The Lord God, Yahweh, is our Shepherd. Through Him, we lack nothing. (Psalm 23:1) This is one of the most profound truths you'll ever hear. Read it over and over until it fully grips your heart.

Paul had a physical "thorn in his flesh." He prayed on three different occasions for God to take this away from Him. But God didn't do it. Yet, God's answer to Paul is something every Christian needs to hear. We need to remember this. God's Grace is all-encompassing. Whether it is the physical pain Paul endured or an emotional scar that represents a painful past mistake in our lives, God's Grace and His Love is sufficient in our lives. His Grace is all we truly need!

It is by Grace we are saved. Our faith unlocks this Grace in our lives. It is not because of any good works on our part. Otherwise, we could brag about how great we are. No, it is ALL about God, His Love, and how great He is! By His grace, alone, we are saved!

Jesus says something surprising in this passage in Matthew: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Doesn't God want us to follow all the rules and live perfect lives? Jesus says, "No." That is not the main thing. We've made it the main thing. It is not an excuse to sin. Instead, it paints a beautiful picture of Grace. Jesus is most interested in the work of His Love in our lives!

When Jesus called Matthew, a tax collector, to become a disciple, the Pharisees could not handle it. They rebuked Jesus for hanging out with sinners. But Jesus has a different view. Jesus is the benefactor of Grace. And through this story, Jesus reminds us of something key… It is the sick who need a doctor.

Sometimes our faith can become stale. The world can beat us down. Our past can beat us down. David understood that better than anyone. He gives a great prayer in Psalm 51: "Lord, restore to me the joy of your salvation." We all need to pray this from time to time. I know I do.

Isaiah reminds us to trust in the Lord forever. Why? Because He is the Rock eternal. In the storms of life, I want to be anchored to that Rock!

Jesus made it clear in the Gospel of John: If the Son (Jesus, Himself) has set you free, you are truly free, indeed!

Yesterday, we learned that we are to walk in the way of love after the example of Jesus. Today, Hebrews 10:24 teaches us that we can actually encourage and inspire others to also walk in love.

Ephesians 5:2 teaches us to walk in the way of love, just as Jesus loved us and gave His life for us.