Pocket Thoughts - 1/10/25
God * gently leads those that have young * stretches out the heavens like a canopy and spreads them out like a tent to live in * will not grow weary or tired.
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Do you claim to be truthful? Be faithful to do the things you say you’ll do. In humility, readily own up to your own mistakes and failures instead of blaming others. Be honest, and avoid half-truths and omissions of the truth. Let your reputation be that of a trustworthy, dependable person, and your consistent words and deeds will bring glory and honor to the Lord as you reflect His character. - TV
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In Exodus 13, God instituted the practice of consecrating every firstborn male, both human and animal. To consecrate something means to set it aside because it belongs to God. As a follower of Jesus, you’ve been consecrated. You belong to God. Do you live in this reality? Knowing that the Creator of the universe, the God of heaven and earth has taken up rule and reign on the throne of our hearts should make a huge difference in our thoughts, speech, and behavior. Knowing the great love that’s been lavished on us should produce a life marked by grace, humility, kindness, compassion, and gratitude. Knowing that we belong to the Lord should bring us peace, hope, and a deep sense of security. To be consecrated – claimed by God – is a high and holy calling. May we “live a life worthy of the calling we have received.” (Ephesians 4:1) - TV
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Revelation 3 contains letters written to three New Testament churches. One of those churches was in Sardis. This church had a reputation for being vibrant and flourishing, but Jesus – Who sees and knows all things – could see the rot on the inside. Out of His concern for their spiritual malaise, He rebuked them: “Wake up!” He called the church to strengthen what little faith they still had and to remember all that they had received from God’s hand. Spiritual rot is born from complacency. Never take for granted the goodness that God has shown you, and never rest on past accomplishments or progress in your walk with Him. Be all in, all the time! You’ve been called from death to life, and heavenly rewards await you as you persevere and resist compromise. May your heart be satisfied only with the approval of the Lord. – TV
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Father, I often give thought and time in prayer to my persecuted brothers and sisters around the world. I consider the hardships, the suffering, and the grief they experience. But seldom do I consider the times that I persecute You - as Saul did (“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” – Acts 26:14a). Like Saul, I tend to pursue righteousness and zeal for Your ways – but do I also consider Your heart? Like Saul, I tend to weigh the behavior of others more heavily than their dignity and worth in Your eyes. Like Saul, I tend to elevate my importance in the accomplishment of Your will – forgetting that I’m little more than dust and that You can use even a donkey to further Your kingdom. (Numbers 22:21-33) Lord Jesus, as You did for Saul, remove the scales from my eyes. I’m a new creation. Holy Spirit, please help me live true to my new identity, to have clear vision, and to respond to Your voice with passionate obedience. My desire is to bless You – not to persecute You. God of mercy, God of patience, God of forgiveness, I worship You. You are worthy. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.
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“Jesus is to believers the one pearl of great price, for Whom we are willing to part with all that we have. He has so completely won our heart that it beats alone for Him; to His glory we would live, and in defense of His Gospel we would die.” – C.H. Spurgeon
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“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” – Job 19:25-27
