Pocket Thoughts - 10/31/25

God * will endow His people with splendor and summon the nations to them * will send His people out with joy and lead them forth in peace * will soon reveal His righteousness – His salvation is close at hand.

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When Jethro (Moses’ father-in-law) saw Moses serving as judge over the people of Israel from morning till evening, he suggested a system of training and delegation. Jethro gave an objective assessment of the situation as an outside observer. He saw that the current situation would very soon lead to burnout and exhaustion so he offered a wise alternative that would accomplish much good. First, Moses would instruct the people in God’s decrees. They would be educated in the ways and behavior fitting God’s chosen people. From the masses, Moses would identify capable men who feared God, were trustworthy, and hated dishonest gain. These men would then be set in place over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens to settle disputes as judges among the people. Only the more difficult cases would require Moses’ attention. Jethro’s observation and plan of action were brilliant. They gave Moses the opportunity to train the people of God in His ways. They also allowed men who possessed pure hearts and the gift of leadership to deploy their talents for the good of all Israel. Jethro’s plan gave margin to Moses so that he could tend to matters and responsibilities that only he was equipped for. As leaders (and we all lead in some capacity), it’s wise to prayerfully consider out-of-the-box solutions to our problems. Filtered through the truths of Scripture, we may find opportunities for the discipleship of those entrusted to us and their empowerment to exercise their God-given talents and abilities. Ultimately, we lay aside our pride in thinking that we are the only ones capable of accomplishing certain tasks and humbly seek out others who are just waiting to honor and serve God with their own unique giftings. Pray for open eyes to see those individuals, empower them, and then together get to work for the good of the kingdom. – TV

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Judas’ strong reaction to Mary’s extravagant anointing of Jesus’ feet revealed his heart. Although he used provision for the poor as the reason for his objection, the truth was that greed had taken hold of him. As the steward of the financial resources for Jesus and the disciples, he was accustomed to helping himself to the contents of the money bag. Judas cracked the door of his heart to evil, and it came rushing in like a flood. He gave the enemy every opportunity, and the enemy devoured him. Judas operated in secret – or so he thought. Jesus saw and knew everything Judas did and grieved that he gave himself over to the enemy. True repentance is always an option. You can’t cover up your sins, but you can turn from them. Jesus stands ready to welcome you back to the path of life. Don’t be afraid to ask for His help. – TV

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The short book of Haggai contains only two chapters, but it’s full of rich wisdom and teaching. One occurrence of note is how quickly the Israelites responded to the prophet Haggai’s message from God. The people responded in obedience to Him only 23 days after the word of the Lord came to Haggai. Prompted by their reverence for the Lord, His promise to be with them, and His stirring of their hearts, the governor, the high priest, and the faithful remnant picked up their tools and began work on the Temple. How often do we receive a prompting from God through a sermon, time in the Word or the faithful admonishment of a friend, fully intending to act on it “soon?” How often does “soon” never come around? True obedience is immediate obedience. Don’t put off until later what God asks of you today. You have His assurance that He’ll be with you. Pick up your tools and get to work now. – TV

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Lord, You are so good, so loving, so kind, so wise, so amazing, so faithful! In You, I have life, purpose, hope, joy, rest, security – the list is endless! Each day with You is a fresh start, a new adventure, an ocean of opportunity to live for Your glory! Help me to show the greatness of life with You to those around me so that they may be drawn to You – the Source of their only Hope and true Joy. Lord, give me a passion to share Your goodness through my own intentions, actions, and words. You are worthy of my all. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“All will be made new. Healing is coming. For now, we get mere glimpses, but make no mistake. It’s going to happen. And this is how the world ends: not with a whimper, and not with a bang, either. It ends with a new beginning.” – Brant Hansen

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“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:14