New Mercies...

New Mercies...1-5-26

My niece and I stopped to eat at a small fast food restaurant. At the counter, a Bible lay open with a printed sign inviting anyone to highlight their "favorite" verse. As I thumbed through the Bible from page to page, the Bible was full of colors. A heartwarming thing to see in a world chaotic and sometimes void of Christ in so many areas. As we ate, I noticed the music on the loud speaker was Christian music. My niece and I had both looked to see if our verses were highlighted.

It is hard for me to choose just one verse within the Bible. I definitely have those that have spoken to me at different times in my life with thundering booms to get my attention or small whispers to remind me of His goodness and His plan. I have verses that I go to in different seasons. I have verses that I quote often. I have those that I can remember parts of, but can't specifically say exactly what book. I can usually spend a few moments and find the place I'm searching in my head if given the time. However, I don't memorize well the exact book and verse, but can see those scriptures in my head from reading and bible study.

As I was looking at the sky this morning during my drive to work, I noticed the colors with the changing landscape, the light that peaked through, then burst open the clouds,and then changed the clouds from red and orange to almost a pure white. I love to look at God's world. I am constantly amazed at his Goodness. I am constantly in awe of the beauty that He created for us. The colors and changes around me are similar to scriptures. Some scriptures are fierce in their strength and to the point such as in 1 John. In Sunday School yesterday, we studied 1st John and the scriptures about sin. These were direct, to the point, and bold just like the reds and oranges in the sky this morning. Other verses are comforting and re-assuring such as Isaiah 41:10, "So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. " Just as the skies offer glimpses of impending snow, rain, or clear days, the scriptures offer promise to come, John 14:2-3, "In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also."

So what is my favorite verse? It has always been 2 Timothy 4:7-8, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." I know these words will come come to pass. I know I will finish my race, and I truly know that I have kept the faith in the One who sustains me. However, until then, I will also cling to another verse, Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.". Someone else I know and love dearly looks to that verse, a kindred heart and spirit. I look at the verse as I look at the sky and am so blessed for His "New Mercies".