Hebrews 12:5-6 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
I have a habit, good or bad I'm not sure, of saying "Lord, have mercy!" I found myself muttering this phrase at work last week as another job was added onto an already overly busy day. It was probably the tenth or twentieth time I'd done so that afternoon anyway. But this time I "heard" the Holy Spirit answer. "Give mercy."
Micah 6:8 No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Oh, I pray to be a merciful person. I pray to live a life of kindness, have an attitude of humility and leave judging to Jesus. But I struggle. Pride and mercy do not mix. Selfishness clouds the heart when we put our needs above others, looking out for our own interest, needing our own way.
Philippians 2:4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
But in all this I am grateful for those two words given by the Holy Spirit. He instructs me in the way I should go. He tells me I am on the right track in my prayers and I know when I ask according to His will He answers. We don't need to fear the Lord's correction, but embrace and celebrate it!
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.
Lord, thank You for correction. Thank You that You train us, teach us and lead us. Help us to follow, to listen, to grow and to change. We want to bring You glory. I know there is no desire for good in me except that which You Yourself have given. Hallelujah! I am grateful beyond words for this! To You, as always, be the glory Jesus.
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