Pocket Thoughts - 5/31/24
God * is a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat * exposes idolatry as futile and senseless * does wonderful things planned and promised long ago.
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God has placed us under the authority of government. We’re to pray for our leaders, live within the laws of the land, and be good citizens. However, if the laws of man contradict with the laws of God, we’re always to “obey God rather than men!” (Acts 5:29) – TV
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People who don’t know or follow God will have no reverence for His Word, His message or His people. Like Pharaoh, they scoff: “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him?” Don’t be discouraged when you experience rejection because of your identity in Christ. Persist in obedience and sharing His good news, and trust Him to open minds and soften hearts. – TV
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Lord, You created me with a tender heart. That soft heart of mine tends to want to intervene when I see someone suffering the natural consequences of their sin. My intervention most often circumvents Your plans for loving discipline, imparting wisdom, and revelation of sins in need of being dealt with. Please help me to care enough for others that I’m willing to confront issues that are destroying hearts and lives, rather than coddling and comforting. Thank You for confronting my sins and for opening my eyes to the dangers of the path I was on. The painful discipline I endured because of my own foolishness sent me running to Jesus for my salvation, and life has never been the same! I thank You in His beautiful Name, amen. – TV
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God’s Holy Spirit provides “the law that gives freedom” in the heart of every believer. That law helps us to see ourselves as we truly are – sinners in need of a Savior. It helps us to submit to God, to live righteously, and to overcome our selfish desires. As we live a disciplined life, we grow in maturity and obedience. We’re finally free to live as God created us to live. - TV
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“I’m a history nerd who’s been to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Roman Colosseum, and Windsor Castle, and I’ve never heard any tourists talking about the amazing foundations. I never even thought about their foundations until now, actually, and that’s just the point. Men who are honorable serve as foundations for their families and communities, but they may never be fully appreciated.” – Brant Hansen
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“We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
