God is Merciful

God is Merciful

Nehemiah 9:16-17 But they and our fathers acted proudly,
Hardened their necks, and did not heed Your commandments. They refused to obey, and they were not mindful of Your wonders that You did among them. But they hardened their necks, and in their rebellion they appointed a leader to return to their bondage. But You are God, ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, abundant in kindness, and did not forsake them. NKJV

Devotional: A mother was pleading with a judge on behalf of her teenage son. She knew he was guilty, but with tears running down her face she asked for mercy. The judge rebuffed her passionate pleases with this cold response, “Ma’am, your son doesn’t deserve mercy.” She replied, “I know sir. If he deserved it, it wouldn’t be called mercy.” We serve a God who is more than a God of second chances. He is the God of a third chance, and a forth chance, and many more. His mercy is everlasting, and He extends that mercy to us even though we don’t deserve it. The prophet Nehemiah remembered the mercy of God shown to His chosen people. No matter how many times they failed Him and forsook Him to serve other gods, He was slow to anger and quick to forgive. You can be certain that He will be patient with you and quick to forgive if you will sincerely ask for forgiveness. God is merciful.

Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful for Your mercy. I have failed You so many times, yet You continue to forgive me. I don’t want to take Your mercy for granted or take advantage of it. Please forgive me for every sin in my life and help me to be obedient to Your Word and to the spiritual authority you have placed in my life. In Jesus name. Amen!