The LORD's Mercy and Love

Holy Spirit I ask that Your Word brings revelation, knowledge, joy and deliverance to all who are reading and sharing it In Jesus Name, Amen.

Today's lead Scripture is from James 1:2-3

"My brethren count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."

For the longest time when I used to read the above Scripture, I was always amazed at how joy and trial could be in the same sentence. Over time, when you meditate on the character of God who is love at all times, it becomes clear that trials are not from Him but rather from the enemy who does not want the children of God to have joy. John 10:10 reminds us that the enemy came to steal, kill and destroy but Jesus came so that we could have life and have it in abundance! Jesus, God's perfect love gift to us came to bring heaven's blessings on earth (Matthew 6:10) because this world is of the enemy ( 1 John 4:4). I perceive this is James' instruction when he tells us to have joy when we fall into various trials, because despite the enemy attempting to steal the joy of God's children, God's mercy will always prevail when we believe and seek Him as our deliverer during trials.

All through the gospels of Jesus Christ, we see the LORD's mercy illustrated in various ways like how He healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, cast out demons and raised the dead and most importantly, redeemed and forgave the sins of many. No person who came to Jesus for help was rejected or not delivered. Everyone who came to Him was healed or delivered from whatever trial and affliction they faced. Some people in the Bible who were healed, did not even get a chance to directly speak with Him but rather they believed that only if they would touch His clothes, they would be healed and made well (Mark 5:27-30) . Others came to seek His help but sometimes their loved ones died while they were waiting on Jesus' help but that never stopped Jesus, He still came through at the final hour and their dead loved ones were resurrected back to life (Mark 5:35-42). That Jesus then is still the same Jesus today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This is the mercy and love of God, the Son that "whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame" (Romans 10:11).

When you are faced with a challenge or trial, what's the first thought that comes to mind - Is it God how could you let this happen to me? Or is it God, this is hard but I know you love me and trust that this is an opportunity for you to manifest and show Your glory? Today, when I read James 1:2, I see it with a renewed mind. I'm still amazed about it but in a good way because Jesus Christ our compassionate and merciful High Priest is constantly making prayers for you and I so that we are able to conquer every trial brought about by the enemy. As a result, may we always rejoice as God's children, because we are already victors - God is on our side.

Let's all meditate on this Word found in Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV

"14.Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

15.For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are yet without sin.

16. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

AMEN.

Invitation to salvation: If you would like to know this God, who loves you with an everlasting love before you ever loved Him and has given you eternal life through the faith of His one and only Son, Jesus Christ - who is also your great High Priest, I invite you to make this confession, "I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth that; Jesus Christ, the Son of God came in a human body to die for my sins so that I could have a new life where I am dead to sin and alive to God. I choose Him as my Lord and Saviour today and forever."

Congratulations, by grace you are saved and are now a new creation in Christ Jesus. The old life has passed away and you have received the free gift of salvation into your life (2 Corinthians 5:17). To the glory of the Almighty God. Amen.

As a new believer, I urge you to let your Pastor know that you took the confession of faith or if you don't have one, become a part of a church. I also encourage you to get water baptised as soon as possible and get yourself a physical copy of the Bible or download the Bible app on your mobile in case you don't already own one! If you have taken the confession of faith and would also like a physical copy of the Bible, please send us an email at info@bibleversionoflife.com with your address. We would love to hear your story. GOD BLESS.