Renewed by Mercy
Well land sakes and howdy-do, friend, look at you comin’ and wanderin’ on over here. Step right on up on this ol’ front porch like a bright lil’ ol’ chipmunk that finally decided to act respectable for a lil’ while in the yard over there. Come on up here and mind that ol’ rooster struttin’ around like it thinks its some kind of celebrity. Sit yourself down for a lil’ ol’ spell because we’re about to talk about somethin’ mighty important. We’re gonna be lookin’ at God’s mercy. And it’s stronger, sweeter, and more life‑changin’ than anything this ol’ world has tried to replace it with.
Titus 3:3-7 tells it real plain sayin’, “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved.” That there’s Paul talkin’, but friend, that’s our story, too. We’ve all had them kind of seasons where our hearts wandered around like a confused lil’ ol’ raccoon lookin’ for some good scraps. We’ve all been tangled up in passions and pleasures that sho’-nuff’ promised joy but delivered nothin’ but big time trouble. And yet, Titus 3:5 says, “When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us.” Not because we were real impressive. Not because we were real righteous. But because of His mercy.
And let me tell you, friend, that mercy keeps on showin’ up. Psalm 103:10 says, “He does not treat us as our sins deserve.” That there’s mercy walkin’ right into our big ol’ mess like a gentle ol’ cow wanderin’ into a quiet pasture. And Ezekiel 36:26 adds, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.” That there’s God renovatin’ us from the inside out, sweepin’ out the cobwebs and settin’ our hearts back on track.
Paul knew this mercy real well. And if we’re honest, we do, too. We’ve all had days where foolishness got the best of us. We’ve all felt the tug of old temptations. But the Holy Spirit keeps right on renewin’ us, just like Titus 3:5 says. He keeps convictin’, correctin’, and callin’ us back to Jesus. And Hebrews 10:22 reminds us, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings.” That there’s daily fellowship. That there’s walkin’ with Christ. That there’s growin’ into mature believers instead of stayin’ stuck in spiritual diapers.
Father, thank You for forgivin’ me of my sins. Thank You for the grace, mercy, peace, and joy You pour into my life. Help me to live for You each and every day with the realization of all You’ve done for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well, alright then, friend, ain’t that somethin’ sweeter than molasses on a warm biscuit? As you git to walkin’ right on off this porch and wanderin’ right on back into your daily chores, let your renewed heart shine like sunlight spillin’ through a stand of tall oak trees with limbs that stretch out real wide like they’re plum hopin’ to give a big hug. Let your joy git to flutterin’ up like a bright lil’ meadow bird takin’ its first flight. Let your faith settle into you like cool water refreshin’ a mighty tired traveler. And let your walk with Christ leave a trail of hope behind you like footprints in soft dirt. Now go on, friend, and live out that mercy with gladness.
With joy,
Gwen
