Pocket Thoughts - 3/21/25
God * pours out His Spirit on our offspring and His blessings on our descendants * will not forget us * carries out the words of His servants and fulfills the predictions of His messengers.
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John the Baptist understood the role God had given him – to “make straight the way for the Lord.” He had no ambition to be anyone other than who God had created him to be. He vehemently denied being any of the ones the religious leaders questioned him about. He just as passionately heralded the very near coming of Jesus Christ onto the scene. He proclaimed the shift that was about to take place – the law of God given by Moses was about to be lived out in front of mankind through Christ, illuminated by grace and truth. As you begin to recognize the fullness of your identity in Christ, you’re freed up to be completely who you are. There’s no need to try to imitate others or to desire to be who or what they are. You’ve been created as you are to fulfill God’s perfectly designed purpose for you. Rejoice and be grateful for the unique position in time and history where He’s placed you to live out your calling! – TV
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As recorded in the book of Exodus, every Egyptian household lost its firstborn on the night of the tenth plague. Every Israelite household whose doorframe of its home was marked by the blood of a lamb was passed over by the Lord. The blood of an unblemished lamb had redeemed the firstborn from every believing family. What is “redemption?” It’s paying a ransom to save someone from captivity. Jesus is our Ransom, our Redeemer. He offered His perfect life to save us from captivity to our sinful ways. We were destined to suffer the deadly consequences of our sins, but Jesus intervened and paid our penalty with the willing sacrifice of His sinless life. Friends, we are free because of our Redeemer. Truly, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe.” (“Jesus Paid It All” – Elvina M. Hall) – TV
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When God does something extraordinary in your life, one of His purposes is to give you the opportunity to share the news with others. Most importantly, passing along your experiences with the Lord to your children and grandchildren builds a foundation for a legacy of faith and trust in God. Share God’s work in your life with everyone, but especially with the generations coming behind you in your family. – TV
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Father, I’m quick to say, “Yes! I’ll serve in whatever way You ask!” But honestly, I tend to cower behind pride, hopeful for an avenue of service that costs me little and leads to accolades and praise. Oh, Lord, change me! Help me to fall deeper in love with You so that my heart is truly willing to serve in humility, anonymity, and full sacrifice. Lead me to take on the menial, the invisible, and the undignified – for Your glory and Your eyes only. Stir me to be so deeply devoted to my Savior, Lord, and Redeemer that I sincerely welcome the most abased assignment as the holy and privileged responsibility that it is. May I serve at the pleasure of my King with wholehearted joy – no matter the task. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.
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“It makes you wonder about God. What kind of father wants to be pestered? Probably one who really loves his children and is hoping they don’t wait until the perfect moment, or until they are perfect themselves, before they finally talk to him.” – Brant Hansen
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“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” – Proverbs 4:23-27
