Latest Thoughts of the Day

Ephesians 1:7

6/13/2026

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace,

Forgiveness is the main thing—everything else is ours by extrapolation. Nothing stops the free flow of extravagant love which pours forth because of the kind of God He is, except our sin. Even unrepentant sinners know the deluge of God’s goodness flowing around them like water around an island. But none of it is theirs truly because of their sin. It is Jesus’ death for our redemption that clears the way for every other blessing, and Paul can never forget it. Redemption through His blood is first. Lord, how easily the pressing problems of the day make us think something else is more important than the death for us of Your Son. We know that You think of Him as Your greatest gift. Thank You, Lord Jesus.

Galatians 1:7

6/12/2026

...which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.

Making complex what God has made simple does not help you move forward—it sets you terribly back. Adding to the Gospel is in fact taking the Gospel away. Paul stops up short the believers in Galatia. False teachers have brought abstract concepts into the picture and have philosophized away the simplicity of the Gospel. To be part of the “in” group puts you very much out in the cold. Wake up, Galatia! God has granted you freedom and power as you have put your trust wholly in Christ and surrendered your own life to live for Him. Those who are seeking to turn you astray are in it for themselves. Resist their every effort and hold fast to what you have in Jesus.

2 Corinthians 1:7

6/11/2026

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

The fact that we suffer does not matter at all. Suffering is a part of life in a fallen world and was shared in its fullness by our Perfect Lord, when He came into the world for us. That our suffering brings us closer to our Lord is all that is important. Paul knew this by experience, and he can see it working in the lives of the Corinthians. It was tremendously encouraging to actually see people suffering for Christ and knowing the comfort that only Christ can give. Having a kindred spirit encourage us with the comfort he has experienced in Jesus means more to us than watching him avoid trouble and sail along through life. We are safe near Jesus.

I Corinthians 1:7

6/10/2026

Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.

The most troublesome and difficult church that we see Paul dealing with is in Corinth. But it is not because they need something more from God. They have repented of their sins and believed on the Lord Jesus. They have been born-again by His Spirit. Their hope for the future is guaranteed in Christ. They need to know what God has granted them, see their own shortcomings and trust the Holy Spirit to help them work everything through. Sticky situations and messed-up lives are no hindrance to God’s working, but rather are the ideal context in which to see the display of His power. God has worked in us to desire His will . He has granted already the spiritual resources we need to live for Jesus.

Romans 1:7

6/9/2026

To all in Rome who are loved of God and called to be saints: Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ,

Those who are loved of God and called to be saints need the power to serve God and the comfort of soul that can come only from the true God. The formal favor of God to the underserving sinner is already theirs. The deliverance from personal enmity with God has already occurred. The practical power needed to serve and the quietness of soul that flows from a true relationship with God are the ongoing gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to us as we seek to serve Jesus. This is Paul’s prayer for us as he opens his letter to the Romans. And we say, “Amen”! Come and dwell within us, Holy Spirit. Make real the presence of Jesus.

Acts 1:7

6/8/2026

He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or the dates the Father has set by His own authority.

When and exactly how God will ultimately bring about His perfect purpose is none of our business. Knowing when someone is to do something produces a feeling of control in the person waiting for it to be done. It seems somehow to make us feel that they are accountable to us. God is not accountable to us. His Holy will makes Him entirely accountable to Himself. It will not be a holy whim. We praise You, Lord, that you know precisely what You purpose to do. From the foundation of the world, you set Your mind upon accomplishing Your purpose of redemption. In the fullness of time, you sent Your only begotten Son. We look forward to the future triumph of our Lord Jesus.

John 1:7

6/7/2026

He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe

All men may believe. Whosoever will may come. It is never a situation of permission to come to Jesus. He said come, and as far as permission was concerned, the door is wide open for us to embrace Jesus. Our problem is not permission, but willingness on our part to submit. We are dead in trespasses and sins. Our carnal mind is enmity against God. Our will is not willing to submit to His. Whosoever will may come; but we will not come. We must be born again. A heart for God must be planted in us by His Holy Spirit, that we might believe and be transformed. John came preaching to Jesus’ own people, but His own received Him not. Thank You, Holy Spirit, that we have received Jesus.

Luke 1:7

6/6/2026

But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

Many years of sadness and unanswered prayers. Zechariah and Elizabeth would have lived in some kind of compound, with children everywhere, since he was an active priest at the center of religion in Jerusalem. Having no children of their own would not open opportunities for them, as folk imagine for themselves in our time. They would have spent their entire married life wishing for and praying for children, and by now have resigned themselves to the fact that it was not going to be. Such is the background into which God brings His glorious purpose for their faithful lives. Lord, help us to remain faithful, even if we do not get what we always wanted. Help us to look to the Savior You provide in the person of Your Son, Jesus.