"Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God." Nehemiah 9:31
In a statement issued late Monday by the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA), it was announced that China, in an attempt to clamp down on the scandals that have dogged the fast-growing sport of marathon running, will now ban cheaters for life. This ban would include people who run under false names, replace a runner with another person during the race or have more than one identifying PIN chip. First time offenders will receive a lifetime ban from the race in which they cheated and a second offence will result in a ban for life from all Chinese marathons. Wow, there will certainly be no mercy shown to any runner breaking the rules will there?
Thankfully though, when it comes to receiving mercy, God is very gracious to not give us what we deserve. You see, you and I are sinners and fall short of "playing by the rules" each and every day. But from our first offense to our hundredth, God puts no limits on the number of times we can come to him to receive compassion and forgiveness when our actions have warranted not only punishment but a lifetime ban from his presence. Talk about some extraordinary mercy!
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would choose to give us mercy time and again when we are deserving of death and punishment. You are truly a gracious and merciful God deserving of all our praise. Thank you Lord! It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
When Mercy found me - Rhett Walker Band
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