Daily Renewal: Embracing God's Unfailing Mercy
Summary
Lamentations 3 reminds us that it is only because of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed—His compassions never fail, and they are new every morning. God’s mercy is not a human invention; it is a divine attribute that transcends justice and is rooted in His love. While many religions focus on judgment, karma, or self-improvement, the God of the Bible is uniquely merciful, offering forgiveness, compassion, and grace even to those who have failed. This mercy is not a one-time event but is continually renewed, available to us every single day.
God’s mercy is not just a concept but a living reality that shapes our relationship with Him. He is not waiting to punish us for every mistake; rather, He desires to walk with us through our troubles, offering His presence and guidance. His mercy is the foundation for our hope and salvation. Because of His love, He forgives our sins, removes our transgressions, and gives us the opportunity to start fresh each day. We cannot earn this mercy or achieve righteousness on our own; it is a gift that comes through repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of His Spirit.
The compassion of Jesus is seen throughout the Gospels—He is moved by our suffering, regardless of our status or background. His provision extends beyond material needs to the deep needs of our hearts, such as joy and peace in a troubled world. The greatest expression of His mercy is salvation: God Himself took on flesh, shed His blood, and made a way for us to be reconciled to Him. Our response is to turn from sin, seek forgiveness daily, and allow His Spirit to fill and transform us.
God’s mercy is not limited by our failures or the accusations of the enemy. He is bound by His Word to forgive those who come to Him in repentance. Unlike human judges, who may withhold mercy, God promises to forgive and restore. Every day, His mercies are fresh and new, inviting us to draw near, receive His grace, and walk in the freedom and hope He provides.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Mercy Transcends Human Justice
While human nature often seeks revenge or strict justice, God’s mercy goes beyond what is fair or deserved. He is just, but His mercy is not limited by justice—it transcends it, offering forgiveness and compassion even when we have failed. This divine mercy is rooted in His character and is central to our relationship with Him. [07:44]
- Mercy Is Renewed Every Morning
God’s mercies are not a one-time event but are fresh and new every single day. No matter what happened yesterday, there is new compassion and forgiveness available today. This daily renewal invites us to continually seek Him, repent, and receive His grace, knowing that He never runs out of mercy for us. [17:54]
- Repentance Is the Doorway to Mercy
The way we access God’s mercy is through genuine repentance—turning away from sin and turning toward God. This is not just a one-time act but a daily posture of the heart, keeping our relationship with God clear and open. Repentance is how we receive forgiveness and experience the cleansing power of His mercy in our lives. [20:45]
- God’s Compassion Is for Everyone, Without Distinction
Jesus’ compassion was extended to all, regardless of status, wealth, or background. He is no respecter of persons; His mercy and provision are available to everyone who seeks Him. This truth challenges us to see ourselves and others through the lens of God’s love and to trust that His kindness is not limited by our circumstances. [22:22]
- Salvation Is the Ultimate Expression of Mercy
We cannot save ourselves or make ourselves righteous; salvation is entirely the work of God’s mercy. Through repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, we are brought into right relationship with God. His mercy not only forgives but transforms, giving us hope, freedom, and the assurance of eternal life. [35:18]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Reading from Lamentations 3
[02:30] - The Uniqueness of God’s Mercy
[04:45] - Mercy in World Religions
[07:44] - Jewish Understanding of Mercy
[10:30] - God’s Mercy Transcends Justice
[12:16] - God Walks With Us Through Trials
[13:41] - Childhood Lessons on Discipline and Mercy
[15:14] - Maturity, Repentance, and Hope
[17:54] - Mercies New Every Morning
[20:45] - The Daily Practice of Repentance
[22:22] - The Compassion of Jesus
[24:17] - God’s Provision and Joy
[25:25] - Mercy and Salvation
[28:54] - The Danger of Listening to the Enemy
[35:18] - Evidence of God’s Spirit
[37:27] - God Is Bound by His Word to Forgive
[39:08] - Thanksgiving and Invitation to Mercy
[40:18] - Closing Prayer and Altar Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Lord’s Mercies (Lamentations 3)
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### Bible Reading
Lamentations 3:22-26 (ESV)
> 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
> 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
> 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”
> 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
> 26 It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Lamentations 3:22-23, what is the reason we are not consumed? What does the passage say about God’s mercies and faithfulness?
2. In the sermon, what examples were given about how other religions view mercy compared to the God of the Bible? [04:45]
3. What does the preacher say about how God deals with our troubles and trials? Does He always remove them? [12:16]
4. How does the sermon describe the way God’s mercy is renewed? Is it a one-time event or something else? [17:54]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The preacher says God’s mercy “transcends justice” and is not limited by what we deserve. What does this mean for how we understand God’s character? [07:44]
2. The sermon talks about repentance as the way to access God’s mercy. Why is repentance described as a daily need, not just a one-time act? [20:45]
3. Jesus’ compassion is said to be for everyone, regardless of status or background. How does this challenge the way we see ourselves and others? [22:22]
4. The preacher mentions that God is “bound by His Word” to forgive those who repent. How is this different from how human judges show mercy? [37:27]
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### Application Questions
1. The preacher shared personal stories about being afraid of punishment as a child, but said God is not waiting to “bop you and whoop you” for every mistake. Do you ever struggle with seeing God as harsh or waiting to punish you? How does this affect your relationship with Him? [13:41]
2. God’s mercies are “new every morning.” Is there something from your past that you have trouble letting go of, even though God offers fresh mercy each day? What would it look like to start each day believing you are forgiven? [17:54]
3. The sermon encourages daily repentance—asking God to forgive anything that might come between you and Him. What practical steps could you take to make repentance a regular part of your life? [20:45]
4. Jesus’ compassion was for everyone, no matter their background. Is there someone in your life you find it hard to show compassion or mercy to? How might God be calling you to see them differently? [22:22]
5. The preacher said we can’t earn God’s mercy or make ourselves righteous—it’s a gift. Do you ever find yourself trying to “earn” God’s favor? What would change if you truly believed His mercy is a gift, not a reward? [25:25]
6. The sermon warns against listening to the enemy’s accusations and instead encourages us to trust in God’s promise to forgive. Are there lies or accusations you’ve believed about yourself that keep you from receiving God’s mercy? How can you replace those with God’s truth? [28:54]
7. The ultimate expression of God’s mercy is salvation through Jesus—repentance, baptism, and the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Where are you in this journey? Is there a next step you feel God is inviting you to take? [35:18]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to thank God for His mercies, ask for a fresh experience of His compassion, and pray for the courage to walk in daily repentance and extend mercy to others.
Devotional
Day 1: The Lord’s Mercies Are New Every Morning
God’s mercies are not a one-time event but are renewed every single day, offering us fresh hope and forgiveness no matter what we have done or where we have been. Each morning, God’s compassion and faithfulness are available to us, not because we have earned them, but because of His loving nature. No matter how many times we fall short, His mercy is waiting for us when we turn to Him, and this is the foundation of our hope and our ability to keep moving forward. Let this truth encourage you to seek Him daily, knowing that His mercy is never exhausted and His faithfulness never fails. [17:54]
Lamentations 3:22-26 (ESV)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Reflection: When you wake up tomorrow, what is one specific area of your life where you need to receive God’s fresh mercy instead of carrying yesterday’s guilt or shame?
Day 2: God’s Mercy Transcends Justice
God’s mercy is not limited by His justice; instead, it goes beyond what we deserve, offering forgiveness, compassion, and grace even when we have failed. While human systems and other religions may focus on strict justice or retribution, God’s character is revealed in His willingness to forgive and restore, showing us a love that is greater than our mistakes. He is both just and merciful, and He delights in showing compassion to those who seek Him, inviting us to experience a relationship built on grace rather than fear. [08:30]
Exodus 34:6-7 (ESV)
The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
Reflection: Is there a situation where you have been expecting God’s judgment instead of His mercy? How can you open your heart to receive His compassion and grace in that area today?
Day 3: God’s Love Is the Source of His Mercy
The reason God continually shows us mercy is because of His deep and unchanging love for us; His love is the foundation for every act of forgiveness and compassion we receive. Even when we feel unworthy or distant, God’s love remains constant, and it is this love that motivates Him to forgive, restore, and bless us. We can trust that His mercy is not based on our performance but on His character, and this gives us hope and confidence to approach Him no matter our past. [11:30]
1 John 4:16 (ESV)
So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Reflection: Think of a time when you doubted God’s love for you. How can you remind yourself today that His mercy flows from His unchanging love, regardless of your feelings or failures?
Day 4: God’s Mercy Brings Salvation and Transformation
Salvation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift of God’s mercy, made possible through repentance, baptism, and the infilling of His Spirit. No matter how hard we try, we cannot make ourselves righteous, but God, in His mercy, has provided a way for us to be cleansed, filled, and transformed. When we turn from sin and walk toward God, He forgives, washes us clean, and fills us with His Spirit, giving us the power to live an overcoming life and the hope of eternal life with Him. [32:10]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.
Reflection: What step of obedience—repentance, baptism, or seeking the infilling of the Spirit—do you need to take or renew today to fully receive God’s transforming mercy?
Day 5: God’s Mercy Is Available to All Who Ask
No matter what you have done or how far you have strayed, God is bound by His Word to forgive and show mercy to anyone who comes to Him in repentance. Unlike human judges who may withhold mercy, God promises to forgive and restore all who sincerely seek Him, and His mercy is not limited by our past or our failures. Today, you can approach God with confidence, knowing that He is faithful and just to forgive, and that His mercy is greater than any sin or mistake you have made. [38:09]
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Reflection: Is there something you have been hesitant to bring to God because you fear He won’t forgive you? Take a moment today to confess it to Him and trust that His mercy is waiting for you.
Quotes
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