Saturday, January 25, 2014

Day 25 Greater Things

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old--and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. Romans 4:18-21 (NIV)
Abraham and Sarah were way too old to ever have a baby! Yet Abraham continued to believe God’s promise to him that he would be “the father of many nations.” Even with the huge challenge of old age; Abraham was fully convinced that God would do exactly what He promised to do.

The TSC pastors, through the study of God’s word, have become fully convinced that the Lord has “Greater Things” prepared for our church. We know that since the “Greater Things” are coming from the Lord, that they will be “more than we can ask or imagine”       Ephesians 3:20.

Even while childless at 100 years old, Abraham believed God for a son and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Even against all odds, Abraham believed God for “Greater Things.”

What “Greater Things” are you believing God for in 2014?

Pray--Lord, please give me the faith and courage of Abraham to believe You for “Greater Things” even when the odds don’t look in my favor. Lord I believe You for “Greater Things” for my life, my family, and TSC this year. In Jesus Name. Amen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Friday, January 24, 2014

Day 24 - What Has God Imagined for Me?

1 Cor. 2:9  “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (NLT)

I love imagining what God can do.  Whether I am thinking about how He can reform a heart or redeem an outcome, He can do whatever I think He can do --- and beyond.  In truth, whatever God imagines for that person or situation will eclipse my best ideas.    

“’My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,’ says the Lord.  ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”  Isaiah 55:8 (NLT) 

God’s best idea brought salvation to every man.  His plans bring glory to himself and demonstrate every attribute of His being while He extends to us the best possible outcome for us. 

It makes me wonder, “what is God imagining for me?”  Jesus is ever interceding before the Father for us.  What’s he asking God to do for me and through me for God’s glory?  I find myself praying, “Father, whatever Jesus is asking for me, that is what I want.”  I don’t even have to know what it is. 

This thought doesn’t keep me from praying and imagining what God’s best would look like in a particular situation.  Since there is nothing too hard for Him and nothing is impossible with Him, I imagine how He could receive the greatest glory and pray to that end.  Then I wait with eager anticipation to see what He does.  He promises to dwarf my expectations.

Pray – Father give me the understanding to imagine what greater things you have in store for those who love you, for me.  Give me the courage to ask and believe you for what I can’t conceive.  

Blogged by Pastor Duane Murray
 

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Day 23 The Road to Greater Things


“I am telling you the truth: those who believe in me will do what I do –yes, they will do even greater things, because I am going to the Father.” John 14:12
 
Have You ever had the thought, “Is that really what You mean, Jesus?” “Are You using some kind of symbolism here?” “I can’t do what You did, Jesus.” First of all, yes, Jesus meant what he said, but we sometimes fail to put enough emphasis on the part of the verse that says, “Because I am going to the Father.” So, first we have to remember that anything good that we do is because Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in us and empower us to do things we never imagined. But how do we see those “Greater things” come to be. In Matthew 25 we read about three people entrusted with money. Two of them put that money (talents) to use and brought back more. One did nothing and brought back what he was given. We all know the story. The Master entrusted the first two with greater things. Then, he took what he had given to the one who did nothing and gave it to the others.
To see “Greater Things” in our church, we have to recognize that 25+ years ago God entrusted Thompson Station Church with the means and talents to reach our community. Those few people were faithful, so God entrusted them with more. Now we all have been entrusted with even more. Our responsibility is to remain faithful and use the “talents” God has entrusted us with for His kingdom.
Take a moment to pray for wisdom as each one of us (TSC family) strives to be a good steward of all God has given to us.
Pray--God, You have already blessed us beyond our comprehension. I know You have not done this merely for our benefit. You have greater things in store for us as individuals and as a church. Give us wisdom as You do more than we could ever imagine in our lives and in our church. All glory belongs to You, Jesus. Amen.


 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Day 22 Faithful is Everything



So, my dear Christian friends, companions in following this call to the heights, take a good hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe, faithful in everything God gave him to do. Hebrews 3:1-2 (MSG)

As we seek God together and ask Him to reveal greater things to us, remember who is at the center of it all.
           Jesus is the one who carries us through the beauty and pain of life.
           Jesus is the one who calls us to return, release and restart. Jesus is the one who is faithful in everything God gave Him to do.
           Asking God for greater things will force us to step outside our comfort zone. We may be tempted to limit what we ask for because we want to make sure it’s something realistic. Something logical. Something safe. But what if God is challenging us to ask for something bigger? What if it was something so audacious that we could never pull it off on our own?

Remember that He is the centerpiece of everything we believe. If He has called you and our church to greater things – believe what He says!

Pray--Thank You God for Your power and faithfulness to carry out everything You desire. Give me boldness to step out in faith so that I can accomplish Your greater things; those things that are far beyond what I could dream up on my own.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Day 21 He Has Greater Things for You


Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: Who am I, Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far? 2 Samuel 7:18

Many Sunday mornings when I walk in the back door of the preschool wing I am reminded of these words from David…who am I that you have brought me this far? I attended TSC for the first time twenty years ago this month. I walked in with my 4 year old daughter on a Sunday morning and my main motive for being here was I needed to take her to church because it was the right thing to do. I had plans for her, but He had plans for me.

God didn’t change my heart and life all in one day. He began to slowly show me that He had given me gifts that could be used to serve His church. In 2006 God began to show me that ministry was in my future and by March 2007 I had a fancy gold nametag and was knee deep in preschool ministry. I wanted to be a Sunday morning church attendee, and God wanted to give me far greater things than I could imagine. I am so humbled that He lets me be a part of it.

It’s January and many people reading this might be walking into the church doors for the first time ever or maybe the first time in a long time. You are not here by accident. God has a great plan for your life!

Pray-- Lord, Show me Your way and the greater things you want for me and my family. Thank You for bringing me through the doors of TSC so that I can be a part of the work that You want to do on this corner.

Blogged by Angela Spencer

 



Monday, January 20, 2014

Day 20 Great and Mighty Things


“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things,which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
 
We have a tendency to ask God to answer our prayers according to what we understand. “Please give me this job which I have always wanted! I need this God, because it will fix all my problems!” Well, it is time for us to realize that God’s plan is bigger, grander, etc. Most of all: it is always right for us. We must return to the place of faith that says, “If I can trust God with my eternity, then I can truly trust him with right here and right now. I can trust Him with today!”
 
Take a moment, and call out to God for greater things. Remember that what you have been praying for might be better than your current standing, but what God has for you is always BEST. And, when it brings glory to Him, it is a greater thing! Take the day to focus every
minute on seeing what God’s plan is for your life, and trusting Him to do what is BEST. Guess what?! He will “show you great and mighty things, which you do not know…”
Pray—Father, show me Your better ways, Your best desires for me and plant those desires in my heart. I want to want what You want to give me and when that is different than what I’m asking, I choose to trust You until Your purposes are revealed to me.
 
Blogged by Pastor Eric Nichols
 





Sunday, January 19, 2014

Day 19 Prayer of Jabez

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request. I Chronicles 4:10

As we follow the lead of Jabez in his prayer God will also enlarge our territory. Jabez’s prayer to enlarge his territory was not a selfish prayer so that he could just become a very wealthy man. He wanted to enlarge his territory to show how big God is. God granted the
request as a result of how Jabez brought the petition before Him. Jabez asked in humility and sincerity for God’s blessing, to help him in his work, to be with him in all he did and to keep him from evil and harm. God wants to answer your request. The key to answered prayer is your motive. God will enlarge your territory spiritually, and physically as long as your motive is pure, as long as you are driven by a sincere desire to experience and expose His glory.
 
Pray—Father, oh that You would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let Your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.

Blogged by Bill Junell






Saturday, January 18, 2014

Day 18 Great Things Require Greater Commitment



“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:37-38



Greater things require following Christ, and following Him requires greater commitment. Jesus gave us a standard for our commitment to following Him. Jesus tells us in the passage in Matthew that it MUST exceed even the commitment to our own family, such as our father, mother, son, or daughter.


Who would willingly betray or hurt their father or mother?

Who would freely sacrifice their own son or daughter?

Yet, our commitment to Jesus has to exceed even the strongest of family relationships. The path to greater things comes with greater commitment.
Think about your closest family relationships. What level of commitment is required for these relationships? What types of sacrifices are needed to maintain these relationships? How can your loyalty to Christ exceed these relationships?
Pray—Ask God to deepen your level of commitment to follow Him fully.

Blogged by Pastor Jason Gossett


 

Friday, January 17, 2014

Day 17 Barrier of Best Man?



John replied, “No one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven. You yourselves know how plainly I told you, ‘I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.’ It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the best man is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:27-30
I watched a movie recently about Billy Beane, the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics  baseball team. In the movie, Moneyball, Billy is given an offer to go to a bigger market ball club, the Boston Red Sox. According to the movie, Billy faces the choice of going to Boston and receiving more money and recognition, or staying in Oakland to spend more time with his daughter.
It’s always amazing when someone who has the opportunity to be “greater” in the world’s mind decides to pass on that “greater” opportunity. John seemed to have been one of those amazing some ones, having the ability to gather large crowds as they came to be baptized and hear about the coming Messiah.
As in John’s and Billy’s lives, many times the option that leads us to truly greater things means making others more important than ourselves. It involves gut-wrenching decisions to sacrifice what we’ve always wanted. It includes giving up a part of our identity that we considered so valuable and exchanging it for His greater purpose. And anything greater that we can be or do only comes from simply removing ourselves from being a barrier to what He wants to give us. We are not supposed to be the barrier, but the best man! And we should be glad to stand with Him, filling with joy in His most glorious moments.
Pray— Jesus, help me to remember this life is not about me. Help me to decrease, so You can increase in my life.
Blogged by Pastor Reagan


Thursday, January 16, 2014

Day 16 Last Will be First and First Last... What?


And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother,children or fields because of My name will receive 100 TIMES MORE and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:29-30 (HCSB)
 
Pick me, pick me. I want to go first. It’s mine! I was here first! What about me? I have to confess that I make these statements and I hear my children make them, too, and I recognize them sometimes in others as well. As true followers of Jesus Christ we have died to and buried the old sin nature and have spiritually been raised into a newness of life in and through Jesus Christ. But my fleshly “old man nature” continues to scream from the grave, “pick me”, “I want”, “It’s mine”, “I was here first”, what about me”.
 
As Jesus explains to the disciples about possessions and the Kingdom, He reminds them that the fully devoted followers, leaving behind what the world says is important and of value will receive 100 times GREATER THINGS in His eternal Kingdom. If we truly want to experience greater things personally, in our families and in our church we must die to ourselves and leave behind what the world says to hold on to and follow Christ fully, not acting like the church, but being the church. Each one fully devoted to following Jesus Christ and leaving behind whatever we need in order to do that.
 
Pray—Heavenly Father, I truly desire your GREATER THINGS in me, my family and my church. Help me to let go of what the world screams is important and use that time, energy, and focus to more closely follow you as a fully devoted follower.
 
Blogged by Pastor Louis Davis

 
 
 

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Day 15 God Has Greater Things to Give His Children


So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom  we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.” Romans 8:12-17
 
Sometimes people like to boast about who they are and where they came from. We look at the “royalty” in several countries in Europe. In the USA we tend to elevate movie stars and musicians to “royalty” status. None of this compares to who we are as believers in Christ!

• God is my father. I have an earthly father but more importantly God has adopted me and made me His child. He tells me He has made me an “heir” of His Kingdom!
• I am going to be “glorified” with Him someday!
• All Christians will one day “inherit” heaven! WE ARETRUE ROYALTY!
• So we need to stop behaving like we have no mission and purpose, our God has sent us here to invite others into this royal family!


Pray-Lord help me to not live a defeated life but to know I am a child of the true King! Amen.
 
Blogged by Pastor Steve Witt
 

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Day 14 Great Things are Newer Things



Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19
 
My favorite phrases in these verses are “road in the wilderness” and the “rivers in the desert.” Those are some pretty great things, right? I mean we are talking a paved road through the most remote place you can imagine; not just a hiking trail or a small path but a highly visible easily accessible road. And as for the “rivers in the desert” we are talking a life giving source of refreshment, a raging river that twists and turns and moves in a place that is dry and barren, stagnant and void of life. Perhaps you find yourself today in one of those two categories. You feel lost in a wilderness of confusion and need direction. Or maybe your spirit is in a desert and in need of refreshment. If so…
 
Don’t focus on what you’ve always done in the past. It might be time for a change. When we live on past successes we limit our ability to achieve future success. Have you ever been around someone who is always talking about their “glory days”? What are they doing now? More than likely nothing because they have wasted all their time and energy wearing out what’s already been done while everyone else moved on.
 
Notice the question God asked in Isaiah 43:18-19, “will you be aware of it?” God is saying, “I will and I am doing miraculous things. The question is... are you going to be positioned to see it?” We have to make sure our hearts are in tune with what God is up to in order to see what He’s doing. If we are living in our past or waiting for God to do something familiar we may miss it all together. God is creative. Creative types are always looking for new and inventive ways to accomplish things; otherwise, they get bored. Our creative God likes to change it up now and then, too. He says it in verse 19 “Behold I will do something....NEW”.
 
Pray—Ask God to open your eyes to what it is He is already doing and for the courage to join Him in it. Remember, He is constantly wanting your faith to grow and what better way for that to happen than to keep coaxing us out of what is comfortably familiar and into uncharted territory where we are more reliant on Him.

Blogged by Pastor Jason Baird
 




 
 


 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Day 13 Wisdom,Knowledge,Understanding – Come and Get it


When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, Proverbs 2: 10-11 (NKJV) 
 
This year at 51 years old, through events that I cannot control or change I have been driven to a complete and total dependence on the Holy Spirit for literally both spiritually and physically my NEXT breath and very NEXT step. The book of Proverbs has been my go to book when it came to a daily consistent source for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. God continues to consistently pour out His protection and provision for me and my family.
 
Every verse, every chapter, the entire book, speaks to any combination or order of those three: wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Are you looking for a consistent way to RETURN to the Lord in prayer? If so, I encourage you to begin by reading and praying
through the 31 chapters of Proverbs. You can begin by spending time on the chapter that coincides with today’s date. I am beginning my 14th month and it is still speaking life and direction into me.
 
Pray: Heavenly Father, Your Word says that if we want wisdom that we only have to ask You for it and You will give it to us. I want and need wisdom. I receive the gift of wisdom and I pray that You will give me knowledge and understanding as I RETURN to You through prayer and reading Your Word daily.
 
Blogged by Pastor Louis Davis
 

 

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Day 12 Return to Humility and Hope


My heart is not proud, O Lord, My eyes are not haughty; I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me. But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a waned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.  Psalm 131
 
It’s a little ironic - and also no mistake - that before we can truly return to God, we have to lay down our pride. In our extreme “mefocused” world it’s easy to overvalue ourselves and undervalue others.  But from the very first phrase of Psalm 131, we are reminded to reset and refocus our hearts. By laying down our pride, we admit that we are not in control and that we can be content with God’s leading in our lives.  His leading may not be the plan that we had in mind, but we can rest in the fact that His ways are so much greater than we could ever imagine. Read this passage again and say the words out loud. Let it be your prayer to Jesus today. Are you content with God’s leading in your life? Take a moment to calm and quite your soul… and put your hope in the Lord.
Pray—Psalm 131

Blogged by Matt Allen


 

Saturday, January 11, 2014

Day 11 Return to Delighting in Him

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
 
This has always been one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It holds a promise that we all want to grab onto for dear life. The promise to get something I want. I have always made it very clear to God what I want. In fact, if He were sitting in a chair at the mall, I would neatly write out my list and be the first person in line to sit on His lap to tell Him all about it. Many times my motives for seeking Him are all about me and less about Him.
Thankfully, God desires to transform my heart. He has a heavenly picture in mind and He wants to set my heart on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2). When I struggle with self-centered desires that’s when I need to pray and ask for the wisdom to seek His desires over my own. Delighting in Him will require time in His presence and His word so that I can listen to His heart. Delighting in Him will transform my “list giving heart” into a heart that wants more of Him and less of me. The things that He wants me to have are so much better than any list I can make.
Pray—Father, I pray that my heart will seek you in all things. Remove any selfish desires that do not line up with Your word. I want to delight in Your presence so that my heart can be transformed. Transform me, my family and my church for Your glory.
 
Blogged by Angela Spencer
 

 

Friday, January 10, 2014

Day 10 Return To God Through Prayer

Come; let us return to the LORD… He will revive us. Hosea 6:1-2   

I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works…Revelation 2:4

Hosea 6:1-3 says, “Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up….He will revive us.” Revival requires a return! And, as you can see in Revelation 2, a return demands that we remember and repent. If you take a photo of someone, something, or some moment that is special to you, and tear it into a million pieces… that is called dismembering. When you take the same photo or memory and put it back to together, this is an illustration of what it is like to remember!

In order for us to return through prayer, we need to remember what it was like to be forgiven in the first place. The one who is forgiven much will love much! As you pray, recall the emotions of that moment, the feeling of being set free from your guilt and burden of conviction, the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace, and the assurance that you would be with Him forever. Repent of ever taking the sacrifice of Jesus for granted, and ask Him to restore the joy of His salvation within you! Then, share that joy with others…

Pray—Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die for my sins. Thank You for calling me to repentance. Thank You for saving me. Fill me again with the sense of freedom and peace that You gave me the moment You came into my heart to live. I choose to turn away from the things that I’ve allowed to crowd You out and return to You. Fill me fresh with the power of Your love.

Blogged by Pastor Eric Nichols

Thursday, January 9, 2014

Day 9 Return to Me for I Have Redeemed You

"I have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you." Isaiah 44:22 (HCSB)

My sister and I found several small locks scattered on the floor under a piece of luggage at a Walmart-type store when we were 6 and 8. We asked our parents if we could take one apiece. They said “no” but we took them anyway. I put mine in my book bag and carried it with me back and forth to school. Although I felt guilty when I first hid my “treasure,” I became satisfied and happy to have it. But one afternoon my mother told me to take my book bag to my room and as I scooped up my bag, the lock fell to the floor. I’d been “caught.” She assured me that I would have to pay for my crime when my Dad got home, and I did.

When I chose to disobey my parents I had the temporary thrill of “getting away” with my disobedience. But my relationship with my parents was hindered by my secret. The day my secret was revealed I was devastated. And until my father got home from work I was very sorry I’d gotten caught. But afterward I actually felt better. No longer was I under the burden of my poor choice or the stress of the cover up that followed. My relationship was restored.

God has already forgiven you for all your bad choices. In Isaiah 44:22 He pleads, “return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Is your relationship with God all that it can be? Are you hiding any secrets? What might happen if you return to Him in prayer?

Pray—Lord, I don’t want to keep any secrets from You. Search my heart and show me if I am hiding anything that is keeping me apart from You. Thank You for sweeping away my sin and inviting me to return to You.

Blogged by Leighann McCoy






Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Day 8 - Return to God through Prayer

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12-13

God has not forgotten His people. He will give us a new beginning with a new purpose and turn us into a new people. God has been preparing His people for His very best. His people have not gone so far away from God that He cannot or will not bring them back to Him. If we call upon Him and seek Him in earnest and with all our heart He will prepare us to do a mighty work for Him. Our God wants to restore us to Him so that His glory can be revealed through His people who are called by His name. To God be the glory!

Pray—Lord, You promise to be found by us when we seek You with all our
hearts. We want Your very best so we choose to seek Your face. We are
eager to receive this new beginning.

Blogged by Bill Junell



Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Day 7 - Love for the Unfaithful

Hosea 2:14-15a; 16-17; 20
14 “But then I will win her back once again.
I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there.
15 I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope.
16 When that day comes,” says the LORD, “you will call me ‘my husband’ instead of ‘my master.’
17 O Israel, I will wipe the many names of Baal from your lips, and you will never mention them again.
20 I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the LORD.

There is nothing more difficult in this life than to learn to love again once a relationship has been broken. Well, except for maybe admitting that we were the ones who broke the relationship. In our relationship with God, we see through Hosea’s story God’s incredible love for us, and also the repetitive nature of our hearts to fail to love Him back continually.

If we are really going to acknowledge that we need to return to God, then we also have to be willing to acknowledge that we have dishonored Him. We all love to ask God for greater things for our lives in prayer, but a true time of prayer involves giving up our pride and telling God about how we have been unfaithful to Him.

The great news is that He also wants us back. He doesn’t want to be a cruel master, but a husband that forgives His bride for all that she has done against Him. And just as a husband and wife have not truly tapped into how close they can be until they start praying together, we will not know God as fully as we can until we are willing to admit our unfaithfulness to Him.

Pray: Jesus, I want to be closer to You than I am. I admit that I have fallen short of loving you and remembering you the way I should.


Blogged by Pastor Reagan Wagoner


Monday, January 6, 2014

Day 6 - Come Home

Jeremiah 3:12-15 (NLT)  "Therefore, go and give this message to Israel. This is what the Lord says: “O Israel, my faithless people, come home to me again, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever. Only acknowledge your guilt. Admit that you rebelled against the Lord your God and committed adultery against him by worshiping idols under every green tree. Confess that you refused to listen to my voice. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Of God’s awe inspiring attributes, I remain stunned by His mercy.  God’s mercy is an endless supply.  It reminds me of space exploration.  Just when we think we have found the end of the universe, someone discovers an unchartered galaxy.  In a similar way, you can’t find the end of God’s mercy. 

The people of Israel provide a solid demonstration of God’s patience and endurance.  The book of Jeremiah records God’s plea through His prophet.  He pronounces judgment on His people, who have consistently and continually rebelled against God’s commands.  Despite their promises to repent after God’s last judgments, which were warnings of greater suffering, God’s precious people went right back to doing what they know displeased him.

“But God” continues to extend his mercy to them.  “Come home to me again,” he said to rebellious Israel.  How grateful I am to see how far the people of Israel wander away and how ready He remains to receive them again.

How have I experienced the discipline of my Father in my life?  Where do I continue to rebel against His commands?  Who do I know that needs to know they can still come home?

Pray – Father thank you for your mercies, which are new every morning.  Forgive me for wandering from you.  I’m coming home. 


Blogged by Pastor Duane Murray