We Serve a Merciful God!

Man constructs objects that serve his purposes. He trains animals to follow his commands meticulously. He engages in occupations that align with his preferences and methods. He votes for candidates who share his interests. He copulates with women to have children who will be obedient to him. Should anyone or anything oppose him or prove defective, he will discard them, humiliate them, and seek a replacement. Jeremiah 17:9 NIV “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Don’t put anything past the heart of an evil person.

Meanwhile, the child lacks guidance in navigating this unmerciful world. He lacks the patience to rehabilitate or rebuild, as it may require considerable time or expense. It is more convenient to find something or someone that can be shaped or controlled to his desires. Man can be unforgiving and cold-hearted. He can be so unmerciful at times. Man has lost respect and reverence for God. He does not fear God, but he will call on Him when needed. We should be careful; God’s vengeance is quick and terrible.

According to the Bible, we are all created in the image and likeness of God, and His breath has been blown into our spirits. In theory, we are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of God. Yet, mankind’s first child, elder brother Cain, killed his younger brother Abel out of envy. The descendants of Israel and Ishmael continue their fight, and even now, we are still fighting and killing each other. Countless others, unrecorded, have carried on this cycle of no forgiveness, no mercy.

Mercy never walks; it runs. It is accessible and always available for the user. It patiently waits but is overlooked during times of emotional duress. It’s waiting along with forgiveness and love, but we don’t feel either one. But God, who is above all and is all, remains constant in love, mercy, and forgiveness. How many times have we all been forgiven? How many times have we asked for mercy and patience? How many times have we denied the same to others? By the Grace of God, we still stand. God still gives us time to repent and change our ways. I’m certain we will wait until the last minute to seek salvation rather than do so now. Moses asked the Pharaoh when he wanted the plagues removed, and the Pharaoh replied, “Tomorrow”, rather than now.

God will not be mocked. Just because we don’t see Him, doesn’t mean that He doesn’t exist. Remember Pharaoh. He ignored the warning signs. “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.” Isaiah 5:20 NIV. These are the times we live in now. What can we do about it? Pray! When the time comes to vote, after you have done your research, for the candidate who best meets your needs. But never stop praying and trusting God. He is in control.

James Chapter Five Wealth POV!

James Chapter 5 warmly encourages us to embody integrity, patience, and trust in God. It begins with a heartfelt warning to the wealthy, reminding us to be careful using power and riches at the expense of others. Remember, this isn't a critique of wealth itself, but a warning to keep our hearts focused on what truly matters. James softly reminds us that relying too heavily on material possessions can create a false sense of security. He warns that riches can sometimes weaken our spirits if they overshadow faith, kindness, and fairness. Rest assured, the voices of the oppressed reach heaven, and divine justice will undoubtedly respond to those who exploit others for personal gain. 

He gently encourages everyone to stay patient during difficult times and to face trials with a trusting heart. Watching a farmer patiently wait for a bountiful harvest beautifully illustrates how believers should trust in God’s perfect timing. Spiritually, patience is a heartfelt discipline—learning to find peace in God’s promises, even when life seems unfair or uncertain. Just as the prophets endured persecution with unwavering faith, believers are encouraged to stay steadfast, confident that the Lord’s return will bring both mercy and renewal. 

James reminds us to avoid grumbling or judging one another, especially in difficult times, because it can be a hidden spiritual trap. Instead of giving in to frustration, believers are encouraged to turn to prayer and introspection. The chapter significantly illustrates how prayer and confession can lead to healing, emphasizing that genuine connection with God and others begins with open hearts. The prayer of faith not only brings physical healing but also refreshes the soul, helping believers feel united with divine strength and a caring community. 

Finally, James warmly encourages us to embrace compassion and spiritual responsibility. When we help others avoid mistakes, we become part of God’s loving work of redemption, covering a multitude of sins. Spiritually, this shows how vital grace is, a faith that not only sustains us but also brings healing and hope renewal.

Overall, James Chapter 5 beautifully reminds us of that genuine spirituality shines through patience, prayer, humility, and compassion. It encourages believers to keep eternity in their hearts, to let faith guide their wealth, their words, and their patience, trusting wholeheartedly that God’s justice and grace will ultimately prevail.

James Chapter Four Reminds Me of the Man In the Mirror!

James Chapter 4 serves as a heartfelt reminder, encouraging believers to reflect on the roots of their inner struggles and the attitude of their hearts before God. It emphasizes that true spirituality isn't just about external actions, but about inner transformation, the ongoing battle between our inner self and the Spirit. 

He continues to help us understand that the struggles people face often come from within. It's about the desires battling inside us. Spiritually, this is the ongoing clash between our flesh (ego, pride, self-will) and the Spirit (humility, surrender, divine love). When we feel disconnected from God, our desires tend to take over. Prayer can sometimes become self-focused, yearning for what comforts us rather than what honors God. The heartfelt invitation here is to gently realign our desires with God's divine purpose, guiding us back to a place of harmony and connection. 

James reminds the reader that friendship with the world can create distance from God. Spiritually, “the world” often reflects a focus on pride, ambition, and self-interest. When we look for validation, power, or comfort from worldly sources, it can grieve the Spirit. But there's good news: God’s grace is always available. He gives more grace to those who humble themselves. Embracing humility can truly deepen our connection with Him and invite divine closeness. 

Submitting to God and resisting the devil is a powerful journey. True resistance starts with surrender, as drawing close to God helps cleanse our souls, touching both our actions and inner hearts. Remember, humility is not about weakness but about alignment, trusting in divine strength rather than relying solely on ourselves. When we humble ourselves before God, He lifts us spiritually, fostering growth and grace.  

Spiritually, judgment often comes when we forget about grace. Speaking against others means stepping into God’s role as Judge. The Spirit guides us to discern wisely, not to condemn love that corrects gently without pride. When we recognize our own need for mercy, we're more willing to show it to others.

James gently reminds us of the delicacy of life, encouraging us to trust in divine timing. It's a warm reminder that boasting about plans can distance us from recognizing God’s ultimate control. Instead, the wise person quietly reminds themselves, “If the Lord wills,” embracing each moment with surrender and trust.

In the end, the message of James 4 is clear: replace pride with humility, conflict with peace, and self-centered plans with divine dependence. True spirituality is not about appearance or ambition but about inner transformation, having a heart that yields, trusts, and walks humbly with God. Look in the mirror and see for yourself.