Latest Thoughts of the Day

2 Corinthians 2:11

11/3/2026

…in order that Satan not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Satan will always try to keep us from sincere repentance for our sin, but if we happen to repent anyway, he will be quick to turn even this to his advantage. Over-reaction to guilt can send a person into despair. Over-reaction to a righteous response to sin can build terrible pride. Both the sinner and those who are called to forgive can fall into some kind of sin. Paul reminds the church of danger and urges us to draw near to the Lord. Mature Christians will keep the desired end in mind. We know something of the ways the devil works, and we don’t let him outwit us. Help us today, Lord, not to forget that we have an enemy at work, but to remember to keep the focus always on Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:3

11/2/2026

I came to you in weakness and fear, with much trembling.

Professional speakers were a dine a dozen in Corinth, so every one could be evaluated by anyone, and no one would come up appreciated by all. Paul was not that kind of speaker. Many popular influencers had flashy charismatic gifts. Paul didn’t. Experts were admired for their research. Paul’s expertise was of no interest at all to the people of Corinth. Paul had not yet learned to glory in his weakness, so he was still scared stiff. Looking back as he now writes He sees God’s hand in this. And he rejoices the more. He remembers the effect that God had brought about when the word of God went forth. He saw transformation of the most unlikely candidates as a result of the Spirit’s work during and after Paul’s preaching. It was the power of Jesus.

Romans 2:2

11/1/2026

Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such this is based on truth.

The idea that God will overlook the sins of Jews because they are Jews runs pretty deep in the Jewish mind of Paul’s day. The covenant promise of God to Abraham will save them from all judgment. It doesn’t matter how they personally live. Paul is committed to overthrow that notion as he demonstrates that Jew and Gentile, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Paul approaches this issue logically, How could it be true? How could a God of truth deal in such a way? Every sin ever committed against God will face judgment. Paul will go on to reveal God’s amazing decision to send His Son to take the penalty of sin for His people. Paul wonderfully makes clear that the One who saves is Jesus.

Acts 2:6

10/31/2026

When they heard this sould, the crowd came together in bewilderment because each one heard them speaking in his own tongue.

Was the miracle in the speaking or in the hearing? At the Tower of Babel, God iinstantaneously created a large number of languages and determined who would understand what. This broke men into groups who would each work together to find a place to dwell in the earth that God had delivered from the flood. Divide people and separate them, each to his task. The goal now is to unite people in a common message of salvation. God allows men to understand His truth in their own language. The goal of missionaries today is for all men to understand the message that God has for them, and we do our best to help that happen. Whole language groups must still be reached with the message of Jesus.

John 1:34

10/30/2026

"I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

For several months John has been preaching of the One who was to come. John had spent thirty years as a hermit in the wilderness, eating locusts and wild honey. His contact with civilized human beings must have been sparse. For as long as his aged parents lived, he was surely trained in the word of God; and they surely taught him well the their understanding of God’s call on his life. But for most of his life he was alone, fellowshipping with his Father in heaven and learning as much about the coming Messiah as any Old Testament prophet was permitted to know. God had promised that He would point Jesus out when He came, and was time to tell people about the coming Messiah. Now he has seen, and now he declares Jesus.

John 1:34

10/29/2026

“I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”

Jesus has sent us all forth as witnesses of what we have seen and heard. I n John’s case there was a specific sign that God intended to send to mark out beyond question the One He had sent to be the Savior of the World. It was a kind if formal introduction of Jesus, as He began His public ministry. Men and women, boys and girls are called to believe on this Jesus and to receive spiritual sight making Jesus a Person that they have seen and come to know. The Spirit of God will continue to reveal Jesus as we read and study God’ Holy Word, and what things we learn become spiritual experiences . In all there is a vivid, active life, to be shared in order to give glory to Jesus.

Luke 1:34

10/28/2026

LUKE 1:34
“How will this be?, Mary asked the angel, since I am a virgin?"

Zechariah had questioned the angel in the same way, but the unbelieving dismissal that must have been implied by Zechariah’s question is entirely lacking in Mary’s words. Mary’s words are a sincere and honest question. The angle has called her to something impossible, so there must be more in the message the angel was sent to deliver. Lord, deliver our hearts from every trace of arrogant pride and unbelief. We know you pick up the nuances, so please take the bad ones away. Mary is a wonderful example of the quiet submission of a heart that loves her Redeemer. If every question can be asked with this kind of heart, what great things You might do with our lives! Give us the power to do Your will, and then ask whatever You want, Lord Jesus.

Mark 1:34

10/27/2026

And Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

The words of Jesus and the testimony of His miracles are the basis upon which a genuine faith must be built. The testimony of other people we love and trust can be powerful in moving us personally to seek the Lord, but our faith must be built on Jesus’ words and works. Jesus did not allow the testimony of demons. Not because their testimony in this case was untrue—He was the God He claimed to be. But truth in the mouth of the Devil is always spoken with the ultimate goal of deception and destruction. We do not need for bad people to speak well of us. Help us, Lord, to be genuinely appreciated by those who love Jesus.