In Spanish it is cinco de mayo. Yesterday would have been el cuatro de mayo. But I am not here to talk about the Spanish calendar. The most significant thing about today is this found in Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
I want to talk with you briefly about God’s Wisdom and I am going to refer to Proverbs 3:3-4 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
Mercy and Truth. God’s truth! Fill your life with Mercy and truth found in God’s word and then you will find favor and high esteem not only with your fellow man but with God! Listen, when you have God’s favor, you have nothing to worry about. Nothing. The Key that unlocks this special favor is showing Mercy. Being Merciful. Jesus taught us about Mercy by giving all of us Unmerited Grace. He died for us because of His profound love for us. In spite of our sinfulness, lack of self control, selfishness, ungratefulness, Jesus loved us so much He chose to die for us. As followers of Jesus, we are now called to be full of Mercy toward others. “Let not mercy and truth forsake you.” In other words keep Mercy close in your heart at all times.
One of the most powerful lessons and miracles I have ever experienced in my life is when I decided to forgive and show mercy to people who had done me wrong. I entered into God’s blessing by showing unmerited grace toward others. I can tell you since discovering this truth, my life has never been the same and the blessings continue to flow. I truly believe the lack of showing grace is probably the number one reason why many Christians do not experience God’s Peace and Favor in their life! You must forgive and show mercy to experience the fullness of God in your life. Drop the hatred, the back stabbing, the gossiping, the derogatory facebook posts and instead “pray for those who persecute you” and watch the power of God be unleashed in your life.
Remember who we are living for and what we are living for. Our mission, given to us by Jesus is to be bearers of His image to the world, to demonstrate his Love and Mercy, Kindness and Forgiveness to the people we interact with daily. We do this as a testimony to our King Jesus who said, “Forgive them father for they do not know what they are doing!” Be the light!
Matthew 5: 43:-48 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Our Prayer List Updates:
Mary Berry, Mary visits our church whenever she and her husband Richard are in town. She and Richard live in California now but were Edwardsville residents for some time. Mary has just been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has asked for prayer. Let’s lift Mary and Rich to Gods wisdom, peace and healing hands.
Ben Stunkle, because Ben has been moved to an acute care facility to continue rehab and healing from his accident, his mom Kyle McCracken Stunkle can no longer visit him during this Covid virus outbreak. We lift both Ben and Kyle to Gods Grace and healing love during this difficult time.
Barb Joiner, Continued prayers for healing and Gods peace and wisdom.
Mike Rodgers, Lori’s husband is now back home and is doing good considering the major surgery he had on his neck and spine. Lori said to tell everyone thank you for the prayers they are working!
Don and Lois Kruckeberg, Denise Reeders parents. Denise has brought her mom home and is currently taking care of her there. Her dad Don fell and ended up in the hospital the same day she brought her mom home. Don is doing better today and should be going back to Eden Care anytime. Caregiving is one of the hardest jobs on earth especially when it comes to family members so we ask for Gods strength, patience, and wisdom for Mark and Denise during these challenging times.
Russell Boster update, Russell is Jane Mckinney’s sister who has been battling ovarian cancer. She is continuing Chemo treatments. We continue to lift Russell up to the miracle maker. Health, peace, and strength.
Maryann Kavanaugh, Peggy Gains mother. Maryann is homebound and lives with chronic debilitating pain due to a dental procedure 7 years ago. We lift Maryann to our God of all possibilities.
Marie Mudd, Barb Joiner’s mother. Marie is in hospice at Cedar Hurst in Bethalto Il. We pray for God’s peace and strength.
Praise Community Fellowship, the church Without Walls. www.praisecommunityfellowship.com