Pocket Thoughts - 5/30/25

God * does what He pleases – His purpose will stand * teaches us what is best for us and directs us in the way we should go * sustains us even to our old age and gray hair.

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Jesus, the Son of God, made bold claims about Himself. Jewish law required two witnesses to authenticate claims, and Jesus named God the Father as His second witness. He claimed to speak only what He’d heard in the presence of the Father. Throughout His life, Jesus substantiated the claims He’d made. One of those claims was that He was the “Light of the World.” If the religious leaders had only believed Him, they would’ve experienced the presence, protection, and guidance that God offers. Following the Light – as the Hebrews followed the pillar of fire in the wilderness – will lead us to our eventual heavenly destination and into God’s presence forever. Who or what are you following? Jesus desires that you follow Him – the Light of the World. – TV

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Enemies come to us in many forms. They may appear as temptations from Satan or they may be physical enemies who intend relational, reputational or bodily harm. In either case, the believer has a Helper to fight against our enemies. God is stronger than anything that might come against us. The question is: Will we trust Him to help us win our battles? Trust is where the fight is won or lost. – TV

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God gave Pharaoh every opportunity to repent, obey, and relieve the suffering of his own people as well as free the Israelites. Pharaoh’s pride set in motion the dreadful consequences of the tenth plague. God knew Pharaoh’s heart was set against Him, and He proceeded with the judgment promised. Even in this devastating judgment, we see God’s heart for the unrepentant as revealed in Ezekiel 33:11: “As surely as I live, declares the Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live.”  God longs for all to come to repentance, but He allows those who choose their own paths to experience the consequences of their decisions. – TV

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Father, You’re our Refuge. The righteous run into You, and they are safe. You’re sovereign. Though the mountains fall into the seas and the stars fall from the heavens, You are Lord over all. Holy God worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and worship – the earth is Your footstool. We are ants, dust, grass. Wondrously, we’re also the works of Your hands – created by You, for You. All that we are is in Your hands – at Your mercy, in Your will, for Your purpose. This isn’t something to be feared because You’re tender, gentle, and understanding. Your compassion for our lowliness knows no bounds. Your holiness is for our good. Help us to welcome the crushing conviction of the Holy Spirit, the white-hot flame of Your refining fire, stern discipline from a Father’s pure love. We were made for heaven. Make us fit for heaven. Forgive us. Open our eyes to see Your delight in delighting us! Let every small, good thing remind us of Your huge, generous heart – a boulder in our path shouting Your love. God, help us to be grateful. There’s no shortage of Your blessings – only a shortage of our noticing, humbling, and thanking. Let us trust You with what’s “good” – according to Your infinite wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Then let us swim like children at the beach in the ocean of Your good and perfect gifts. Let us collapse in exhausted gratitude in Your arms. “Thank You, Daddy.” Abba, when our hearts are anxious or hurting or unfulfilled – when injustice and cruelty and violence shock our minds – when we feel helpless and hopeless and homeless – catch us. You won’t let us fall. Your hands are strong. Your heart is pure. Your ways are right. Your wisdom is full. Your justice prevails. Your righteousness reigns. Your coming is sure. All is well. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“Gratitude is not only a response to God in good times – it’s ultimately the very will of God in hard times. Gratitude isn’t only a celebration when good things happen. It’s a declaration that God is good no matter what happens.” – Ann Voskamp

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“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for men, for He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.” – Psalm 107:13-16