AfterThoughts: August 4, 2024

August 4, 2024
The God Who Forgives
Psalm 86

This week, Pastor David brought a message from Psalm 86, reflecting on the God who forgives. We pondered:

How Grace is Wholly Unique to Christianity
How We Experience Grace as Acceptance
How We Experience Grace as Gratitude

GOING DEEPER:

Pastor David shared that what separates Christianity from every other religion is one word, grace. Completely free and undeserved, God’s love is offered to all humanity through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Grace is received by faith and not by works. Describe your thoughts and feelings about this amazing grace.

In Psalm 86, David grounds his requests in the character of his God. He elevated the attributes of God: His mercy and His kindness. Is the character of God the foundation of your pleas and requests to God? If not, what is the foundation?

David knew very well his sinfulness and need for the mercy of God. He trusted that although God knows our worst moments and thoughts, He doesn’t become callous to us because of His great love for us (see Exodus 34:5–7). In order to receive forgiveness and mercy, we must admit our need, our brokenness, and our sin. How do you need to change your schedule this week to make more time for silence, prayer, and reflection?

Jesus went to the cross to win an endless supply of God’s love and mercy for everyone who would turn to Him. We receive His grace as pardon, as acceptance, and as gratitude. As a result, our life becomes an endless note of thankfulness and obedience to the One who has given us everything. What “note” is your life writing?

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

STAY IN TOUCH WITH DAWSON:
WEBSITE: dawsonchurch.org
EMAIL: connect@dawsonchurch.org
TEXT: Text CONNECT to 205-997-3717