Notes of Faith March 4, 2025

A Sunny Dog Story

So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.

Romans 9:16

Several years ago, a sad-eyed, mixed-breed dog named Sunny was in a Houston pound only hours away from being put to sleep. A man in New York named William Berloni somehow saw her picture and rescued her from afar. Berloni is an animal trainer, and within months Sunny was a Broadway star in the stage production of Annie.

Does Sunny remind you of anyone? When we were destined for destruction, the Lord somehow saw us and rescued us from afar, and He has given us starring roles in His Kingdom.

Grace and mercy are two sides of the same coin. When we experience mercy, we’re kept from receiving what we deserve—punishment for our sins. When we experience grace, we’re freely given what we don’t deserve—abundant blessings and eternal life.

We often think we want justice, but what we really want is mercy and grace. Those are the gifts of God that truly do make us—sunny!

Jesus, full of grace and mercy, listen to our humble cry; from Thy throne above in glory, turn on us Thy gracious eye.

Christian H. Bateman

Rom 9:17

"I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION.”

I am not a victim. I am the cause of my separation from God because of sin. I deserve judgment and punishment for my character and actions. But God, in His mercy and grace, sent His Son into the world to provide the opportunity to be forgiven, have our sin taken away, and offer us reconciliation through faith in Jesus. May we all recognize our position of judgment in sin, come humbly to Jesus in faith asking for forgiveness and mercy. He will offer not only mercy but abundant grace that we do not deserve. Spend more time with God to come to truly know God and recognize His work in and through His people. Give thanks for His mercy and grace and in return offer mercy and grace to others.

Pastor Dale