Romans 12:4-5

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

Personal Challenge

These verses so clearly inform us on how we should behave with our brothers and sisters in our church community. It takes everyone with their gifts and talents to make the body work effectively. What about how we interact with other Christian communities that also follow Christ, but might do that a little different than we do? We are still all one body in Christ, and we must recognize that God needs us all to build His kingdom. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Psalms 118:8-9 (117:8-9)

It is good to trust in the Lord
Rather than to trust in man;
It is good to hope in the Lord
Rather than to hope in rulers.

Personal Challenge

It is difficult for us finite human beings to not put our hope and trust in fellow humans. God is the only one that we can trust. Putting our unwavering and total trust in people of this world will only end in bad results. Putting our hope in people leads us down their path and their ways, which will never end up God’s ways. God deserves our complete trust and hope, and He will never lead us astray Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Personal Challenge

Jesus paved the way for us to be able to live our lives as living sacrifices. He was the first to be a living sacrifice. He gave His entire life for His Father and us. He died for us. And He came back to life from the grave after completing His work of defeating death so that we would have eternal life with Him. The ask for us to sacrifice ourselves to this world is an ask for us to follow in His footsteps and to live for Him. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!

Psalms 118:1-4 (117:1-4)

Alleluia.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say that He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron say that He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.
Let all who fear the Lord say that He is good,
For His mercy endures forever.

Personal Challenge

We are also called to enter into this praise of our Lord. His mercy does endure forever. We are continually the recipients of His mercy and love. We can proclaim at the top of our lungs with joy and fervor that He is good and that we are blessed, for His mercy endures forever. Glory be to God!

Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

“For who has known the mind of the LORD?
Or who has become His counselor?”
“Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Encouraging Words

We have no way of ever understanding the magnificence of God. The depth of the riches of His wisdom and knowledge is unfathomable. We can never see the breadth and magnitude of His judgments. And yet, He loves us. He adopts us into His family, He gives eternal life, Glory be to God!

PRAISE HIM

Psalms 117 (116)

Alleluia.
Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
Praise Him, all you peoples,
For His mercy rules over us;
And the truth of the Lord endures forever.

Personal Challenge

We are all called to praise our Creator, our God. We are all benefactors of His mercy and recipients of His truth. We have so much that we can praise Him for. Glory be to God!

Romans 10:14-15

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,
Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

Personal Challenge

It is so important that we heed the voice of our Lord when He sends us out to proclaim Him and His word to the lost world. You may think that God has never sent you but He has. Jesus’ last words were for His followers to go and proclaim His gospel, the Good News, to the entire world and to make disciples of all. We are part of that great commission. It is one thing to be sent it is another to go willingly. We cannot be like Jonah and choose to not go where we are sent or be upset when God uses us to save our enemies. We must be His hands, feet, and voices to the world. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner, and forgive me for not heeding your command to go and share your Good News.

Psalms 116:1-2 (114:1-2)

Alleluia.
I have loved, because the Lord Shall hear the voice of my supplication;
For He inclined His ear to me,
And in my days I shall call upon Him.

Encouraging Words

God hears us. He hears all of our prayers and supplications. He also answers them. Sometimes with a “yes.” Sometimes with a “No.” Sometimes with a “Wait.” The real question here is do we incline our ear towards Him to hear His answer? Do we listen for His still, small voice, or just keep pressing for the answer that we want. Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!