Author: David Short

Proverbs 11:9 (11:10)

A man in need of discernment treats citizens with contempt,
But a man of discernment keeps quiet.

Personal Challenge

Discernment is such a critical characteristic for us to have and exercise. Unfortunately, in today’s society and culture, true discernment has been discarded and replaced by a belief that we each have the right to say and do whatever we want, regardless of the impact it has on another. Our politicians have perfected this lack of discernment and propriety. Entire political parties pride themselves on treating citizens with contempt. This has even made it into our churches…Lord, have mercy! If we desire to turn the tide on this sinful behavior, then we must make the difficult choices to be countercultural. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Encouraging Words

Every person who is living their life pursuing Christ, striving to be like Him, following His teaching to love God and love their neighbor, has become this promised new creation. God will cleanse us of our old things and make all things new. Praise be to God!

Proverbs 11:2

Wherever arrogance enters, there also is dishonor,
But the mouth of the humble meditates on wisdom.

Personal Challenge

We are encouraged by our Lord to be humble and put others before ourselves. This is what He did. The Proverbs consistently state that the proud and arrogant will always come to a place where they will be humbled and dishonored. On the other hand, those who strive to be humble, will be lifted up and honored. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Personal Challenge

Jesus Christ, God’s only begotten Son, gave up His place in heaven for a period of time so that He could be born as a human, live a sinless life, be put to death on the cross, and then arise from that death for all of creation. He died for all of creation and destroyed death and its grip upon us so that we would not have to die one ourselves but live for Him. Glory be to God!

Proverbs 10:31 (10:32)

The mouth of a righteous man distills wisdom,
But the tongue of an unrighteous man utterly destroys.

Personal Challenge

Of all the parts of the physical body, the mouth and tongue seem to get the most attention. The mouth and tongue have done more damage and caused more pain than any other part of us. They can also do great good by lifting up and encouraging others. Our challenge, day in and day out, is to choose to use these parts of our bodies righteously or unrighteously. Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Personal Challenge

As followers of Christ, we have a confidence in who our savior is and that he has everything in the palm of His hands. We do not fear what is going on around us. We do not worry about the state of the world. We know that because of Him, all things work out to His glory. Our challenge is to keep our eyes and hearts focused on Him as we see the world around us falling apart. We trust that He will hold it all together until that day He returns. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me the sinner!

Proverbs 10:22 (10:23)

The blessing of the Lord is upon the head of a righteous man;
It enriches him, and grief of heart will not be added to it.

Encouraging Words

We are rewarded for trying to live righteous lives by our Lord. When we strive to live His way and not the way of the world, He will bestow His blessing upon us and protect us from grief. Thanks be to God!

2 Corinthians 5:1

For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

Encouraging Words

The Christian life is founded upon faith. Faith in our Father whom we recognize as the eternal source of · life and light. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God and co-creator of all, who became man, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and destroyed death by His resurrection. Faith in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from the Father and dwells amongst us to guide us through our earthly life. This faith goes beyond hope and brings as to the point where we know this is true and that through our God, the Trinity, we will never die. Glory be to God!