Daily Devotional
Do You Have Mercy that Leads to Action?
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7
May 16, 2024
Ponder This
I heard of a preacher who was preaching about compassion. He said, “I was walking down the streets of a town, and I looked over in a doorway, and there was a man passed out with dirt and trash blowing up around his body. All down that busy street, people were well-dressed and going about their business. But they ignored the humanity on the ground. Nobody was stopping. Nobody did anything. And then after we had gone to dinner and come back, he was still there. Nobody had done anything.” What is wrong with that illustration? He noticed the need, but he didn’t do anything either.
Isn’t it amazing how we always think another should do it? This man had softness and maybe sentiment, but he did not have mercy. Mercy is compassion in action. Mere sentiment is not enough. Mercy leads to loving action.
- Who do you know that you would say has the gift of mercy? Why?
- Is there an area in your life in which you regularly see people in need?
Practice This
Consider what needs you may encounter today. What is one thing you could do to help?
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
