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Thursday, January 29, 2026

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2 Samuel 7:18-19, 24-29
Psalm 132:1-5, 11-14
Mark 4:21-25

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why me?

“Who am I, Lord God, and who are the members of my house, that You have brought me to this point?” —2 Samuel 7:18

We should never think we deserve to wake up, live another day, breathe, walk, sing, smile, or pray. These and millions of other things are all gifts from God as He constantly pours out His love on us (see Acts 17:28). We’ve done nothing to merit these blessings and ought not to take them as merited. When something bad happens to us and our families, we say: “Who am I, Lord God, and who are the members of my house, that You have brought me to this point?” (2 Sm 7:18) We are quick to say that we don’t deserve our sufferings, although we give the impression we do deserve our blessings.

For the most part it’s the other way around. We are responsible for many of our sufferings. Often we have caused them by our sins. However, our blessings have not been caused by our meritorious conduct but by the Lord’s crucified, unconditional love for us.

Therefore, we should live in gratitude for millions of unmerited blessings and in repentance for our sins and consequent sufferings (see Rm 5:8). In the midst of God’s love, we should ask: “Who am I...?” And we answer: “I am a sinner, forgiven, saved, and loved by God in His mercy.” Alleluia!

Prayer:  Father, give me an attitude of gratitude even under the most difficult circumstances.

Promise:  “In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides.” —Mk 4:24

Praise:  The Browns prayed together as a family and stayed close even as they relocated in several states.

Reference:  (For a related teaching on Effects of Sin, listen to, download or order our AV 81-3 or DVD 81 on our website.)

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