MERCY

Pam Finlay

"Mercy"

10 December 2015

Acrylic on Paper



The face of an angel appeared in the background of this painting.   I could see a bright white area where the face of the angel is.  I knew Holy Spirit was leading me to paint the angel as I see the vibrant colours that are in the background of this painting while I am praising and worshipping Him.  At these moments Holy Spirit lets me know that the messengers he sends are surrounding me.   God's angels gaze on with much love as we sing songs of worship to the Lamb of God.

After I finished painting I asked Holy Spirit what was to be the title of the painting and I kept hearing Mercy, Mercy, Mercy.  The scripture that came into my spirit was James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment (ESV).  God delights in showing mercy (Micah 8:18-19).  To extend kindness and love to someone else is to be merciful. 

Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly , to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God(NKJV)

Through the blood of Jesus we have “mercy” given to us eternally.  Because of the blood He shed for us we are cleansed from sin.  He is continually cleansing us of the old sin nature as we come to Him with a repentant heart. He erases our iniquity and remembers it no more. His precious blood protects us from all things evil seen and unseen.  He is our source of protection and He makes atonement for our sins.

Psalm 91:3-4
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. 
4 He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler (NKJV)
Hebrews 8:12-13
12 “For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
13 In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete.  Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away (NKJV).

 We receive God’s mercy, love and kindness in Christ Jesus.  We receive of His great love as we press through to the promise, abiding in Him.   We can also show mercy to others through being kind and compassionate.  Matthew 5:7(the Beatitudes) speaks of being merciful and obtaining mercy. 

 The meaning of mercy is compassionate, kind, spared of judgment or harm, danger or trouble. God is our refuge and fortress in whom we can dwell. 

Psalm 91 s a scripture that reminds me that He has assigned His angels charge over us to guard and protect us on His behalf. 
Psalm 91:
 11God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go, defending you from all harm.
12 IF you walk into a trap they’ll be there for you and keep you from stumbling! (TPT)
Another scripture that gives reference to His angels is Hebrews 1:7 And of the angels He says:  Who makes His angels spirits and His minsters a flame of fire (NKJV)

 At the beginning of each day I say a prayer and I thank God for His favour, grace and mercy that is surrounding me and the people I will meet.  God is divinely preserving us. 

Jude 1:1, 2
1 Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are called, sanctified by God, the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ:
2 Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.
Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. 

God is promising a complete transformation of our heart and life by the Holy Spirit.  Our life-style is to reflect Christ. 
Ephesians 2:4 But God who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He saved us (NKJV)

Interestingly I have noticed scriptures that mention mercy also mention truth.  They go hand in hand.

Psalm 85:10 Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed
Psalm 57:3 He shall send from heaven and save me; He reproaches the one who swallow me up.  Selah God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. 
Psalm 89:
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before your face. 
15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
16 In Your name they rejoice all day long, and in Your righteousness they are exalted.
17 For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favour our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the Lord, and our king to the Holy One of Israel (NKJV)

Thank you Lord for Your mercy and Your truth.  We are loved by Your everlasting love and are underneath the everlasting arms.  We can rejoice and walk in the light of Your countenance. Thank you for teaching us to express love and compassion to others every day.   Your joy is our strength.  To You be all the glory.  Amen.

Blessings and love
Pam