How Has God's Mercy Affected Your Character?

God’s mercy is demonstrated throughout the Bible, for it reflects his character and is inseparable from his desire to redeem his creation. When God said, “Let us make man in our image,” what blessing did he then confer on each person?

A clear demonstration of God’s mercy is found in Genesis 8:21. "Never again will I put the earth under a curse because of sin. As long as the earth exists, there will be springtime and harvest, summer and winter, day and night.”

What effect, then, has God’s abundant mercy had on your character, your behavior, and your choices? 

Micah 6:8 is a challenge to remember: “He has shown you what is good; and what does the Lord now require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Remembering God has been merciful to you will help you be merciful to others, even when they do not deserve it.                              

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The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. …As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is [God’s] love for those who honor Him.

~Psalm 103:8,11 English Standard Version/Good News Bible

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The God-given Right to Choose

Very seldom does anything exist in total isolation. God in Genesis 1:26 declared, "Let us make man in our image,” implying Jesus was an equal participant in the creation of mankind. John 1:3 confirms with this reminder, “Through him all things were made.” God is creator of the family, where attachments endure for life.

Temptation entices its victims to discard God’s boundaries. Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden to doubt God’s simple rules. Satan’s objective was to cripple her faithfulness to God. The cutting edge of temptation is filled with deception.

God did not abandon Eve to Satan’s power but gave her the option to choose. While we can't be perfect, God empowers us with wisdom and insight to fight every temptation. He does this because of his great love and desire for fellowship with us. Be wise and permit God to rescue you from the snare of temptation.  

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If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them.

~James 1:5 God’s Word Translation

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Conscience, Courage and Confidence - Part 2

Choice and change are essential to each person’s sense of freedom. Even in dismal situations where freedom is limited, choice and change still can be activated. Choice by its very nature indicates that options are available, along with the power to set in motion changes that have lifetime benefits.

One of the benefits of making significant choices is the opportunity to consider available options. When God said, “Let us make man in our image,” this attribute for choosing was part of the design. Have you ever wondered why God created mankind with this incredible ability to make choices and then take definitive actions to assure change takes place?

Each time a choice is initiated, change is automatically activated. Choosing to be available to God’s transforming work sets in motion changes that endures for life, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is power to be transformed into his likeness. It is my hope that this will be your choice.  

From Industry to Identity - Part 2

Children begin early fantasizing about what they would like to be when they grow up. Can you remember daydreaming and planning your future? As a young adolescent, I imagined myself being the pilot of a supersonic jet fighter. I did serve in the Air Force, but not as a pilot. However I eventually discovered what I could do with my life.

Finding meaning and purpose for life hinges on identity - how I see myself. The main developmental task of adolescence is to lay the groundwork for identity, the person I want to become, as the world of childhood is slowly left behind. For the Christian teenager, it's important to believe God is providing direction and purpose for life.

A crucial awareness, whatever your age, acknowledges that identity is determined by God and your own decisions. Listen to Genesis 1:26. "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness." Acknowledging you are made in God's image provides a solid basis for self-worth and personal destiny. This determines what you choose to do with your life.