Pocket Thoughts - 6/27/25

God * doesn’t speak in secret – He wants us to know Him * formed us in the womb to be His servants, giving us purpose and fulfillment * says to the captive, “Come out!” and to those in darkness, “Be free!”

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Exodus 15:1-8 is the song of Moses, sung immediately after God brought His people through the Red Sea on dry ground and buried Pharaoh’s army and chariots at the bottom of that sea. This is possibly the first recorded song in all of time. The history of God’s rescued people is book-ended by song as Revelation, the last book in the Bible, contains the last recorded song in chapter 19:1-8. In between these two magnificent hymns are numerous other songs and psalms extolling God’s works, character, and love. We were created to worship, and Scripture is full of men and women celebrating God in song. Responding to His goodness with psalms and hymns is a natural expression of praise and gratitude. May the songs that we sing bring honor and glory to our King! He is worthy! – TV

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We believers carry the light of Christ wherever we go. Unbelieving friends and family may avoid us because His light in us exposes their sin – just as His light exposed our own sin and convicted our hearts to turn to Him for forgiveness and salvation. Don’t let their rejection keep you from loving, pursuing, and praying for them. God’s Holy Spirit is able to bring dead hearts to life – just as He did for us when we, too, were dead in our sins. He did it for us. He can do it for them. Trust Him, knowing that He loves them more than we ever could. – TV

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At the end of Revelation 4, John sees the “four living creatures” honoring God with their worship. The 24 elders fall down before the Lord, joining the creatures and placing their crowns in front of God’s throne. Their words of worship are: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being.” The creatures and the elders are consumed with praise! They recognize and rightly respond to God’s worthiness. The elders humbly acknowledge that their crowns of reward are meant to be returned to the One Who has made their accomplishments possible. “All that we have accomplished, You have done for us.” (Isaiah 26:12) These worshipers see God in His unveiled glory, and they’re compelled to honor Him. When you come before God’s throne in prayer and communion, try to picture this incredible scene! Use your holy imagination to visualize the majesty, sovereignty, authority, holiness, and beauty of your reigning King! Cast off your pride, and humbly thank Him for all that He’s done for you – including giving you a heart of obedience to work and serve for the good of His kingdom. He rules over history, the present, and all the days to come. Surrender to His good will now, and enjoy the sweet practice of worship that you’ll one day experience in His very presence for eternity. – TV

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Everyone who follows Jesus has a story to tell of how He’s changed his or her life. We may not have all the answers to others’ questions, but our stories are undeniable. The man born blind didn’t know how or why Jesus had healed him. He only knew that for his entire life, he’d been unable to see, and now he could! That was a story worth telling, and he was on fire to tell it! Are you on fire to tell your story? Don’t worry about what you don’t know or understand. (You can always circle back after doing a little research.) Trust God to use your words in the moment to help others believe in Him. Your story in God’s hands is powerful! – TV

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“We can play pretend and try to set up an aquarium-type existence, devoid of interaction with anything or anyone who might challenge or upset us, but that’s not the world Jesus came to save.” – Brant Hansen

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“Consider Abraham: ‘He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” – Galatians 3:6-9