Pocket Thoughts - 9/26/25
God * calls the deserted, distressed, and rejected to Himself * will see that His will prospers in the hands of His Son Jesus Christ * is worth seeking and calling on because He can be found and He is near.
*****
Jesus raising Lazarus back to life was the pinnacle of His miracles and the tipping point for the vindictive religious leaders. Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days. The decaying process had already set in. There was no doubt that he was dead. When Jesus spoke life and wholeness into the body of Lazarus, many witnesses who had gathered to mourn his death saw what Jesus had done. Many put their faith in Him. But some went straight to the religious leaders to report what had they had seen. Fear of what the Romans would do to the Jews if a great controversy were to catch the government’s attention compelled the leaders to plot the arrest and murder of Jesus. Pride and fear are a deadly combination. They blind us to reason and send us careening down a disastrous path far from the protection and safety of God’s care. Community becomes a precious, much-needed resource when we’re in need of straight talk, correction, and true friendship. Do you have a circle of wise, courageous counselors and friends whom you trust to speak hard truth to you? Do you have a willing spirit that welcomes and leans into godly admonishment? Community is a safeguard given to you by God. Embrace the many advantages of this beautiful provision – for the flourishing of your soul and the glory of God. – TV
*****
Early in Psalm 31, David expresses contempt for idol worshipers. How can objects created by human hands possess power and wisdom to help in times of distress? As David continues his writing, he fleshes out the benefits and blessings of following the Living God. He points out that God sees our affliction and knows the anguish of our souls. God intervenes to save us from our enemies. He upholds us when we’re weak and broken. He’s trustworthy to vindicate us. He’s the source of all good things and a shelter from trouble and harm. He hears our cries and responds with mercy and encouragement. These things about God have always been true. And yet for thousands of years, people have chosen to worship what can’t bring life over worshiping the One Who created and bestows life. They “commit their spirits” to wealth, success, and materialism, and reap the wind. Those who “commit their spirits” into the hands of the Creator God reap the fruit of His Spirit. Real life is found in our very real God. Don’t settle for counterfeits. – TV
*****
From the infancy of the church until today, God’s people have experienced persecution. Those who are loyal to Christ suffer at the hands of those who oppose God, but nothing can separate them from His great love. Even if the faithful are martyred, they have the hope of heaven to comfort and console them. The scene in Revelation 7:13-17 speaks of the eternal pleasures of those who persevere through tribulation. They enter into a love that’s better than life itself. Their robes are made white with the righteousness of the blood of the Lamb of God. They rest in His safety and find joy in serving Him. Their deepest needs are satisfied, and they find respite in His shelter. He tenderly shepherds and refreshes them. He wipes away every tear. Beloved, this is the God Who calls to your heart. Following Jesus may result in hardship and suffering, but those are only “light and momentary troubles” in the scope of the blessings of heaven that await God’s people. – TV
*****
Lord, Your Word is full of eloquent descriptions of heaven – its majesty, splendor, and beauty. The words of men privileged to have gotten a glimpse into Your dwelling place, though striving to be faithful to their visions, fall short of capturing all that fills the throne room of our God. At the same time, those words whet our appetites to see more, know more, experience more. Your Spirit stirs in our hearts a homesickness for a land we’ve never visited and a longing for a life we’ve yet to live. Thank You for making a way through Jesus for us to one day enter into Your presence – where worship will be our breath and “Holy, holy, holy!” will be our song! Lord, hasten the Day! Our hearts are hungry for Home! We ask this in the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.
*****
“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice, there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. To those who knock it is opened.” – C.S. Lewis
*****
“Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked? declares the Sovereign Lord. Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and live?” – Ezekiel 18:23
