A Beautiful Day at the Coast

This was many weeks ago, but it is always fun to share photos. 

Back in January, when hills were still green. 

Pretty shell, glistening in the sun.

Notice the pattern in the sand, tide receding.

Gorgeous blue sky, with airplane trails.

There is something so comforting about power under control. 

Waves breaking on a shoreline. A flaming pile of wood in a fireplace.

Isn't that what meekness is, strength under control?

Maybe I do not understand the beauty of self-control, temperance in the Spirit. 

Pink Camilla.

Fragrant Angel Trumpet.

Hello!

Rejoicing in Mercy

Many of the Psalms howl for judgment and sometimes I cringe because they seem unorthodox. But the beautiful thing is David implored God to act, because His holy name was disgraced. The world is full of injustice and David knew vengeance only belongs to the Lord. Sin needs dealt with and only God has the right and the power to accomplish anything. He Himself is Just and the Justifier (Romans 3:26).

How does "mercy rejoice in judgment"?  Even in the ways God tells us to judge, we must show mercy. Mercy is not absence of judgment, but application of it. Our Father did not choose to ignore our sins but to do away with them in Christ .  "Judgment will be merciless to the one who has shown no mercy..." (James 2:13).

Jesus values mercy more than sacrifice. Are we the same? Do I rejoice in the parable of the vineyard workers whom all received the same payment at the end of the day? Do I identify with the elder brother of the prodigal son, maybe feeling insulted? In the issue of judging or not judging people, do we see the preciousness of the cross? We must always remember the cost of grace while demonstrating it. The church must grieve with Christ over the seriousness of disobedience. What does grace demand of us? Grace is not power to continue sinning!

"Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy"! (Matthew 5:7).