Latest Thoughts of the Day

2 Timothy 1:7

6/19/2026

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.

Paul seems to have been more naturally bold than young Timothy, so that a circumstance could challenge him in a visceral way more quickly than it did for his protégé. Timothy needed to stir up this gift within himself and build a strong habit of speaking out when needed. But that spirit of power needed always to be tempered by love and supported by self-discipline. Paul was encouraging Timothy’s usefulness like a father encourages his son to exert himself for good. How ought we to take to heart Paul’s challenge? The same Spirit working in Paul and Timothy is at work in us to make us useful. Lord, give us power, love and self-control, the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, as we put our confidence in Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:7

6/18/2026

They want to be teachers of he law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.

There are those in the church who have gifts for teaching but who have not humbled themselves truly to learn. However well they explain things, there is little value in understanding what has itself missed the mark. Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside an explained the way of God more fully, and he went on his way more effective than before. Paul warns Timothy of young men who don’t realize that they need to be taken aside. Charismatic teaching gifts can ultimately do more harm than good in an assembly of God’s people. A little learning can be dangerous. We long to see humility and a teachable spirit in those who would teach others. These are fruit of a genuine encounter with Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 1:7

6/17/2026

...snf rlir to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire, with His powerful anels.

God understands the pain and frustration we feel when we try to stand for Christ in a hostile world. He sympathizes with us and is ready to grant patience and encouragement as we face our struggle. Of course, the struggle is emblematic of a much more pervasive and penetrating struggle. It is all part of the ongoing battle of spiritual entities in the heavenlies. The fundament struggle is there, and that is where the comfort for our little skirmishes will be truly applied. When God deals decisively with the real issues and the real perpetrators, our personal irritations and discomforts will be eternally resolved. Our personal relief, vindication, deliverance is connected with the return of Jesus.

I Thessalonians 1:7

6/16/2026

And you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Even Paul had been surprised by the remarkable outpouring of the Spirit when he preached in Thessalonica. A large number of people believed, and there was an almost community outpouring of enthusiasm to turn from idols to serve the living God. Everywhere the Gospel went in the region people were gossiping about what had happened in Thessalonica, so sometimes people were talking to Paul about what had happened there as if he hadn’t known. Christians talk about it still, praying that God will send forth such a thing in our day in our place. Life-changing enthusiasm for God is something we long to see in the crowds that surround us. It can only come by the Holy Spirit moving in power to turn the hearts of men and women, boys and girls to Jesus.

Colossians 1:7

6/15/2026

You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who isa faithful minister of Christ on our behalf.

Paul recognizes the responsibility God has given him to declare the truth and to organize the visible church under the oversight and direction of Jesus Himself. He is deeply thankful for faithful fellow-laborers that Christ has raised up for His church. Epaphras is mentioned elsewhere as a faithful prayer warrior for the cause of Christ. We ae thankful for these early men who helped the Apostle to establish the growing church. The important people in every generation of the church will be those with a servant’s spirit who are mighty in prayer and faithful to the message that God has given to us. May God raise up such in our generation! God has given us His word . May He raise up servants who truly desire the glory of Jesus!

Philippians 1:7

6/14/2026

It is right for me to feel his way about all of you since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me.

Paul could almost say that Philippi was his favorite church. Of course, he would never say so, but the reason he was tempted to feel that way was how very kind they had been to him and what a steady and consistent support, not only in material things, but in faithful prayers for him, wherever he was laboring for the Gospel. They were beloved friends, and he encouraged himself that it was all right for him to feel that way. In a large family every child can be a favorite. Something like this exists in God’s feelings toward us. Each one of us was saved by Jesus.

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.

Philemon 7

6/12/2026

Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Jesus had promised to those who believed on Him that out of their inmost being would flow rivers of living water. Paul could see this taking place with regard to his friend. Philemon loved Jesus; and when he spoke of Him his words had a power that refreshed the souls of all who heard. All of us who know Jesus have that influence on others when we speak of Him. To be sure, men who are still at enmity with God will reject or mock or ridicule, but a Christian who even overhears our testimony will find his heart refreshed. Philemon had influence in his community, and the effect of his words was wonderful on those who had trusted the Lord. Many were encouraged by Philemon’s love of 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.