Take Me To Mercy

Last week I was in Bakersfield, California with my good friend, Pastor Kenneth Bow. He was taking care of his mother’s estate and settling her affairs. As we drove down a main thoroughfare in the city, I was greatly surprised to read these words written on the side of the city bus.

“Take me to Mercy!”

The big yellow bus was advertising Bakersfield’s Mercy Hospital. But the slogan brought this precious Scripture passage to my mind:

Heb. 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Heb. 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

“Take Me To Mercy” is the unspoken request of the hurting.

Their life says they need Mercy.
Their actions say they need Mercy.
Their condemnation says they Mercy.
Their pain says they need Mercy.
Their eyes say they need Mercy.
Their tears say they need Mercy.
Take them to Mercy!

Where does one go when they have sinned? They need to go to a place called Mercy!

Don’t throw away a brother or sister who has failed. Take them to Mercy!
Don’t take them to task. Take them to Mercy.
Don’t ignore their problem or their pain. Take them to Mercy.
Don’t drop them like a hot potato. Take them to Mercy.
Don’t talk about them. Take them to Mercy.
Don’t be judgmental. Take them to Mercy.
Don’t try to rub their nose in it. Take them to Mercy.
Let’s not lose another dear Brother or Sister. Let’s take them to Mercy!

Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

This Christian life is not about gloating how “holy” we are. It’s about finding a place called Mercy and taking everyone there that we can.

I’m on my way there now, I’d love to have you come along!

Written by Martyn Ballestero

February 16, 2011 at 12:32 am

Posted in Mercy

Tagged with Mercy

11 Responses

Subscribe to comments with RSS.

I am also going along. I pray some of my loved ones are going to find mercy to. Where would I be without it? I shake to think I could be the one without it.This is a wonderful post. Thank you so very much for letting God use you.

Brenda Lawrence

February 16, 2011 at 12:47 am

Reply
wow its like 2 45am here in NC and i just read this blog and it was so awesome and much needed in my world right now! I am struggling w-alot right now and have currently back slid i was raised in church and my girls are
4th generation pentecost! I grew up listening to Bro. Ballestero when he would come to LTPC! I just dont know exactly what happened but here i am i jus am having trouble finding my way back! I jus wanted to say when someone has fallen thats when they need people more than ever! Thanks 4 that blog it helped at least this person!!

jamie

February 16, 2011 at 2:49 am

Reply
- Thank you for the kind words Jamie. I’ll be praying for you! Stay in touch. Mercy is there for you no matter what you’ve done. He still loves you,
  
  mballestero
  
  February 16, 2011 at 9:06 am
  
  Reply
- Sister Jamie,
  Everyone misses you like crazy. I am sure of that. So, why wait?! Nothing has been done that can’t be undone by grace, if there is anything. If there isn’t anything, you are just torturing yourself by staying away. Come HOME… 🙂
  Love,
  Your Sister in Christ..
  
  Veridical_Angel
  
  February 16, 2011 at 11:11 pm
  
  Reply
Bro. Ballestero,

Great thoughts and I have had my mind and spirit upon this so much lately. Paul said………..
“Eph 2:4
4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

No matter how bad it seems, there is enough mercy to go around because God is rich in mercy………..

Doug Kelley

February 16, 2011 at 10:24 am

Reply
I’m extremely thankful that my nephew took me to Mercy. He said, “come with me to Church, where I found Mercy, and felt Her arms draw me in.

Howard Davis

February 16, 2011 at 11:35 am

Reply
- I’m so glad too!
  
  mballestero
  
  February 16, 2011 at 12:04 pm
  
  Reply
I thought of my sister as I read this blog. Help me pray that I will be able to find a way to take her to mercy. Thank you!

Crystal Smith (Morris)

February 18, 2011 at 12:40 am

Reply
- So grateful for Mercy!!! So glad His mercies are new every morning. Thanks for this post!!! Loved it.
  
  Carlene
  
  February 19, 2011 at 12:39 pm
  
  Reply
Dear Bro Ballestero,

What a beautiful story. We all need His Mercy each and everyday. I love to read all your insights. That small thought could change our very world.

Vanny Greeson

February 21, 2011 at 12:31 pm

Reply
Such a great article. Mercy is needed by all, including preachers.

I have always believed what your final scripture stated, “Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”, but through the years I have noticed that some act/believe it only applies to saints and that because the ministry is set on a higher plain or position, it doesn’t apply to the ministry.

Why are so many reluctant to pursue truth instead of rumors that may not even be true. Judgment has already been pronounced. I pray that I will always have the grace to fulfill Gal. 6:1 and extend mercy, because I know in me, that is in my flesh dwelleth no good thing.

Thanks again Elder

Mark McKinney

February 22, 2011 at 3:04 pm

Reply