Latest Thoughts of the Day

2 Peter 1:7

6/25/2026

...and to gentleness brotherly kindness and to brotherly kindness, love.

Peter has arranged the various character qualities that God is working in us by His Spirit in a way that pictures our sanctificication as a deepening and broadening and expanding influence over our whole being. He begins with faith and finishes with love. These are not given in this way for us to see where we fit on the progress chart. Rather, we are to appreciate the inter-relatedness of the elements of our spiritual life. It is because we advance in them all that we truly advance in any. We are given a picture of the balance of character and action that we see perfect in our Lord. Our progress often seems by fits and starts. Lord, work in us by Your Spirit to nurture and balance us. In character and in life, make us like Jesus.

I Peter 1:7

6/24/2026

These have come so that your faith, of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though tried by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Peter refers to trials that have been hard, but Peter is aware of the beauty of a faith that trusts God when the going is rough. When losses and inconveniences make a believer love Jesus more and when struggles make him hold on to Jesus God is glorified in a powerful way. People can see that God means more to us than the things of this world. They recognize a power within us that can only have a supernatural explanation. They see the reality of a world that is entirely beyond their experience. And it is not just to impress other people—the power within us really does come from Jesus.

James 1:7

6/23/2026

That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord.

When a sinner asks God for wisdom he may be deciding within himself whether he will go with God or not, and it may all depend upon what the sinner thinks of the advice God gives. God does not play this game at all. A person who asks with that going on in the background of his mind will get nothing at all from God. Wisdom for us is surrendering to God unreservedly, not even thinking to hold Him to account. “I surrender all”. Faith bows to His absolute sovereignty and submits to whatever purposes He has for us. “Asking” is genuine wondering about what He would have us do, presented from an attitude of submission. Help us to be clear in our own minds about this, Lord. We want to live our lives for Jesus.

Hebrews 1:7

6/22/2026

In speaking of the angels He says, "He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire."

God uses His angels to accomplish powerful and astonishing results among the peoples of the earth, but however exalted the angels may be, they continue to be servants doing the will of their Master. Jesus, on the other hand, is the One whose will is being done. The running argument of the book of Hebrews answers the temptation of those to whom it is written. They are being counselled to turn their eyes from Jesus and be impressed by something else of supernatural glory. But the most glorious of anything else does not approach the glory of Jesus Himself, and we must cling to Him. Lord, help us to see You as You are and to live our lives astonished. With Paul, we can say, for us to live is Jesus.

Philemon 7

6/21/2026

Your love has given me great joy and encourageent 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.

Titus 1:7

6/20/2026

Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to much wine, not violent, not pursuing unjust gain.

It is hard for a gifted CEO to avoid the bad things that Paul mentions here. These blemishes seem to go along with leadership skills. But Paul says they ought not to be a part of the life of a church leader. An overseer should be a man with a real concern for others who desires to lead the flock the way Jesus does. A church is blessed when those in leadership really have the good of the members on their hearts. Lord, raise up such in Your church in our day! Give us men who find their satisfaction in You and who desire to bless those under their care with a ministry that reflects the love and care of Jesus!

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.