Something to chew on....

[fieldmouse3]

"It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." Romans 9:16

A friend recently recommended that I read Romans 9, and that was the verse that stood out to me the most. It so true that it's scary! I have this bad habit of think things like, if I were just a little "better," or I tried harder to do everything perfectly, then maybe I'll get what I want. Not true; God's soveriegn power supercedes anything I could ever do or want to do. He doesn't want us to be perfect; He wants us to put all our faith and trust in Him. Easier said than done in those pesky situations where there is lots of emotion and desire involved, but not impossible. It's just a matter of letting go, letting God, and realizing that we can't do a darn thing other than obey Him, and hang on for the ride!

 

[Brooke]

Every time I hear of God's mercy, I sadly don't feel anything. I'm an only child with everything she wants, and as a result, I'm not a very grateful-type person. I get put off when I hear of our mistakes and sins and all that, and then get told that God had the mercy to forgive us. It almost makes me ashamed to be human, knowing that I was born sinful and had to have forgiveness for something that I was born with. It makes me feel sad. Although I think it's better this way. I'd rather recieve a great gift from a God who loves me than be given an automatic place in Heaven because I was born with no flaws. It's more meaningful.
Still, I wish I were more grateful for it..