Embrace the Within no. 116

“Blessed [content, sheltered by God’s promises] are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”

Matthew 5:7 AMP

What is mercy? Mercy is definitely not revenge or justice. And our politicized society in America is not concerned with mercy. Our society is infused with a desire for punishment and justice. Folks want to cancel ideas and people to whom they do not agree. Folks want to show anything but mercy and they are miles away from forgiveness.

How blessed you are when you demonstrate tender mercy [Or “merciful to forgive.” The Hebraic and Aramaic concept of mercy is that it comes from our innermost being. The root word for “mercy” is the root word for “womb.” See 2 Sam. 22:26; Ps. 18:25; Prov. 14:21; James 2:13.]! For tender mercy will be demonstrated to you.”

Matthew 5:7 TPT

Mercy is something that comes from our innermost being. That innermost being is not something that we created. That innermost being is something created and placed by God that allows us to be tender and merciful to others. When we find compassion in spite and despite the actions of others, then we find how God has created us. In a world crying out for punishment, mercy is the inversion that God wants for our lives.

Blessed are the mercifull: for they shall obteine mercie.

Matthew 5:7 GNV

As a Christian I need mercy. Without mercy I have no salvation. Without showing mercy I will not obtain mercy in return from God.

“Blessed (Favored by God; happy; prosperous) are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”.

Matthew 5:7 NMV

If I am to be saved, then I am to be merciful to others. Loving my neighbor as God loves me requires that I forgive my neighbor. Loving my neighbor requires that I show the same mercy that God showed me. I don’t deserve salvation. I don’t deserve forgiveness. My neighbor doesn’t deserve my mercy. My neighbor doesn’t deserve my forgiveness. BUT I give it anyway just as God gave mercy anyway.

“How blessed are those who show mercy! for they will be shown mercy.'”

Mattityahu 5:7 CJB

Mercy is an important part of my walk in the Way of the Lord. As I am surrounded by folks crying out for justice, I need to be crying out for mercy. God may be just and right BUT He is also merciful. And mercy, not justice, is the only thing paving my way to Glory.

I love you. I forgive you. Have a blessed and abundant day!

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoGodsNoMasters #NoKingButChrist #EmbraceTheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH

Embrace the Within no. 115

“Blessed [joyful, nourished by God’s goodness] are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness [those who actively seek right standing with God], for they will be [completely] satisfied.”

Matthew 5:6 AMP

When you seek to be right with God, He will make certain you find everything. In fact, you will be completely satisfied. You will be filled up with righteousness. You will get more righteousness than you ever thought you could receive. You will rely on nourishment from God’s own goodness and that nourishment will fulfill all your needs.

“How enriched you are when you crave righteousness[Or “goodness” or “justice”]! For you will be satisfied.”

Matthew 5:6 TPT

The Bible begins with creations that God judges as good. And the creation story ends with the most good creation. We just need to live up to the potential for goodness and righteousness for which we were created. That righteousness requires a lot of me. It requires that I stop trying to show myself and simply reflect that goodness. I have the potential every year, every day, every moment to reflect goodness and crave righteousness. And doing so will fill the God-sized hole in my life.

“Blessed are they which hunger and thirst for righteousnes: for they shalbe filled.”

Matthew 5:6 GNV

Fulfillment is possible. That is God’s promise. We will no longer walk around life like a donut. That hole in our lives is there to be filled by God. Don’t be a donut. Fill your hole.

“Blessed (Favored by God; happy; prosperous) are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”.

Matthew 5:6 NMV

The obstacle is that I have to choose each day to pursue righteousness. Righteousness is not my natural state every day. I have to commit to right thinking and right relationships. And that comes from building a daily walk and commitment to God. I need a routine of righteousness to allow God to lead as I follow.

“How blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness!

for they will be filled.”

Mattityahu 5:6 CJB

Building a daily walk where righteousness is my focus is a routine that will lead to my fulfillment as a person. I can find connection and fulfillment every day by merely reflecting the goodness that was my ultimate purpose. Righteousness is the state for which I was created, however, I allow other concerns to supplant this purpose.

“Is it a coincidence, or just a kind of grand irony, that loneliness has spiked just as our media became ‘social,’ our technology became ‘personal,’ and our machines learned to recognize our faces?”

Andy Crouch

Am I working towards righteousness and fulfillment or am I simply drifting around without purpose? God’s Way gives life a purpose and a fulfillment unlike any other. God’s Way does this because His Way was my reason for being. When I wander away or drift aimlessly I will feel disconnected from that purpose. I will feel alone. BUT with God, I am never alone.

I love you. I forgive you. Have a blessed and abundant day!

#ThinkBetter #BeBetter #NoGodsNoMasters #NoKingButChrist #EmbraceTheWithin #NotMyWayYHWH