Morning by Morning, June 24 - "Repay" or "Reset"?
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Come into my heart and every moment of my day to make me more like You today. ...
"The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will He keep His anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His steadfast love toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far He removes our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:8-12).
We tend to think You're determined in Your judgment to repay us for our sins, but the truth is You're steadfast in Your mercy to reset our souls. Your Word says You do not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities (v. 10). So why do we say things like, "God forgives your sin, but you'll still have to suffer the consequences"? Your Word says Your mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:3). So why do we say things like, "You've had your chances, now suffer the consequences; you've made your bed, now lie in it"?
We have much to learn about mercy and grace. We have much to learn about the steadfast love of the Lord. We still don't get it about just how far the east is from the west. We still insist upon "repay" instead of "reset" when You've already paid it all. "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by His wounds (we) have been healed. For (we) were going astray like sheep, but now (we) have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of (our) souls" (2 Peter 2:24 fulfilling Isaiah 53:4-6).
By the mercy and grace of God, I choose Your "reset" instead insisting on "repay." Give me Your heart of steadfast love -- toward myself and everyone else. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
I pray you will embrace God's reset for your soul instead of trying to repay and live out the consequences of your past apart from the fullness of His mercy and grace for you, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friend!
Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries
Healing from the Inside Out
Pastoral Director | Rapha God Ministries
4 Dominion Drive, Building 1
San Antonio, Texas 78257
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