Time for Grace-September 10, 2024

Time for Grace-September 10, 2024

Psalm 103:11-13

Yes, as high as the heavens are above the earth, so powerful is his mercy toward those who fear him. As distant as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our rebellious acts from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Looking into space, the end seems limitless, and this is the example we hear of your mercy towards those who fear you. Mercy is not getting what one deserves while receiving what they do not deserve. For all the times our pride gets in the way, and we lash out at others in unloving ways and words, we deserve eternal condemnation. You have said the wages of sin is death. For each of our sins, we should rightfully receive an eternal death sentence cast away from you in hell for the remainder of eternity—this is what we merit.

However, those who trust in you also trust in Jesus. Jesus has turned everything around and brought us your mercy by suffering and dying on the cross for all our sins. He has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west, and our rebellious acts are no longer counted against us. Since our sins are removed, nothing can separate us from you; we are reunited with you through faith in Jesus. Forgiveness is the power of your mercy; it is how you brought us, sinful humans, you love into your perfect heaven.

You have this loving compassion for all who trust you like a father to their children. Yet this can be challenging for many whose fathers were less than caring or loving. As our heavenly Father, You look out for all our needs, provide for all our physical and spiritual needs, hear our every request, gladly listen to us, and desire us to be with You in heaven.

Let our response to your love for us be this: to share the power of your mercy and Jesus’ forgiveness, which he won for us on the cross, with all those around us who do not know or trust in you. Please begin faith in them and, at the same time, strengthen our faith so that we all cling to your love, mercy, and grace. Amen.

Written through Pastor Roger Emmons

God’s love is for all, but no one is forced. And even though some reject his love and mercy, it does not diminish the power of salvation for those who believe. Know this: God loves you and wants you to be with him forever, receiving his gracious gifts.