given the current cultural and political climate. While in the book of Job the lens narrows and we get a picture of the reality of God's sovereignty in our personal lives.

We've been camped in the book of Job for the last 12 weeks and the one thing I've noticed about Job's friends is that they had an incomplete and often incorrect view of God. Some of what they said was true, much of it was not, and some of the truth was taken out of context.

This got me to thinking about what we believe about God and what misconceptions we might have.

The book of Job also, rather alarmingly, reminds us of the role of the enemy in our lives. We should remember that the enemy was intimately acquainted with God. The enemy knows what God's word says. I think it's safe to say that he delights when we get it wrong.

**I not referring here to those things about God that we don't yet understand. In some sense, until we meet Him face-to-face, we will always have an incomplete view of Who He IS. I'm talking about the things we believe about God that are wrong, i.e. contrary to His word.**

The best lies contain an element of truth. [click to tweet]

You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? (Gal 5:7)

The Galatian's faith was being derailed by falsehoods regarding circumcision relating to justification. What falsehoods are hindering us from obeying God's Word?

How do we view God? Jesus? Does what we believe line up with scripture?

Beloved, do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1Jn 4:1)

Is what we believe based solely on what we've been told? Do we look up verses for ourselves and read them in context, praying for God to give us wisdom?

Remember, it's easy to take scripture out of context and use it to justify an accepted, yet false belief.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (Jas 1:5)

The cliche, "God helps those who help themselves." is widely quoted and believed. It is also NOT in the bible. In fact, the principle it alleges is actually contrary to what the Bible teaches.

The truth is, we cannot help ourselves. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. It is true that God calls us to pursue holiness, but He also provides the grace we need to do so.

And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Php 1:6)

Of this Jerry Bridges (The Discipline of Grace) says, "This thought is both encouraging and sobering. It is encouraging because it assures us that our spiritual growth is not left to our initiative, nor is it dependent upon our wisdom to know in which areas and in which direction we need to grow. Rather, it is God Himself who initiates and superintends our spiritual growth."

Believing that there is something we can do or have to do before Christ can save us nullifies the cross. [click to tweet]

The most effective way we can combat misconceptions about God is to read His Word for ourselves. [click to tweet] Go to the commentaries only after you have read and reasoned, and prayed and wrestled with understanding for yourself.

You will seek Me and find Me, when you seek Me with all your heart. (Jer 29:13)

God does not hide from us. If we honestly seek Him, He will reveal to us the truth about Himself.

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments, Heart Encouragement
#DanceWithJesus

Friday, June 23, 2017

Inspired by . . . a common need

Black Swallowtail Butterfly

Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water." (Joh 4:13-15)

I wonder how much the Samaritan woman really understood when she asked Jesus for, "this water." How much do any of us understand at the beginning of a relationship? We have a need, a desire and we seek fulfillment.

Whether it be a husband, wife, friend, casual acquaintance or an addiction. It all begins with a need. Most relationships leave us wanting more. I need my coffee every morning -sometimes even again in the afternoon - we grow tired of our husband or a friend lets us down.

The woman at the well understood all this. Husbands had failed her and she'd failed them. Friends shunned her and there was a constant thirst deep within her soul that water could not quench.

"Sir, give me this water."

In response Jesus addressed her sin. The woman neither denied His words nor ran away from them, so great was her need.

Until we come to the place where we are able to face our sin and own it, we will never accept what Jesus gives. [click to tweet]

The woman received what Jesus offered her. So changed was she that she left her water jar and sought out the people of her village to tell them the Good News.

She no longer needed water for bathing - His love cleanses us

She no longer felt ashamed - His love clothes us in righteousness

This woman's story is commonly known. A common story, about a common need. But Jesus' approach to this woman was decidedly uncommon. For Him to speak to a woman, and a Samaritan woman at that, shocked His disciples.

Perhaps you think that God wouldn't speak to someone like you. Or maybe you've come to the well so often that you no longer expect to find Him there.

He is there.

He is waiting.

For each of us.

How will we respond when He says, "Give me a drink."

What do I have to offer Him today?

Only my heart.

Blessings,

Sunday, June 11, 2017

Inspired by . . . unprofitable servants

American Lady

We are often too severe with ourselves about the things that matter little and not severe enough about the things that matter most. [click to tweet]

This was my thought the other night after reading the following scriptures:

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.'" (Luk 17:10)

Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. (Rom 3:27)

For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? (1Co 4:7)

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph 2:8-10)

But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. (1Co 15:10)

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11:36)

"But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer willingly? For all things come from You, and of Your own have we given You. (1Ch 29:14)

Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is righteous before You. (Psa 143:2)

Everything we are, everything we have, comes from His hand. How we must grieve our Father's heart when we look at her hair or her writing, her house, her family and wish that was us. Or when we look at ourselves and think, fat, plain, frumpy, too short, too tall, too skinny, boring. Not good enough.

Why does this line of thinking grieve our Father's heart? Does God make mistakes?

He formed you. Down to the very last freckle (or not), the very last curl (or not). Dark, light, blonde, brown, blue-eyed, He created you, perfectly, in His image. No mistakes.

He gave you certain gifts. He chose particular blessings to bestow. All according to His perfect purpose for your life.

Yes, we are all called to love and serve Him. But there are many ways, and many paths we follow to fulfill the plan and purpose of our life.

Envy and self-pity are two of the biggest boulders the enemy uses to block our path. [click to tweet] The dynamite that will blow those boulders sky high is our sacrifice of praise.

Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. (Heb 13:15-16)

When we fill our hearts with His love, by honoring Him with our lips and sharing the gifts we have been given, envy and pity have nowhere to grow. Rather WE grow in the things that really matter.

May we all walk worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.

And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph 5:2)

Blessings,

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Inspired by . . . foolishness

Much of what I write about here may seem like foolishness to you.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. (Pro 14:12)

This man, Jesus, and what He did may seem foolish to you.

For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart." (1Co 1:18-19)

I understand. Without the Holy Spirit to enlighten you, these things will make little sense.

The things of God must be spiritually discerned. However, God is easily found by anyone who seeks Him.

And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him. Yet He is actually not far from each one of us, for "'In Him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "'For we are indeed His offspring.' (Act 17:26-28)

You have a choice when it comes to Jesus. To accept or deny Him. This choice can be put off, but it cannot be escaped. In the end, a choice you will make.

Your disbelief does not offend me. It grieves me. I pray that your heart will soften. That you will seek the Truth.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Joh 8:31-32)

So what is the truth?

all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Rom 3:23)

Our sin separates us from a Holy and Just God.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 6:23)

But GOD . . .

but God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8)

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1Pe 3:18)

The debt of sin must be paid. Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. (Heb 9:22)

For our sake He made Him to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. (2Co 5:21)

There is no magic formula to faith in Christ. You don't have to say special words or be forgiven by a priest. Jesus is our High Priest. Go to Him. Confess to Him your sin. Repent (turn away from your sin) and believe in Him.

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. (Rom 10:9-10)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (1Jn 1:9-10)

Remember,

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)

If you have taken theses steps of belief today, I greatly rejoice with you! You are a new creation!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17)

And just as a butterfly emerging from its chrysalis needs time to strengthen his wings before he can fly, you will need a time of strengthening, too. I urge you to connect with other believers in a Bible-teaching church. Let someone (I'd be honored if it were me) know about the decision you've made. I've listed some ministries at the end of this post that can give you guidance.

But most important of all - read His word! Get to know Your Savior!

For He Is Risen!

Celebrate this truth today!

Amen.
Blessings on your Easter,

Resources:

Online Bible Reading: https://www.youversion.com/

Truth for Life Ministry of Alister Begg: https://www.truthforlife.org/

How to Know Jesus: https://peacewithgod.net/

Online Bible Resource: https://www.biblegateway.com/

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Bird D’pot,
Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens,
Wild Bird Wednesday, Our World Tuesday,
Community Global, Photo Friday, Little Things Thursday

Friday, October 14, 2016

Inspired by . . . know your enemy

Know your enemy.

While this adage may be key in the military world, it doesn't translate to the Christian life. In fact, scripture teaches just the opposite.

After the LORD destroys those nations, make sure that you don't follow their religious practices, because that would be fatal. Don't try to find out how they worship their gods, so that you can worship in the same way. (Deu 12:30)

God knows we're curious, particularly about spiritual things. After all, He made us that way! But God also knows how easily we can allow ourselves to be deceived. That's why His word is filled with warnings against occult activity and worldly worship. God knows that dabbling in such activities can quickly become an obsession and we can easily be ensnared by the enemy's schemes.

Success doesn't determine truth. Krista Williams, First5.org

God even warns that some of the false prophet's dreams may come true.

"Prophets or interpreters of dreams may promise a miracle or a wonder, in order to lead you to worship and serve gods that you have not worshiped before. Even if what they promise comes true, do not pay any attention to them. The LORD your God is using them to test you, to see if you love the LORD with all your heart. (Deu 13:1-3)

This warning applies to even seemingly innocent things like your daily horoscope (which has been strangely on target lately?) or a fun game with the ouija board. If you believe yourself to be a strong Christian, strong enough to engage the enemy and inquire into the realm of darkness, know this: he has already bewitched you!

No one can stand against the enemy except God Himself.

Not even the chief angel Michael did this. In his quarrel with the Devil, when they argued about who would have the body of Moses, Michael did not dare condemn the Devil with insulting words, but said, "The Lord rebuke you!" (Jud 1:9)

These warnings are not just for the nation of Isreal about Old Testament prophets. Take heed of what Paul warns us in 2 Thessalonians:

The Wicked One will come with the power of Satan and perform all kinds of false miracles and wonders, and use every kind of wicked deceit on those who will perish. They will perish because they did not welcome and love the truth so as to be saved. (2Th 2:9-10)

So what are we to do to protect ourselves? The same thing we do to protect ourselves from all sin:

Put on all the armor that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil's evil tricks. (Eph 6:11)

Protect your mind by reading God's word. Fill your heart and mind with His truth.

Continually seek to live your life in obedience to His word

Pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance, checking every message you hear against the truth of God's word

Remember, the enemy often comes clothed as an angel of light. In other words, these things will look good and sound good but in reality, they will turn your heart away from Jesus.

So put on God's armor now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy's attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. (Eph 6:13)

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Inspired by . . . what's your idol ?

The black Ford rolled up, blocking my view. "Why does he have to park there, anyway?" I grumbled under my breath. "Like I really want to look at that while I'm doing my morning devotions? Not exactly the serene, peaceful setting I was hoping for." I continued grumbling to myself.

I sat down, opened my bible and tried to ignore the black elephant in my dooryard. Funny, how being in the Word softens our spirit and brings clarity.

"He's been parking there for years," I chided myself, "He's not doing it to irritate you."

The engine roared and the truck rolled away leaving a view of trees and rolling hills in its wake. Ah, the peaceful setting for which I had been hoping!

Moments later my phone chimed with the First 5 app.

"God does not tolerate divided affection." ~Whitney Capps

The topic this morning is No Place for Idols, Deuteronomy 7:5-6

For us, it's probably not about worshipping images of other gods. Idol worship today is much more subtle and just as dangerous as it was back then. Ask yourself, is there anything in my life that I desire more than God, or even desire as much as I desire God?

As I prayed for God to help me identify the idols in my own life a deep conviction settled over my soul.

Have I made peace an idol? Is having peace in my life more important to me than God?

"Of course not!" was my immediate response. The natural urge is to brush these convictions away. Shrug them off. Ignore them.

But what if it were true?

I value peace. I seek it. Mostly I seek it through Him. And this is good. But remembering my response to the black Ford made me wonder - Am I seeking peace above seeking Him?

But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me." But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her." (Luk 10:40-42)

What is my response when I don't get the peace I seek? Am I fretting over many things, instead of first sitting at His feet? Have I forgotten that He will give me a peace that surpasses all understanding even when - - maybe especially when - - my world is in chaos?

...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Php 4:6-7)

Lord, help us to identify the idols in our lives. Give us the will and the strength to bravely destroy them, rather than ignore them. May we first seek Your face, knowing that only when we have clothed ourselves with Your righteousness can we face the battles of this life. In Jesus name, Amen.

Shalom,

Friday, September 16, 2016

Inspired by . . . Moses, man of God

How would you respond if God said He was going to annihilate the entire human race and start over with you?

When we look around at the world today it's tempting, isn't it? We may not necessarily have ourselves in mind. Personally, I'd pick someone far more righteous than I. And, I believe, so would God.

But what if He did pick you? What would you say?

I know how stubborn these people are. Now, don't try to stop me. I am angry with them, and I am going to destroy them. Then I will make you and your descendants into a great nation." (Exo 32:9-10)

Few of even the most righteous among us would respond as Moses did. After the way the people had treated Moses you would have thought he would have been happy to be rid of them. But no, instead Moses pleaded with God to deliver them.

But Moses pleaded with the LORD his God and said, " LORD, why should You be so angry with Your people, whom You rescued from Egypt with great might and power? Why should the Egyptians be able to say that You led your people out of Egypt, planning to kill them in the mountains and destroy them completely? Stop being angry; change Your mind and do not bring this disaster on Your people. (Exo 32:11-12)

You'll note that Moses didn't defend the people or their sin. Instead, he appealed to God, His character and mighty power.

Since Jesus has paid the price for our sin and made a way for us to access our heavenly Father, none of us will be getting the same offer that Moses did. But we can still learn from his response.

Moses didn't try to keep God all to himself. He shared freely of all the blessings and wisdom that God gave him. He shared will all people, not just his family or the people he liked or who treated him kindly.

He didn't give up on people either, even when they turned against him. When God struck Miriam, Mose's sister, with leprosy after she spoke out against him, Moses prayed to God to heal her.

It's easy for us to stay in groups who look, talk and believe the way that we do. It's easy to write off people who don't look like us or believe like us. This life is our one opportunity. And theirs.

As believers, we've been given an indescribable gift. With that gift comes a responsibility.

"You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. (Mat 5:14-16)

I encourage you today to let your light shine!

If necessary, use words.

Blessings,

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Inspired by . . . 3 G's and a J

It's been a while since I've talked about JOY here on the blog. Some of you may remember back in October of 2014, I actually wrote about JOY for 31 days as part of the #write31days challenge. What an amazing time that was! It's worth going back to have a look!

Who knew there was so much to say about this little 3-letter word! As it turns out, there is more to say and these truths are more relevant today than ever before.

The harvest of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, fidelity, gentleness, and self-control.

As most of you know JOY is not the same thing as happiness. The word happiness comes from the Latin "hap" meaning chance or temporary pleasures. Whereas JOY is not tied to a sense of wellbeing. Rather it is a spiritual response to receiving the Gospel.

JOY is based upon an objective reality, not subjective emotions.

Non-believers can and do experience JOY. When their values are in harmony with their behavior a sense of JOY is experienced. But true, Christian JOY, at its heart, is the JOY of salvation. The power of the Holy Spirit invades and transforms us and we experience true and lasting JOY.

The process of transformation often looks something like this:

GUILT - Guilt is something that is taboo in our world today. We don't talk about it, and we sure don't ever admit it! But the truth is, we are all in the same condition. Sin is our condition, the state of our souls. And it's terminal. Part of the misery is not acknowledging this truth.

GRACE - Grace is the answer to guilt. We receive all of God's riches at Christ's expense. God's love has no regard for our merits.

GRATITUDE - Gratitude is the only right response to grace.

JOY - Joy is the child birthed in the fullness of gratitude.

There are three things that hinder true JOY:

Foolishness - Being half-hearted creatures as described by C.S. Lewis in the following quote from The Weight of Glory:

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Forgetfulness - Just like the Israelites in the desert, we forget God's great acts of deliverance. We forget His benefits and promises.

All of this leads to Faintheartedness - we begin to listen to the evil one.

Don't allow these things to cause you to stumble.

You were running well; who hindered you from following the truth? Gal 5:7

Preach the Gospel to yourself daily. Work out your salvation. Remember that gratitude and thankfulness give birth to JOY.

The JOY of a believer is one of the most effective tools to disarm the devil.

The world is dark.

JOY is Light.

The Light has overcome.

Be an overcomer!

Blessings,

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Inspired by . . . threads of His mercy

I've been reading through the book of Kings this week, and I'm struck by the enormity of mercy that God has shown His people.

Remember Ahab? The king who married Jezebel. The king of who it is said in v. 25 of 1 Kings 25:

Never was there a man who sold himself to do what is wrong in the Lord's eyes as Ahab did, and all at the prompting of Jezebel his wife.

Ahab was the worst of the worst. Yet when Ahab heard the word of the Lord from the prophet Elijah, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. What was the Lord's response?

"Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before Me? Because he has thus humbled himself, I shall not bring disaster on his house in his own lifetime, but in that of his son."

God poured out His mercy on Ahab, deferring His wrath to the next generation (which, incidentally, was no less guilty). In fact, you can read in 2 Kings 22-23 about King Josiah's reform and of all the shrines and idols that he tore down, dating back to the time of King Solomon. Israel's sin was great indeed.

Yet, time and again we read accounts of God's great mercy toward His people.

Christ's sacrifice didn't do away with our need for God's mercy. There are still consequences to our sin. God still pours out His mercy on His people. I can see the threads of His mercy in my own life, just as I'm sure you can see them in yours.

In today's world I think we are in danger of two things:

Believing that our sin is not that bad, (or worse, believing that we do not sin at all) or
believing that our sin is more than what God will forgive.

Both are lies of the enemy.

The standard we are to hold ourselves to is not our neighbor, or the miscreants we see on TV. The standard is Jesus Christ, Who knew no sin. None. Zero. Zilch.

On our best day we are in need of God's grace.

One person may be a relatively decent sinner and another may be a flagrant sinner, but both are sinners, and God’s law admits no degree of failure. ~ Bridges, Jerry. The Discipline of Grace

On our worst day we are in need of God's grace, and God's mercy.

And on both days we have it, when we repent, humble ourselves before God and accept the gift He has provided; the sacrifice of His Son.

To believe that our sin is more than God will forgive is flat unbelief. God says, "Ask and it will be given you." He doesn't qualify the asking. Take Him at His word.

For by the blood of Christ we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven. How great is the grace of God, which He gave to us in such large measure! (Eph 1:7-8)

Do you look in the mirror and see the truth of your sinful state? Do you look in the mirror and see a soul worthy of God's love and adoration?

Both are required to receive His mercy and grace. Anything less is believing a lie.

May you receive the truth of the Gospel today.

For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son,
so that everyone who believes in Him may not die
but have eternal life. (Joh 3:16)

Blessings,