Embracing God's Mercy Through Humility and Faith

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Mercy Flows from His Unfailing Love

God’s mercy is rooted in His unfailing love and great compassion, which means that no matter our shortcomings or struggles, we can confidently approach Him for forgiveness and restoration. When we admit our weaknesses and sins, trusting in His steadfast love, He is faithful to blot out our transgressions and renew us. This assurance allows us to live each day with hope, knowing that God’s mercy is not dependent on our perfection but on His loving character. [23:28]

Psalm 51:1 (ESV)
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s unfailing love and ask for His mercy today, rather than hiding in shame or self-reliance?

Day 2: Humility and Faith Position Us for God’s Mercy

Approaching God with humility—kneeling before Him and acknowledging Jesus as Lord—opens the door for His mercy to flow into our lives. Pride and self-sufficiency can block us from receiving God’s help, but when we come to Him in honest surrender, recognizing our need and His authority, we create an atmosphere for miracles and transformation. Let your attitude and heart posture reflect true humility and faith, inviting God to move powerfully on your behalf. [40:28]

Matthew 17:14-21 (ESV)
And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he has seizures and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” He said to them, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” [Some manuscripts add: But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.]

Reflection: What is one practical way you can humble yourself before God today and acknowledge Jesus as Lord over a specific area of your life?

Day 3: God Reveals and Heals the Root Cause

Sometimes the problems we face have deeper, unseen roots that only God can reveal and heal. Like the father who brought his son to Jesus, we may think we know the issue, but God sees the spiritual realities beneath the surface. When we bring our struggles honestly to Jesus, He can expose the true cause and bring complete deliverance, freeing us from cycles of frustration and defeat. Trust Him to show you what lies beneath and to bring true healing. [48:33]

Exodus 25:22 (ESV)
There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.

Reflection: Is there a persistent problem in your life or family where you need to ask God to reveal the true root cause and bring His healing today?

Day 4: Faith and Spiritual Discipline Unlock Breakthrough

Breakthroughs often require more than human effort; they demand active, genuine faith and spiritual discipline such as prayer and fasting. Even a small, sincere faith in Christ can move mountains, but some challenges persist until we press in with focused prayer and fasting, depending fully on God’s power rather than our own strength or formulas. Make space for spiritual disciplines in your life, trusting that God honors persistent, faith-filled pursuit. [01:03:34]

Mark 9:28-29 (ESV)
And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.”

Reflection: What is one area where you need to combine your faith with intentional prayer and fasting to seek God’s breakthrough?

Day 5: Ongoing Intimacy with God Sustains Spiritual Authority

Spiritual authority and victory are not maintained by past experiences or rituals, but by a living, ongoing relationship with Jesus. The disciples’ previous successes did not guarantee present victory; they needed fresh intimacy, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and daily dependence on God. Make it your aim to seek God’s presence each day, allowing Him to renew and equip you for whatever challenges you face, knowing that His mercy and power are new every morning. [01:07:28]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (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.

Reflection: How can you intentionally cultivate a fresh, daily intimacy with God this week, rather than relying on past spiritual experiences?

Sermon Summary

As we gather at the start of this new month, it is fitting to pause and give God all the glory for His faithfulness, mercy, and love that have carried us thus far. God’s unfailing love is the foundation for our hope and confidence, even when the year has been rough or we are still waiting for answers. We are reminded that God is not finished with us—He is still working, still healing, still making a way where there seems to be none. Our response is to approach Him with gratitude and faith, trusting that His word will accomplish its purpose in our lives.

The focus today is on the mercy of God. Mercy, as revealed in both the Old and New Testaments, is God’s compassionate treatment of those in distress, even when He has the power to punish. It is rooted in His love, compassion, and goodness. The story of the father who brought his suffering son to Jesus (Matthew 17:14-21) illustrates how we can approach God for mercy—not just for ourselves, but for others as well. The father’s humility, his kneeling before Jesus, and his honest plea for help are key attitudes that open the door to God’s mercy.

We see that human effort alone is not enough. The disciples, though they had previously performed miracles, could not help the boy because they lacked faith, understanding, and spiritual preparation. Jesus, however, discerned the true root of the problem—a demonic influence—and brought deliverance. This teaches us that sometimes the visible problem is not the real issue; we need God’s insight to address the root cause.

To receive God’s mercy, we must come in humility, acknowledge Jesus as Lord, and be honest about our needs. Faith—however small—can move mountains when it is genuine and centered on Christ. Persistent prayer and fasting are sometimes necessary to break through spiritual strongholds. Above all, spiritual authority flows from ongoing relationship with Jesus, not from rituals or past experiences. Jesus is patient with our weaknesses, using even our failures as opportunities to teach and strengthen us.

As we partake in communion and offer our prayers, we ask the Merciful Lord to have mercy on us, our families, and our church. May His mercy release unusual miracles, bring healing, and open doors that have been shut. Let us remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit, humble in our approach, and steadfast in faith, knowing that with God, all things are possible.

Key Takeaways

1. Mercy Flows from God’s Compassion, Not Our Merit God’s mercy is not something we earn; it is a gift rooted in His unfailing love and compassion. Even when we are powerless or have made mistakes, God’s heart is to show kindness and to lift us from distress. Our confidence in approaching Him should rest on His character, not our performance. [24:19]
2. Humility and Honest Acknowledgment Open the Door to Mercy The father in Matthew 17 knelt before Jesus, demonstrating humility and dependence. Pride and self-sufficiency block us from receiving God’s help, but when we come honestly—admitting our need and acknowledging Jesus as Lord—we create space for God to act powerfully in our lives. [40:28]
3. Spiritual Problems Often Have Hidden Roots What appears on the surface may not be the true cause of our struggles. Jesus discerned that the boy’s seizures were rooted in demonic oppression, not just a medical condition. We must seek God’s wisdom to reveal and address the real issues, rather than merely treating symptoms. [47:42]
4. Faith, Even Small, Must Be Genuine and Active Jesus taught that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. The key is not the size of our faith, but its authenticity and focus on God. Results come not from formulas or copying others, but from a living trust in God’s power and guidance. [63:34]
5. Persistent Spiritual Discipline and Relationship Are Essential Breakthroughs often require more than casual prayer; persistent prayer and fasting align us with God’s will and empower us to confront deep spiritual challenges. Spiritual authority is sustained by ongoing intimacy with Jesus, not by relying on past experiences or empty rituals.

** [66:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[18:58] - Thanksgiving for God’s Faithfulness
[20:39] - Introduction to God’s Mercy
[22:54] - Psalm 51: The Cry for Mercy
[25:32] - Understanding Mercy: Hebrew and Greek Roots
[27:44] - Mercy as Compassion and Gift
[32:34] - The Power of Faith in Receiving Mercy
[36:10] - The Father’s Plea and the Disciples’ Limitation
[39:30] - Approaching God: Humility and Faith
[43:12] - Identifying the Real Problem
[47:42] - Jesus Reveals the Root Cause
[51:49] - Why the Disciples Failed
[54:13] - The Outcomes of God’s Mercy
[56:20] - Lessons: Dependence, Faith, and Spiritual Discipline
[72:17] - Prayer for Mercy and Communion
[80:19] - Offering and Announcements
[81:42] - Closing and Blessing

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Merciful Lord, Have Mercy"**

---

### Bible Reading

- **Psalm 51:1**
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions."

- **Matthew 17:14-21**
(The story of the father who brings his suffering son to Jesus for healing and deliverance.)

---

### Observation Questions

In Psalm 51:1, what reasons does the psalmist give for asking God for mercy?

(Look for the basis of his request—what does he appeal to in God’s character?)

When the father brought his son to Jesus in Matthew 17:14-21, what specific actions did he take to seek help for his son?

[40:28]

According to the passage in Matthew 17, what was the real root cause of the boy’s suffering, and how did Jesus address it?

[47:42]

What reasons did Jesus give for why the disciples could not heal the boy?

[51:49]

---

### Interpretation Questions

The psalmist in Psalm 51:1 appeals to God’s unfailing love and great compassion. What does this suggest about how we should view God when we come to Him with our needs?

[24:19]

The father in Matthew 17 knelt before Jesus and openly described his son’s condition. What does this teach about the attitudes and honesty God desires from us when we seek His mercy?

[40:28]

Jesus identified a hidden spiritual root behind the boy’s physical symptoms. What does this reveal about the importance of seeking God’s wisdom for the real issues in our lives, rather than just focusing on what we see on the surface?

[47:42]

Jesus said that faith, even as small as a mustard seed, can move mountains. What does this mean for people who feel their faith is weak or small?

[32:34]

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### Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that God’s mercy is not something we earn, but a gift rooted in His love and compassion. When you approach God in prayer, do you tend to focus more on your own performance or on God’s character? How might this affect your confidence in prayer?

[24:19]

The father in Matthew 17 came to Jesus with humility and honesty. Is there an area in your life where pride or self-sufficiency is keeping you from asking God for help? What would it look like to come to God with humility this week?

[40:28]

Sometimes the real problem in our lives is not what we think it is. Can you think of a situation where you were addressing the symptoms but not the root cause? How can you invite God to reveal the true root of your struggles?

[47:42]

The disciples had previously experienced success but failed in this situation due to a lack of faith and spiritual preparation. Are there areas where you are relying on past experiences or routines instead of a fresh relationship with Jesus? What needs to change?

[51:49]

Jesus said that some breakthroughs require persistent prayer and fasting. Is there a challenge in your life or family that you sense needs more than casual prayer? What step could you take this week to seek God more intentionally—maybe through fasting, extended prayer, or seeking wise counsel?

[01:06:43]

The sermon encouraged us to pray for God’s mercy not just for ourselves, but for our families and church. Who in your life needs God’s mercy right now? How can you pray for them specifically this week?

[01:12:17]

The message closed with a call to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit and steadfast in faith. What is one practical way you can stay spiritually alert and dependent on God in your daily routine?

[01:06:43]

---

**Closing Prayer Suggestion:**
Invite the group to pray, asking God for His mercy in specific areas of their lives, families, and church, and to help them walk in humility, faith, and spiritual sensitivity this week.

Sermon Clips

We serve a living God Yes, maybe the year Might have been rough For somebody You know, from the beginning of the yet or now But I have news for you God is not finished with you He's going to make a way for you In the name of Jesus God is going to heal all your diseases God is going to make way Where there has been no way God is going to overturn every captivity In the mighty name of Jesus Hallelujah So today I just want you to connect by faith And as you connect by faith I believe your life will not be the same again God, the word of God is spirit and it is life The word of God is healing to all our bones The word of God is food for the soul Praise the Lord So as the word of God is coming to us I want to believe that it is not going to return forward God is understanding The symbol The symbol And The symbol The symbol [00:20:39] (60 seconds)

God's love does not fail. We can trust Him to be merciful towards us. Praise the Lord. Because His love does not fail, we can trust Him to show mercy. Because of, he says, and he continues, he says, Because of your great compassion. Because of what? Your great compassion. [00:23:55] (24 seconds)

Admitting to be someone who has, you know, who is struggling with some things that they don't want to continue doing. And he's saying that, Blot out the stain of my sins. You can only plead to God to blot out your sins, if only you believe that he's unfailing, he has an unfailing love towards you. And that, he is merciful, he's a merciful God. Praise the Lord. So, our God is a God of mercy. [00:24:33] (35 seconds)

You know, mercy appears, he has a Hebrew root, and then he has Greek root at the same time. And, for Hebrew, the Hebrew word for mercy, one of the Hebrew words for mercy, means to love or have compassion. Amen. To love and to do what? To have compassion. [00:25:58] (26 seconds)

And he sent Jesus to go to the cross to die for us. To ransom us. That's to pay off our spiritual debt. Amen. So, ransom. And it's associated with the mercy seat. You know, when God commanded Moses to build the Ark of the Covenant, in the Ark of the Covenant was a seat called the mercy seat. [00:27:03] (27 seconds)

It means to have pity. Amen. In the New Testament, to have pity. So, when the Sabbath was saying from Psalm 51 that we read, when he was crying, have mercy on me. It means have pity on me. Because, listen, if not for God, who are we? We are nothing without God. That is the truth. And so, in the New Testament, when we talk of mercy, we are also talking about, you know, God having pity on us to show compassion again and to continue to be merciful towards us. You know, and that is another meaning of it. So, generally, or to some, mercy is the compassionate treatment of those in distress. Amen. The compassionate treatment of those in distress. Especially, when it is within one's power to punish or to harm. God has the power to punish or to harm us. And because he has that power, he decides that instead of punishing us, he's going to show us mercy. Amen. So, mercy can only be exercised by one who has the power to do so. [00:29:13] (81 seconds)

His son has been sick. And, you know, he doesn't know what to do. I'm sure he had taken the son to the hospital. You know, physicians have attended to the son. They have prescribed medications. Done whatever treatment. That was possible. The son was still not receiving healing. [00:36:17] (21 seconds)

Yours may not be similar to this. But I believe each one of us have what we are dealing with in our life. A problem that we are going through. A challenge that is troubling our life. And we need his mercy for a breakthrough. Hallelujah. We need God to have mercy and give us breakthrough. Because if God is going to, you know, mark us strictly, then he will not do any good to us. Any good for us. Amen. So, when we are asking for mercy, when we are telling that, God, I may have done some wrongs, but don't pay attention to my wrong. I just need your help. Because I know I cannot help myself. [00:37:58] (46 seconds)

Because if you don't respect the position of someone, how can you expect that person to use that position to influence your life positively? Praise the Lord. [00:42:36] (15 seconds)

So in this particular case, Jesus did not say, be healed from seizure. But he says, you demon, he rebuked the demon and said, you demon of seizure, come out of him. And that demon came out and the boy was healed. The boy was made free. [00:48:33] (21 seconds)

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