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| Not a good look |
[ Today's Readings ]
We need to make sure the LORD is truly the desire of our hearts and then pursue him. We need to be sure to seek him humbly, not puffed up with pride. We rely on the grace he gives to come into his presence and serve him.
Rely not on your strength
in following the desires of your heart.
At times we fail to seek this grace. God is merciful at such times, but we must not take it for granted.
Say not: "Great is his mercy;
my many sins he will forgive."
Mercy is always something undeserved. It should always surprise us. It should move us to seek it as soon as we are aware that it is possible. Mercy has the power to make what was old and difficult new and fresh. The frustration of relaying on ourselves is replaced with the excitement of depending completely on God.
Mercy is the only thing that can prevent us from causing little ones who believe in Jesus to sin. On our own we will give scandal whether we want to admit it or not. By our own strength we will do things that set a bad example and lead others astray. Mercy is so rich that God can help keep others safe from our own failings if we trust in him to do so.
Mercy is vital because sin is such serious business. Being thrown into the sea with a great millstone around our necks is the alternative. The unquenchable fire of Gehenna is the alternative. So we rejoice in mercy. We rejoice that we do not have to meet such a fate unless we insist upon it for ourselves. And we respond to mercy. Whatever grace to change we are given we pursue immediately, not hesitating, and without presumption.
He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
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