Pocket Thoughts - 10/10/25
God * promises that His unfailing love for His people won’t be shaken nor will His covenant of peace be removed * will teach our children and give them peace * will establish His people in righteousness and keep fear and tyranny far from us.
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When the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Judah, he returned home with two things – a group of elite Hebrew citizens and articles from the Temple of God. The people were placed into a program of training and assimilation into Babylonian culture and life. The articles from the Temple of God were placed in the treasure house of Nebuchadnezzar’s false god. Both of these measures were intended to be signs of superiority – Nebuchadnezzar over the Israelites and his god over theirs. As the book of Daniel unfolds, what we’ll actually see is God’s sovereignty on full display – over Nebuchadnezzar, his false god, and God’s own people – even in exile. Don’t let what you see in front of you blind you to what God is doing behind the veil. He’s always at work, and His good and perfect will always prevails. – TV
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As the fifth seal is opened by the Lamb in Revelation 6, John sees the souls of the martyrs under the altar. These are the souls of those who’ve been slain because of their faithfulness to Jesus and because of their testimony. They refused to renounce their King Jesus or bow to false gods, and they paid the price with their lives. John finds them crying out to the Sovereign Lord for justice. These martyrs know the righteous, just nature of their God, and they’re anxious for their enemies to receive the justice due them. They know their God has promised to bring holy judgment to the wicked. Each one is given a white robe, signifying their pure devotion to God and their right standing before the Judge of all the earth. They’re told to “wait a little longer,” as the full number of martyrs is not yet complete. In today’s world, many of our brothers and sisters are daily joining the souls waiting under the altar. They’ve stood up courageously for their Lord Who gave His life for them. While difficult to think about, Scripture never shies away from the fact that God’s people will suffer for their faith, just as their Lord suffered and died for them. We’re to count it a privilege when we suffer for Christ, knowing that our holy God will one day righteously judge our enemies. We confidently anticipate the Day when His justice will rule for all time and eternity. In the meantime, pray for strength and patient endurance for the family of God around the world – including yourself. – TV
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Jesus made a serious accusation of the religious leaders who were trying to kill Him: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires.” Although they claimed to belong to God, their actions were clearly in line with the devil – pride, murderous intent, hatred, and lies. Their self-deception led them straight into the hands and plans of the enemy to kill the Son of God. The devil’s intent today continues to be to thwart God’s plans and to destroy God’s people. His methods and means remain powerful, and he continues to use self-deceived, evil people to carry out his plans. But God has already defeated him at the cross and the resurrection. Ultimately, the devil, his servants, sin, and death will be no more. We have that great Day to look forward to! – TV
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Lord, today I pray for leaders all over the world – leaders of governments, leaders in our homes, leaders of businesses, and leaders in whatever posts You’ve sovereignly placed them. Father, implant in their minds godly wisdom and in their hearts servant leadership. Make them men and women of integrity. Supply them with courage to make right decisions, especially in hard situations. Give them a committed love for their people, a heart of benevolence, patience with processes, endurance to see things through to completion, and full reliance on You for equipping them for the tasks to which You’ve called them. Guide their hearts to work for justice. Make them peacemakers who lead with humility. Forge those of us who are under their direction into a people who are supportive, respectful, cooperative, and faithful in prayer as they lead in accordance with Your will and Word. We know that a leader’s “heart is a stream of water that (You) channel toward all who please (You).” (Proverbs 21:1) Thank You, Lord, for ordaining our leaders. Lead their hearts under Your wisdom and guidance. In Jesus’ beautiful Name, amen.
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“Does it grieve you, my friends, that the name of God is being taken in vain and desecrated? Does it grieve you that we are living in a godless age? But we are living in such an age and the main reason we should be praying about revival is that we are anxious to see God’s name vindicated and His glory manifested. We should be anxious to see something happening that will arrest the nations, all the peoples, and cause them to stop and think again.” – Martyn Lloyd-Jones
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“I urge, then, first of all, that all requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, Who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
