Author: David Short

Psalms 84:11-12 (83:12-13)

For the Lord God loves mercy and truth;
He will give grace and glory;
The Lord’s hand will not remove good things from those who walk in innocence.

Romans 1:16-17

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”

Personal Challenge

We must always be willing to ask ourselves if we are willing to profess the gospel of Christ, the Good News, to those around us at any time or in any situation. It is this message that saves everyone who believes in it from eternal death. It is this message that gives us the ability to lead full and productive lives for our God. We need God so much more than He needs us and yet He gave His all for us. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

Psalms 84:1-2 (83:1-3)

How beloved are Your dwellings, O Lord of hosts.
My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh greatly rejoice in the living God.

Personal Challenge

Our God loves us so much. Do we have a deep love in our hearts for Him? Does our soul long for Him? Do we faint in gratitude when we see His presence in our lives? Do we greatly rejoice in Him? These characteristics are the results of pursuing Him and trying to walk in the footsteps of His Son, Jesus. Glory be to God!

Acts 28:30-31

Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.

Personal Challenge

Paul demonstrates for us the type of life that we should be living for Jesus. We are all given gifts from God that are spiritual and for the building up and edification of the church, the body of Christ. There is never a point in our relationship with Jesus where we retire from using those gifts for Him. Even when we grow weary from our labors, we continue to do His work. Glory be to God!

Psalms 73:26-27 (72:26-27)

My heart and my flesh fail,
O God of my heart; and God is my portion forever.
For behold, those who keep themselves far away from You shall perish;
You destroy away from You all who act unfaithfully.

Personal Challenge

We cannot be Christian in name only. We are not Christian because we are born in America. We are Christian because we follow Jesus Christ and try to walk in His footsteps. This means that we stay close to Him and do what He does. This means that we love God and love our neighbor. This means that we are counter to the culture that we live in because our heart and mind are focused on the kingdom of our citizenship, heaven. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Personal Challenge

Paul knew that his future in Jerusalem was filled with danger and sorrow, even to the point of death. Yet he still pressed forward because his relationship with Jesus and his calling to be an apostle for Him was greater than any potential risk. Paul was resolute to answer God’s call. This always drives me to search my heart and ask if I would be willing to answer a call such as this. Am I willing to go wherever God asks me to go? to do what He asks me to do? to live fully live for Him? Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

Psalms 73:24 (72:24)

With Your counsel You guide me,
And with glory You take hold of me.

Encouraging Words

One of the things that sets the Christian faith apart from other religious is that we are not let alone in our walk through life. Our God promises to be there with us every step of the way. He is not there to chide us for every mistake we make. He is there to give us His counsel and to guide us. He is there to hold on to us and to shine His glory into our lives. Glory be to God!

Acts 20:29

For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

Personal Challenge

As I observe what is going on in our world today, especially in the way that earthly politics has made it into the church, I see that Paul’s prediction of the challenges that we will face are upon us. Not only is the world around us being consumed by savage wolves, but they are now in so many of our churches and being embraced as modern-day saviors. We must resist this with our entire being. We must raise up the standard of God’s church, His flock, as a body set apart from the world. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy.! Lord, have mercy!