There is a great deal of attention given in our present time to the concept of Justice. There are protests held and talk show interviews with people revolving around “social justice,” and “economic justice.” However, when it comes to our relationship with God, the last thing we really want is justice.

Justice is getting what you deserve. If we received what we deserved from God, we would be condemned. God’s standard is perfection, and not one of us can achieve this. Therefore if we received justice, we would be in deep trouble.

In contrast, Mercy is, not getting the punishment and condemnation we deserve. It is like a pardon. A pardon for someone condemned to prison forever would be an unimaginable joy and relief.

But even beyond the amazing joy of Mercy, Jesus came to give us Grace. Grace is not only receiving a pardon, it is like being pardoned and subsequently provided a kings lifestyle when really deserving to be in prison.

Paul writes in Romans 5:21, “So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” All we need to do is accept this gift of grace. Then like the adulterous woman, after those who were going to stone her left, in John 8:10-11, “Jesus said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you? “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

Dear Lord, we all have sinned and deserve to be condemned. Only through your mercy and grace can any of us be made right with you. Help us realize how simple it is to accept your grace and forgiveness, and move forward living your way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Sometimes we get things a bit out of perspective, and think that we can make deals with God, like we might do with a friend. For example, we are getting pulled over for speeding and say, “God, I’ll go to church if you prevent me from getting this ticket,” or “God, if you help me make this sale, I’ll put more in the offering plate.”

We sometimes forget the incredible difference there is between us and God. Isaiah writes God’s words in chapter 66:2-3, “Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool: What Temple can you build for me as good as that? My hand has made both earth and skies, and they are mine. Yet I will look with pity on the man who has a humble and a contrite heart, who trembles at my word.”

The NET translation finishes this verse like this, “I show special favor to the humble and contrite, who respect what I have to say.”

We need respect the awesome power of God; Power to destroy as He chooses, but also power to bless those He chooses.

Dear Lord, You are Power and Love. We thank You for loving us enough to save us through Jesus Christ. Help us look to You with humble and contrite hearts and do what you direct us to do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I heard it said once that “you may be the only Jesus some people may ever know.” Meaning that some people may never go to church, read the Bible, or be exposed to Christianity in any way other than running into you at the mall, gas station, hospital, etc.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:27, “You are Christ’s body and each of you is an individual part of it.”

Since Jesus ascended into heaven, Christians have become the physical presence of Jesus’ will on earth. In a way, we are his hands, feet, and voice until he returns. So in addition to the Great Commission, “go and make disciples,” we are also the way Jesus can physically show his love to people in need, through our actions.

Dear Lord, you can give us the tools we need to be your physical presence on earth. Help us look for your will and act in faith, so if we are the only Jesus some people ever see, they will see and feel your love through us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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In modern times, we are much more likely to be subject to emotional burdens than physical burdens. Few people in their work are required to face overwhelming physical burdens. However, many of us can become subject to heavy emotional and psychological burdens. We may face an uncertain medical diagnosis, or a long and uncertain recovery from illness or injury, some have financial burdens with no idea how to overcome them, or emotional challenges dealing with friends or family members with behavior problems.

These types of burdens can weigh so heavily on people that they look for any relief, and without faith, may turn to alcohol, drugs, or running away in attempts to overcome the emotional or psychological pain.

We must remember, for ourselves and for others, Jesus’ words in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Jesus is the solution in those times of trial when we think there is no relief.

Dear Lord, Thank you for the assurance of emotional comfort and shelter in our times of trouble. Help us remember to come to you rather than the supposed solutions in drugs, alcohol, and other temptations that only take us further away from you. Help us not only realize this for ourselves, but be there to share this with our loved ones and others who need your rest for their souls. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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Matthew Chapter 4 and Luke Chapter 4 record the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness. There are many things we can learn from this account, and I would like to point out a few.

First, Matthew 4:1 says, “Jesus was led into the wilderness by the Spirit to be tempted there.” Sometimes even when we are doing the right thing and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will be brought to a situation where we will be tested. I believe we experience challenges and tests in our lives for one of two reasons, either we bring it on ourselves by making bad choices, or God is testing us to make us better.

Second, The story lists three specific temptations, hunger, protection, and power. In each of these temptations Jesus resists the temptation with scripture as his weapon to fight back. For instance, Matthew 4:10 writes, “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.” The more scripture we know and remember, the more ammunition we will have to resist our temptations.

Third, after Jesus resisted the temptations, the devil went away. Matthew 4:11 writes, “Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.” If we resist, with God’s help we can over-come all temptation. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

This story is great demonstration of how Jesus was truly a man and faced temptation like us, and also how we are to deal with the temptations that attack us.

Dear Lord, We know that all temptations can be overcome if we rely on you. Help us build up our ability to resist temptation with knowledge of your word and trust in your power to overcome any temptation we may experience. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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