Micah 6-7, Nahum

I finish up Micah this morning and also read the book of Nahum in full.  Both Micah and Nahum are prophets.  It's the same sort of story we've heard before, warnings of bad things to come if people do not turn from their sins and turn to God.  Just FYI, after doing some research, I realized that Nahum is like a "take 2" version of Jonah that I read a few days ago.  He is speaking to Nineveh.  Apparently, God's people in Nineveh repented to God after being inspired by Jonah, and then drifted back into their old sinful patterns many years later, so in comes Nahum the prophet.  

Micah and Nahum each have their own way of saying things, but I find myself clinging to their words of love, mercy, and grace that stand out like sunshine in a storm.

From Micah,

But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD,

I wait for God my Savior;

my God will hear me.

Micah 7:7

And from Nahum,

The Lord is slow to anger but great in power...

The Lord is good,
    a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,

Nahum 1:3, 7  

There is always hope with God.  There is always sunshine with God.  God cares about you and me.  God's love is a life-giving promise.  So how are we to claim this promise?  God tells us,

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the LORD require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8 

What an amazing God He is!  

As we think about our lives, what do you think God is really asking of His believers?  And not just in general terms, but it in specific and personal terms, what does God mean for you to do?  And because God made me and knows me full well, what does He need me to do?  What does is look like to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our loving, merciful, and graceful God?

Dear Lord and Savior,

I thank you for this day.  I thank you for the people you put in my life to be Your strong and comforting arms, blessing me with Your love, mercy, and grace.  I pray for those special people this morning.

____________________________________________________

  May they feel the power of this prayer and the peace of Your presence.  Help me to be a blessing in their lives, especially in their times of need.

And as I live in this world, Lord, show me what you mean for me to do to serve You, to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You.  I pray for Your guidance and direction.  Keep my eyes and my heart open to Your call, Your voice.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, I pray,

Amen

Love in Christ,

   

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.