[MARCH 11] God's Mercies

Read: Genesis 32:3-13 

"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies" 

--Genesis 32:10

Less than the least of all God’s mercies.” This was the motto 17th-century English poet and clergyman George Herbert engraved on his signet ring, and it was the phrase with which he signed his letters and books. Jacob had spoken these words when he pondered God’s goodness despite his own sin and shame: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant” (Gen. 32:10).

The word “mercies” is from the Hebrew word chesed, meaning “God’s enduring love.” I think it is significant that it rose from the heart of one who saw himself as utterly unworthy.

Relying solely on God’s faithful love, Jacob cries out: “Deliver me!” What an odd combination of thoughts: “I am not worthy... Deliver me” (vv.10-11). Unlike some who seem to have it all together, Jacob knew that everything he brought to God had been ruined by sin. He thought of himself as a man undeserving of God’s grace. But his hope lay not in his worth but in the promise of God to look with favor on those who throw themselves on His mercy. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God.

As He did with Jacob, God hears us when we humbly cry out to Him for mercy. --Dennis Fisher

For mercies so great, what return can I make?

For mercies so constant and sure?

I'll love Him, I'll serve Him with all that I have

As long as my life shall endure. --Chisholm

REFLECT ON THIS:

Mercy is an unearned blessing bestowed by God on an unworthy recipient.

[JANUARY 31] Charlie's Walk on the Moon

Read: Genesis 5:21-32

"Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him."

--Genesis 5:24

The documentary In the Shadow of the Moon includes the story of Charlie Duke, one of the Apollo 16 astronauts launched to the moon in 1972. While the command ship orbited the moon, Duke and another astronaut landed the lunar module Orion on the moon's surface. After 3 days pf running experiments and collecting lunar rocks,the Apollo 16 crew safely returned to earth.

Later, Charlie has a spiritual transformation. He said it began when his friend invited him to a Bible study. After the meeting, Charlie prayed to Christ, "I give You my life, and if You're real come into my life." He then experienced an indescribable peace. It was so profound that he began to share his story with others. Charlie told them, "My walk with god lasts forever."

The Bible tells us of another man who walked with god. "Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him." (Gen. 5:24). His spiritual walk with God was so close that God took him directly into eternity (see Heb.11:5)

We can learn a lesson from Charlie and Enoch. For believers, no matter where our journey leads, our walk with God will last eternity! --Dennis Fisher

Let me walk with You, dear Savior;

Side by side and hand in hand;

Keep me clean and pure and faithful

Till I reach the heavenly land. --Hess

REFLECT ON THIS:

Keep eternity's goal in sight by walking daily in God's light.

[JANUARY 20] Redirected

Read: Genesis 39:1-10

"The Lord was with Joseph" 

--Genesis 39:2

At the age of 16, pianist Leon Fleisher made his formal debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic. He went on to win prestigious international competitions and played in the world’s finest concert halls. But at the age of 37, Fleisher was struck with dystonia, a neurological condition that crippled his right hand. After a period of despondency and withdrawal, he turned to teaching and conducting, because, as he said, he loved music more than he loved the piano.

When our dreams are shattered, how do we react? After Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, was sold as a slave by his brothers (Gen. 37:12-36), he could have given in to self-pity and self-indulgence. Instead, Joseph remained true to the Lord. Four times in Genesis 39, we read that “the Lord was with” Joseph (vv.2-3,21,23), and his actions revealed his own faithfulness to God. By his exemplary life, those he served in Egypt recognized God’s presence with him.

Do we love God more than our own dreams? Although Joseph must have grieved the loss of his past and what his life could have been, the Lord led him to a calling he had never imagined. Today, the Lord longs to lead us. Are we willing to be redirected by Him? --David McCasland

My cherished plans may go astray,

My hopes may fade away;

But still I'll trust my Lord to lead,

For He doth know the way. --Overton

REFLECT ON THIS:

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9