February 16, 2026

RECEIVING BLESSING AND SALVATION

Psalms 23:4-5 LXX (24:4-5)

He who has innocent hands and a pure heart;
He who does not lift up his soul to vanity;
He who does not swear deceitfully to his neighbor.
He shall receive blessing from the Lord
And mercy from the God of his salvation.

Personal Challenge

As things like Christian nationalism and white evangelicalism continue to grow and raise their ugly head, the reputation and understanding of true Christianity gets stained and abhored. Lord, have mercy! This psalm reminds us of some of the things that God looks for in His followers. Innocent hands and a pure heart. If we are not loving our neighbor, especially the poor, the naked, the victims of abuse, and the stranger amongst us, then we are not fulfilling the call to have innocent hands and a pure heart. A follower does not lift up their soul in vanity. We cannot pursue wealth and power, or fawn over those who do, and be followers. A follower does not swear deceitfully to his neighbor. We are called to speak the truth in love and to defend the truth at all cost. If we desire to receive the blessing and salvation of our God, then we must live our lives His way. Slogans and crosses and t-shirts and rituals are not what He cares about. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!