Pocket Thoughts - 5/17/24

God * is compassionate * is active even when we don’t sense His activity * makes Himself known to all peoples of the world.

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The fruit of heavenly wisdom is a good life: deeds done in humility, concern for others, productivity, mercy, gentleness, and a focus and reliance on the Lord. Earthly wisdom puts a subtle, deceptive twist on God’s goodness –resulting in promotion of self, confusion, tearing others down, discord, and greed. Ask God to faithfully enable you to discern between the two. – TV

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When the Israelites heard that God was concerned about them and had seen their misery under the slavery of Pharaoh, they bowed down and worshiped. They remembered that God cared for them. He called them “sons,” which meant that He was committed to their defense and well-being, and they were expected in turn to respectfully serve their Father. When you struggle, remember that God calls you His child. You’re safe in His arms. Serve, obey, and worship Him from a place of security and provision. – TV

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Father, if ever there is anyone I would entrust myself to for transformation, it’s You – the God Who makes all things new. What a Master – patient, gentle, slow to anger, tender, and purposeful! You know me – Your created one. You orchestrate my life to provide the circumstances You know I need for heart change. You send a loving friend with the exact words of admonishment that act as a scalpel in skilled hands, cutting away diseased ideas and actions. Your Spirit brings Your Word to life so that I clearly hear Your teaching and instruction. In the quiet of our time together, I’m excited and anxious for the next steps You would have me take to become more like Jesus. But You know this girl is easily distracted. I walk away, and my good intentions fall to laziness, fear, and pride. Thank You for not giving up on me. Please, Lord, help me to focus on the process. It’s all for Your glory. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen. - TV

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It’s amazing that something so small as the tongue can have such an impact! Your words are powerful; therefore, it’s wise to ask God’s Holy Spirit for the self-control necessary to speak only what honors Him and builds up others. He’ll also give you the restraint needed to refrain from lashing out when you’re hurt or offended as you remember that His love for you is all that truly matters. – TV

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“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” – C.S. Lewis

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“When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws and His decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God…You may say to yourself, ‘My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.’ But remember the Lord your God, for it is He Who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your ancestors, as it is today.” – Deuteronomy 8:10-14, 17-18