God’s mercies I will ever sing (89:1-6) Winchester

When we start to read scriptures and God is throwing out a lot of “I” words, we know we are in trouble. We have begun to think too much of ourselves not realizing just how much mercy and grace He surrounds our life with.

And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho, and the leaders of Jericho fought against you, and also the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. And I gave them into your hand.  And I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out before you, the two kings of the Amorites; it was not by your sword or by your bow.  I gave you a land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built, and you dwell in them. You eat the fruit of vineyards and olive orchards that you did not plant.’ – Joshua 24:11-13  ESV

Everyone of Israel’s great exploits were because of God’s mercies. Joshua knew this and that is why he declared his decision to be a God follower.

And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15  ESV

This statement was pronounced publicly, it had proven quality to it, it was personal and parental and it definitely was persuasive. He was not a secret disciple.

“Does not Joshua’s outspoken avowal make you blush? You are espoused to Christ, you say, but will there never be an open marriage? Will you never take Him publicly before the eyes of men to be your Lord and husband for ever and ever? Does Jesus agree to secret nuptials? . . . Shall your Captain’s colors never adorn you? . . . That is sorry courage which skulks [moves stealthily, cowardly] behind the bushes; that is poor loyalty which never utters the king’s name; that is questionable decision which dares not own itself to be on the Lord’s side . . . Run up the colors to the masthead where every eye may see them.” – Charles Spurgeon

Mark chapter nine tries to get me thinking like a disciple in another way, a humble manner after much exploits.

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to know. – Mark 9:30  ESV

Even Jesus knew the glory belonged to the mercy of God.

So my takeaway is to be bold and open of my decision to be a follower of Jesus and when engaged in ministry make sure I give God the glory for whatever He has done and make myself scarce just in case any one has other ideas.