ignite from within

by Ministering Evangelist Vivian Jordan Latimer

The Mercy of God

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Romans 9:16

NCV BIBLE

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By definition, “Mercy” is something given to those who do not deserve it or have not earned it.

This verse emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not something that can be earned by human effort. It’s important because it reminds us that we need God’s mercy to be saved from sin. It also emphasizes that salvation is through faith in Christ and confessing His Resurrection.

Special Thanks to Ministering Evangelist Vivian Jordan Latimer the writer of this article, and Frank Joseph for contributing this article to my site. She is joyful to share what God places on her heart and is excited to see others read what she shares, Frank is happy to share as well.

Lena Joseph

Blogger, Writer and Editor

Paul is saying that God’s decision to show mercy to some people and not others is not unjust. He is not obligated to help anyone, so choosing some for mercy is not unfair. His mercy is a sovereign gift that He gives to whomever He chooses. His mercy is not based on what people want or do. Also, His mercy is a key reminder that we need it every day.  

Several years ago, a sad-eyed, mixed-breed dog named Sunny was in a Houston pound only hours away from being put to sleep. A man in New York named William Berloni somehow saw her picture and rescued her from afar. Berloni is an animal trainer, and within months Sunny was a Broadway star in the stage production of Annie.

Does Sunny remind you of anyone?

When we were destined for destruction, the Lord somehow saw us and rescued us from afar, and He has given us starring roles in His Kingdom. Grace and Mercy are two sides of the same coin. When we experience Mercy, we’re kept from receiving what we deserve, punishment for our sins. When we experience Grace, we’re freely given what we don’t deserve, abundant blessings and Eternal life. We often think we want justice, but what we really want is Mercy and Grace. Those are the gifts of God that truly do make us Sunny!

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God’s mercy is absolutely independent of whether you deserve it because nobody deserves it.  

Prayer

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the gift of Today. We praise You for You are perfect in all of Your ways. You’ve never done anything wrong. You’re good and just in all You decree. You show mercy on whom You choose and compassion on whom You choose. You have the freedom and power to do whatever You decide to do. Your actions can not be controlled by anyone or anything for You act for Your pleasure and Your glory. Help us understand that everything You do is for Your Glory and for our good. You raised Pharaoh up and hardened his heart so Your power may be seen and proclaimed. The 10 plagues demonstrated Your power over all the gods of the Egyptians. Egypt was in ruin, and You delivered Your people out of the hand of Pharaoh. Paul asked, is God unjust? Paul answered, By no means! Pharaoh hardened his own heart. You didn’t cause Pharaoh to do anything against the desires of his heart. It’s amazing how hard the heart of Pharaoh was, for even after the 10 plagues, which left Egypt in ruin, he would not repent. He decided to set out after the Israelites and recapture them. You parted the Red Sea, delivered Your people, and destroyed Pharaoh and his army. We praise You, for You are just in all Your ways. You show Your mercy on whomever You will, and You will harden whomever You will. May we never call You unjust and foolishly oppose You in any way. Some say You are unjust to condemn sinners, and others say You’re unjust when You choose to save sinners. Have mercy on us and be patient with us. We are sometimes so slow to comprehend and accept Your independence and great worth. You have told us that You have come so that we may have life and have it abundantly. Show us how to live the abundant life You so generously give to all who belong to You. Keep us from chasing after the world which will never satisfy. Show us the true joy that can only be known when we live for You. Come Holy Spirit, convict us, empty us, and fill us so that our lives may be a passionate pursuit of Your Glory and be filled with everlasting joy and lacking no good thing. Heal our sick and comfort and strengthen the bereaved. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

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Scriptures to READ

Romans 9:11; Romans 9:14-18; Hosea 13:9; Matthew 9:13; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 2:4-5; Exodus 33:19; Titus 3:3-5; Isaiah 46:9-11; Ephesians 1:3-10; John 10:10; Exodus 8:32