Mercy!

      Job 14:16  For now Thou dost number my steps, Thou dost not observe my sin.  Wow, that's right, read it again.  He knows we are going to sin.  He knows we are going to make mistakes.  Yes, He would rather we stay on the path He made for us, so he made a way for us to always get out of our pits and grab onto Him again. 

      As I am sitting here this morning, I am listening to the songs we are singing for Easter Sunday.  What a better time to reflect on the many mercies I (we) have received so undeserved.  I look back at my life and think of all the people I have wronged.  I think of all the times I let my kids down by not just my words, but my actions.  I then think about the mercy Jesus extended.  Mercy, by definition is, compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion (Merriam-Webster).  Did you read that?  Blessing as an act of DIVINE FAVOR.  Really, divine favor. 

      He found favor in me, even in my sin, and showed mercy.  Who does that but Jesus?  He went through the Crucifixion because of the divine favor.  His mercies were and are poured out because of that favor.  He loves me.  In the steps that He laid out for me, He forgave the ones I didn't take, changed the route on my GPS when I got lost, still leading me home. 

        I pray right now for all those who are lost.  For all those living in confusion, or even a place of just not being sure.  I am standing here today because of His divine favor.  He didn't just give it to me.  He gave it to all of us.  He created every person on this earth so He could show us divine favor.  It is our choice  to accept it. 

      Jeremiah 29:11 " For I know the plans I have for you," DECLARES the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

      He said it, do we believe it?  I do.