REMEMBER CHING CO'S WORD LAST NIGHT, "MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT"

From: Keesling, Joseph KEESLJO@mail.northgrum.com Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2001 8:29 AM

Subject: RE: MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT -- A Word through Ching Co, Cebu City, Philippines

Steve -

There is going to be a tremendous backlash against Islamic people in this nation. Ching Co is right on. Now is the time for the Lord's bride to demonstrate MERCY. We must now be salt and light.

Blessings, Joe

(See Ching Co's word, below-- referred to by Joe Keesling above)
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For those who did not receive Ching Co's word last night, here it is again:

It was first posted last night, Monday night, approx. 10:45 PM Pacific Time. .

MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT

A Word through Ching Co Cebu City, Philippines Ching's email: ching@gsilink.com Monday, September 10, 2001

In these past few weeks, I have felt the Holy Spirit bringing to my mind constantly the subject about "mercy" and the need for God's people to flow abundantly in this virtue.

Yes, we all know that our God is a God of justice and a day of judgment is at hand.

However, I have felt challenged that until God acts on our behalf as He has promised He will, we as God's children must continue to press in praying and exercising mercy in our lives.

LESSON FROM HISTORY

Jonah failed in this respect. He was angry at the Lord's compassion towards Nineveh - "O Lord, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish, I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, O Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live."

But the Lord replied, "Have you any right to be angry?" (Jonah 4:2-4 )

Simon the Pharisee asked this question in his heart when he saw Jesus entertaining the sinful woman's act of pouring an alabaster jar of perfume on His feet, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is - that she is a sinner." (Luke 7:39)

When Jesus decided to stay at Zacchaeus house, the people who saw this began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner'." (Luke 19:7)

The elder brother of the prodigal son became angry when he saw his father lavishly welcoming back his younger brother. (Luke 15:28)

A PITFALL TO WATCH FOR

I feel the Holy Spirit is challenging us-- His people to continue to check our hearts--especially our attitudes when praying and acting towards those people whom we perceive and consider as unrighteous.

When we find ourselves treated unrighteously or when we see unrighteousness flourish in our midst, We find it much easier to pray for God's judgment instead of His mercy and blessings.

MERCY TO BLOSSOM IN US

However, God wants to create and develop in the heart of His people --a heart full of mercy and compassion especially towards those who deserve it the least.

As we choose to continually exercise mercy and compassion when we pray for those who come against us, as we face those that hurt us, as we respond and react to their words and actions-- These daily exercises will result in the growth and development of our spiritual muscles of mercy and compassion.

WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY

Until we see the Lord Himself execute judgment on our behalf, as He has promised us in His word, we must seek to desire and walk in mercy more than judgment.

PROMISES & REMINDERS

"For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6)

"Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, O Lord. Renew them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy." (Habakkuk 3:2)

"..judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13)

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7)

"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: ' It is mine to avenge; I will repay, ' says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

"But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ' sinners' lend to 'sinners' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as Your Father is merciful." (Luke 6:27-36)

PRAYER

"Holy Spirit, create in us a heart full of Christ's mercy and compassion as we set our face in the journey that You've charted for us to walk this season."

Needing His mercy,

Sis. Ching Co Cebu City Philippines