A new year, a new direction

After discovering that reading through the Bible in a year was too much for me, I thought I would try a new approach this year: a one year devotional. Thanks to Tyndale graciously giving out free products, everyone at Tyndale has the opportunity to either read through the One Year Bible or a One Year devotional. I chose one of our new myBooks devotionals, The One Year Walk with God Devotional by Chris Tiegren. I've heard great things about Chris' writing, but I have never read any of this works. Ten days into this journey, I'm glad I picked this one up.

I hope throughout this year to discuss my journey and reflect on some of the more moving devotions. Yesterday's devo was the first that really got me thinking.


The Depth of Mercy // 01.25
"Though we know His grace, we often get confused. We come to view Him as lenient rather than merciful. The difference is monumental. He does no casually dismiss our sin—see the Cross as exhibit A. No, He forgives it. Knowing the difference has huge implications for us. When we see Him as lenient, we will be casual about sin, just as we assume He is. We will take Him for granted and never know the depth of His love. We will pray with sinful, distorted hearts. [But] When we understand mercy, we will grieve and repent. And we will never again approach Him with a sense of entitlement."

Lenient vs. Merciful—Too often I fall into the trap of thinking about God as lenient or accepting of my sins. That is so not the case. God doesn't like sin; he hates everything about it. But through Christ and the Cross, He created a way to forgive us for our sins, to forgive me for my sins. God, please help me confess my sins, accept your mercy, and live in your love. If I can remember every day how much you love me, I can live free of sin, worries, fear. I can live fully to follow your plan for my life.

The reading for this devo so eloquently reminds us of God's glory:
"Sing a new song to the Lord!
Let the whole earth sing to the Lord!
Sing to the Lord; praise his name.
Each day proclaim the good news that he saves. . . .
"O nations of the world, recognize the Lord;
recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.
Give to the Lord the glory he deserves! . . .
"Worship the Lord in all his holy splendor."
—Psalm 96:1-2, 7-9