The mercy of God is an important component of human life. Let’s look at the story of John and his mum as we seek to understand the mercy of God.
John’s heart boomed in his chest as he stood looking at his mother. He didn’t mean to break the five bottles of freshly pressed orange juice meant for the women’s meeting at church tomorrow. One of the bottles sat on the bread wrapper and as he pulled the bread out from the fridge, disaster struck.
“I am sorry, mummy,” he said.
He waited for his punishment. He couldn’t meet her eyes as she looked long and hard at him.
“It’s okay” she said. “Just clean it up.”
That was it. He couldn’t believe his ears. Instantly, he got the mop and bucket and began to clean.
Minutes later, mummy hears Loveth crying. John had hit her for removing one of the tires from his toy car. It was a mistake.
“But I didn’t do anything to you when you broke the bottles of juice?”
John acted like the wicked servant in Matt. 18: 21-35 as told by Jesus.
The wicked servant refused to be merciful to his fellow servant after receiving mercy from his master. He owed his master more, compared to what his fellow servant owed him.
Much like John’s mistake compared to his sister’s. He could have just told Loveth “It’s okay. Just fix it.” Much like mummy said to him.
Why do you think John and the servant in the story acted as they did? They did so because they weren’t grateful for the mercy they received. They forgot that their offense was worth punishing for but who they offended decided they were worth not punishing.
The story teaches us two things:
Firstly, we should be grateful for God’s mercy because we’ve all come short of mercy. And it’s only through Jesus’ death on the cross that we have the right to receive mercy from God.
Secondly, as we have received this mercy, we are meant to reciprocate it to others ‘You should have mercy on your fellow-servant, just as I had mercy on you.’ Matt. 18:33.
What do you think mommy would do to John? Well, the master in the story was angry when he found out what happened and had the wicked servant thrown into jail until he could pay back what he owed Matt. 18: 34.
Jesus said that is how God will deal with us if we don’t have mercy on others.
Who are you going to forgive today?
Prayer: Dear God, I thank you for showing me mercy. Amen
Action point: Continually ask God to help you to do this continually.
Parents: My children are merciful. As they receive mercy from God, they give mercy out to others in Jesus name. Thank you, Lord.
Declaration: My children show mercy. They are considerate and loving to their neighbours.
Today is Oil For Today – Day 135. Let’s lift up our voice one more time as we pray to God! Watch Video on Youtube HERE. Check other days HERE.
Scriptures For Today
Oil For Today – Day 135
He yelled, “Jesus! Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me!”
Luke 18:38 MSG
Prayer Points For Today
Oil For Today – Day 135
Begin to thank God for today.
I plead the mercy of God over every mistake I’ve made in the past that is negatively affecting my life.
O God of mercies, show me mercy and give me favour this week in the name of Jesus.
Jesus! Son of David! Mercy, have mercy on me. Let Your mercy fill up every inadequacy in my life in the name of Jesus.
At the crossroad of life, the mercy kept for me will show up for me in the name of Jesus.
I plead the mercy of God over my relationship/marriage in the name of Jesus.
Ever merciful Father, instead of judgement, let Your mercy speak in the name of Jesus.
I apply the Blood of Jesus over every darkness running in my family in the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus, let Your mercy O LORD open doors that my labour/skill alone cannot open.
Let’s begin to thank the LORD for answered prayers.
Confession For Today
Oil For Today – Day 135
Today, God is rising on my behalf and showing me mercy. Mercy in all areas of my life. I experience all round mercy of God. At the crossroad of life, mercy kept for me will show up for me. God envelopes me with mercy. This day, mercy speaks for me. God surrounds me with His mercy. The mercy of God distinguishes me. By the reason of His mercy, I am the most preferred. In my relationship/marriage, I see the mercy of God. So shall it be in Jesus name, Amen.
Twenty Two Things We’ve Learnt In Twenty Two Years
Today is our wedding anniversary! It has been God o! Literarily.
And the way the years moved so fast? Like it has been twenty two years! Twenty two long years!
Even though, it kind of looked so fast, I can assure you it has been a long marital road. However, I can also tell you this of which I am sure of, the long road of our marital journey is laced with mercy!
GOD’s loyal love couldn’t have run out, his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
Lam 3:22 (MSG)
We travelled on mercy. We had junctions of His favour! We had stops where angels ministered to us. To God be the praise!
Did you miss out on yesterday’s devotional, we’ve got you covered kindly go HERE. For KHC video Devotionals kindly go HERE
Here are a few things things I have learnt that may help you in your marriage
1. Pray a lot as married couples. Do everything in prayer. The battle is intense, but God has all the power.
2. Stay close to each other. Do not allow a third party to break your bond.
3. Get a marriage mentor that you can speak to from time to time. Very important.
4. Be open and honest with each other. Avoid unnecessary secrecy.
5. Be faithful to each other. Avoid emotional affairs. Do not starve your spouse emotionally.
6. Be quick forgivers. Forgive quickly and avoid strife like a plague
7. Be friends. Laugh a lot. Play with each other. You need that to live long
8. Do not allow anything to steal your joy. Keep your joy intact.
9. Do not deprive each other sexually. Satisfy each other and never refuse yourselves. Sex is never a tool of punishment or a reward system. It is simply an obligation
10. Decide to be sacrificial. Live to please each other. That is what marriage is all about.
11. Never stop communication. Do not give each other silent treatment. Crack jokes a lot and play together
12. Give a lot. Work hard and trust God for His favour upon the works of your hands.
To be continued tomorrow.
CONFESSION FOR THE DAY I celebrate my spouse today and always
PRAYERS FOR THE DAY Oh Lord, increase my passion for my lover.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY 1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Today is Oil For Today – Day 120. Let’s lift up our voice one more time as we pray to God! Watch Video on Youtube HERE. Check other days HERE.
Scriptures For Today
Oil For Today – Day 120
[16] But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.
Psa 59:16 (KJV)
Prayer Points For Today
Oil For Today – Day 120
Begin to thank God for today.
Begin to pray that the power of God be revealed in your finances today.
Pray that the mercy of God will find expression in your family today.
Pray that the LORD will be your defense against the fiery darts of the enemy.
Pray for your local assembly; that the power of God will be made manifest in all services.
Pray that God will be your resting place/refuge in the midst of troubles.
Come against the plans of wicked men against you and your family.
Plead the Blood of Jesus over your life and family.
Go ahead and make your personal requests for the day known to the Lord.
Begin to thank the Lord for answered prayers.
Confession For Today
Oil For Today – Day 120
The Lord is putting a new song in my mouth. I sing aloud daily of his loving kindness. In my business/career, I see the mercy of the Lord. In my finances, I see the power of the Lord. In my relationship/marriage, I see the goodness of the Lord. Everywhere I go, the Lord defends me. In areas where I my voice cannot reach, the Lord speaks for me. In the day of trouble, the Lord will protect me. The power of God surrounds me. No evil will reach me and mine today. So shall it be, in Jesus name, Amen.
