Pocket Thoughts - 9/19/25
God * will remove the fear of shame and the disgrace of humiliation from those who follow Him * will justify many through the knowledge of His righteous Son and Servant Jesus Christ * is set apart from man – His thoughts are not our thoughts nor are our ways His ways.
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Following Jesus was never promised to be an easy path. In fact, Jesus assured us we’d have trouble in this world. (John 16:33) As the day of His return approaches, the heat will rise. Jesus encourages us through His letters to the seven churches transcribed by John in Revelation. The letters are full of His appeals to “not grow weary,” “be faithful,” “patiently endure,” “bear up for His name’s sake,” “not fear,” and more. Friends, He’ll give us what we need when we need it. Jesus has proven His trustworthiness and has promised us blessings and eternal life on the other side of our sufferings. Hold tight to His hand, and wrap yourself in His rich provision of all that you need. He is faithful. – TV
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The greatest of all prophets was content for Jesus to have the highest place of honor. In humility, John the Baptist recognized his unworthiness before the Son of God. He joyfully carried out his role of pointing others to the Messiah. A spirit of contentment and humility – one that delights to obey the Lord and to honor Jesus Christ in that obedience – will allow God to do great things in and through you for the sake of His kingdom. Like John, rejoice in the role God has for you and eagerly embrace the highest, most noble, and most urgent task – to help the lost find their way to the Messiah. – TV
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God speaks to us! How often do we (I!) take for granted that Sovereign, Holy God initiates fellowship with us? We’re weak, fragile vessels, but surrendered to Jesus, we’re miraculously able to meet with Him and receive, contain, and pour out the Word of God in obedience to what He reveals. Consider Old Testament imagery of thunder, lightning, fire, and thick smoke as the ground trembles in the presence of God. Meeting with God is far more sacred than we might usually take the time to consider. Let’s challenge ourselves to be more conscious of His holiness as we approach Him in prayer and open the pages of Scripture. Discipline in meeting with Him is important, but preparing our hearts – consecrating ourselves beforehand – transforms, empowers, and motivates us as we embark on the day before us. Every day is packed with purpose and promise. We’ll be reminded of that and equipped for it as we meet with God in holy reverence and awe. – TV
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Father, there are days when I long to see clearly but just can’t manage to focus. Maybe I’m allowing the glare of the world to blind me. Or maybe I’m looking too far into the future to be able to see what’s right in front of me. All I know is that I need Your vision for proper perspective. Lord, open my eyes to Your plans, that I might do all things according to Your will. Help me to see the potential You imagined in me before the foundation of the world, that I might serve with confidence in Your strength. Fix my eyes on the needs of others, that my heart may be moved with compassion to act. Open the eyes of my heart to see that You’ve gifted me and placed me in this spot at this time to be a blessing, that I might trust Your sovereign hand. Bring to light the work of the church, that I might join in and labor shoulder to shoulder with my brothers and sisters in Christ. And Lord, blind me with Your holiness, that I might do all things for Your glory. Fix my vision on Your beauty and grace, and my soul will rejoice in all that You reveal. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.
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“In prosperity God is heard, and that is a blessing; but in adversity God is seen, and that is a greater blessing.” – Charles H. Spurgeon
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“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” - 1 Peter 4:12-13
