Pocket Thoughts - 6/14/24
God * plots against evil * is a refuge for the poor and needy in distress * will swallow up death forever.
*****
Isaiah prayed intensely for God’s people – that they would passionately respond to His high calling, pursue His honor, and proudly wear the name that He had for them. Isaiah’s zeal for their salvation and for God’s will was relentless! He fervently prayed without resting. Like Isaiah, make it your mission to pray for God’s will in the lives of others and in your own life and to pray for salvation for the lost. - TV
*****
God doesn’t tempt us to sin. He may, however, allow our testing so that our faith is refined and we learn to lean on Jesus for our strength. Temptation comes from within. It’s our red flag to help us change course before our thoughts turn into actions and sin drags us away. Learn to recognize those red flags, and run in the opposite direction! We have no one to blame but ourselves when we do give in to temptation. As Christians, we accept blame, bring our wrong into the light through confession, and walk in the forgiveness and freedom offered by God. – TV
*****
Father, when I consider the events that took place the day my old life ended, I’m astounded and in awe of You. The solemnity of the end of me – my striving, my inward focus, my thirst for self – stands clearly in my memory. The last day as lord of my own soul was thankfully the first day with Jesus in full control. The great and grand renovation was begun – the huge project focused on transforming the shambles of my life into a cathedral home to Your Holy Spirit. And it began with the absolute, thorough leveling of my feeble self to make way for the Architect of all things to bring His idea of me to life. God, please give me a spirit of cooperation as You labor to make me into Your masterpiece. Forgive me for my blasphemous attempts to vandalize the beauty You’re creating. Help me to be patient and hopeful about the culmination of construction – a soul fit for reflecting Your glory. Strengthen me to bear up under the hard processes necessary to make me a solid pillar of the faith. Keep my belief strong in Your promise – “He Who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6) I ask these things in His beautiful Name, amen.
*****
Pharaoh was a cruel leader. His assigned overseers took on his cruel nature and were merciless towards the Israelites. When you’re in a position of leadership, realize that your character influences those you’re leading. Lead by serving. Model integrity. Spur others on to become their best. Express your gratitude to them for their hard work. By leading well, you’re training them to also become godly leaders. – TV
*****
“Humbly let go. Let go of trying to do, let go of trying to control, let go of my own way, let go of my own fears. Let God blow His wind, His trials, oxygen for joy’s fire. Leave the hand open and be. Be at peace. Bend the knee and be small and let God give what God chooses to give because He only gives love, and whisper a surprised thanks. This is the fuel for joy’s flame. Fullness of joy is discovered only in the emptying of will.” – Ann Voskamp
*****
“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name. ‘On the day when I act,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘they will be My treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.’” – Malachi 3:16-18