Pocket Thoughts - 7/4/25

God * redeems His servants and sets us free * has compassion on us and will guide us to places of refreshing and rest * will contend with those who contend with us.

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As Revelation 4 begins, we find John standing in front of an open door in heaven. Jesus speaks to John and invites him to come inside. What he finds on the other side is the very throne room of God the Father! John sees God in His unveiled glory, seated on His heavenly throne. He has “the appearance of jasper and ruby,” and a “rainbow that shone like an emerald” encircles His throne. Twenty-four thrones form a circle around God’s throne. Those thrones are occupied by twenty-four elders, robed in white and wearing gold crowns. As if the sight weren’t overwhelming enough, the sounds also inspire reverent fear in John. Rumblings and peals of thunder accompany lightning that comes from the Father’s throne. John is in the presence of God by the invitation of Christ. Access to God the Father for anyone is only possible through Jesus. Once we belong to God, we place ourselves under His holy and majestic rule. The Holy Spirit removes the veil of unbelief, and we’re able to filter life circumstances and world events through the lens of God’s character and greatness. Like the twenty-four elders, we, too, will one day be clothed in white robes of Christ’s righteousness and victory, and wear crowns of reward bestowed by Him. The storms of God’s righteous, holy judgment are on the horizon, friends. Jesus calls to all who will respond to His invitation to be saved. He invites us to walk through this life led and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and filled with the hope of heaven. Almighty God sits on His throne, examining the hearts of all men and holding the future securely in His hands. Don’t waste the opportunity to begin your worship of Him now. He is worthy. - TV

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Jesus knows everything about us, and still He pursues us and longs for us to spend eternity with Him. The discomfort of knowing that He’s aware of our darkest sins melts away in the light of His grace and mercy. Don’t run from Jesus – run to Him! He’s where we’ll find forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit to break the chains of our old ways and to walk in newness of life. – TV

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God instituted the “holy day” of Passover on the night the angel of death “passed over” the homes marked by the blood of a lamb without defect. Israel’s deliverance from Egypt was imminent. This night would be forever remembered and celebrated by Israel. Holidays are important opportunities to remember and celebrate all that God’s done for us. They’re annual reminders that we get to pass down to the younger ones in our circles of influence. Stories of God’s faithfulness and blessings through our life events build foundations of trust for them as they begin their own unique journeys with the Lord. A godly heritage is a priceless gift! – TV

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Lord, I’m so grateful that when people I love are in the middle of hard circumstances, I can bring them to Your capable hands and know they’re in the best place possible! I know Your healing flows into weary, broken, weakened bodies. I ask this for my friends battling illness and disease. I know Your peace flows into hurting, wounded, downcast souls. I ask this for friends harmed by betrayal and indifference. I know Your mercy flows into guilt-ridden, ashamed, regret-filled lives. I ask this for my friends in the fight against addiction and stubborn sins. I know Your joy revives and strengthens, Your kindness leads to repentance, and Your goodness showers hope into desperate situations. Lord, I’m confident in Who You are and what You’re able to do. I believe every promise in Your Word. I entrust my loved ones to the care of You, my faithful God. May Your good and perfect will prevail in their hearts, souls, minds, and bodies. The glory is Yours alone. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“There is no joy in the soul that has forgotten what God prizes.” – Oswald Chambers

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“I, even I, am He Who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal men, the sons of men, who are but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, Who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, that you live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor, who is bent on destruction? For where is the wrath of the oppressor? The cowering prisoners will soon be set free; they will not die in their dungeon, nor will they lack bread. For I am the Lord your God, Who churns up the sea so that its waves roar – the Lord Almighty is His name. I have put My words in your mouth and covered you with the shadow of My hand – I Who set the heavens in place, Who laid the foundations of the earth, and Who say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’” – Isaiah 51:12-16