Mercy & Truth

I have been clinging to Psalm 57 verse 3b for months now.

That God would send for His mercy and His truth.

Mercy isn't always what we think,

truth isn't always easy to hear.

Mercy sometimes is when God allows the difficult and painful to happen,

and then holds you up in the midst of it.

Mercy is sometimes an inward miracle not seen by the enemy,

but felt in the heart.

Truth sets us free and Christ is truth. These are true.

Hearing about how my Lord was beaten and whipped is true, but it sure is hard to hear.

Truth can be very heartwrenching.

And as in all things, the Deceiver is working to twist truth and manipulate our interpretation of situations. So sometimes only God knows the whole truth. And I am learning that I need to be okay with that. Sometimes I seek to know about whole situations that I miss the lessons Christ is trying to teach me. And sometimes those lessons are so overwhelming, I feel like a kindergartner trying to understand algebra!

This much I know and this is what I cling to time and time again:

"God Almighty loves those I care for more than I do. His ways are best. And my Lord loves me more than I'll ever understand. He knows all, sees all, understands all. I am just to trust and remember His way is best."

With Charity

"Let all your things be done with charity." 1 Corinthians 16:14

This verse has been on my heart ever since my God Date earlier this week.
It has guided my tongue and smitten my heart. It has had me examine my motives and my relationships.

"Let all your things be done with charity."

"Let all your things be done with charity."

"Let all your things be done with charity."

"Let all your things be done with charity."

I know it seems repetive but we need to slow down and really read the Bible sometimes. Emphasis the bold words each time. Don't you just feel it sink into your heart?

Charity is love, not the "I love what you do for me." kind of love, but the love when they can't do anything in return kind of love. The love of the Lord flowing out of you to others. I should be know as a Christian, a Christ follower, by my love.

Isn't that what Christ said?
"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35

And not only to those outside my home, but within my home, I must ooze the love of God in all that I do and say. I haven't arrived at the all part yet, but it is my goal, my banner on the horizon I am striving for.

"Let all your things be done with charity."

Valiantly

Psalms 60:12 Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.
Now there's a great verse for us as we kick off our new year of homeschool.

Kind of reminds me of Phillipians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Through Christ (God) we shall do (homeschool) valiantly

Through Christ (God) we shall (fight the devil) valiantly


Through Christ we shall say NO! to sin valiantly


These and many other examples come to mind.


Valiantly....there is a word we don't hear much anymore.

It is an adverb that means

1. Stoutly; vigorously; with personal strength.
2. Courageously; bravely; heroically.

It is a form of the word valiant.

Valiant means
1. Primarily, strong; vigorous in body; as a valiant fencer.
2. Brave; courageous; intrepid in danger; heroic; as a valiant soldier.
Be thou valiant for me, and fight the Lord's battles.
1Sam. 18.
3. Performed with valor; bravely conducted; heroic; as a valiant action or achievement; a valiant combat.

Yes, LORD, Through God we shall do valiantly.
Apart from Him we can do nothing.
But with Him we can be valiant!!