Pocket Thoughts - 7/25/25

God * wakens us each day so that we can be instructed in His ways * comforts us and looks on us with compassion * brings salvation that will last forever and righteousness that never fails.

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Chapter seven of the book of Revelation gives a reprieve from descriptions of God’s judgment detailed in the previous few chapters. John pauses in his writing to remind God’s people of His mercy and protection over them. The upcoming chapters of Revelation will return to vivid descriptions of more judgment to come, but in this brief pause, God ensures the eternal safety of His own by placing a seal on their foreheads. That seal marks each of them as a servant for the accomplishment of His will. Those who belong to the King have nothing to fear. Do you fear the judgment of God? His righteousness and holiness demand perfect justice and an intolerance for sin. We owe a debt we cannot pay. But God provides a way of escape from the just due of our penalties through His Son Jesus Christ. “Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Believe and call on the Name of the Lord Jesus to experience a new life and to be sealed for eternity in heaven. – TV

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The Amalekites who attacked Israel at Rephidim (Exodus 17) were a brutal, blood-thirsty, greedy tribe known for murdering and plundering. Israel wasn’t trained or prepared for battle. What the Amalekites failed to take into consideration was that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies was on Israel’s side. The savage tribe never stood a chance. This victory over the Amalekite warriors gave the Israelites irrefutable proof that God was with them and was for them. Let this story encourage you. You may be facing a situation that seems impossible to overcome, but you don’t fight alone. God will make all the difference if you invite Him to join you in battle. God will bring the victory. – TV

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Sincerity in friendship is to be a consistent standard among believers. Deceit and false pretenses have no place within the family of God. Pray for your church leaders – that those who surround them are honest, straightforward, and pure in their intentions. Pray to this end for your own friendships, and ask God to help you live up to standards of sincerity, as well. Ask Him to give you discernment in your friendships and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s warnings about false pretenses. May the body of Christ be known for its purity and truthfulness in all relationships. – TV

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Well, Lord, I’ve done it again. I’ve tripped myself up by running ahead of You. I know Your will, but apparently, I’ve not trusted Your timing. I’ve hurried and pushed. I’ve plotted and planned. And I’ve missed You. You were never in the rush of it all. You were in my next right step, and I ran right past You. Slow me down, Lord. Help me to keep in mind that the river of eternity flows at a leisurely pace. You’re in the measured, sure steps of the task at hand. Let me find You there. Let my obedience keep tempo with the rhythm of Your sovereign will. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“I am sure that God keeps no one waiting unless He sees that it is good for him to wait.” – C.S. Lewis

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“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands.” – Psalm 90:17