Have Mercy!

The kids and I are still plugging away at our nightly devotions. We've graduated from the Everyday Blessings book to "Devotions for Preschoolers." 

There are days when the only bit of the "Word" I get is at bedtime when we do our devotions and prayers together - but sometimes it's a powerful message that is relayed through the simple pictures and words meant for the very young. 

I always like to share ones that speak specifically to me at a certain point in my life and I've been wanting to share this one for a week or so now...

March 7 - Have Mercy!

Oh, no! The cat was going to eat Zoe's fish. Bad cat! He hopes Zoe will have mercy on him. That means she will keep on loving him, and she won't stay angry. Do you sometimes do things that are bad? We all do. The bad things are called sins. When we tell God we are sorry for our sins, God has mercy on us and gives us his love. God wants us to have mercy on others just like he has mercy on us.

My Bible Verse:

You are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry and full of unfailing love and mercy. Nehemiah 9:17

My Prayer:

Dear God, your love is easy to see. Thank you for having mercy on me.

One of the hardest things I've had to learn to accept as a Christian is when other people who profess to be Christians don't offer the same mercy and forgiveness that Christ has given us. It's hard to ask for mercy and not have it given - when God is so free in his mercy and grace when we screw up.

I continue to pray that I will always offer love, grace and mercy to those who come seeking my forgiveness - so that like Christ I will have mercy. He is the God of second and third chances and I am so thankful for his love.

Jesus' Example

I'm typing this one quickly while Wyatt "practices" the piano...

August 7

Jesus' Example

Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Luke 6:37 NIV

How do you learn to do new things? Many times it's by watching others. You can learn to ride a bike, play catch, or even skip by watching someone else do it and then trying it yourself. It's the same way with learning to forgive people when they do something wrong. We learn to forgive by watching and learning how Jesus forgave others. The more you learn about how Jesus acted, the more forgiving you'll be toward others. 

Forgiving is hard when someone does a wrong.

But I can watch Jesus and follow along.

Love your enemies

I've been reading ahead in our little scripture devotional that we use with the kids and found two that are very important in my life and in anyone's life really.

Just wanted to share them with you in case you need a little spiritual uplifting or direction...

August 6

Love Your Enemies

"Love your enemies! Do good to them!" Luke 6:35 (TSLB)

Jesus taught his followers a new way to treat people. Usually when people hurt you, you want to hurt them back. If people don't like you, you don't like them either. But Jesus tells us to love our enemies. It's never easy, but Jesus can help you. If you do good to your enemies, you could change your life and theirs - forever.

When someone is mean, I pray that I'll find

Love in my heart and strength to be kind.

August 29

The Peace that Jesus Gives

"[Jesus said,] The peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27 TSLB

When you feel calm and peaceful, it seems like nothing can bother you. But sometimes all it takes is an annoying brother or a rude sister to take that peaceful feeling away. Just remember, though, that Jesus can fill you with the kind of peace that will never go away. The peace Jesus gives makes you feel safe, calm, and happy - all at the same time. You can feel this peace even when your brother is bugging you or your day isn't going right. It's a peace that lasts and lasts.

The peace Jesus gives me does not disappear. 

No matter what happens, it's always right here!