1651) One thing that is hard for me to understand in the Bible is found in Daniel 9:9. The verse reminds us that God is merciful and full of forgiveness. Why is this hard? Because something within me believes if mercy (grace) and forgiveness is freely given, what would stop people from taking advantage? The answer to that question is nothing. But….

We can spend far more than a minute on this point of theology, but I would rather keep it as simple as I can. There is nothing I can do to earn God’s mercy (and grace) and forgiveness, and because of this, Jesus paid the penalty for our choosing to rebel against God. This opened the door for our salvation, if I ask for it. It is simply this, a heavy responsibility.

One of my favorite authors, Jane Kirkpatrick said in Love to Water My Soul, that “some things are forever left to chewing without the satisfaction of a swallow.” I take this to mean there are some things in my walk with God I need to accept (and appreciate) by faith. My human mind and heart can’t always fathom it.