Mighty and Merciful

November 20

(Luke 1:50-55 NIV) "His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. {51} He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. {52} He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. {53} He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. {54} He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful {55} to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."

(Psalms 25:6-9 NIV) "Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. {7} Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O Lord. {8} Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. {9} He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way."

(Lamentations 3:22 NIV) "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."

Our God is mighty and merciful. If He weren’t, we would be reduced to soot and ashes, for we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. But we are forgiven freely because of what Christ did for us on the cross. God is merciful. It is by grace we are saved. This is the good news of the Gospel. Mary saw it and sang praises to God for what would come to us because of her Son. Have you given up your sins to Jesus and asked God for His forgiveness? Have you acknowledged what the Lord has done for you? Have you changed your life to reflect his love and mercy? Don’t be too proud to ask for His help. Pride is a killer, but Christ lifts up the humble, and fills the hungry with good things. What this world offers will never satisfy. Only Jesus can take away the hunger that gnaws in our hearts. Humble yourself. Appeal to His mercy. Be filled, and be thankful. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day