The Pursuit of Lovingkindness - Stressing the Rails - February 2, 2024, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

The Pursuit of Lovingkindness - Stressing the Rails - February 2, 2024

February 02, 2024

February 2, 2024

The Pursuit of Lovingkindness

Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? The Lord's voice cries unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. Micah 6:6-9

In the Old Testament Book of Micah, God challenged ancient Israel by calling on nature and the inanimate creation to listen to His plea with his people. It is truly awakening and magnificent. The words of Jehovah follow in Micah 6:3-5. And God' s mercies having been set before the people, one of them is introduced in a beautiful dramatic form; asking what his duty is towards so gracious a God.

Throughout the gospels, Jesus challenged the Pharisees to be more loving, just, and merciful. Considered the religious elite of their day, these men had hundreds of rules for living out the laws of the Old Testament, yet they failed to recognize Jesus for who He was. At one point, Jesus said the Pharisees had “neglected the weightier matters” of their faith—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23 ESV). Elsewhere, He sent them away to contemplate what it means that God desires “mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13 ESV).

In all of our relationships, the Lord wants us to reflect His lovingkindness—a common translation for the word mercy. Perhaps we should all make more time to study Scripture and consider how we might increase lovingkindness in our day-to-day life. Jesus reassures us that when we offer mercy in our interactions, we ourselves will receive it.

Think about it

Reflect on what it means to be merciful or sacrificial. Considering the intentions that drive these behaviors, do you see them as opposite ideas? Why or why not?
Think about the interactions you have with your family, neighborhood, and church community. What can you do to see increased mercy (or lovingkindness) in your daily life?

Listen to Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. on OnePlace.com
Watch Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. on LightSource.com

Featured Offer

Sooo You Want To Be Married?

This is Dr. Michael Wesley, Sr.'s latest book on the subject of marriage. As a Pastor he has counseled many couples before, during, and after marriage so this has given him keen insight into the marital relationship. He himself has been married to the same woman for over 40 years so he has a wealth of knowledge on this subject. In this book Dr. Wesley covers that marriage comes from God, the keys to compatibility, the keys to staying in love, and even what to do if you feel you have married the wrong person. This is an excellent read if you are considering marriage in the future or even if you are currently married.

About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.