New Morning Mercies

John 1:1 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” So, if God is the Word and the Word is as eternal and life-giving as the God I worship, how much more important is my dedication to the meditating, and studying of God’s Word?  

Do we see the importance of God’s Word? More importantly, do we know what the Bible says? I mean really know it. The type of knowing that is deep in your heart and flows so freely from our lips because if we are called to have every conversation full of grace (Colossians 4:6) yet do not know the Word of God, how are we to ever speak Christ-like kindness, patience, and truth to the people we live alongside? 

I’m guilty of it. The unknowing. When I read the letters Paul has written to the Church, I see how much emphasis he puts on wisdom (1 Corinthians 2), grace (Romans 6:1-14), and truth (Ephesians 4:15). With the study of these three characteristics, I remember the void of them in my own heart before I full-heartedly started following Jesus.  

We know that we are sinful, we know God is good yet why do we shy away from a daily, dedicated study of His Word? Every verse in Scripture should be interpreted in light of the other. When God tells us to come close to Him and He will come close to us, we need to read this in light that He is full of mercy. The relationship we are drawing close to isn’t one of judgement but rather He wants to draw us further into His mercy so then we may live to be merciful – with each other and with ourselves.  

Drew Hurst, Black Diamond Day Camp Director, has one of the best mantras. You’ll hear him say it often when hard times arise within the day… “His mercies are new each day.” 

Awaken to God’s mercy each day and speak it back to Him! If the most important relationship we have is with Jesus, the best thing we can do for ourselves is have the first conversation of each day be with Him.  

Let the Lord of all light, mercy and goodness fill you with truth instead of what the world has to offer. It doesn’t have to be extravagant or long winded or look a certain way, just meet with your Maker. 

Marin Whiting, Black Diamond Camp Staff Alumni