Latest Thoughts of the Day

2 Thessalonians 2:9

9/3/2026

The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,...

So many counterfeit miracles are possible with today’s technology that the certification of any will have to be with “authorities” and “officials” who testify to reporters that this or that is actually genuine. Many will be deceived, but only those who want to be deceived. Those who hold fast to God’s truth will not be caught up. It will not be possible to deceive the elect of God, but they will be reviled and persecuted for their resistance to the “experts” and “authorities”. Nevertheless, God will draw near to comfort them and to receive them into Glory if they must lay down their lives here below. Men and women, boys and girls who believe are safe in the arms of Jesus.

I Thessalonians 3:7

9/2/2026

Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecutions we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

The good report from Timothy had confirmed for Paul the appropriateness of the encouragement he had received from the faith of the Thessalonians. They truly knew Christ, and they sincerely tried to live in fellowship with Him. Sufferings and persecutions that Paul needed to endure were decidedly worth it all. Some would believe and would experience life-transforming power. Lord, help us to remember how much our faith in Your Son encourages others who love Jesus. Help us turn conversations with one another to Him. Even as we rejoice with other Christians, let us remember Christians who are lonely, and help us find ways to encourage them. Our contact with a Christian who is lonely may cause powerful encouragement in his walk with God. We may enliven a love for Jesus.

Colossians 3:13

9/1/2026

Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. forgive as the Lord forgave you.

What Paul calls in Romans 8 “the spirit of life in Christ Jesus” is behind the challenge he gives in this place. There is no condemnation for them that are in Christ Jesus. They must not condemn themselves or any other person, but must reach out in love to help. This is what God did with regard to us. It is what He enables us to do for His glory in Christ. Lord, You know that the provocations that we receive are a tiny picture of the reproach and condemnation Jesus suffered for us. Bring this to our minds and enlarge our hearts to make us want to live consistently with our relationship with You. In personal forbearance and in forgiveness, help us be like our Savior, Jesus.

Philippians 3:11

8/31/2026

...and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Many people believe that they have been saved from their sins, and they treat that salvation as a kind of insurance policy. They are glad they have it, and they put it out of the way and save it for some future cashing in. Not so, Paul. Salvation is a living reality in his life, and his goal is to experience the power of the reality. If there is a way that he can know this power in practical aspects of his everyday life, he is determined to pursue and enjoy that goal. By what means can he experience that power? Whatever it is, it will be part of laying hold on eternal life. It will be an attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Lord, enable us by Your Spirit to walk in fellowship with Jesus.

Ephesians 4:16

8/30/2026

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Jesus’ presence in the lives of each one of us unites us and enables us to work, not like a well-oiled machine, but like a living organism. Some parts of the organism are crucial to life itself and must be considered more important than peripheral organs and superficial functions. But the sacrifice of a lesser part for the sake of the more vital is never without pain and inconvenience. Our goal is always to have a fully-functioning body with every individual part doing the work for which it was designed. Total health is total health. Lord, help us understand our place and serve our function. Individually and as a body, help us to function helpfully for the glory of our Savior, Jesus.

Galatians 4:16

8/29/2026

Have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

Leaders in Galatia had accepted teaching by men who posed as messengers from Jerusalem, but who had no authority to say what was, in fact, Apostolic truth. They had taught the necessity of following the Mosaic law if you desired to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ. It is embarrassing to admit you were wrong, and Paul could sense their hesitation to change their minds. They could very well have rejected him. Paul’s heart is reaching out in our text this morning. Would he lose their friendship by telling them the truth? Could we face such a thing in our day? Lord, help those we seek to influence for You not to be put off by awkwardnesses in us. Help us to be strong in truth and loving in manner. Make us like Jesus.

2 Corinthians 7:9

8/28/2026

...yet now I am made happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us.

There were awkward moments in Paul’s dealing with the members of the Corinthian church. He was often unsure how they would respond, so he made his dealings and gentle and as helpful to them as he could. He was very glad when their response had produced a love for Jesus and an acceptance of one another in His Name. His only desire was their good. Lord, give us such a concern and such a sensitivity with one another in Your church. Help us not to wrangle. Help us to hear Your voice and follow you in repentance and faith, seeking closeness to Jesus.

I Corithians 9:14

8/27/2026

In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Paul has referred back to the rules governing the Temple in the Old testament. God had set aside one tribe of twelve to serve the Temple, and had determined that the tithes and offerings given their should provide the food and necessities of those who served the nation in this way. He says, “In the same way” God has purposed that those who receive the benefit of Gospel preaching should materially support those who preach the message. This allows them the time for thought and prayer and meditation needed fully to prepare to minister. Paul did not always take advantage of this, but he affirmed it as normative for the church. Lord, make all your churches strong and sufficiently organized to follow this directive of Jesus.