Tag Archives: Mercy

2016 Day 152 – 1 Corinthians 10

31 Tuesday May 2016

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Though we have freedom in Christ and some things are not wrong in and of themselves, they may not be beneficial to our relationship with Christ. Further, it may not be beneficial as a witness to other believers. This may sound legalistic, but it’s not. In 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 Paul says, 23 “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. Our freedom should not trample on those around us. Freedom is for the benefit of others as much as ourselves.

2016 Day 151 – 1 Corinthians 9

30 Monday May 2016

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We are called to not conform to this world. However, we are also called to become all things to all men in order to bring them into a relationship with Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:22 Paul says, To the weak I became weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. Paul’s only real concern was bringing people closer to Christ. It did not matter what reason was given as long as they understood God’s love for them and His desire for their eternal salvation. Let us all remember the same thing. God does not call us to perfection in order to be saved, He calls us to salvation so that we can be made perfect in His eyes.

2016 Day 145 – 1 Corinthians 4

24 Tuesday May 2016

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Whether we are believers or not, we are all the same. We are flawed human beings in need of mercy and grace. In 1 Corinthians 4:7 Paul reiterates this, For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? Our salvation does not come from our own efforts, but from Christ. We truly have nothing to boast about ourselves. It is because of Christ’s sacrifice and God’s mercy and grace for each of us that we have eternal life.

2016 Day 130 – Acts 18

09 Monday May 2016

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After everything Christ had done and everything the disciples tried to do to bring the Jews into believing Christ was the Messiah and savior of the world, they still rejected the truth. In Acts 18:6 Paul says, But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on you own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” It is because the Jews thoroughly rejected Christ that Paul finally decided to fully concentrate on reaching the Gentile. It is because of this that the rest of the world found Jesus. The Roman Empire (aka Gentiles) became the perfect vehicle to spread the Gospel throughout the rest of the world. It may not have always been pretty, but it was effective and something we should all be thankful for because ultimately it reach us.

2016 Day 106 – Acts 9

15 Friday Apr 2016

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A few years ago when I first read through the Bible, the biggest thing that stood out to me was this: There are no perfect men in the Bible (Jesus being the exception). And if God can use all these imperfect men to carry His message of grace, mercy, and salvation, then there is hope for me. One of the most unlikely instruments to carry our God’s perfect plan was the Apostle Paul. In Acts 9:15-16 we see what God has in store for him, 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” God does not wait for us to be perfect, He waits for us to be willing. There is nothing we can do (aside from rejecting God altogether) that precludes us from being used by God in His perfect plan. We just have to be willing.

2016 Day 88 – Luke 23

28 Monday Mar 2016

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Jesus, the only perfect man to walk the face of the earth, died on the cross to atone for our sins. We are no different than the men who hung on the cross with Jesus. One of the men even acknowledged Jesus’ sacrifice for all Luke 23:41 “We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Let us never forget our sinfulness and our unworthiness to be forgiven of our sin through Jesus’ sacrifice. He took our place on the cross and for that reason alone we will live for eternity.

2016 Day 86 – Mark 15

26 Saturday Mar 2016

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After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for Jesus’ body to be buried. Pilate, though he was surprised Jesus died so quickly, gave the body to Joseph. In Mark 15:46-47 we read about what Joseph did with Jesus’ body, 46 So Joseph brought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in the tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. So… Today we wait. But tomorrow is coming.

2016 Day 85 – Good Friday – Matthew 27

25 Friday Mar 2016

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Today is Good Friday, and one of the most painful days in the history of our faith. It all came down to this in Matthew 27:50 And when Jesus had cried out in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. But just remember… Sunday is coming!

2016 Day 84 – John 17

24 Thursday Mar 2016

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Today we read Jesus’ prayer to God just before the end of His ministry here on earth. As I read the prayer, I could not help feel a sense of honor that Jesus prayed for me and all future believers in the last part of His prayer. In John 17:20-21 Jesus specifically says, 20 My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also  be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Jesus’ desire was that we all become one body of believers. There is power in unity. His desire was not for us to become a gang, but a loving and encouraging body that cares for each other and as a group can care for others in need. Our body of believers should form a hospital, not a country club. We are here for the sick, not the privileged. Let us always remember this.

2016 Day 82 – John 15

22 Tuesday Mar 2016

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The world around us wants to push our buttons so they can say, “see, I told you they show nothing but hatred.” But Jesus boils it down to it’s simplest form in John 15:17 when he says, This is my command: Love each other. When we choose to turn away from anger and hatred for those around us, especially other believers, we can rest assured we are a true reflection of Christ.