Latest Thoughts of the Day

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.

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.