Pocket Thoughts - 2/28/25

God * is tender – “a bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out” (Isaiah 42:3a) * spreads out the earth with all that springs from it * is the Lord our God, the Holy One of Israel, our Savior.

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A scene plays out in John 7:25-52 in which the Pharisees realize that many people are believing in Jesus, and their jealousy reaches a boiling point. They send officers to arrest Him. But as the officers hear His words along with the crowd – His offer to quench their spiritual thirst – their own hearts are touched by His message. They find no reason to bring Him in to the religious leaders. The words of Jesus are powerful and life-changing. As you listen to teaching, filter it through the lens of its agreement with Scripture. Ask God to help you discern false teaching, but embrace and allow truth to transform your heart, your mind, and your life. – TV

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Cry out to God in the midst of your troubles. He alone is your sure defense. He may deliver you or He may be your strength as He walks with you to the other side. Whichever way He chooses, know that you can trust Him to be with you and to provide an answer to your prayers in accordance with what He knows is most beneficial for you. Trust Him to hold you steady and guide you to safety. – TV

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The person who grasps the value of God’s Word and pursues its instruction and revelation enjoys a far deeper understanding of the Lord. His Word convicts us, and our hearts then turn to Christ for forgiveness. It gives us holy instruction in right living. It eradicates fear of punishment and gives us reassurance of God’s lavish grace. The God of the universe makes Himself known to you through His Word. Drink it in, live it out, and present your words and actions to Him as a sweet offering of love and honor. – TV

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 Father, thank You for the privilege of belonging to You. I love the sweetness of Your call on my life! But You know that I tend to have selective hearing. Break me of that, and help me to hear and obey Your full counsel. May I not shrink back from Your call to service, to sacrifice, to death of self, and to the high calling as Your ambassador. Please give me a spirit of eagerness and joy under Your Lordship. Make my heart sensitive and my feet and hands anxious to act. Give me Your words and timing so that You’re made known and glorified. May the gospel message of hope and reconciliation with You never be far from my lips. Make me a humble, worthy servant in Your kingdom. I’m honored and grateful to be Your child. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“My soul, sit down and recognize that a just God is bound to punish sin; then consider how that punishment all falls upon the Lord Jesus, and fall down in humble joy at the feet of Him Whose blood has made atonement for you.” – Charles Spurgeon

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“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten – the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm – My great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has worked wonders for you; never again will My people be shamed. Then you will know that I am in Israel, that I am the Lord your God, and that there is no other; never again will My people be shamed.” – Joel 2:25-27