A CLOSING NOTE

“A Thought About God’s Word” has been provided daily on this website for the last twelve months. I pray and trust the intended purposes of the Lord have been fulfilled through these devotional readings. I’m thankful for every result that He has brought about, and I praise Him for the blessings that His Word is too us.

At the conclusion of the devotions for the 52nd week, new readings will no longer be provided. However all 365 of the previous devotional thoughts will remain available for use as desired on this website. Thanks for your support of “A Thought About God’s Word.”

BE BLESSED IN JESUS!
Pastor Jim Hoston

AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

READING: LUKE 17:11-19

Verse 19: “And He said to him, ‘Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well’”

Nearly everyone appreciates that it is right and proper to express gratitude for benefits received from another. Even at that people still frequently fail to do so. An example of this failure is found Luke 17. Jesus cleansed ten men of leprosy, but only one of them took the effort required in order to thank the Lord. We can guess why the other nine did not do that, because of behaviors we see around us these days. Sometimes people allow themselves to get busy with other matters and don’t get around to  saying thanks. For some it is a bit embarrassing or uncomfortable to express gratitude so they refrain from doing it. Others may believe they were owed the benefits they received in the first place, therefore recognition of what was done is not necessary. Various other similar human attitudes produce the same effect. We don’t know the final results for the nine ungrateful men in this passage,  but we see that the one who was faithfully grateful received the blessing of the Lord. Therefore we can be taught a scriptural lesson. This lesson is that gratitude to our God results in blessings when we express our thanks. Godly responses to another are reversed to return reward to the grateful one. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Do you have an “attitude of gratitude”?

2. What would be your response to the statement made by Jesus in the verse above?

OBEYED AND GOT PAID

READING: JOB 42:7-13

Verse 10: “And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

When a person is treated wrongly or offended it can be a struggle for that person to respond in a godly manner. It can get even harder when the wrongdoer is exposed and the desire arises to see punishment take place. In today’s verse the Lord uses Job to provide a godly model for the response that is proper under these conditions. God judged that Job had spoken rightly and that his friends were wrong as they had spoken against Job. However, the Lord did not permit Job to become proud, self-righteous or arrogant as he was vindicated. Instead He had Job to perform a humble act of forgiveness. Before Job’s losses were restored he had to pray for his friends. The New Testament teaches this same lesson in Matthew 5:44 where it says, “...pray for those who spitefully use you...” Godliness constantly raises the challenges of humility and forgiveness for Christians. Even when we have been wronged there is great reward in a scriptural and godly response. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Should we expect to double our gain as Job did when we respond well?

2. What do you suppose might have happened if Job had refused to pray as directed?

THE GAP IS FILLED

READING: JOB 9:23-35

Verse 33: “Nor is there any mediator between us, who may lay his hand on us both.”

There are times when experiences recorded in the Old Testament can cause Christians to be grateful and to appreciate our provision in Christ. Job 9 relates Job feeling very rejected by the Lord and wanting to hear from Him. He expresses a bitter complaint that there is no mediator between himself and the Lord. Today, through the love and sacrifice of our Savior, provision has been made that we need not experience the isolation and rejection that Job felt. We have access to the Mediator that Job so desperately wanted. The following quote of 1 Timothy 2:5 makes the point. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Jesus Christ.” At times people may feel isolated from God as Job did, but we have the assurance that he lacked. Jesus our mediator is faithful to intercede and intervene in our behalf. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What does it mean to you personally to have Jesus as your mediator?

2. Is there a way that you are equipped for spiritual mediation?

HE IS NEAR

READING: GENESIS 18:1-15 

Verse 1: “Then the LORD appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day.”

This passage describes a very compelling encounter experienced by Abraham the Patriarch. The description given in the verse above doesn’t necessarily produce a very impressive picture of how Abraham was being occupied. You can imagine him sitting there hot and sweaty hoping for a breeze to cool him a little. Not exactly an image of the mighty man of faith in the exercise of a powerful spiritual gifting. However, even though he wasn’t engaged in an act of worship or supplication, the Lord appeared to him. Abraham’s experience provides a lesson. It teaches that God’s choice to approach a person is not controlled by what that person may or may not be doing. Certainly we should reach out to the Lord in all the ways that the Bible teaches. At the same time we must know that we serve the one and only God who according to Ephesians 1:11, “works all things according to the counsel of His will.” He comes to us not according to our time or influence, but according to His infinite knowledge of what must be and how it must be established. When we are properly related to the Lord, anytime can be a time of His appearing! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How does it affect you to consider that God could suddenly appear to you?

2. What do you learn from Abraham’s response?

NO VARIATION OR SHADOW OF TURNING

READING: HEBREWS 13:7-16

Verse 8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”

It is a reality that strategies and tactics have always been used in attempts to defeat the people of God. It is a greater reality that God has always provided victory for His people when they have been receptive to Him. When the enemies of the nation of Israel positioned themselves to fight battles, the Lord gave His people victorious battle plans based on His divine foreknowledge and influence over what would happen. When the religious establishment attempted to destroy or drive out early Christianity the Lord once more provided a victorious response. Christians dispersed under persecution resulting in growth rather than elimination. Today there are modern challenges of the same basic nature and having the same intention. Certainly the devil has seen to that. As the Church of today faces these modern versions of opposition, the promise of the verse above gives us courage and confidence. The Lord and Sovereign God of former victories is also the author of our victories of this age. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is the devil’s main strategy today?

2. What effect is persecution having on the Church of today?

THAT’S GOOD!

READING: PSALM 52:1-9

Verse 1: “Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually.”

Sometimes commonly used expressions deny the realities of God. One such expression gets used when something is very good. At some of those times people are heard to say, “This is too good to be true.” What does that expression really say? It says that if something gets really good it must be an illusion. It is so good that it can’t really be happening. Given some thought, it can be seen that acceptance of that statement overlooks the reality of God’s provision. The fact is that He designs and brings forth goodness for our lives. It is just as today’s verse, confirmed by many other scriptures, fully establishes. His goodness is always present. Since He is the source of all that is truly good, when we experience His goodness it is real and not an illusion. It is real simply because that is what He does. He produces goodness for our lives. Therefore, in our expressions, we should recognize the truth of the Lord’s goodness. Let’s not say, “This is too good to be true.” Instead of that, with God as the author of goodness of in mind, let’s confess, “This is so good it must be true.” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Do you know of an expression that boasts in evil that you will purpose to avoid?

2. Is there anything you want to do in order to be more expressive of God’s goodness?

GLORY HERE AND THERE

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:35-44

Verse 40: “There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.”

Upon reading this verse it is very easy for a person’s thoughts to go immediately to the glory of the celestial. The celestial glory is so full of promise and provides such a great hope for the future. We can also be blessed, however, by noticing the glory of the terrestrial body. Psalm 139 says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in us. Also according to 1 Corinthians 15, the final function of the natural body is its use as seed for the spiritual body. The Lord established all that He created to have worth and value, and to serve godly purpose. It was all made to honor him even to the point of the rocks crying out if need be. Therefore, we have no reason to expect less of the bodies He has granted us even in this life. The gift of our terrestrial bodies to be used for the glory of kingdom dedication and service is good reason to praise Him. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What thoughts do you have about the glory of our celestial bodies?

2. How do you see your terrestrial body functioning gloriously?

REAPING + SOWING = REJOICING

READING: JOHN 4:27-38

Verse 36: “And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.”

In this verse the Lord Jesus is describing the ideal result that is achieved when His order is respected. In our human experience, however, it can be frustrating for a sower if a crop is not reaped later. It is also frustrating for a reaper to expect a crop only to learn nothing has been sowed. Likewise in our spiritual experience similar situations can occur. From one perspective, a person may initiate or establish a good work that someone else may complete. From another perspective, a person may see a result obtained but did not get to see it through from the beginning. From either perspective, both can feel unfulfilled and that they are suffering loss. Then of course there are times when some are blessed with the completeness of both reaping and sowing. Regardless of which scenario applies, this verse establishes the Lord’s divine intention and provision. Even in cases when we experience only one alternative or the other, we are to still be fully blessed. Instead of being locked into one sided viewpoints, in Jesus those in both positions are able to rejoice together. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Are you inclined to prefer one of the possibilities over the other?

2. What can the reaper and sower agree upon that brings them together in rejoicing?

FOUR LITTLE WORDS

READING: JOHN 2:1-10

Verse 3: “And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, ‘They have no wine.”’

When they ran out of wine at the wedding at Cana as described in John 2, Mary the mother of Jesus responded by asking Jesus to provide help. She was certainly correct in recognizing the Lord as the best source of help. However, Mary not only did the right thing, but she also did the right thing with the right person and the right touch. She made a very simple statement to Jesus about the wine. In so doing she powerfully displayed her complete confidence in Him. She trusted that if He could be made aware of the problem He would resolve it. Sometimes our approach to God is a bit different from Mary’s. Instead of her simplicity, people will at times take a detailed action plan to the Lord. Their plans are complete with goals, objectives, milestones and timeframes along with alternatives and options. Those prayers sound as though the one who is praying is afraid that God won’t know what to do. At such times we know we need help from the Lord, but there is still that human urge to be in control. Instead of that type of attitude we need to practice full confidence in the Father. We should remain reminded of the mighty miracle that resulted when all Mary said was, “They have no wine.” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is your primary attitude when you pray?

2. Why do you think Mary had so much confidence in Jesus before His ministry began?

THE HOLY MAKE OVER 

READING: PSALM 40:1-10

Verse: “I waited patiently for the LORD; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.”

In this psalm David writes about feeling as though he was in a horrible pit stuck in mud and clay. Many of us can identify with the feeling that David describes at times when our lives become difficult. The psalmist colorfully expresses the manner in which God took care of him. He does so to encourage others who find themselves in a similar condition, to trust the Lord as the way out of their pits. David says he had to take only one action in order to be removed from the pit. How refreshing it is to know there is only one thing to do. David waited patiently for the Lord. In response to that God did six things that gave new life to David. He let David know He was present. He heard David’s cry for help. He released David for his problem, gave him stability and provided new direction. Finally He completed the job by sending David off singing a new song. For those who, like David, turn to the Lord in patience and faith, monumental effort is not required. Our God provides rescue, freedom and fulfillment. That’s a thought - about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What does it mean that God inclines to us, what happens?

2. How will God’s response to you be different from to David’s?

WHICH COMES FIRST

READING: PROVERBS 18:13-20

Verse 13: “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him.”

It is good to know the order of things as God has arranged them. We benefit from being aware of what comes first and from understanding where to start. For example, some serious difficulties are unavoidable for someone who wants to build the second floor of a building without providing a foundation and a first floor to support that second floor. What about someone who wants to do post graduate studies without having mastered elementary academics? This verse tells us an equivalent level of difficulty results when someone attempts to answer a question or give advice before knowing what is being asked. Being in such a position will likely produce embarrassment, but it can be more serious. It can amount to behavior that is excessively costly or unprofitable, or even tragically or criminally foolish. That is folly and as this verse describes, it results in shame. It is best to get it right. Success comes from following the order prescribed by the Lord. That’s a thought - about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What consequences have you seen from something done out of order?

2. Where do you see people trying to answer questions before they are asked?

LET’S TAKE A WALK

READING: EPHESIANS 5:1-6

Verse 2: “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

This verse encourages us to walk in love. Although this is a simple statement of encouragement, living it out is not so simple. Most Christians quickly accept that walking in love properly begins with the blessing of receiving the love of the Lord. Walking in love also includes the privilege of freely expressing love and adoration to our Holy Father and God. Then, walking in love must also involve loving others. Sometimes that presents us with the challenge of loving those who do not love in return, and even those who respond as enemies. Further, walking in love should include accepting the love of others. These loving responses should not just occur occasionally, nor should they be merely the result of a mood at a given time. Walking in love should be constantly expressed as a reflection of who we are in Christ. The expectation to walk in love is a simple statement in this verse. Although living it out may not be simple, doing so is certainly an effective way to respond. When we walk in godly love, every observer will see by our love that we are Christians. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What best exemplifies walking in love to you?

2. What comes easily for you, and what constitutes a challenge for you regarding walking in love?

DON’T BET ON THE HORSES

READING: PROVERBS 21:24-31

Verse 31: “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is from the Lord.”

There are familiar scenes which repeatedly appear on television news broadcasts. These scenes first involve views of ferocious winds and waves. Next is footage of people doing their best to secure homes and businesses that are in the path of the storm. Then finally we are shown cars and trucks making their way out of the threatened region. These scenes depict people who are taking reasonable precautions. However, it would be great if they would show just a bit more. Reasonable precautions are wise and should be taken, but the most important of all steps needs to have top priority. That step is to relate to, expect and depend upon the provision that comes from God and no other source. Today’s scripture verse states this precisely. Whatever we can properly accomplish to prepare for the day of trouble is fine, but our first and greatest hope and chief priority should be in our Lord who is sovereign and will not fail. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What are some “horses” of our culture that get prepared for the day of battle?

2. What does it take for the Lord to be our greatest hope and chief priority?

NEVER BEEN CLOSER

READING: PHILIPPIANS 3:17-21

Verse 20: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Some people totally lack enthusiasm and excitement about the return of our Lord Jesus. Many of them are pretty much satisfied with their lives as they are, and don’t want change. Their idea is that, “It’s not broken so let’s not try to fix it.” Others may not be quite so pleased with how things are now, but still resist the concept of the Second Coming. They don’t understand the glory of that day to come. Therefore, it’s easier for them to accept the status quo rather than to look forward to the return of the Lord. They choose the known as preferable to what they don’t know. Both views are based on an earthy perspective. They do not recognize the existence of vision that exceeds the limits of earthly perceptions. Of course what is needed in these cases, is a heavenly viewpoint. That is the insight required to be eager and to appreciate that Jesus is coming back. The Apostle Paul speaks from the position of that heavenly attitude in today’s scripture verse. We who joyfully anticipate the Lord’s appearing are fully like minded with that great man of God. In agreement with him we say, “Come Lord Jesus, come!” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is your level of enthusiasm regarding the return of the Lord?

Lo 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Hi

2. What responsibilities do you have regarding His return?

FINDER - SEEKERS

READING: 1 CHRONICLES 28:4-9

Verse 9: “...for the LORD searches all hearts and understands a all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you...”

Just prior to that part of his instructions quoted above, Solomon had also been told to know God and to serve Him with a loyal heart and a willing mind. Even until this day there are many who want to obey those directions, and to serve in that manner. However for some, their attempts to do so become a heavy load under which they labor; attempting to know and serve the Lord. Their efforts result in stress and pressure generated by the fear of failing to do well enough. That issue brings us back to the quote above. In that statement there is relief for any who are suffering from these stresses, pressures or fears. It prescribes the Lord’s response to those who desire to properly relate to Him. We find that the essential element to success in this most important relationship is not as much in our efforts and accomplishments as some suppose. Instead, the key is first of all in our hearts and our intentions. When we sincerely regard God with our hearts and our intentions, the pressure is off. That is where He Himself intervenes. The Lord has promised that it will be He who will cause Himself to be found. When that happens, He is the One who positions us for that much desired success in relationship. As we do the seeking, the Lord can be trusted for the finding. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Why would God not do well at the game of Hide and Seek?

2. Did you find the Lord or did He find you?

MODERN TORTURE

READING: MATTHEW 18:21-35

Verse 35: “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

This verse concludes what Jesus was teaching the disciples on this occasion. He wanted it to be ingrained in them that they had to forgive others when others offended them. Further, He wanted them to embrace that kind of forgiveness as something that had to come from their hearts. In other words, insincere expressions that just sounded like statements of forgiveness, would not be acceptable. Jesus drove home the seriousness of this teaching. He told them that if they did not forgive in this manner, His heavenly Father would turn them over to the torturers or tormentors. That sounds very scary. No person knows the complete mind of the Lord with regard to being turned over to tormentors. However, to some degree probably even to a significant extent, the torturers would be our own emotions. The direct results of unforgiveness are anger and resentment which can then escalate to hatred and bitterness. The Bible says that bitterness defiles a person. The effects that responses like these can produce in a person, are potentially devastating to the point where they may truly constitute torture. Therefore, in this verse of scripture there is a powerful lesson that was not just for the disciples. For them and for contemporary Christians equally, forgiving from the heart avoids emotional torment and promotes freedom and peace. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Do people who do so realize they are choosing torment?

2. What is it about forgiving that is difficult for so many?

GOD’S PROMISE – OUR HOPE

READING: 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-9

Verse 1: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:”

This passage of scripture is a specific warning about the conditions that it prophesies. It provides a long list of predicted ungodly behaviors to be expected. It is possible, with very little effort, to observe these behaviors in abundance around us in the world today. For example, verse 2 says there will be disobedience to parents. We see behaviors that are much worse than disobedience. Children are taking their parents to court, divorcing their parents and, horrifically, even murdering them. Even so the Lord has not abandoned us to the conditions listed 2 Timothy 3 that now surround us. It is certainly not His nature to desert His people. Instead, in chapter 4 and verse 18 of the same book, the Bible promises, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.” Now, in the time that is upon us, it can not be denied that ungodliness abounds in the world. In addition to that, the same source that has accurately predicted today’s conditions, also further warns of worse to come. Even in view of that reality, the fact remains that we need not be discouraged. We can continue to trust in our faithful God. He has promised to deliver and preserve His people! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is most perilous about these times that are prophesied?

2. What is one way that you expect the Lord will deliver and preserve?

GIT ‘ER DONE

READING: JOHN 6:22-29

Verse 29: “Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” 

Verse 29 above is the response of the Lord Jesus when He was asked, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” That question is common to many who sincerely desire to serve in the Kingdom of God. Unfortunately, at times the pressure to know how to serve works against Believers. Motivated by their eagerness to serve, people can get ahead of where the Lord would have them to be. They can even get into ventures that are far from those ordained as God’s best for them. For example, Moses attempted to assume leadership over the Israelites in a time and manner that the Lord had not willed. He found that to be a costly mistake. The response that Jesus gave to the question He was asked, was calculated to preserve us from those kind of errors. He revealed to them that the key to kingdom effectiveness is not knowing what and how to accomplish, then getting it done. Instead, the first work, the top priority, is to believe in Him. It is through fulfilled relationship with Him that the ability to work the works of God will be granted. Once again we are brought to the very basic reality that ultimately governs in every question and situation. That reality is, “Jesus is the answer!” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Why do you think Jesus said “Him who He sent” rather than just “Me”?

2. What is the Lord’s response when we get off track?

LOOKING FORWARD TO IT

READING: HEBREWS 12:1-11

Verse 2: “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

The most remarkable feat of endurance that has ever occurred was Jesus on the cross. We are informed by this verse that the joy that was set before Him at that time, served powerfully to inspire His endurance. The promise of a joy that was to come, sustained Him! The source of that joy was His anticipation of returning to the Father to sit down at the right hand of God’s throne. You may know a shadow of this feeling. You have just completed some hot, hard and demanding work. Now you can sit down with a cold drink, relax and enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done. That feeling, infinitely multiplied, must be like the joy that was before Jesus. How good it is to know that this experience of Jesus is a prelude to what we can expect. We too have eternal joy before us! We are promised to be able to sit in the heavenly places with Christ Jesus. Can you picture the scene? He is there at the Father’s right hand and we are there in place with them. Some would call this “pie in the sky bye and bye.” It is so much more! The actual truth is that this forward looking provision strengthened our Savior during the agony of the cross. Therefore, as we need it, it will also empower you and me! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What earthly joy is set before you?

2. In what way has your expectation of heaven helped you in this life?

AT YOUR SERVICE

READING: MATTHEW 20:20-28

Verse 26: “Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desire to become great among you, let him be your servant.”

In this verse the Lord Jesus tells the disciples how to become great. The Lord’s instruction is very pertinent for us today also. This principle is especially significant because what it grants is the opposite of what people naturally attempt to do. However, our Lord has proved it to be the way the Father has established for greatness to be reached. It is clear that Jesus is the greatest person who has ever lived on earth. This truth is so undeniable that many religions which fail to properly  acknowledge Him for who He is, do still give recognition to His greatness. This verse reveals to us that the key to this greatness. It is that He served completely and far more fully than anyone else has ever done. In His life on the earth He served mankind with every type of godly ministry. In His death He served even more powerfully by winning our salvation. In His resurrection He still serves with supernatural power in the process of bringing us into divine completeness. For our Lord it was, and is, the magnitude of His service that determines the magnitude of His greatness. For us also, the power of greatness is found in the humility of service. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How do you rate yourself as a godly servant?

2. How can you become a greater godly servant?

EARLY DOES IT

READING: PSALM 30:1-6

Verse 5: “...Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”

The verse above is quoted frequently. Also Psalm 49:14 promises that the upright shall have dominion in the morning. In Psalm 92:2 the psalmist chooses the morning in which to declare the loving kindness of the Lord. Nearly 40 times the Bible specifically records that someone rose early in the morning for some purpose. Mornings are often designated as important. There may be many reasons that morning times are important, but Lamentations 3:22 and Zephaniah 3:5 are especially expressive. They state that His compassions are new every morning and that He brings His justice to light every morning. In the morning, the Lord’s presence is special to those who rise to meet Him. It is good to connect with God at any time night or day, however it should be noted that the Lord Jesus has set an example for us. In Mark 1:35 the Bible says the following about Jesus, “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out a departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Sometimes sacrifice is required, but there are rewards to be had in the morning. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.”

RESPONSE

1. What is significant about mornings compared to other times of day?

2. What counsel would you have for someone who has difficulty with connecting with the Lord in the morning?

CLOSE BUT NO MEDAL

READING: NUMBERS 20:6-13

Verse 11: “Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly...”

This passage describes the great sin of Moses. God told him to speak to a rock to have it produce water for the people. Instead, Moses struck the rock twice with his rod to produce the water. God’s response to this disobedience was to prohibit Moses from entering the Promised Land. By the majority of today’s standards, what Moses did would not be classified as a great sin. Some would conclude that he basically did what the Lord wanted to have done. He was in the ballpark. He pretty much got it right, maybe not perfect but good enough. After all the water really did come forth. However, the Lord did not see it that way at all nor should we as modern Christians have that permissive type of attitude or thought. If we are to be faithful and productive for the Kingdom of God, we can’t be “in the ballpark” Believers. We need to be in the right section of that ballpark and on the right seat. We must commit to and carry out consistent precision and exactness in our responses to the Father. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Have you had an experience when “in the ballpark” was not good enough?

2. What place does tolerance have in our relationships with the Lord?

THE REST OF THE STORY

READING: EXODUS 20:1-6

Verse 5: “...I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me.”

There are times when people inadvertently entertain misconceptions about God as the result of the use of fragments of scripture. For example, conclusions are sometimes reached regarding the verse above, that are entirely inaccurate. That can happen when what comes next in God’s word on the topic, is omitted or not considered. The statement about jealousy and passing on iniquity is followed by another extremely important statement. The second part of the verse limits the consequences described only to those who hate Him. A very different destiny awaits those who don’t hate Him. Verse 6 informs us that He shows mercy to thousands to those who love and obey Him. Deuteronomy 7:9 goes even further. It tells us that He is the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him. Three of four generations of iniquity resulting from hate, and 1,000 generations of covenant and mercy resulting from love. The contrast which is established by the fuller review of God’s word clearly shows that the heart of God is not a heart of jealousy and retribution. It is a heart of powerful and enduring love. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How is God’s jealousy different from human jealousy?

2. The Bible makes a promise that is good for 1,000 years. What does that tell us about the future?

SELECTIVE MEMORY

READING: LUKE 9:57-62

Verse 62: “But Jesus said to him, ’No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

A great deal of fiction has been written, based on experiences resulting from amnesia, the absence of awareness of the past. God’s word also addresses the matter of the awareness of past affairs. I like to give the name “spiritual amnesia” to this form of biblical counsel. The verse above cautions Believers about looking back, and encourages the absence of some past awareness. There can be times when the way things were formerly, causes interference with the way they should be currently. This history can block out what God’s kingdom generously offers. And therefore should not be retained. This is certainly true for traumatic events that have occurred and are crippling. It can also be so for gratifying experiences and memories that distract a person from a godly focus. Even when these burdens of the past are the result of our sins, Christians are able to be made free. His word also promises He will forgive our sins and remember them no more. If He releases them, we should certainly not be bound by them. Regarding sin and every other historical restraint to godliness, we are free to be forward looking, and should receive that freedom. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What would happen if a person were looking back while plowing and what lesson does that teach?

2. What does the relative size of a front windshield to a rear view mirror indicate about looking back?

BURNING HEARTS

READING: LUKE 24:28-35

Verse 33: “So they rose up that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together.”

Following the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, He met two of His followers who were traveling from Jerusalem to the nearby village of Emmaus. Their experience with their resurrected Lord as they journeyed, brought realities to life regarding the earthly ministry of the Lord. Then, when Jesus departed from them they said to each other, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” After that singular time with Jesus, they were no longer motivated to go to Emmaus. Instead they changed their direction and went to Jerusalem to tell the others what had happened. Their experience is completely representative of what happens when people have authentic encounters with their Savior. Just as these two men did, people no longer want to go where they were previously headed. Such a transforming encounter gives a person a new destination! To truly experience the presence of the Lord is to have a life turned around. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is the typical new direction that follows an encounter with Jesus?

2. What do you suppose these two men said to the disciples in Jerusalem?

DO LIKEWISE

READING: JOHN 8:3-11

Verse 11: “She said, ‘No one, LORD.’ And Jesus said to her, ‘Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.’”

This passage of scripture tells of the response of the Lord Jesus toward a woman caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees wanted to put her to death, but instead Jesus established her as free from condemnation. He sent her away setting the expectation that she would sin no more. The Lord was much more interested in her future than He was in her prior actions. Sometimes we fail to employ that quality in the manner that Jesus demonstrated. We can become very involved with the backgrounds, records and experiences of others. Then, before we are even aware of it, a judgment can be formed which can easily lead to a condemning attitude. Many times, as with the adulterous woman, people need to be received and encouraged, not judged and condemned. What worthy contributions we make when we, like Jesus, send others away to sin no more and walk in redemption. That’s a thought - about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Upon sending a person away to sin no more, what would your attitude be concerning the possibility that they might sin again?

2. Jesus did not have a condemning attitude toward her. What attitude do you believe He did have?

A NEW PSALM

READING PSALM 68:32-35

Verse 33: “To Him who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old! Indeed, He sends out His voice, a mighty voice.”

Psalm 68 is inspiring as David the great psalmist establishes the power, glory, goodness, faithfulness and worthiness of the Lord. David had a way of using words to create superlative pictures of God. He could then take those images and then raise them up to a higher level showing God as being even greater than first pictured. For example, in the verse above he describes the Lord as One who rides on a heaven - but more. David elevates Him from that height to the very heaven of heavens. Later, in verse 35 the Psalmist begins with connecting God with the holy places. These places were the ultimate. to the people of Israel, they were sacred and totally exclusive locations. Then David wrote that even as holy as these places were, that God is even more awesome. That brings us to a challenge. Would you dare to do a little psalm writing of your own? If so, maybe you can start with thinking of  something you consider to be great and describing that greatness. Then you can entertain thoughts of the Lord’s greatness as exceeding what you have described, and reaching a supreme greatness. We know that your psalm of God’s greatness won’t get into the Bible as David’s did. However, you can honor the Lord with it and you can be blessed by doing so. Will you create a psalm unto the Lord? That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

Today’s response is just your psalm.

GREAT ODDS

READING: LEVITICUS 26:1-9

Verse 8: “Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; your enemies shall fall by the sword before you.”

In this passage of scripture, the Lord made some very glorious promises. The realization of these rewards was to be contingent on obedience to the Lord’s statutes and commandments, as established in verse 3. One of the rewards promised was success against enemies as described in verse 8 above. Along the same lines as that verse, James 4:4 also informs us that we New Testament Christians have enemies who are against the Lord and those who are faithful to Him. As we stand against these current opponents, we need to fully appropriate God’s eternal promise of victory against our foes. In our spiritual warfare, if we were to employ the tactics from Leviticus , the results would be staggering. Only 1,000 obedient Christians would defeat 88 quintillion of our enemies. That is the number 88 followed by 21 zeroes. I must say that is absolutely awesome! However, at the very most basic level such a great and godly victory would begin simply with you, me and a Leviticus 26 attitude toward our God. By our new covenant provision, we must walk in the statutes of the Lord, keep His commandments and perform them. Then God gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How do you personally apply today’s verse to your life?

2. How strongly do you sense that you are engaged in spiritual warfare?

TO AND FROM

READING: LUKE 12:42-48

Verse 48: “...For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

Most people will readily embrace the part of this verse that relates to much being given. On the other hand, many will be less enthused about much being required of them. Here is an example. I have observed teenagers in a situation where they could earn privileges by improving their performance of assignments. They consistently worked with diligence to gain these advances. Then, as they would begin to benefit from their rewards, something would happen. They would begin to realize that added privileges also involved greater responsibilities. However, they often lacked the maturity to master new responsibilities. This would result in loss of their privileges, until they became prepared to fulfill the responsibilities. The lesson they had to learn, sometime requiring multiple iterations, illustrates  the point made by the Lord Jesus in the verse above. As Christians, just as we expect to receive much from our positioning in the Kingdom of God, we must also expect to give much. Those teens were developed by their process of natural living. How much blessing there is for us in our spiritual and supernatural preparation. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Why do some people conclude it is not worth the effort it takes to get more?

2. What is currently required of you?

WHAT?

READING: LUKE 12:8-12

Verse 12: “For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

In this passage Jesus is speaking of times of accusation and trial, when His followers must appear before authorities. The encouragement of the Lord for such times is to not worry about what to say or how to answer. He says the Holy Spirit will in that very hour teach those who are in need what they are to say. Not many of us come under formal accusation and trial, but we do face milder versions of this type of demand in our lives. These are times when we feel that we need a defense. We need to say something to alleviate the pressure of wrongness or even guilt that is coming against us. Sometimes we hasten to defend ourselves. At other times the pressure may leave a person unable to produce any adequate response. We need to be able, even in our daily situations, to have the confidence of supernatural help for godly responses when we need them. This is an expectation for more than just escaping the situation, but one that will permit us to honor God. As we look to the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts and responses, He will teach us what to say. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What would this kind of Holy Spirit teaching be like, what would happen?

2. Is there any way you should be preparing for such situations?

JESUS HAS THE ANSWER

READING: LUKE 12:15-21 

Verse 15: “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’”

Jesus was thoroughly and completely equipped for His ministry upon the earth. He was prepared with all wisdom, knowledge and understanding. He was able to solve any problem presented to Him, and confounded those who made the mistake of attempting to use trick questions against Him. However, Jesus did not use His perfected abilities to limit Him to the role of problem solver. Instead of merely solving problems and pumping out solutions, He addressed the heart level conditions that were the source of people’s struggles. His response in verse 15 above is an example of this. Leading up to that comment made by the Lord, He had met a man who felt wronged in the division of an inheritance. This man wanted Jesus to settle his issue, but the Lord refused to address the problem that he presented. Instead He warned the man about jealousy and greed. Jesus went to the heart of the man’s situation. He still does the same for us in ours! Although this quality of the Lord may frustrate people at times, it actually serves the very best purposes possible for our wellbeing. It means that the Lord Jesus ministers to us not based on our human understanding of our needs, but on His perfect and ultimate understanding of our needs. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Why do people measure their value by their possessions?

2. How does the Lord measure our value?

FRIENDSHIP

READING: EXODUS 33:1-11

Verse 11: “So the LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend...”

For any Christian the statement above provides a glorious prospect, and one that would be happily and gratefully received. To be so close to God as to be treated as His friend seems like a blessing that could not be equaled. Therefore, it is wonderful to know that the privilege of divine friendship was not limited to Moses. God has provided it for all who come to Him through His Son, our Savior. We are told in John 15 that we are friends of the Lord when we respect His commands. Then, even more powerfully, Jesus has said to us, “but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father, I have made known to you.” What was limited to Moses in the Old Testament is, under the new covenant, generously given to all who will receive. How good it is to know we can be friends with God! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. If you were placed in a face to face situation with the Lord, what would happen?

2. Why do you think God would choose to receive people as friends instead of just merely subjects?

WHO DUN IT?

READING: 1 JOHN 1:5-10

Verse 9: “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

People are at times reluctant to accept responsibility for their sins. Sometimes they will blame others. After his sin Adam said to God, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” His statement sounds as though Adam was saying he would not have sinned if God had not given him Eve, or Eve had not given him the fruit. At other times people try to use ignorance to excuse sin. In Exodus 32:24, Aaron made a golden idol in the form of a calf. He said that the people gave him gold, he threw it into the fire and this calf came out. It was all mysterious to him. That’s like saying, “I was just walking down the street minding my own business, and all of a sudden sin had happened. It wasn’t my fault.” Contrary to these examples, the Bible requires that we take responsibility for our sins. We are promised that our confessed sins will be forgiven. Our Savior paid the price for those sins so that we can have forgiveness as a gift. We are able to benefit from this gift when we take responsibility and receive it according to God’s provision. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What limit is established for the amount of unrighteousness that will be forgiven?

2. What happens to those who do not take responsibility?

DAY BY DAY

READING: JOHN 2:1-10

Verse 1: “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.”

The second chapter of John begins with the verse above. At first glance the third day may appear to mean the third day of the week. It actually refers to the third day of the ministry of the Lord. On the first two days He powerfully called five of His disciples to follow Him. On the third day He accomplished His first miracle. There was immediate urgency as Jesus went about His calling. It is reminiscent of the Genesis account of creation in that every day was important and intentional, having specific purpose. As that is seen in the Bible, it can also be seen in the life of every Christian today. Each day is significant as ordained by the foreknowledge and will of God. The Holy Father and Lord of all does not waste time! We tend to emphasize the occurrence of dramatic events in our lives and their impact. However, the powerful reality is that God’s ministry to us fully abounds every day of our lives, even in what is routine in nature. That means every day is immanently significant. We can live each day in a manner that causes increase to the Kingdom of God and glorifies the Lord. That’s a thought – about God’s word.

RESPONSE

1. What is it that causes each day to be important?

2. How can living lives of daily importance be accomplished without stress and pressure?

TODAY IS OUR DAY

READING: LUKE 19:41-44

Verse 42: “saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.’”

Luke, Chapter 19 describes the triumphant entry of the Lord Jesus into Jerusalem. He wept over the city as He drew near it and spoke the words in verse 42 above. In their day they didn’t know the things that made for their peace. Also in this our day, many make choices that deny them the things that make for peace. If they would only accept the truths of God, their peace would be assured. Instead of that their decisions to not know and accept God’s truths automatically relegate them to deceptions. There have been horrid examples of this. For example, people have committed suicide because they have been deceived to believe it would lead them to a higher form of life. We know that higher form of life does exist, but only for those who are saved. Regrettably, however, those who were deceived lacked the revelation to know that it comes only through the Lord Jesus. In other words, they did not know the things that could have made for their peace. Jesus taught those things. He said, “...in Me you may have peace...” The conclusion that must be reached, is that Jesus is our peace. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What deception can you identify that keeps people from their peace?

2. What must follow salvation for growth in the things that make for peace?

HE KNOWS

READING: JOHN 2:23-25

Verses 23 & 24: “Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men”

When the Lord Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem, He knew that many of those who loudly praised Him would soon just as loudly call for His death. He was never deceived by demonstrations of belief and support by the people. The reason, as stated in verse 24, was that He knew all men. Later, in verse 25, it also states that, “He knew what was in a man.” Now, more than 2000 years later things are not greatly different. There are still superficial professions of faith which repeat the ancient and sad experience that was encountered by our Lord. Those who are insincere or dishonest for whatever reason will still deny Him when that suits them more. For His part, He will still not commit Himself to those who will only prove to be disloyal. Those who desire the blessing of the commitment of the Lord, will not receive it if they hang around merely for what they see Him doing that impresses them at some time. Those who desire to receive that commitment must instead believe in and accept the Lord Jesus for who He is, the Son of God and their Savior. Only they will receive the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What in these days might cause an insincere attraction to Jesus?

2. What is meant by the statement “He knew all men”?

SCARED TACTICS

READING: ACTS 9:10-19

Verses 13 &14: “Then Ananias answered, ‘Lord I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.’” 

Even as Christians we are confronted with fears. However, we do much better in these confrontations when we confess our fears to the Lord. This is illustrated by the experience of Ananias, a 1st century Christian. The Bible reports that Ananias feared Saul of Tarsus, knowing him to be the great persecutor of the Church. Regardless of that, the Lord wanted Ananias to go to Saul and pray for him. As God instructed him, Ananias reminded the Lord of what a dangerous person Saul was. In effect, he was honestly expressing his fear. God responded to Ananias by affirming the importance of the assignment he was being given. The Lord’s response helped him to be encouraged so that he was able to complete his mission. Ananias had an experience with the Lord that models what is available for us all. He demonstrated that the first step in solving a problem is to face it, even when the problem is fear. He confessed his fear to God. For us too, by confessing fear to the Lord, we admit to Him that we need help. When we do that, His promise as stated in Psalm 46 is that He is a very present help. His love will cast out our fear! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Does anything keep you from expressing fear to the Lord?

2. How can good come from fearful situations?

HE IS COMING

READING: JOSHUA 23:6-11

Verse 10: “One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you.”

Does the following sound familiar? The good guys are caught in a threatening situation. They have tried every idea that has come to their minds in trying to get out of trouble. However, with each failure the situation has become more and more desperate. It has begun to seem that the bad guys will prevail. Finally the good guys resort to their last possibility, but it doesn’t work either. Now they are defeated and just waiting for the end to come. Suddenly there is a sound in the distance. As the sound comes closer they are able to see what is coming. It is the chief good guy and he is coming to their rescue. They shout for joy! That is the story for many fiction adventures. What is infinitely more important, and greater than fiction, is that this scenario is an absolute truth and reality for Christians. He who fights for us has promised and He is faithful to keep His word. He consistently grants us victories as we need them, and He will appear to complete the ultimate victory of all time. On our own, we are just waiting for the end to come, but under the lordship of our mighty God we have our rescue. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is the Lord’s most frequent form of rescue in your life?

2. What is your response when the Lord fights for you?

WE AIN’T SEEN NOTHIN YET

READING: ACTS 9:32-35

Verse 34: “And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately”

We become stirred up and excited by miracles of the Lord. It is always a blessing to see a situation dramatically resolved in an unpredictable or even an impossible manner. Those events are made greater by the fact that Lord obtains recognition and is glorified. There is still another very notable intent, purpose and significance of miracles. This is exemplified in the verse above. This event was certainly fully miraculous, but verse 35 following tells of an even greater display of supernatural power following this miracle. It says all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him (Aenas) and turned to the Lord. As the direct result of this miracle, the people of two complete communities were saved. They saw the power of God impressively displayed in a way that was amazing to them. From their perspective, what could have been greater? However, there was greater and more to come. Today, even though we are aware of so much that is beyond their experience, there is still more to come. There is no end or limit to the expressions of God’s miraculous power. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Is there any way that modern miracles are different from those recorded in the Bible?

2. Do you expect to see or experience miracles?

USE AS PRESCRIBED

READING: ACTS 9:26-31

Verse 31: “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the LORD and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.”

The Book of Acts captures in the brief verse above a remarkable period of Church history. It was a time of well established success. The key to this success was not generous resources or masterful human organization or planning. The churches were blessed because they were found to be walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Fear of the Lord in this verse refers to reverence and respect for His authority. The comfort of the Holy Spirit means receiving relief or consolation through the alleviation of grief or anxiety. That is the prescription for success that was effective in that day. It is a prescription that is still good until now, this very day. To the degree that we walk in the genuine fear of the Lord, and in the authentic comfort of the Holy Spirit; our churches also will have the same results. We too will know peace and be edified and multiplied. Our hope truly is in the Lord! That’s a thought – about God’s Word

RESPONSE

1. Is the type of success described above visible today?

2. Does the prescription above apply to your personal life?

WE’RE STANDING FIRM

READING: DEUTERONOMY 4:32-40

Verse 39: “Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.”

In this day and time there is much that people make subject to question, debate and personal preference. Our society teaches that our opinions matter and that the desires of every person should be considered equally. Modern technology makes it possible to produce tremendous variety in manufacturing. This adds to our ability to obtain products that are tailored to our individual likes and dislikes. In these and many other ways people are encouraged to believe things should be just as they want them. The word “entitlement” has come into use to describe this development. Sadly, this way of thinking and responding has even extended to judgments about God’s sovereignty. Standing against this trend, we who honor the Lord confess that no opinion is able to alter God’s lordship, His truth or His word. There is no change to the ancient charge spoken by Moses to the nation of Israel. This day as then, there is no question, debate or personal preference. We know as Moses declared, that the Lord our God, He is God. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is the root of “entitlement”?

2. Is there anything to which we are truly entitled?

GETTING TO GIVE

READING: PHILIPPIANS 2:1-4

Verse 4: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

A great deal of biblical instruction teaches Christians to care for others. The Bible also reminds us that we are to permit ourselves to receive care. In fact there are times when we must receive God’s special care and provision to even be able to help others. In the safety briefing given before airplanes depart, passengers are informed about the use of oxygen masks in case of cabin depressurization. Those who are responsible for others with whom they are flying, are instructed to put their own masks on before helping those in their care. If this practice were not to be followed, the responsible person could become unable to properly assist someone else because of their own lack of oxygen. Then both would suffer the result of that mistake. In the same manner there are times when God’s order demands that we receive from Him as a means of preparation to care for others. The Apostle Paul establishes that order in the verse above. We take good care of our tools so they will be ready for use to serve their purposes. We should receive care for ourselves as tools for the hand of God. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How well balanced are you between caring for yourself compared to others?

2. Is there a way that you consistently receive what the Lord has for you?

STOP AND LOOK

READING: 1 SAMUEL 8:1-8

Verse 7: “And the LORD said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.”

Governments at all levels in our country today are vigorously removing Christian influence from their efforts to govern, with the result of limiting or removing Christian expression in American communities. This is a development that the founding fathers of our nation did not plan. Their intent was not to keep the practice of Christianity out of government. To the contrary, their purpose in separating church and state was to keep government from controlling the church in the manner that had developed in Europe. The bulk of their writings and speeches clearly and consistently called for godly influence in government as well as their personal lives. There is precedence in the Bible regarding choices in government. The nation of Israel made the choice to have a king to govern them. Today’s verse quotes God’s response to that choice. He acknowledged it as a rejection of Himself and His lordship. Subsequent events proved beyond doubt that that it was unwise to reject the Lord in their decision about government. If only we would, in this time and day, accept the painful lesson taught to the Israelites. If only we would adhere to the wisdom of our founders. If accepted, godly wisdom would certainly correct the decline that is evident daily, and restore the blessings that formerly existed. It is possible if our country will repent. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How is God responding to our country’s rejection of Him?

2. Is our nation any different toward God than the Israelites?

NO DOUBT

READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:15-24

Verse 19: “For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us – by me, Silvanus, and Timothy – was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes.”

Have you ever had this experience? Has anyone ever nodded their head to indicate yes to you while, at the same time, verbally saying “no”? Even if obviously done in fun it can still produce somewhat of a confused feeling. Or how about someone gesturing stop with one hand and come ahead with the other? You probably have been in conversations when people have said one thing while every other non-verbal indication by that person has been the opposite. All of us have said “yes” at times when we really have wanted to say “no”. All of this serves to establish that we certainly do experience times of confused or misleading communications. Therefore, it is a blessing to, without doubt, question or confusion; have confidence, one mind and clarity in Christ. This is a confidence that provides peace and allows us to glorify the Lord as established by verse 20. “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What overall effect do God’s promises produce in your life?

2. What would you say to a new Christian who asked about the promises of God ?

INVINCIBLE

READING: EPHESIANS 5:8-14

Verse 8: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the LORD. Walk as children of light.” 

When the interactions between light and darkness are examined, there are consistent and predictable results and effects. These results and effects also hold true for spiritual interactions between the light of God and spiritual darkness. Both physically and spiritually, light dominates over darkness. Where there is light darkness cannot exist. Darkness occurs only when light is removed. It cannot invade a place where there is light. In fact, one definition given for darkness is that it is the absence of light. The darkness in even the darkest of situations is penetrated by even only a slender thread of light. Darkness simply cannot resist light. It can’t negotiate, bargain or offer compromise. It can only dissipate! There is no contest between these two qualities because of the complete domination of light. The power and dominance of this reality attributes to us in our spiritual lives as Christians. We have a powerful assignment as ordained in the verse above. As we are empowered to walk as children of light we are made formidable overcomers. Spiritual darkness is overcome in the light of the Lord. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is the most notable display of light overcoming darkness that you have seen?

2. Name some ways that you walk as a child of light.

ABOUT LOOKING AND LEAPING

READING: 1 SAMUEL 24: 1-12

Verse 10: “Look, this day your eyes have seen that he LORD delivered you today into my hand in the cave, and someone urged me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not stretch our my hand against my lord, for he is the LORD’S anointed.’”

Sometimes people conclude that situations, events and circumstances are acceptable simply because they occur. Particularly if something seems to be a favorable opportunity, people may step into it without much consideration or examination. In fact the counsel of the world is to take advantage, leap in and, “not look a gift horse in the mouth.” However, the counsel of the word is to “count the cost.” For Christians there times when righteousness demands that what appear to be opportunities are to be turned down. This was true for David, a man who was special to God. The Book of Samuel relates two times when David could have killed King Saul in defense of his own life. David refused those opportunities. There was a higher principle in operation, and His respect for God caused him to not harm the man who the Lord permitted to be king. As the people of God we should be like David. We should inspect our situations and not automatically be guided by what appears to be good advantage. After that our decisions should be made by applying godly standards as our guidelines. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How does a person “count the cost”?

2. What would have resulted from David killing Saul?

HOW TO LOOSE SOME WEIGHT

READING: MATTHEW 11:25-30

Verses 29 &30: “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

The words above are those of the Lord Jesus. The yoke and burden to which He referred were the weight of Jewish law upon the Hebrews of that time. This was the invitation offered them by the Lord Jesus to take up His commands instead, so that it would be better for them. His invitation also has practical application today in our time. Everyone one of us is influenced to some degree by past experiences which leave us with expectations of ourselves. They take the form of “I should”, “I ought to” and “I have to.” Many of these expectations are yokes and burdens to us in our everyday lives. They cause us to be bound to conditions and influences that are no longer valid or productive for us. They cause distractions from benefits we could have otherwise. They should be “over and done with” because they result in labor and heaviness instead of freedom in Christ. The Lord has better for us! Jesus says, “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Can you identify a yoke or burden such as described above?

2. From what yoke or burden have you received freedom?

HARD LABOR

READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 1:8-14

Verse 12: “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.”

In the verse above, the Apostle Paul reveals an aspect of his ministry that he valued highly. It was important to him that he had conducted himself in a worthy manner as described by verse 12. In this verse the use of fleshly wisdom would mean being governed by human nature. Human nature relegates a person to decisions and actions based on what feels right or seems right at a moment, based on the human experience of that moment. That was not good enough for Paul. He was determined that his conduct would be governed by the grace of God. That attitude is well defined by the following quote: “Receiving the provision of the Lord, as He sustains and aids the efforts of people who labor for the cause of Christ.” Once more and again Paul is an example for every Christian. The correct choice is for us all to conduct ourselves by the grace of God. We will always find that His grace is sufficient. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Are you doing well at conducting yourself by the grace of God?

2. What do people get who do not “labor for the cause of Christ”?

HOW CAN THESE THINGS BE?

READING: MATTHEW 16:24-28 

Verse 25: “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

The principles of Christian living are often dramatically different from what comes naturally. The verse above is a case in point. What is stated there just does not make sense to the natural mind or logic. Matthew 20 is also like this verse as it informs us that we become great leaders by being servants. Further, in 2 Corinthians 10 we encounter the following, “When I am weak, then I am strong.” That is another clash of mutually exclusive conditions. The understanding of principles like those above, does not come naturally. Statements such as these simply do not come from human thinking. The reason for this is that they are supernatural concepts. One meaning given to the word” understanding” is as follows: “knowing things in their right relationship.” Right relationship is instrumental to understanding. There is a right relationship that permits us to know and understand supernatural concepts such as above, even though they entirely confound the natural thought process. That right relationship is that which is established with Almighty God through Jesus Christ our Savior. That relationship transforms our perspective so that we are able to experience supernaturalunderstanding and wisdom. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is another scripture that is similar to the three quoted above?

2. Why is supernatural understanding so much different from the natural?

TOO GOOD

READING: COLOSSIANS 3:18-25

Verse 24: “knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD Christ.” 

The Bible grants us insight regarding the tremendous spiritual wealth that we inherit as Christians. Ephesians 1:11 informs us that we have obtained an inheritance in Christ according to His purpose and His will. Verses 13 and 14 add that the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of that inheritance. Going on to verse 22 of the same chapter we learn what Jesus inherited. God seated the Lord Jesus at His right hand in the heavenly places and put all things under His feet. Then in Ephesians 2:6 it is established that we as Christians receive the same inheritance. We also are raised up to sit together in the heavenly places. Romans 8:17 describes Christians as co-heirs or joint heirs with Christ. God’s word promises that we are to receive from Him of the same quality that was measured to Jesus His Son. What a glorious inheritance we have as children of the Living God. Some things of the earth seem too good to be true and are illusions. Our promised inheritance also seems too good to be true but, by His grace, it is a reality that we will live forever. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. When do we begin to experience our inheritance?

2. What value do you place on your spiritual inheritance?

LET’S GO WITH IT

READING: GALATIANS 5:7-13

Verse 9: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.” 

Galatians 5:9 is one of the shorter verses in most translations and versions of the Bible. The Amplified Bible fleshes it out somewhat as follows, “A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church].” The same thought is generally expressed as this verse is encountered. It is also reflected by the commonly used saying about one rotten apple spoiling the whole barrel. At this point it is important to be clear that the purpose of this verse is not to glorify the power of negativity. Far from that, it is instead an encouragement to not permit a negative minority to overcome a positive majority. Unfortunately we do see that happening in the world around us. However, Paul wants we who are in Christ to not give in to that. He wants us to resist bad leaven. The apostle gives us a powerful alternative, which is found in verse one of this chapter. His exhortation to us is to “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free.” Let’s go with that! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Is there any time when it is good for a little leaven to leaven a whole lump?

2. What is the “liberty by which Christ has mad us free”?

PROBLEM SOLVED

READING: PSALM 37:3-11

Verse 3: “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.”

In Psalm 37: 3-11 are listed some very attractive rewards established by the Lord. These verses promise the desires of your heart, your righteousness to be brought forth, inheritance of the earth and abundance of peace. However, the word “reward” suggests that something is necessary in order to receive these promises. Psalm 37 also specifies the requirements. Here they are: Trust in the Lord, do good, dwell in the land, feed on His faithfulness, delight yourself in Him, commit your way to Him, rest in the Lord, wait patiently for Him, do not fret, cease from anger, and forsake wrath. That’s a lot isn’t it? In fact it’s so much that even God’s chosen people were not able to do it very well. The good news is that Jesus has resolved this major issue! He did it by coming to earth to save us from the weight of these requirements. Now all of God’s people may receive the rewards when we allow the requirements to be met by the work of His Spirit in us. The pressure is off and the rewards are granted! The blessings are ours through His grace. That’s a thought- about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How many of the four rewards listed in the second sentence of this reading are you experiencing?

2. What is there to say to Jesus with regard to the thoughts in this reading?

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW

READING: HEBREWS 13:9-17

Verse 17: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”

There used to be bumper stickers that featured the phrase “question authority”. The desire to question authority dramatically reflects the reality of the rebellious sinful nature. It also exposes a second reality that many in authority have abused the authority entrusted to them. The latter has produced serious injuries to those under authority, and abetted the development of distrust toward authority. In His infinite wisdom and love, the Lord established the principle of godly authority as a way to bless, protect and care for His people. As stated above to, “watch out for your souls.” Where God’s holy motives have not been respected, abusive exercises of authority and the resistance that has resulted in response, have become a curse. Those conditions have generated an attack against godly order and principles. The world today is desperately in need of the exercise of authority in the manner designed by the Lord. We also need the benefits that will come from the willing submission that follows the administration of godly authority. Please pray with me that these blessings will come forth in abundance. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Is there a difference between obedience and submission?

2. What is your clearest example of both types of authority?

TO THE TOP

READING: GENESIS 39: 20-23

Verse 23: “The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.”

In chapters 39 – 41 of Genesis, the Bible describes the life of Joseph, and provides some important insights about God’s faithfulness to His people. Those chapters record that Joseph was sold as a slave. Even so, because God was with him, he became successful and was given supervision over all his master had. Then, because he refused to compromise godly standards, Joseph was confined to prison. Once again the Bible states that the Lord was with him and gave him favor. As the result, the keeper of the prison entrusted everything to Joseph. God then used Joseph’s confinement in a manner that ultimately led to Joseph being set over all the land of Egypt. Joseph truly had hard times! However, the lesson is that hard times for a person do not necessarily mean the Lord is not present with them. It is the presence of the Lord with them that takes these hard times and turns them into  times of great victory. When we depend on His presence, He will take what we do and make it prosper! There are times when Christians may appear to be down, but they can never be counted as out. The promised presence of God will cause even hardship to be overtaken by victory and reward. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Is there any way in which you identify with Joseph?

2. Who can you think of who is a modern day Joseph?

IT’S GONNA BE YOU OR HIM

READING: PHILIPPIANS 1:3-7

Verse 6: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

We like it when we succeed. People enjoy times when we improve, accomplish something significant or make some useful contribution. It isn’t wrong for us to appreciate successes, but we shouldn’t give ourselves too many accolades. It is a dangerous mistake when people esteem themselves too highly, especially when it results in someone becoming self reliant in excess of proper balance. We are provided with the verse above as truth that helps that error to be avoided. This verse is far distant from establishing people as the fount and source of good works. It is clear in its statement that He begins and completes good works. Since the word “He” is capitalized, there is no question that the “He” being indicated is the Lord. Jesus should be preserved as the one remaining in charge of our good works. No mere human should ever attempt to step into what is accorded to God. We must hold to the awareness that works are good and worthy only when He is the author and finisher. That’s a thought – about God’s Word

RESPONSE

1. Is it God’s intention that we enjoy success?

2. What is the highest purpose for human success?

SLAVE = FREE, FREE = SLAVE

READING: 1 CORINTHIANS 7:17-24

Verse 22: “For he who is called in the LORD while a slave is the LORD’S freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave.”

We are in various states of being when we accept the Lord’s call to salvation. It is good news that, no matter where we start, our God is well able and faithful to produce spiritual improvement and  increase. That is a scriptural reality that is well established in today’s verse. In a way that is unique to God’s Word, extremes are reversed. Slaves become free and the free become slaves. Whatever the beginning might be, transformation takes place so that the goodness and righteousness of God can be fulfilled in our lives. The change is not always immediately perceptible to our human senses, but the spirit and heart of a person are influenced. We can even be made, as this verse of the Bible models, spiritually opposite to our natural conditions. Our Holy Heavenly Father receives us into relationship and then He shapes us and forms us to be forever maximized in His love and grace. From its beginning at our salvation and forever, “The goodness of God endures continually.” (Psalm 52:1) That’s a thought – about God’s Word. 

RESPONSE

1. What is the difference between the two types of slaverymentioned in the verse above?

2. How do you personally relate to the concept of being a slave?

BUSTED

READING: 2 CORINTHIANS 7:8-12

Verse 10: “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the  sorrow of the world produces death.”

Laura and June both got a cookie from the cookie jar without getting permission. They heard their little brother telling mom what they had done and knew they were in trouble. Laura thought, “It was wrong for me to take that cookie and I’m going to ask mom to forgive me for being disobedient.” June thought, “I should have been more careful about getting that cookie. Now I have to say the right thing to mom in order to ease the punishment.” Laura was sorry she did something that was wrong. June was sorry she got caught doing something wrong. As adults we still respond in those two very different manners. That fact gets us to the verse quoted above. Is there someone reading this devotional thought who practices the sorrow of the world? If so, you should know that Jesus has saved you from the death that results according to God’s order and principles. It is our Lord’s desire to change your worldly sorrow into godly sorrow that leads to salvation. If you are a reader who practices godly sorrow, please pray a prayer for those who need to repent and be saved. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is it about worldly sorrow that causes death?

2. What type of condition may motivate a transformation from worldly to godly sorrow?

ME FIRST

READING: 1 KINGS 17:8-16 

Verse 13: “And Elijah said to her, ‘Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me...’”

This passage of scripture describes how the Lord used the prophet Elijah to save a widow and her son from starvation and in the process established a great testimony of God’s greatness. By divine  inspiration, Elijah told the widow to give him some of what seemed to be the last of her flour and oil. He demanded what stood between her and starvation. She obeyed and gave a portion of her last, but then she began to discover that the flour and oil were miraculously replenished as she used them. We remark about the woman’s faith to obey, but it also took faith for Elijah to take that portion of her food. Many people would have a problem doing what Elijah did if placed in his position. There would be guilt and resistance regarding such an action. Many would be hampered by what people would think of them. “Shame on the great prophet for taking some of a poor widow’s last food from her.” It’s often harder for us to receive than it is to give. However, this scripture demonstrates what God did through Elijah’s faithfulness to receive. He proved that, when done in obedience, receiving can be every bit as godly as giving. That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. With which do you identify most, Elijah or the widow?

2. Have you been in a position where you were reluctant to receive?