The Pool of Mercy

Click on the title to this post and it will take you to a commentary on John 5.  It is long but will change your life's view on mercy.

One of my all-time favorite sermons from my pastor, Gary Simons, is from John 5. I can see myself in the sanctuary when he taught on this just like it was yesterday and it was probably 2-3 yrs ago. I know the section where I was sitting but I do not remember what I was wearing. I remember the Power of God hitting me to where I jumped up and down with my right arm pumping in the air and my Bible tucked under my left arm. I remember being stirred up when he laid down on the platform describing the lame man who was near the pool for 38 yrs but never made it in when the waters were stirred by the Holy Spirit. I remember the stirring inside of me getting stronger the more Pastor Gary scooted himself to the edge of the stage describing how when we want to be healed by God bad enough, we will find a way to get in the water. My spirit exploded when he rolled down the stairs! It was one of the most awesome experiences in my life thus far.

Well somehow God will connect my study time this morning to my request to have a "heart for God". I believe this means that when I ask Him for things and do things that my primary motive is to please Him and glorify Him on earth. I know He is cleaning some things out and replacing those spaces with Him but I do not understand all that I am changing into. All I know is that I am excited and I am trying hard to surrender my agenda and embrace His. It is harder than it seems because of my list of things I wanted to read and study this summer. Right now all I hear from Him is, "Focus on the love." Focus on loving people. Learn how to love differently. Listen to their hearts not look at their actions. Show mercy, compassion and love. People need it. This involves risking rejection, people thinking I am a fanatic or Jesus freak and I have to embrace that. Part of the commentary link I read this morning for John 5 stated that as Believers we must pass through evil and good reports, plus avoid listening to both. The good reports of what others say God is doing in our lives could make us boast on us and not God; and the evil reports of what God is not doing right now could make us depressed.

Prior to asking for a "heart for God", I continously ask for wisdom. I have received a lot in my 41 yrs but I really want a heart for God. I read in an article from Dr. Charles Stanley how Solomon was one of the wisest men that ever lived but did not always make wise decisions. Plus in the midst of his wisdom, he let go his heart for God and sin just took over his life. Love supercedes wisdom so that's what I am going after and believing that the love will bring wisdom also. Thank You Holy Spirit for the pool of Mercy I am in right now!