Monday, July 19, 2010

My Mom and Mercy

I love my Mom! For those of you that know her, I think we can all agree that she is one of the sweetest ladies on Earth. I especially love one thing about my Mom - the gift of MERCY that God has given her. There are so many times I can be so logical in life, so judgemental and I leave out this important gift that should out way the others. Well, my Mom was so gently reminding me of this word and it's meaning the other day, and I so appreciate her and her wisdom in my life as to help me on something that does not come naturally to me.

My Mom shared one scripture on this topic that truly stood out to me...

James 2:13 - because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!


Wow! I know there are days I need mercy. I stumble. I fall. I fail. I need it! In fact, when I researched the word "mercy" in His Word, most instances are found where men of God are crying out for mercy. The prideful may hold out, but the more you know God and the closer you get to Him, the more you realize just how much mercy you really need. Dare I be the one to hold back mercy on another? Not when I am in need of so much myself.

I wish this came as naturally to me as it does for my Mom. Jesus (such a powerful name) is not known for His success here on Earth, or how He got a good deal, He is not known for His beautiful house or fancy car - He is known for His GREAT MERCY that He showed to the sinner, each one of us, by dying in our place - for our sin. I need His mercy - in me and flowing out of me.



My Sweet Mama

Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Matthew 9:13 - But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

Matthew 18:33 - Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?'

Romans 9:15 - For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."


Romans 9:16 - It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.

James 2:13 - because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Jude 1:2 - Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

All the Single Ladies... (Oh, and Men)

I must say that I do not envy the single. I am so happily married and enjoy keeping the flame alive in the marriage the Lord has blessed me with instead of trying to start a flame or find an old flame. I do remember those days though and the battle of "who" and "when." I specifically remember dating a guy who I thought may have been the one, but I wasn't sure. I sat down with my dear friend (and godly example) Theresa and asking her how she knew her husband Tony was "The One." She said when it's him and it's time - you will know. That right there should have told me this guy wasn't "the one," but that break up didn't come until a few months later. Theresa could not have been more right. When I met Mark, it didn't take long to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was "The One."

This past weekend I enjoyed the company of another dear friend, and I was able to put into words what I pray will offer a snippet of wisdom for all the single ladies (and men) out there. I remember dating guys and my heart would say "yes" and my head would say "no way!" ...and then there were other guys where my head said, "perfect" but my heart just was not in it. There were battles with my spirit, and other days where my emotional side kicked in. But here it is.... when I met Mark, the man God ordained for me - my heart, my head, my emotions, and my spirit all lined up and said, "Yes, he is The One!"

So, if there is a battle within you over the one you love, step back and pray, seek some godly counsel, and be patient until all of you is in agreement. Trust me, it is totally worth the wait!!