Pocket Thoughts - 5/24/24
God * preserves a faithful remnant * will right every wrong and execute justice “in that day” (Isaiah 19) * heals the repentant.
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Pharaoh’s goal was to so oppress the Israelites that their numbers would decrease and their race would be eradicated. Instead, God blessed them with even greater numbers and greater strength. When you feel defeated, cling to God. He’s using your difficulties to make you stronger and to prepare you for the future. God wastes no suffering. – TV
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Obedience to God doesn’t always equate to a life of ease and comfort. You may suffer and experience hardship. Don’t assume you’ve fallen out of God’s favor when your obedience leads to suffering. God is with you and is using you to bring His light to a dark world. – TV
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Father, the stillness of my heart is Your workshop. It’s there that You help me to see myself in light of a holy God, and I’m humbled by Your grace. It’s there that You hold my face in Your hands and speak wisdom, and I’m enlightened by Your truth. It’s there that You bend and mold the talents You’ve given to me, and I’m empowered by Your will. It’s there that Your face shines brighter than the noonday sun, and I’m beautifully crushed by the weight of Your glory. May I never fail to avail myself of that precious place of solitude – where heavenly labor fits me for eternity. I praise You in the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen. – TV
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The book of Isaiah closes with a graphic picture of the destiny of those who reject God. It’s sobering and heartbreaking. Let this prompt us to be faithful ambassadors of Christ in a world full of lost, broken people. We can’t make them choose Him, but we can present His rescue plan to them. The choice is theirs. Pray that they choose wisely. – TV
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“We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God. He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts.” – A.W. Tozer
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“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My Son, Whom I love; with You I am well pleased.’” – Mark 1:10-11
