Pocket Thoughts - 10/3/25

God * hears His Son as Christ intercedes for us * is our Maker, Redeemer, and God of all the earth * has compassion on us with His “hesed” – everlasting, loyal lovingkindness.

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The Israelites were quick to complain when they experienced thirst at Rephidim. They quarreled with Moses, who cautioned them that their complaints were ultimately against God. Once again, they failed to trust Him to meet their needs. Once again, their go-to was to complain rather than pray. Once again, the Lord was merciful and provided for them. And once again, if we’re honest, we may see ourselves in this story. How quickly do we complain rather than pray? Complaining only stirs the waters of frustration, bringing more stress into an already stressful situation. Like the Israelites, we act like spiritual orphans with no Father to care for us. We test the Lord. But prayer brings a calming peace as we bring our concerns to the Father, Who delights to bless His children. Trust in God to quiet your soul. Then you’ll be able to hear His voice and receive His answer to your prayer. Remembering God’s desire to work for your good will help you to establish the discipline of praying instead of complaining. – TV

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The name “Ezekiel” translates to “God is strong” or “God strengthens.” When God called Ezekiel to be a prophet, He used Ezekiel to bring His message to the exiles in Babylon. He wanted them to know that His sovereign plan would prevail, His enemies would face judgment for their actions, and His true followers would one day be restored. When God came to Ezekiel in a windstorm, Ezekiel didn’t know the details of God’s plans for him, but he was swept into the “big picture” by God’s revelation of His holiness. We don’t need to know the details of God’s plans for our lives, but we can trust that “God is strong” and respond to His holiness in faith. We’re a part of His sovereign plan. He’ll equip us and accompany us as we walk in obedience. – TV

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In Psalm 25:7, David asks of God: “Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me, for You are good, Lord.” Many of us could join in David’s plea to the Lord. Things we did as younger people may be cause for lingering shame, embarrassment or guilt. We were unwise, headstrong, and rebellious, and there were consequences – some of which we may continue to bear even today. That’s why the gospel is such good news! Jesus has taken on the sins of our youth – and our yesterday and our “five minutes ago” – and has covered them in His righteous blood. “…As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our sins from us.” (Psalm 103:12) Thank God! – TV

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No wants today, Lord – just praise. You’re the eternal, immortal, invisible, all-wise God. You’re the Source of all truth. You’re the Potter – my Maker, the One Who defines me – my gentle Master. You’re the God Whose velvet-steel hand directs and disciplines me out of Your great love for me. You’re the Giver of the very best to those who wait on You. You’re the Satisfaction of my soul – the One Who knows me, loves me, and holds me in the palm of Your hand. You’re tender and sweet, patient and kind, forgiving and refreshing, just and righteous, strong and powerful. You’re the Giver of every breath I take and every beat of my heart. My life is in You and You alone. All praise to You, God! I offer this in the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“The principles of gain through loss, of joy through sorrow, of getting by giving, of fulfillment by laying down, of life out of death is what the Bible teaches, and the people who have believed it enough to live it out in simple, humble, day-by-day practice are people who have found the gain, the joy, the getting, the fulfillment, the life.” – Elisabeth Elliot

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“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?’” – Matthew 16:24-26