Twin Peaks

The scripture for today is Psalms 85:10

Psalms 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

God's mercy is inseparable from His truth. Without truth there could be no provision for mercy. "All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant and His testimonies." Psalms 25:10 All of us, without exception, have sinned and have fallen far short of God's glory. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Romans 5:12 If we applied only that truth to our situation, we would be left without hope. But thankfully God, along with truth, offers us His mercy, His lovingkindness. Truth and mercy are connected as God's character reflects them both. The same principle holds true for righteousness and peace. Without righteousness, there can be no peace. All human efforts to secure peace apart from the righteousness of God is futile and will fail. Peace flows from righteousness; it is the product of being in right relationship with God. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever." Isaiah 32:17

The attributes of mercy, truth, righteousness and peace are necessary to manifest a true relationship with God and with one another. "Mercy and peace are on one side; truth and righteousness on the other. Truth requires righteousness; mercy calls for peace." Adam Clarke These all come together for the redemption of mankind in Jesus Christ. We find in Him all of the attributes and character of God. That which defines God is seen in the life of Christ. He is the truth yet He extends God's mercy. He is God's righteousness which is provided to those who embrace His wonderful gift of mercy. He is our peace. All of God is offered to mankind through Christ. He did not withhold anything from us; He gave us everything that He had. He offers us something more than "things"; He offers us life, His life. Right now, today, we can let go of everything that confines, restricts, and oppresses and receive mercy, truth, righteousness and peace. Jesus offers it to all who will come to God through Him.

God bless you as you continue in His service.

Tim