Pocket Thoughts - 1/16/26

God * loosens the chains of injustice and sets the captive free – He calls His people to accomplish this * is worthy of holy fear and reverence for His glory * will gather still others to those He’s already gathered.

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In four short verses (Exodus 19:3-6), God speaks to Moses with a message that sets the tone for the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land, and that same message is for the people of God today in our journey to heaven’s gates. God reminds the Israelites what He’s done for them – in their case, rescue from centuries of Egyptian slavery; in ours, rescue from slavery to sin and death. He reminds them that He carried them on eagles’ wings and brought them to Himself. For us, God has done all the work necessary to save us and to reconcile us to Him through Jesus Christ, His death, and His resurrection. All we could do is believe, and even that was prompted by His Holy Spirit. Finally, He makes a covenant with the Israelites, assuring them that their faithful obedience will keep them as the apple of His eye and the strongest witness to the world of His goodness, mercy, and love. They would be His “treasured possession…a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.” Grafted into His family, we believers receive that same blessing and high calling. We are children of privilege woven into the great family of God. May we live out the message of God’s heart so that others are drawn into that beautiful family. – TV

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John the Baptist excitedly identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” He wanted everyone to see and know what he knew, and he was bold in his proclamation. When his own followers left him and followed Jesus, he gladly released them, knowing that serving Jesus was a far higher calling than following John. John’s humility and joy in being glad for others challenges us to rejoice with our friends and family, even if it doesn’t involve us. Always and ultimately, it’s all about Jesus. – TV

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The journey through life is full of snares – addictions, difficult relationships, debilitating illnesses, and a thousand other things. What is the snare you find yourself in today? Instinct causes us to thrash and fight for release, but on our own, we’re unable to gain full and complete freedom. It’s possible to limp through life with your snare still firmly gripping your ankle, but that’s not the life God wants for you. While the enemy sets the trap, only God has the strength and power to stretch open the jaws of the snare and release you. Not only is He able – He is willing. Oddly, many prefer to continue their journey ensnared, but for the ones willing to humble themselves and cry out for mercy to God, sweet liberty is found. The wounds are healed. Strength is restored. The ones set free gratefully follow in the footsteps of their Rescuer. He’s only a prayer away. Are you ready to be liberated? – TV

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Lord, may I never forget the day You set me free! May the joy and light of that exact moment live on in my soul always! And may that same joy and light forever be a part of my story. God, give me the constant fervency of Your own heart to see lost people found, chains broken, prison doors opened, brokenness restored, and dead hearts brought back to life. May I take every opportunity to share Your message of grace, to lead people to freedom in Christ, and to model sacrificial love. Jesus, You changed me, and I want my loved ones to experience Your life-saving touch. Help me to be a faithful agent of Your transforming power. In Your beautiful Name, amen.

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“Brethren and sisters, you are to be witnesses for Christ, and Christ is to be a witness with you. If you want to know how to discharge your duty, look at Him. He is always witnessing. By the well of Samaria, and the Temple of Jerusalem; by the lake of Gennesaret, or on the mountain’s brow. He is witnessing night and day; His mighty prayers are as vocal to God as His daily services. He witnesses under all circumstances; scribes and Pharisees cannot shut His mouth; that fox, Herod, cannot frighten or alarm Him; even before Pilate He witnesses a good confession. He witnesses so clearly and distinctly that there is no mistaking Him…Beloved, make your lives clear. Be you as the brook wherein you may see every stone at the bottom – not as the muddy creek, of which you only see the surface – but clear and transparent, so that your heart’s love to God and man may be distinctly visible to all.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

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“‘You are My witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from Me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed – I, and not some foreign god among you. You are My witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am He.’” – Isaiah 43:10-13a