Sunday, April 27, 2008

considering mercy

This morning one thing that Holy Spirit brought to mind is that Jesus Christ defines me, not Satan. In the mercy of God when I am His child I am made a new creation and given a new name. We are no longer defined by what we've done, but by who we are in Christ. So we are no longer drunkards or thieves, homosexuals or liars, idolators or murderers, but we, we the children of God are called out by our new names, Beautiful, Faithful and True, Princess, Merciful Soldier, Light, Gracious. Christ has given me a new name and this kind of mercy, this kind of love, it stirs something up in my heart, something, that cries out for more Him, something that makes me want to offer my life right back to Him. And this offering of my life right back to Him, this is my spiritual act of worship. Jesus, thank you that you're shaping us, that you are sharing with us your characteristics, that we are no longer sinners, but saints defined by your love and mercy. In view of Your mercy Lord, we offer up our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to You, for this is our spiritual act of worship. PRAISE the LORD!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

the mercy of the King...intro

I'm thinking about how the mercy of God leads to worship. I think it'll be a few days before I report more on it, but consider it with me. A couple different texts we can meditate on,
Romans 12:1, 'Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship."

and Romans 15:8-9. "For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: 'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name.'"

Glory, Mercy, Worship, Service and Sacrifice.
Jesus draw us in and teach us.