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.

You may have read or heard the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” It is often misunderstood as to say give thanks “for” all circumstances, which has a significantly different meaning.

We all experience things we wish would not have happened, accidents, tragedies, illnesses, etc. and although sometimes God gives us these things to help us grow, it would be a strange to be thankful for something terrible that happens to us.

We can, however, be thankful “in all circumstances.” so when good things or bad things are happening, we live with a thankful heart; Thankful for being saved through Jesus and given eternal life, and thankful that God is there with us through all our circumstances.

Dear Lord, thank you for being with us in all that we face, giving us the strength to handle anything we encounter. Help us show that strength in our lives to bring glory to you and show others the joy of being Christian. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

The Bible uses the word “grumble” to describe complaining by a group of people. Shortly after God brought the Israelites out from slavery in Egypt, and miraculously parted the Red Sea, the people grumbled to Moses, about not having water; God provided it, they complained about not having food and God miraculously gave them manna and quail. God heard their complaining and gave them what they needed.

You would think that they would get the message and realize God was there to support them if they only asked. However, as a result of their lack of faith and obedience, God turned what would have been a short journey to the Promised Land into a 40 year struggle, and none of the adults were ultimately allowed to enter the promised land.

Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 10:10, “And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.”

We “grumble” too. When we are complaining, “grumbling,” and feeling sorry for ourselves, we are showing a lack of faith. We are indicating that we don’t believe that God cares about us.

When we are tempted to “grumble,” instead we should remember to ask God to help us. This is following God’s direction, trusting in him and praying, then wait in peace for the answer to our prayer.

Psalm 84:11 says, “For Jehovah God is our Light and our Protector. He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from those who walk along his paths.” TLB

Dear Lord, sometimes you let us struggle, maybe to strengthen us or maybe to discipline us. Rather than complaining and feeling sorry for ourselves, help us ask for your help to get through our struggle, and have faith that you will answer our prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Do you read biographies? You can find the stories of many famous and historic people in bookstores and libraries.

I heard an interesting description of the Book of John in the Bible, calling it, “the fourth biography of Jesus Christ.”

Though we may not typically think of it this way, the gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are biographies of Jesus Christ.

The final two verses in, John 21:24-25 write, “This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true. Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”

The Bible is part, history book, part biography, and part instruction book, inspired by God to bring us to Jesus. Paul tells us in Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ”

Dear Lord, How wonderful it is to have the Bible, your path to hearing the Good News of Salvation. Help us never forget that the Bible is Your words, written by men. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Jesus teaches his disciples to pray what we call the Lord’s Prayer in Luke 11. In verse 2 Jesus says, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name…” Jesus teaches them to start their prayer with praise and acknowledgment of the power and awe of God. In a similar way, David prays in 2 Samuel 7, going on in many verses about how great and amazing God is.

There is a point to beginning our prayers this way, acknowledging the power, glory and amazement of God. It puts God in the proper place above us in our minds, so that we bring our requests and concerns to God, humbly recognizing that he knows better than we do, and we submit our desires to his will. As Jesus’ tells us in Matthew 6:8, God knows what we want before we ask.

Dear Lord, How amazing and almighty you are thank you for hearing our prayers, and giving us what we need. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.