Elizabeth, you were born to play that part

God continues to work on me. Last night I was lying in bed before sleep took me (which is a lot longer in coming without Flexeril), and God blasted my conscience with a whopper: WATCH YOUR MOUTH. Everyone knows I’m a talker–everyone. If you think I’m quiet or even just mildly inclined to talk, you don’t know me at all. On top of that, anyone who’s spent more than an hour or so with me probably knows that I hate my job. Don’t get me wrong, I love books by the million, but I despise Books-A-Million. So, combine those two things, and you will see my problem.

I grumble.

A lot.

At my job, I am the only Christian. I also consider myself a friend of most that work there. I know that they see something different in me; I’ve even been told. But I know that my stupid mouth could change all of that. If I want to be different–really different–I need to shut it. Everyone grumbles about BAM. It’s definitely not anyone’s favorite place to be, and I’m not saying it has to be mine. I just know that I need to keep it to myself. I need to work like I’m serving at the feet of Jesus, my beautiful savior and powerful king. Because really, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Every move I make (yes, I hear The Police as well) is a reflection on the God I serve. I am his ambassador in this world, and I want the impression I leave to be a good one.

Last night made in unavoidable to act. I had to make some kind of change. When God speaks, you act. (And if you don’t, you will regret it.) So, I woke up this morning and branded my hand with the same words which God had seared into my conscience the night before: Watch you mouth. It was a visible reminder to be careful. I got more than a few questions about my homemade body art, but the odd stares were worth it. I left work feeling just a little bit lighter.

Great Mercy

Sermon Notes

• Scripture is a message of an almost ridiculous romance being played out.
• (God speaking) “I want to have a depth of intimacy with you that will bring you incredible blessings and bring me incredible joy.”
• We can’t truly understand and appreciate the mercy and love of God until we understand that we have deeply offended him.
• 1 Peter 1:3-5
• God’s mercy gives us spiritual protection.
• [Satan] is in no sense a victor. He is the conquered one.
• His rich mercy didn’t rescue us to then leave us spiritually vulnerable to the whims of the Enemy.
•  1 Peter 1:9
• God’s mercy gives us the certainty of our eternal salvation.
• The marvel of God’s mercy is so great, the beauty of this romance is so astounding, the cost–the price–for the restoration of fellowship so severe that even angels long to look into these things.