FORSAKING MERCY (I)
“They that observe lying vanities Forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.” Jonah 2:8-9 KJV
One of the aspects of perfected faith is a resolve to stick to something the Lord spoke to you in faith, and do so to the end. It is an exercise that engages every aspect of your humanity and every aspect of your spirituality. While it is not expected to be easy, it is possible. In our theme scripture, the prophet opens our eyes to how one may fail to receive the mercy of God: by observing everything that is not working therein exalting it above the revealed character of God and the promises found in His word.
Paul says Christ has sanctified and cleansed us with the washing of water by the Word (Ephesians 5:26), emphasizing how pivotal it is to stay in the word because in it is the power to be washed anew DAILY from the wearing things we face in the world.
Child of God, lying vanities surround us daily attempting to steal, kill and destroy every seed God plants (Luke 8:11), but the cure is equally found in the same passage: THANKSGIVING! Every time you give thanks, you disarm the vanities surrounding you.
See therefore to it that the amount of praise and thanks surpasses by far the present vanities and those yet to come. Hallelujah!
Prayer: Father I thank you for this word. I lean not on my own understanding neither do I seek to understand matters too great for me. I am willing and resolved to seek and feel after you, as I lean entirely on the Holy Spirit to help my infirmities in all seasons and circumstances, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
