January 27
Mercy for You and Me
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 16–18
Matthew 18:1–20
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever.
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 103:8–12
One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the docking of cruise ships and the quarantining of passengers. The Wall Street Journal featured an article that included interviews with some of the tourists. Commenting about how being quarantined provided more opportunities for conversations, one passenger joked how his spouse—who possessed an excellent memory—was able to bring up every transgression he ever had and sensed she wasn’t done yet!
Accounts like this might make us smile, remind us of our humanness, and serve to caution us if we’re prone to hold too tightly to the things we should release. Yet what helps us to be kindly disposed to those who hurt us? Glimpses of our great God, as He’s portrayed in passages like Psalm 103:8–12.
The Message’s rendering of verses 8–10 is noteworthy: “God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.” Asking for God’s help as we prayerfully read Scripture can cause us to have second thoughts about ill-conceived payback or plans to punish. And it can prompt prayers for ourselves and for those we may be tempted to harm by withholding grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
By: Arthur Jackson
God of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, please help me to extend grace and mercy to those who’ve caused me pain. Amen.
Video: Cruise Line Picks Up Boatloads of Migrants Headed for U.S. https://www.infowars.com/posts/video-cruise-line-picks-up-boatload-of-migrants-headed-for-u-s/
January 27
Mercy for You and Me
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 16–18
Matthew 18:1–20
He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever.
Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 103:8–12
One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the docking of cruise ships and the quarantining of passengers. The Wall Street Journal featured an article that included interviews with some of the tourists. Commenting about how being quarantined provided more opportunities for conversations, one passenger joked how his spouse—who possessed an excellent memory—was able to bring up every transgression he ever had and sensed she wasn’t done yet!
Accounts like this might make us smile, remind us of our humanness, and serve to caution us if we’re prone to hold too tightly to the things we should release. Yet what helps us to be kindly disposed to those who hurt us? Glimpses of our great God, as He’s portrayed in passages like Psalm 103:8–12.
The Message’s rendering of verses 8–10 is noteworthy: “God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love. He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever. He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.” Asking for God’s help as we prayerfully read Scripture can cause us to have second thoughts about ill-conceived payback or plans to punish. And it can prompt prayers for ourselves and for those we may be tempted to harm by withholding grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
By: Arthur Jackson
God of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, please help me to extend grace and mercy to those who’ve caused me pain. Amen.
Video: Cruise Line Picks Up Boatloads of Migrants Headed for U.S. https://www.infowars.com/posts/video-cruise-line-picks-up-boatload-of-migrants-headed-for-u-s/
Feed on God's Word
DECEMBER 29, 2022
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Recommended Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Six hundred pounds of butter per day; 1,500 pounds of flour per day; 250,000 eggs per week; and 170,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables—all this food is needed for one cruise ship carrying 3,500 passengers! Before each cruise begins, the ship is loaded with all the provisions the kitchen staff needs to keep everyone on board happy and well-fed![1]
In 2 Timothy 3:17 Paul tells us that God’s Word is given to us so that we will be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” As we study Scripture, we are equipped for whatever comes our way. The truths and promises found in God’s Word make their way into our hearts and life, giving us the strength to persevere in trials and the courage to stand for Christ.
Just as cruise ships load tons of food before each departure, so we must continually fill our minds with God’s Word. And as we do, we will be equipped to serve God each moment of the day. Begin the new year by feeding your mind with God’s Word.
It is impossible to practice godliness without a constant, consistent, and balanced intake of the Word of God in our lives.
Jerry Bridges
[1] Krista Gray, "8 Things You Didn't Know About Cruise Ship Kitchens and Food," Insider, January 24, 2019.
Illegal migrants enjoy life aboard five-star cruise ship moored in the Netherlands while Dutch citizens struggle to eat and stay warm
Footage of illegal migrants enjoying the high life aboard a five-star cruise ship moored in the Netherlands caused outrage on social media as Dutch citizens continue to suffer from high food and energy prices. The MS Galaxy, a "luxurious and expensive five-star cruise ship," arrived at
www.naturalnews.com