Pocket Thoughts - 5/3/24
God * is our hope * seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness * calls to the heart of the prodigal, offering mercy and grace.
*
What’s the course for reconciliation with God when a believer strays? Immediately run to Him with a humble heart willing to turn from your sin and walk in righteousness. Appeal to His faithfulness and forgiveness. Then trust His promise: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12) Remember that not only do you belong to Him – you owe Him your obedience, allegiance, and very life. – TV
*
The “royal law” of loving our neighbors as ourselves is demonstrated most effectively when we extend the mercy to others that God has extended to us. Be generous with forgiveness and grace – as God has been generous to you. - TV
*
God my Protector, please help me to recognize and avoid any distractions that would hinder me from being fully who I am in Christ. Help me to single-mindedly pursue You and Your will for my life. Only then will my thirsty soul be satisfied – for in You I “live and breathe and have my being.” Open my eyes to the glimpses of Your eternal goodness placed strategically on my earthly journey by Your loving hands. Nurture my longing for my heavenly home where I’ll enjoy You forever. Thank You for consuming me with Your grace. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen. – TV
*
God will act swiftly when He accomplishes what He’s promised. Sufferings endured and pain experienced by the believer will be forgotten – just as a mother “forgets” the pain of childbirth when she sees her baby’s face. The faithful will rejoice. People from all nations will come to be a part of His kingdom and to serve and worship Him. He will pour out His peace, comfort, delight, abundance, and satisfaction. Remember the scope of God’s call to salvation – available to all people, all nations, all languages! Share His goodness and offer of salvation with all people! – TV
*
“It is in the dark that God is passing by. The bridge and our lives shake not because God has abandoned, but the exact opposite: God is passing by. God is in the tremors. Dark is the holiest ground, the glory passing by. In the blackest, God is closest, at work, forging His perfect and right will. Though it is black and we can’t see and our world seems to be free-falling and we feel utterly alone, Christ is most present with us…” – Ann Voskamp
*
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything…Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” – James 1:2-4, 12
