The Smoking God!

January 19, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Exodus 19

Today television enables us to watch volcanoes spewing forth smoke and ash, pouring lava down the sides of mountains, clouding the atmosphere for miles around! How many of the local people tremble at the potential danger, and certain damage to follow, in its wake? It must be terrifying to live in a zone with imminent danger from these smoking giants!

Curiosity has drawn scientists to the very brink of bubbling cauldrons that warn us of sleeping giants. Now science has explained away some of the mystery, but the awe, the fear remains. We know that underneath the earth’s crust there is seismic activity that explains a lot of the natural phenomenon here on earth, but it remains unpredictable to some degree, and totally uncontrollable.

Over centuries of time mythology and tradition taught people to fear the gods that caused such eruptions. However, we know that God Almighty, the creator of heaven and earth sustains His creation for His own purposes. We can only see one side of the canvas; it is the tangled threads on the back that confuse us, but God who knows all is not confused. He is actually bringing order out of what looks to us like chaos.

God tells us “It is I who made the earth” (Isaiah 45:12). He then manifested Himself in many ways in order for man to know Him, to ”get it” – that God is present, in control. Smoke is one illustration in scripture of the presence of God. He led them out of Egypt with a pillar of smoke/cloud during the day and fire by night. In His covenant with Abram God appeared as a smoking fire-pot with a blazing torch, passing between the pieces of an animal sacrificed for this significant moment of dedication. The divided carcasses symbolized what would happen if this covenant was broken. To this day God honours His covenant with Israel, by drawing a remnant to Himself.

Smoke was one way of getting peoples’ attention. In Exodus God called the people to Mount Sinai to the place where “smoke [symbol of God’s majesty] billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace” (Exodus 19:16-18). Often in scripture, especially in prophecy, smoke symbolizes destruction (Revelation 9:2, 14:11). I’m reminded of the power Jesus warned about when he referred to God’s option, His choice to punish the unbelieving in hell, where we might assume fire and smoke exist together (Matthew 10:28). Dreadful prospect!

In these few references we see God, in smoke, appearing to man to confirm His power and majesty, His guidance, His commitment to covenant. Perhaps as we watch the news today, and the occasional volcanic eruption, our minds will reflect on the magnitude of our “Smoking God”, One who can bring winds of change across the world just as He brought ashes from an Icelandic volcano to 20 European countries, affecting ten million travellers. Listen up everyone: “A smoking God speaks!”

Reflection:

We are going into a new year, one not yet spoiled by disaster. What is it about God that attracts our attention, today?

Is it fair of God to terrify people with natural disasters?

How would you counter such opposition to a wrathful God?

What is it that He wants us to learn from such events?

Do you see any cause to worship God when you reflect on cosmic or seismic activity?

Devotional

Thy Will

January 13, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Matthew 6:10

Recently we studied the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins on a positive note with the Beatitudes, those precious blessings offered to those who sincerely mourn over their sins, and then act out the character of God. Throughout the sermon we sense the yearning heart of God. He longs for relationship with His people. What a challenge to those who see God as harsh in His judgments. Those who are pure in heart will actually see God, day by day.

As Jesus’ teaching flows through the laws of the Old Testament, He also reminds us today of something else. “Thy will” or “Your will” as more modern versions put it. What do you and I know about the will of God in the twenty-first century? Is it really relevant in this day and age when human distinction favours scientific exploration as truth?

Perhaps we need to start with the first words of Jesus’ prayer: “Our Father”. Who can truly call God “Father”? It is those who have seen Him – those seeking purity of heart….perhaps those who are willing to humble themselves before God by obeying His laws. I find it interesting that Jesus developed a theme as He reviewed laws pertaining to murder and adultery, divorce and remarriage, oaths and reconciliation. Are any of these hot topics in the church today? Do we really teach “Thy will”?

A pet peeve of mine, I just admit, is keeping the Sabbath. We don’t. We are not Jewish, and so we excuse ourselves in order to celebrate Sunday as the day of rest. Who of us honestly rests, taking time to be alone with God, on a Sunday? And Satan laughs! We go to church don’t we, and perhaps have fellowship at the Swiss Chalet afterwards? But does our conversation even bend towards things of God in that “fellowship” we find so needful?

God spoke through the prophets so His people then and now would know Him. He asks “…who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?…so you will be My people and I will be your God” (Jeremiah 30:21-22). N.B. “I will” identifies the purpose of God. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14) The will of God is so clear here, isn’t it?

“Holy Holy Holy – Lord God Almighty” begins an old hymn lifting God up as Holy. This “Holy” God calls you and me to be like Him – to be pure in heart so that we might actually see Him. Real worship begins when we see God. At least that is what Jesus taught. This is why “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is crucial to our prayers (Matthew 6:10).

How many times do we pray for our family and friends to be relieved of illness or discomfort, focusing on physical needs? What do we know about the will of God teaching us through temptation and trials? Think of it – our Lord endured both. Will we allow God’s will to accomplish His purposes?

Reflection:

What do you know about seeking the face of God? So, when you pray do you come with confidence or contrition? Do you pause to sense His presence when you pray? These are real questions, and there are more, which I must ask myself as I come to God in prayer. This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Thy will”. Considering the magnificent possibilities, “Thy will “ becomes crucial to my prayers!

Devotional

Consequences

January 7, 2026 AdminLeave a comment

Philippians 2

Have you ever thought about the consequences of your choices? Scripture is very real to life, describing the human follies that not only implicate life in the present, but life down through generations of time. For example, Christians, Jews, and Muslims are all impacted by the decision of Abram and Sarai, to use Hagar as a surrogate mother for Abram’s child. To this day there is rivalry between Jews and Arabs over the land God promised to Abraham (Genesis 12:7), the land Christians call the Holy Land, because it is the birthplace of Christ!

Even farther back – to the very beginning, we find the choice Adam and Eve made in the Garden of Eden inflames mankind today, bound with the consequences of innate sin. Father Adam’s choice to believe the devil’s lie caused our DNA to be tainted with sin (Romans 5:12, 17). Thankfully, the choices another man made provide us with new life. More about that later.

David, King of Israel made various decisions that caused dissension within his family. He had too many wives, so the rivalry between his sons could be described in today’s language as dysfunctional. However, in his heart David worshiped God, writing some of the most beautiful songs (Psalms) used by the Church today. Therefore he, like Abraham, is described as a “friend of God” (James 2:23), or “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). He became the forefather of the Babe who is famous for being born in the City of David.

With God there is always room for forgiveness, no matter what we have done. The Bible teaches us that it’s never too late to ask for God’s forgiveness. Take the thief on the cross as an example. His eternal destiny was determined by a last-minute choice and the consequence was that He is spending eternity with Jesus (Luke 23:43).

It is not only the choices made by the rich and powerful that touch the heart of God. An unnamed woman put everything she had into the temple treasury. We don’t know what prompted her to do so. She didn’t look for recognition for her sacrificial giving but Jesus was sitting there, watching her (Luke 21:1-4). Two thousand years later the consequence of her devotion to God challenges every Christian, regarding giving to the work of God!

A baby was born and laid in a manger. It’s easy to forget this baby was fully human. Called the “Holy Babe of Bethlehem” by lyricists and authors, Jesus was both God and man. This made Him vulnerable to temptation. However, He chose not to give in to Satan when tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). He chose not to give in to His human frailty when faced by the cross when He sweated it out in prayer, in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32). The consequence was that He paid the penalty for sin – yours and mine.

Reflection:

Since you and I are only human, let us thank God He had a plan that gives hope to every situation, despite the consequences of our choices. Thank God we do not have to pay the penalty of our foolish indecision or even our rebellious disbelief, if we recognize Jesus as Saviour and Lord of our lives. We may reap the benefit of Jesus’ choice to give up His glory in order to become a man who walked this earth as our example. Praise God! What will you do with Christ and what will be the consequences?

Devotional

King of Kings

December 30, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Revelation 19:11-16

The scene is set in heaven. The Holy Spirit revealed to the Apostle John just enough to excite our curiosity. What will heaven be like? To some of us the eschatology of Revelation can be rather daunting. What do all the symbols mean? When and where will these events take place? For sure, if God wanted us to know, He would have been specific, but God delights in surprises.

Besides, the Book of Revelation is not about process, but about the person of Jesus Christ (1:1). John had the enviable privilege of knowing Jesus personally when He walked on earth. Through scripture and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we who have believed and received, also know Jesus personally! Day by day we learn more through His love and power working in and through us. One day we know we will see Him face to face (22:3-4). What a glorious hope! In our scripture today we can picture Jesus coming in glory!

Many years ago I shook hands with a man of fame and fortune. It was such an exciting experience! At the time our future king was visiting Toronto, so some friends and I went to see him. There he was – no halo; just another man. Born into a position of privilege, he had no control over his birth. His mother, our Queen, recognized that reality when she endorsed a book written for her 90^th birthday: “The Servant Queen and the King She Serves”.

Compare Prince Charles’ situation with the King of Kings who was not born into a rich household, but rather was born in the humblest of circumstances. Jesus came intentionally to earth, giving up His glory to become a human baby; the control He had over His destiny is amazing (John 10:18). On the other hand, Prince Charles, now King Charles 111, created by God for this moment in history, had no pre-existence and will die at the time appointed by God (Hebrews 9:27).

Jesus is given many names in the book of Revelation. He claimed to be the “Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 1:8, 22:13). He is worshiped as the “Lamb that was slain” (5:9, 12). “Saviour” (7:10), the “Root” of our salvation (22:16). “Shepherd” (7:17). His Kingdom is declared, over which the “Christ…. will reign forever and ever” – eternally (11:15). “Lord God Almighty” (15:3). “The Holy One” (16:5). “Faithful and True” (19:11). Didn’t Jesus say He is “the Truth” (John 14:6)? “The Word of God” (Revelation 19:13, John 1:1). “The bright Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). Jesus, the rider on the white horse wears His ID on His robe “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” (19:16). “He will wipe away every tear ….there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”(21:4). Jesus who gained the victory over death (2 Timothy 1:10), will make everything new (Revelation 21:5a).

God speaking through the prophet Isaiah told His people Israel that one day “Before Me every knee will bow” [Kings and Queens, believers and atheists] (Isaiah 45:23). Quoting that verse, Paul specifies all knees in heaven and on earth and under the earth” adding “every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

Reflection:

Throughout the uncertainties of human history, many times believers may have thought the time of Jesus’ return was drawing near (Luke 21:28). Even today some are looking towards Jerusalem with that very hope in mind. One day, in God’s perfect timing, Jesus will return. God has always been faithful to His promises and the very fact that we, 2000 years after Jesus walked on earth, have Him in our hearts and lives is proof that He never did/would forsake His own (Matthew 28:20). Hallelujah!

“The Lamb will overcome them [those 10 earthly kings who will give authority to the beast]….because He is Lord of lords and King of kings” (Revelation 7:12-14).

Devotional

Our Wonderful God

December 23, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 9:6

“Our wonderful God” This is not a phrase I use often, but found myself writing about the love of our wonderful God which comforts us in all our losses. A friend’s mother had just died. It is Christmas time and the One whom prophecy foretold would be called “Wonderful” was ministering comfort to the grieving family.

Is it because of the things Jesus did that He deserves that name? Is it because God still performs miracles? I’ve held a miracle baby in my arms. Possibly every mother thinks her baby is a ‘miracle’, but when a young mom in Kenya prayed for her infertility to be taken away after many years of childless marriage, the little son I cradled in my arms was truly a miracle!

I’ve held another sort of baby in my arms, praising God for the miracle of His wonderful love and mercy. She was a woman with a ‘past’ who had found forgiveness at the feet of her Lord Jesus, and had entered into the family of God as a babe in Christ! What a glorious privilege!

There are many stories of God’s healing, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually that have been recorded down through the history of humankind. Today we need Him as much as ever, to perform miracles of grace in a world gone mad with the passions of the ‘self’.

Three hundred years ago Isaac Watts penned the lyrics to ‘Joy to the World’, which into the twentieth century was one of the most beloved Christmas Carols. He ends it in a spirit of absolute wonder!

“He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love!”

Yes! His name shall be called “Wonderful”! Why? Because He [Jesus] is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. God gave this prophecy to Isaiah for our benefit today. It is because of the wonders of God’s character that we fall on our knees to worship Him! Who do we know that equals His Wisdom? Who is so faithful in love? Where can we find such eternal justice or purity? God’s purity is called by a special name – He is Holy! Righteous! Fair!

Scripture reveals God yearns for a relationship with us in which He can demonstrate His gentleness, and goodness. Just as we have taken babies into our arms, our heavenly Father desires to bless us, tenderly drawing us close to His heart, enfolding us in His strong arms, caressing us with His nail-pierced hands. Isn’t this “Wonderful”….that the sovereign Creator of our universe is so relational?

Reflection:

How many hearts today long for the security of such a wonderful relationship? How many folks are shattered by man’s unfaithfulness? Whom can we trust? The wonderful truth is God is here, and He too longs for relationship with us, imperfect as we may be. He stands ready to pour His righteousness into our lives to “fit us for heaven to live with Him there” as the song-writer says. Imagine living for eternity with our Wonderful God!

Devotional

The Prepared Place

December 18, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Hiim Immanuel” [God with us]

It all started in the mind of God. Earth – that perfect home for mankind. Man – made in the image of God, a miracle of creation! That human body complete with senses, alert to sights and sounds around him – the perfect man! And woman. Both made in God’s image, these two took up residence in a place God prepared for them which was absolutely perfect!.

Then there was the promise of a Virgin’s womb. Why? What? How? When? A multitude of questions!

Planned in the heart of God, there became a family of little children. Mary and Joseph had sons and daughters (Mark 6:3). But! Their first child was a miracle, different from all the rest. Jesus wasn’t just human, but He was Divine, perfect, sinless. Before Mary and Joseph came together she conceived that which was of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).

Try to imagine what it was like for the Son of God to become a baby. Philippians 2 tells us “He humbled Himself and took on the form of a man (2:6-8). That part we might understand if indeed He had appeared as a man, but the Christ-child is much more difficult to fathom, isn’t it? Becoming part of a family! Planned thousands of years before in the mind of God.

Then there was the ancient temple, where devoted Jews went to meet with God. Prepared in advance, Jesus recognized this place as His Father’s House and defended it in a shocking display of anger when He cleared the money changers out because ”It is a House of prayer” (Matthew 21:13).

Later they killed Him. And there was a place prepared for His body, in accordance with an ancient prophecy (Matthew 27:57-60) A dark place. A quiet place where a miracle happened. His human body was transformed! Jesus, the Christ lives. He lives on in places prepared. When folks receive His sacrifice for their sins with joy, He comes to live in their hearts! (Ephesians 3:17)

Armageddon – the place of final battle. The Prince of Peace….we sing about Him at Christmas time, but this is when that great peace will finally be accomplished. And we will live forever with the Lord in heaven because Jesus promised “I go to prepare a place for you….!” (John 14:1)

Reflection:

At Christmas time let us worship the baby who took His place in the plan of the Father. We who question so much of what we see God doing in our world, and in our lives, need to pause to reflect on the Holy One we say we follow. Have we committed our lives to receive what God has mapped out for us? Is there a womb experience, or a tomb that we must go through? What joy and peace may lie on the other side?

Devotional

The Perfect Parent

December 8, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Proverbs 3:11-12

How many young couples holding a tiny new life in their hands, start out hoping to improve on the parenting that was modelled for them? Others want to emulate the Dad or Mom or even Grandparents they were blessed with. What is the highest expectation a new Mom and Dad might hold of what their parenting skills will achieve?

In hospital with my own firstborn I remember the two young girls sharing my room both wanted to “grow up” with their babies. Both 18, it is probable they still had some growing up to do. But maturity is a relative term…we are forever learning. Adapting to parenthood is a process, not an event. At Christmas time one can’t help but think of what young Mary had ahead of her; parenting a perfect baby when she herself wasn’t mature.

There is one exception of course. God, our Heavenly Father is the perfect parent. He is not in the process of ‘becoming’. He is….all that is perfect, the loving, all-seeing, all-knowing, fair and just, Parent. Although we may try, it is impossible to pull the wool over His eyes; we cannot manipulate God. We can anger Him. People throughout human history have grieved our heavenly Father. How does He respond?

Our Father God disciplines those He loves, for our own good (Hebrews 12:6,10). People have asked why God would allow suffering, but perhaps it is because He knows it is often through suffering that men and women will turn to Him for His help. Why does God not fix the inequities in our world today? He knows we need to be stretched…those who are rich need to help those who are poor. Are we passing the test?

As parents we think we are better people when we rush in to fix the mistakes our children make, whereas the reality is they would become better people if they suffered the consequences of their wrong choices. On the basis of mistaken understanding of the character of God, we judge Him according to the ways of man, rather than the other way around. He is the benchmark of perfect parenting.

What is the product of perfect parenting going to be? Someone who is happy? Someone who is helpful? Someone who has hope? Can health and wealth compare with these assets? Sadly I have seen the most wealthy people who are empty of hope or happiness because they have no vision for helping. The perfect parent reaches out to help others, modelling choices that will impact a child’s well-being forever.

Reflection:

Our Father God reached down to a world that was suffering to offer help and hope, joy and peace, relief from the worst suffering possible. Separation from God determines our eternal destiny, so with kindness, mercy and grace our Father sent Jesus into this world to make relationship with His Father possible by paying the penalty for our sins. Jesus modelled how to live, and how to love. As our prefect Father’s perfect Son, Jesus offers us sonship, in His name. Will we receive God’s offer this Christmas?

“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent His rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11-12)

Devotional

Victory in Jesus

December 2, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

1 Corinthians 15:51-57

Victory in Jesus, my Saviour forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood.

He loved me e’er I knew Him

And all my love is due Him.

He plunged me to victory

Beneath the cleansing flood!

She was in prayer. “Dear God”, she prayed, “I didn’t handle that well. Please forgive me”. Then the words to this dear old song rang through her heart and she knew the joy of victory over thoughts that drag us down, thoughts emphasizing how unworthy we are, instead of giving glory to God for how worthy He is!

The God we worship seeks us out in our darkest moments, demonstrating the reality of true love, which loves in spite of our weaknesses. He puts His arms around us and draws us to His breast….the God of all comfort, as Paul describes Him (2 Corinthians 1:3). I wonder if I am willing to go that far with someone, a brother or sister perhaps who needs to see Jesus in their moments of weakness and despair? Or do I resort to righteous anger when I see someone fall? Knowing my own tendencies, will I lift another up or do I criticize, dwelling on their failure to measure up to a standard I think we all should be reaching for?

The lyricist recognizes that all our love is due the one who first loved us (1 John 4:19). Exercising the love God gifts us with, will raise others up out of the slough of despond, as the author of Pilgrim’s Progress puts it. The very victory we need can be passed on to others whom God is seeking to bless through you and me. What an awesome thought!

Paul describes a mystery in our scripture reading. Perhaps part of that mystery is the fact that death has been swallowed up in victory. Sin cannot sting us because God has provided the antidote. “He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). Victory is for His church – the corporate body of believers who defy the power of death by raising the flag, by celebrating the victory!

Where does the victory come from? His redeeming blood…that costly sacrifice Jesus made on the cross. You and I do not need to suffer any longer because His blood covers us like a blanket of righteousness. In humility Jesus gave up His position and place to come to earth to die for you and me, so that we would gain the victory over sin and despair, over guilt and shame. We do need to receive His gift of love, however. A gift is of no value whatsoever if we do not receive it.

Reflection:

When we rejoice in the Lord, in the power of His Word, we demonstrate our acceptance of all that he planned for us. Joy is the hallmark of what it means to be a Christian! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Here’s the thing….in our physical bodies pain warns us we are too near real danger – like putting your finger on a hot stove. In the same way pain reminds us we need help, spiritually. Can we, will we praise God for the signs which warn us of danger, and for His love so freely given to plunge us to victory beneath that cleansing flood? Thanks be to God!

Devotional

God’s Glory

November 25, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

Ezekiel 38

In scripture we read a lot about the glory of God, and yet, if asked to describe it, sometimes we find ourselves without words. Whether we can bring honour and glory to His holy name, or not, God will do so Himself. He told Moses that He would gain glory for Himself through Pharaoh. Who would have supposed such an unlikely thing, yet God is the God of the impossible.

Here’s the plan Moses – God would harden Pharoah’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites go. Then when finally Pharaoh caved, the army and all his people would recognize the power of the God of Israel! Exodus 14:4.

Hundreds of years later God’s purpose hasn’t changed. Ezekiel writes that in the last days God will gain the victory over Gog. “Then they will know that I am the Lord” (38:23). For years God had prophesied through his prophets details of the nations gathering together against the tiny nation of Israel; why is still a mystery. Someone has described Israel as “the navel of the earth”. Surely its location isn’t what makes it such a target for the nations.

No – it is the eternal battle of evil against good, Satan against God in his final attempt to be like God. Jesus spoke about the coming battle, recorded in the gospels – Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Revelation 16:16. This is interesting since Ezekiel, hundreds of years before, prophesied clearly about that final battle.

Having been patient with mankind through millennia of time, God described His zeal and fiery wrath through His prophet. There will be a great earthquake; mountains will crumble, every man’s sword will be against his brother. God’s judgment will bring plague and bloodshed, hailstones and burning sulphur upon the troops of the nations gathered against Israel.

The promise is consistent with His character: “I will show My greatness and My holiness”. There is no other god to compare with the terrible glory of God’s wrath. Have we a correct picture of the God we worship? Have we forgotten the miracles which Jesus Christ performed when He was here on earth?…raising the dead, Himself raised from the dead!

Reflection:

We sing “Our God is an awesome God, He reigns in heav’n supreme” but does He reign in our hearts supreme over every earthly temptation? Each day God wants to show the world His glory through the lives we live, as we follow the Lord Jesus. Imagine the joy of being His image-bearers! “Then they will know that I am the Lord (Ezekiel 38:23) All glory goes to our God!

Devotional

The Triumph of Mercy

November 18, 2025 AdminLeave a comment

James 2:8-13

Our Ladies were studying the book of James. We’ve probably read it many times, but there is still much to learn! A little phrase suddenly jumped out at me “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (:13). First of all we need to understand what judgment looks like.

In our world today people are tweeting about their personal observations, so often from the bias of criticism, it seems. Is this the test of one’s intelligence, I wonder, to be able to discern the faults of others? How often are we acting out what Jesus warned about – looking at the speck of sawdust in our brother’s or sister’s eye while ignoring the plank that limits the vision in our own (Matthew 7:4). Jesus recommended that we take time to remove the plank before we assume a helping relationship with our brother/sister (Matthew 7:5).

Sometimes we ignore the potential dangers God warned the Israelites about …the damage of giving false testimony about our neighbour (Deuteronomy 5:20), because we are so quick to pass sentence on another fellow human being. James reminds us that often anger is the basis of our condemnation, so we should pause to listen, before expressing our opinions (James 1:19). Have we forgotten the besetting sins of our own nature that make us so displeasing to God?… and yet He repeatedly forgives us. Can we, will we, pause to remember His mercy?

Another thing – Jesus told the crowd assembled on the mount, that we will be judged with the same measure of mercy we deliver towards those who offend us (Matthew 7:2). James amplifies this thought:
“judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful” (James 2:13). That follows the theme of the Lord’s prayer that so many of us know by heart, and repeat often: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive others who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12 KJV).

Do we really want God to forgive us in the same way as we have forgiven others? Even William Shakespeare got it right when he wrote the Merchant of Venice, reminding Shylock that mercy must be freely given – “The quality of mercy is not strained [forced]”. It must be genuine, real. God knows whether or not we are going through the motions, or if we mean what we say.

Often it is hard to forgive – it is a Divine gift in the moment. With God it is possible for mercy to triumph over judgment. Our judgment may or may not be perfectly correct. That is not the issue. The ability to lean on God to help us deliver His mercy to others is demonstrated by our desire, and His power, to forgive. This is the Divine triumphing in the lives of human beings!

Reflection:

“Dear Heavenly Father,

We say we are followers of Jesus. He was so merciful to those who were accused! May we learn from His example. His love drew people to Himself! May our lives exemplify our appreciation for all men and women because they are made in the image of God. Search my heart and see if there is any wicked way in me , before I pronounce judgment on anyone else. Help me to remember Jesus’ words “He/she who is without sin cast the first stone”. May I live by His perfect example, which demonstrated Your love for everyone. May Your mercy out-weight the judgments I might make. Keep me from slandering others. Empower me, my Father, to triumph over evil. In Jesus’ name I pray.”