Pocket Thoughts - 9/20/24
God * provides for His people peaceful dwelling places, secure homes, and undisturbed places of rest * is our salvation in times of distress * dwells on high and fills Zion with His justice and righteousness.
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Why are we so good at getting it wrong? The crowd of 5,000+ people saw how Jesus took a little boy’s lunch and miraculously fed them all until they were full and satisfied. What a fine king this Jesus would be! He would be – and will be! But while we’re thinking fine government buildings, lofty thrones, power, wealth, and influence – all things that will one day crumble with time – Jesus is thinking of a cross that will save us for eternity. In His upside-down kingdom, Jesus goes for the long game and sets us straight about what a King’s business truly is. Thank God! - TV
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God promised to bring the Israelites out of their misery and into a land “flowing with milk and honey.” After centuries of slavery, this would be a difficult thing to even imagine. But God…our unchanging God keeps His Word. His eternal power is able to accomplish what He determines. Rest in His willingness and ability to sustain and rescue you. Respond to His presence in your life with reverent, grateful worship. - TV
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Eternal life isn’t just for the Christ follower. It’s for the one who rejects Christ, too. We all have a choice to make. What will we do with Jesus? I can tell you that God wants you to accept Him as your Lord (surrender) and Savior (salvation). The Bible promises that this decision leads to an abundant life of peace, love, and joy beginning now and lasting into eternity. The Bible also promises that those who choose to live outside of His presence will get what they desire – an eternity separated from Him and His goodness. Choose Him now. Time is running out. Death is not the end – for anyone. - TV
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Psalm 22 is filled with prophecy about the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, and it ends with, “He has done it!” This is the equivalent of the words spoken by Jesus in John 19:30 as He’s hanging on an executioner’s cross: “It is finished!” Jesus has completed the work given by the Father to the Son to provide salvation to those who believe. “He has done it.” “It is finished.” – TV
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“O child of suffering, be patient; God has not passed you over in His providence. He Who is the feeder of sparrows will also furnish you with what you need. Do not sit in despair; hope on, hope ever. Take up the arms of faith against a sea of trouble, and your opposition shall yet end your distresses. There is One Who cares for you. His eye is fixed on you, His heart beats with pity for your woe, and His omnipotent hand shall bring you the needed help. The darkest cloud shall scatter itself in showers of mercy. The blackest gloom shall give place to the morning. He, if you are one of His family, will bind up your wounds and heal your broken heart. Do not doubt His grace because of your tribulation, but believe that He loves you as much in seasons of trouble as in times of happiness. What a serene and quiet life might you lead if you would leave providing to the God of providence!” – Charles Spurgeon
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“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession. The Lord did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath He swore to your forefathers that He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.” – Deuteronomy 7
