Sometimes when we read a Scripture passage, there’s a line, or even a single word, that stands out in a new way. It may be a familiar verse, but this time the impression it makes on us is deeper. As we sit and reacquaint ourselves with old, familiar passages, the Spirit often draws our attention to a particular word or idea to dwell on. Even if we’re brand new to reading Scripture, the Spirit can still work in this way, drawing our attention to what God knows we’re in a place to receive.
This experience happened to me today, while reading Deuteronomy chapter 25. In verse 3, Moses makes this statement after explaining how the Israelites were to settle disputes among them: “He may be flogged with forty lashes, but no more.” The part that stood out to me was the phrase “but no more.”
Here, we see instructions for carrying out a justice system before God, where those who are judged guilty receive a punishment equal to the extent of their crime (v.2). This is fair. This is just. Yet—and this is what surprised me—even the guilty are shown mercy by not having to endure more than they can bear or that could cause a degrading experience.
But this civil law shows there’s a difference between punishment and abuse. The guilty still bear the image of God. Because of this, God instructs Moses and the Israelites to preserve their dignity by withholding what might kill or humiliate. Most beautiful of all, we see in this passage that even the consequences of sin can’t stop God’s mercy from breaking through.
If you’re like me, at this point you might ask, “But don’t God’s people endure more than they can handle every day?” It’s true that overwhelming things still happen to people in this broken, sideways world. But what Deuteronomy shows us is a model for treating others with behavior that’s aligned with the heart of God. If we do this, we honor the Lord and “walk in his ways” (Deuteronomy 26:17). When Moses urges the Israelites to obey God’s commands, he reassures them that in trust and obedience, “you will be a holy people to the LORD your God as he promised” (v.19).
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56 thoughts on "Fairness and Mercy"
How we need His commands to live our lives justly, fairly. How I was struck by now having two measures in my home. So I judge by more than one measure? How Scripture challenges us just when God know we need to be challenged!
Lord I let go and I let you take control.
For your sister in lawLord we thank you for being god you are a way maker a healer a miracle worker you are the great I am lord we honor you lord for you are holy lord we honor you lord for you are good we honor you lord for being God lord we ask that angels be dispatched on our behalf to cover us in all areas of our lives on today healing favor joy peace love prosperity is our portion and we declare and decree it is so no weapon formed against us shall not prosper lord cause you got us the devil is defeated and we are walking in the promises of you lord you are the covenant keeping god and you have never lost a case so victory is our portion it is done and it is so in Jesus name hallelujah!
For your sister in law
Lord we thank you for being god you are a way maker a healer a miracle worker you are the great I am lord we honor you lord for you are holy lord we honor you lord for you are good we honor you lord for being God lord we ask that angels be dispatched on our behalf to cover us in all areas of our lives on today healing favor joy peace love prosperity is our portion and we declare and decree it is so no weapon formed against us shall not prosper lord cause you got us the devil is defeated and we are walking in the promises of you lord you are the covenant keeping god and you have never lost a case so victory is our portion it is done and it is so in Jesus name hallelujah!
Today’s reading was so insightful in showing me where the saying “forgive and forget” possibly came from. In Hebrews 10.17-18 “ ‘I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.’ And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.”
❤️
Is there a way to Venmo you some money for her?
Oh my word, I cannot imagine. I’m praying for the little ones. Father God, I pray for these little children left behind. You are their father in heaven and on earth. Protect them in your warm and loving embrace. Comfort them in their small hearts. Hold their hand when they are alone. Please keep them all together as a family, and don’t let them be separated. If they must be, guide them back to each other. Please provide a safe place for them where they will be loved and cherished, as we know they are to you. They might not understand or fully process everything, so heal their scars, visible or invisible. Send your own children to minister to them in the way of relationships and family, that they would be surrounded by a body of people who reach out to care for them in tangible ways. And ultimately, bring them to yourself. Thank you for preserving them so far. Amen.
F
Oh my word, I cannot imagine. I’m praying for the little ones. Father God, I pray for these little children left behind. You are their father in heaven and on earth. Protect them in your warm and loving embrace. Comfort them in their small hearts. Hold their hand when they are alone. Please keep them all together as a family, and don’t let them be separated. If they must be, guide them back to each other. Please provide a safe place for them where they will be loved and cherished, as we know they are to you. They might not understand or fully process everything, so heal their scars, visible or invisible. Send your own children to minister to them in the way of relationships and family, that they would be surrounded by a body of people who reach out to care for them in tangible ways. And ultimately, bring them to yourself. Thank you for preserving them. Amen.
F
Oh my word, I cannot imagine. I’m praying for the little ones.
My sister-in-law was just let go from her job today due to time she has had to take off to care for her daughter or when she herself has been sick. Her husband (my brother) just died 3 months ago, and she is completely overwhelmed. Please pray that God will guide her to the right job soon and that she doesn’t feel abandoned by Him. Thank you.
I love Jesus. Praise Jesus!
Oh, my! So much pain! Prayers for these families.
Praying for all the heartbreaking situations and requests here tonight. Praying for my decision for work and my daughter’s decision for school. Peace ladies.
Every time that I read Deuteronomy, I am always surprised, happy, and comforted that God brought the Israelites out of slavery and into the promised land. It always reminds me of how He will always bring people out of the deepest, darkest pits, into His marvelous light. My family and I have been having a very rough week lately, and my mom is trying to hold onto her faith. But I know that God will bring us out of it. And I know that one day, my mom will see that God never left her. Thats why Im in love with Him! God never, ever forgets us.. and He really does loves us!
My heart is so heavy for all of the prayer requests today. Lifting you all up in prayer, may God’s peace and comfort surround each of you as you walk through your individual journeys. Love you girls. xx
NADS, Heather Hahn and all others in need of pray am praying for you or the ones you mentioned. I know the sorrow of losing someone so close to you.
Taylor, I have the same problem. There are times when I don’t feel like reading my devotional, either “She Reads Truth” or “Portraits of Devotion” (I read SRT in the morning and the other at night) but I will hear this voice tell me to read it and sure enough it was something that would help me with what is going on in my life at that time.
@Marget your comment made me chuckle. I needed the laugh right now.
Nads, I’m so sorry. Lifting them in prayer.
Last night, I prayed to God over my confusion during a difficult season in my life. I have been processing my failures and grief over my failed marriage. God is good… this reading and truth is a blessing from God as it has parted the clouds of confusion. Thank you, Bailey Gillepsie, for following God’s guidance to write this article.
Definitely praying for all of them @heather hahn thanks so much for sharing so that we can pray for them
Hi, my sweet Sisters,
I have yet to do today’s reading because I read other things… including Danny’s wife telling us that he went to be the the Lord. Danny stopped breathing this morning and even the machine was supposedly struggling.
Now, our prayers are ALL for his 7 year-old son, his mother (who has seen more hardship than most in her life), his wife, sisters and the family. They have great faith and his wife started the message with 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 I pray they would only feel Jesus these days and that the enemy would not find a foothold.
Please continue to pray with me, Lovelies. God bless you. ❤️ May each of us be ready on that day.
OK….I didn’t triple or quadruple post. I don’t know what’s going on with the app. My apologies.
Prayers are appreciated as I am trying to recover from an injured ankle. I’m so grateful that I’m able to come to work (on modifications).
I have to work as I am an hourly wage to employee.. If this doesn’t get better by Saturday I will get an x-ray.
X-rays are so expensive. And my insurance only covers so much. However I know that my health is more important.
Prayers are appreciated as I am trying to recover from an injured ankle. I’m so grateful that I’m able to come to work (on modifications). I have to work. If this doesn’t get better by Saturday I will get an x-ray.
X-rays are so expensive. And my insurance only covers so much. However I know that my health is more important.
“He who promised is faithful”- excellent scripture for me to hold onto today. Have a wonderful day everyone. Praying for the requests mentioned here.
Amen Taylor !
Kristina Lopes I will be praying for you
Heather Hahn how much sadness to bear I am sorry for you and the families involved in these great tragedies. I will pray for you all. I hope you and your husband are doing well.
Taylor I am with you- yes feeling very weary. Thank you for the reminder of Heb 10:23 . I pray that we all hold on to that promise when we feel weary and press in instead of pulling away. Also, love God winks :)
Heather- I am so sorry to hear about those losses; how tragic. Praying strength for the father and his new little one as they move forward without their mother ( I can’t imagine). Praying strength for the family that loss their father- give them your comfort Lord.
Angie- such a difficult situation you’re in. Praying that you remain strong during this, praying for wisdom for those who are in charge and making decisions about this.
Ladies I am in a scary but fun transistion season- I feel like Deuteronmy speaks to me a lot right now. I am moving forward with my own business; a dream I’ve had for a while but been afraid to pursue because of my limited business knowledge. When God answered my prayer about my difficulties with my job (thank you to all of you that prayed!) He gave me another year to sort things out and be ready to leave my job fully summer of next year. I am scared but I know God is with me, and He has made things happen that I thought could not happen with every step I take towards forming this business, surrounding me with people filled with business knowlege- even providing an investor early on! Please pray wisdom for me as I continue to pursue this and not to fall into fear due to my lack of business knowledge.
Thank you so much for reading!
Ariel, that is really what stood out for me, too. We should take times to reflect and remember, to confess sin, and to CELEBRATE!
Hi Kristina. I just prayed for you! May the words of Deuteronomy 26:18 be a comfort to you today: You are his treasured possession. I pray you will feel treasured today.
God, the one true living God of all Comfort! (Not Gods!)
I also loved Hebrews 10:23, how often have we seen “he is faithful” this year? I also noticed the reminder to remember! @ERB your enthusiasm and thoughts always inspire and keep me thinking!
@Heather I will be praying for these two families, how incredibly heartbreaking, Lord have mercy, Gods of all comforts please draw these two families near and hold them close and tend their hearts.
HEATHER HAHN, just saw your post!, So incredibly sad!!! I am PRAYING!!!
Angie (and all the teachers, students, work-population, retirees, disabled etc) PRAYING for wisdom, discernment, faith, trust, peace and compassion!! It is such a rough time…
NADS, still praying for Danny and his family!! And thank you so much for updating us!!!
TAYLOR, I too have been weary lately…my body and brain just aren’t “up to snuff” and it is so draining. Like you though, I am choosing to draw nearer and deeper…God is the Only One who carry me through this. I just have to let Him. I will be praying for you, dear beautiful soul.
Praying for ALL of you dear and beautiful sisters!!! Xoxo
Heather – praying for the souls of these people (and their families) you’ve mentioned. May God bring peace to their hearts
Ladies…..There’s a guy here in the townhouse complex we live in. They just moved in last week. His wife went into labor early (idk how early) and she died. She bled too much too fast. The dr’s couldn’t save her. The baby is in NICU. Sounded like in bad shape. This is all I know. Please be in prayer for that man and his family. I can’t fathom.
I had a friend….of 20+ years….a very tormented soul. Satan won the battle he has waged with him & he took his own life last night….in front of his wife and her children…..please pray for them as well. Thank you all in advance.
The ,s was masks.
Wow!! I got a lot out of today’s scriptures!!!
Deuteronomy 25:14-15 …reminded me that I should have the same type of “measurement” for EVERYTHING that I do, say & think… and that it should be God’s measurement, not mine.
Deuteronomy 26:12 and Deuteronomy 26:16-19 …spoke to me about how important and integral and necessary tithing is. It affirms and encourages ALL the way around!!! …personally I don’t tithe at a specific church or organization.. but I do tithe!!! Every month when I get paid, I take 10% of my check and put it in a separate account just for tithing.. and I give it out as the Lord directs. Even though I barely scrape by some months, doing this has been such a blessing for me!! I see God work in ways that I never would have before!!! His FAITHFULNESS is REAL!!!!
Deuteronomy 27:2-8 …these verses really spoke to me!! I love how the elders directed the people to pick up stones as SOON as they crossed the Jordan and entered the promised land, and how they told them to plaster the stones and WRITE on them the laws God spoke to them… then they built an alter of UNcut rock for these plastered stones where they were “to sacrifice fellowship offerings, eat, and rejoice in the presence of the Lord your God.” (vs 7) …I got a LOT out this!!! How they picked up stones, carried them across the river and when they entered the land God promised they literally wrote on them the words/laws God had given them!!! This was a reminder to ALL the people of whose land they were entering…God’s land!!! They then had to find UNcut stones to build an alter… ever since we did the Revelation study, God has been speaking to & teaching me a lot about uncut stones!! When a stone is uncut it means that it has not been shaped in any particular form and it has not undergone any polishing, shaping or cutting, it is rough and most times it doesn’t resemble what the finished product looks like at all!! …the UNcut stones in this scripture (base of the alter) remind me that God’s people here are rough and uncut, they are not polished, cut, or shaped yet. It is a GREAT analogy for us, as the Body of Christ!!! We may be rough and uncut, but God is shaping, cutting away and polishing us into what He wants, and into what is BEST for us!!! I also thought… Wow!! These stone tablets with God’s words written on them must also serve as reminder to all who enter the land (strangers/aliens/conquerors/locals) WHOSE land this is: God’s!! And that this land is held to a higher and purer standard!!!
Anyways…lots to digest and reflect on here!!
Love, love, LOVE Hebrews 10:11-23 verses 12-14, 16-17, 20, 22, 23 particularly stood out to me!! What a MARVELOUS thing Jesus did for us!!! I think it is also important to remember/note that it wasn’t only Jesus that made this sacrifice but that the Triune sacrificed a part of themselves for us to be free!! I forget this sometimes and it is good to be reminded that Father, Son & Holy Spirit are all connected. They are One.
Anyways… these are just a few of the thoughts I had while reading these verses this morning.. Hopefully you ladies can glean something from them too!! Many Blessings dear sisters!!! Xoxo
Hi Angie, just about the school issue and ‘s. The problem lies with the parents not the children. I live very far from my daughter and only can afford to see her once a year. This year I planned for 2 1/2 weeks. This is an area of low vaccination and no masks. I went prepared (vaccinated and masks). First week attended their church’s camping weekend and was exposed to two Covid cases both had to go to the hospital for infusion. Week two my daughter and 3 grandchildren got Covid and I went into isolation. Did not get to hug goodbye. There were more cases from that camp trip that masking might have prevented. Stay safe.
Sinned* not dinner! Lol
Melanie, I agree. this scripture jumped out at me, too. I also wrote out Hebrews 10:19-23 in my own words to get it into my head that we are always to talk to God in confidence, knowing He hears us. I struggle to believe that God wants to hear from me when I clearly just dinner before Him. I struggle because I know confession is also a command of God and purity. What if I say sorry but don’t get feel regret for what I did? You know, it isn’t authentic then. I don’t know. I just pray I remember God is more patient with me than I am with me. And God is Faithful! That is His name (Rev).
Angie, inspired by your faith!!
I am so sorry to hear this Angie. I am a high school teacher in California. We have always had a mask mandate and it took maybe a week for everyone to get used to it. It’s so simple and keeps everyone safe. Good luck to you!
Taylor-yes! Feeling the same! Thank you for your encouraging perspective, your words were so helpful for me. He IS faithful and will carry us through!
Thank you, Jesus for being the “one sacrifice for sins” and being our “high priest.”
ANGIE – what a challenging situation! So many big feelings. I work as a substitute para, so I’ve been in the schools for the range of these mandates. Saying a prayer for you and your sweet students.
Anyone else feeling just weary/tired these last few days? I know for me it’s the shift in busyness of this season but waking up has been harder and doing my devotions has felt more like a chore than a gift. HOWEVER, Hebrews 10:23 stood out to me “Let us hold UNSWERVINGLY to the hope we profess, for He who promised is FAITHFUL.” Like Bailey mentioned in the devotion, that was exactly what my heart needed today. Yes I’m tired, BUT I still choose to draw near to Jesus and spend time in His Word and with this community because it truly uplifts my soul. I love little God winks to start the day :) He knows I’m tired and weary, but is urging me to keep holding on. He’s got me (us). He will carry me (us). He is faithful!
God’s Word stands yesterday, today and forevermore!!
I receive Your perfect grace and mercy. I am not worthy but You are. Thank you my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen
Very encouraged this morning by how integrated praise is with remembrance of what the Lord has done. This morning, remembering & praising for how the Lord has brought me through things ❤️
I will never again remember
their sins and their lawless acts.
18 Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. These verses stuck out to me. Some days it just seems to good to be true that I am forgiven. It’s so beautiful yet unbelievable. Sometimes I actually done right don’t believe that it can be that easy. Praying our hearts can accept all of Gods goodness
Good morning sisters. This morning I took the opportunity to read through yesterday’s posts, since last night was Bible study with my senior girls.
NADS, I will begin praying for Danny, his wife, and you. The dry bones being given new life seems like ideal scripture to pray. I apologize but I wondered, is Danny a friend or family to you? (I’ve been out a bit.)
The state of Indiana’s governor issued a Mask Mandate this week. Schools still have a choice but they are making it very difficult on them and families if it is not followed. Tuesday evening our school board voted to require masks, all day in every building (except lunch and recess). (Last year we were allowed to not wear masks if we were in our classroom, limiting exposure only to our room.) Teachers were also allowed to wear shields so that the students could still hear us and see our smile and mouth as we taught phonic sounds or things where seeing how the lips moved was important. The school board is requiring masks only…always. As we know, people are on all sides of this issue. We had hundreds of students who chose to stay home rather than accept the mask mandate. Most of the schools in our area are not doing this. If we cannot figure out a way to work through this together, I will lose 3-8 of my students. Five did not come yesterday. Three were there but their parents sent word that if by Friday there are not some changes, they too will pull their children. Michelle Patire, your words from yesterday were so prophetic. I will/am remembering and holding the good close to my heart and in open hands to my students. Things, good and bad, happen in our lives every day. Whether we react or respond makes such a difference. I keep a cup at school that says, “First pray.” Evil would like to take from us the joy in every day. We will not allow that. We will first pray, then listen, trust and go forward – single step by single step. Each day is a gift, right…that is why we call it the “present.” :)
As weird as it sounds, even the scriptures for today encourage us that way. Stuff happens and there are natural consequences. The idea is not to let those consequences divide or be “degrading.” There is a right and honest way to do things, and we are simply called to that. Giving first to our LORD, (who actually gave it all to us anyway in the first place), and helping others. Why? Because we are a possession of the LORDs. Being HIS brings the strength and confidence to continue on; not trudging, but resting in His peace and joy. Hallelujah! Armor up and head in ladies, we are sisters and God has already won the victory.
Funny random note: At my high school girls Bible study last night, towards the end I shared the first verse of Deuteronomy 23, just to mess with them. We all laughed and talked…but they said I should have led with that really seriously and messed with them all even more. Life is what we make it, as God’s girls…let’s shine. This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Amen.
He is faithful.
Love this! That is the exact phrase that stood out to me today, too, and I love the way you expound on this: “a model for treating others with behavior that’s aligned with the heart of God.” Justice and mercy. Always God’s plan.
God of grace and mercy, open my eyes to ways I can show others Your greatness in my interactions with them. May Your holiness be reflected in me so that it is a beacon drawing the lost to You.