Monthly Archives: May 2026

Lesson 4: Dealing with Government

Posted on May 26, 2026 by Don Merritt

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who … Continue reading →

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More Sayings of the Wise

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Don Merritt

Proverbs 24:23-34 This section of Proverbs gathers several sayings that reveal the heart of wisdom in daily life—justice, diligence, and discernment. Verses 23–25 remind us that integrity must govern judgment. “It is not good to show partiality in judgment.” Wisdom … Continue reading →

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Memorial Day 2026

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Don Merritt

Today is Memorial Day in the US, a day set aside to remember all of those who have given their lives in service to their country for the protection of our Freedom. It seems to me that this is also … Continue reading →

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Lesson 3: Concerning Revenge

Posted on May 25, 2026 by Don Merritt

Romans 12:17-21 In 12:1-16 Paul has discussed our response to grace with a series of short statements that stem from the theme of sincere love, but in 17 ff. he seems to focus on one particular subject: Revenge. While the … Continue reading →

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Our Hearts Cry Out!

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Don Merritt

How lovely is your dwelling place,    Lord Almighty!My soul yearns, even faints,    for the courts of the Lord;my heart and my flesh cry out    for the living God. Psalm 84:1-2 These opening verses of Psalm 84 capture a longing that is deeper than emotion—it is the … Continue reading →

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Praising God Today and Every Day

Posted on May 23, 2026 by Don Merritt

I will exalt you, my God the King;    I will praise your name for ever and ever.Every day I will praise you    and extol your name for ever and ever. Psalm 145:1-2 David opens this psalm with a vow, not a feeling. “I will exalt you… … Continue reading →

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Advice Against Rebellion

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Don Merritt

Saying 30 This proverb stands at the intersection of divine and civil authority. The command to fear the Lord and the king reflects the wisdom tradition’s concern for order—recognizing that reverence for God and respect for legitimate governance are both … Continue reading →

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My Lord, My Strength

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Don Merritt

“I love you, O Lord, my strength… The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” The opening lines of Psalm 18 are not quiet reflections—they are a declaration. David speaks as a man who has been pressed, hunted, … Continue reading →

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Don’t Envy Evildoers

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Don Merritt

Saying 29 Here we go again with the same instruction that must be more needful that we would realize (see v. 1 and Psalm 37:1 and Proverbs 23:17). Psalm 73:3 shows us the tendency toward doing this: “I was envious … Continue reading →

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Lesson 2: Put Love into Action

Posted on May 21, 2026 by Don Merritt

Romans 12:9-16 Paul continues in these verses with his discussion of our response to grace. Here, he sets the tone with verse 9:  Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Our response to God’s grace … Continue reading →

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