Thoughts by Men Archives - Page 2 of 186 - Daily Thoughts about God

Published April 24, 2024

The Small Stuff

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Sometimes in life, it’s the smallest jobs that are hardest to get done.

I know in university, I would often forget small assignments because they seemed so insignificant. The teachers needed to make sure they were worth a good percentage of our grade; otherwise no one would have ever done them. Some students didn’t do them either way. As for me, I wouldn’t have completed smaller assignments unless they contributed to my grade.

I’m so glad God is not like me in that way.

Think of the “big assignments” God has — like taking the pains, sorrows, joys, and tragedies of all human history and weaving them into a great tapestry that will bring ultimate glory to His name forever. These huge concerns might excuse indifference towards the smaller things: us.

But instead, He goes far beyond indifference towards His creation. He loves people unconditionally, radically. He is able to hold together all of reality, moving it toward a glorious end, while promising good for each and every one of His children.

God doesn’t need our praise, He doesn’t need our good works, and He doesn’t need to be validated for a job well done. He is glorious, gracious, powerful, and just — whether or not we acknowledge Him or not. And yet, He cares. God pays attention to us, even though in many ways, it doesn’t make sense why.

May the beauty we see in God’s character ignite our desire to reflect His glory.

Father, please help me to see how all acts of love — big or small — are a reflection of who You are. Please remind me of this whenever I feel reluctant to show love to others. Amen.

Do you make a habit of only loving others when you can see the significance of that action? Ask God where you can show love today, in big and in small ways.

By Thomas Pujol
Used by Permission

Choices

“You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)

We are free either to love God or not.

He invites us to love Him. He urges us to love Him. He came that we might love Him. But, in the end, the choice is yours and mine. To take that choice from each of us, for Him to force us to love Him, would be less than love….

He leaves the choice to us.

By Max Lucado
Used by permission
From: Everyday Blessings

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

The Bible as Fiction?

“O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:1-2

It all started when a California pastor happened by the book display at a major national retailer. He was taken aback at what he saw. All of the Bibles on display had price tags that identified them as fiction.

When it hit the news there was an outcry from evangelicals who believe in Biblical truth. One leading pastor said that people should be allowed to believe what they believe, but at least the giant retail chain could label the Bibles as “religious” or “spiritual,” or something like that…… but not fiction. The retailer apologized, but no action was taken to re-label those Bibles on display that were marked as fiction. Was it an honest mistake or an intentional action by someone with a political agenda? That answer is unknown and will probably remain so.

But, what is even more disturbing is that a major national newspaper took a poll to measure public opinion and sadly more than forty-eight percent said that the Bible was fiction.

As few years ago that would have been unheard of in this country, but tolerance and political correctness has taken its toll, at the expense of the Christian beliefs that have been the bedrock of this great nation since its founding.

The opposite of fiction is truth and the Bible makes some very distinctive truth claims. It claims, for instance, that God exists. Moreover, the death and resurrection of Jesus are also key to Christian theology. There is a plethora of documented evidence and manuscripts written by historians that attest to the death and resurrection of Christ.

Other physical evidence includes archeological finds. The Archaeological Study Bible presents many notes and articles documenting how archeology has again and again proven that the Bible does correspond to historical reality.

The cornerstone of Christian belief is the resurrection of Christ. Even Paul the Apostle admitted that if the resurrection did not happen, Christian faith “is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). In this sense, making a case for the truth of the resurrection also makes a case for the truth claims of Jesus and, in turn, the reliability and truth of the Bible.

The Bible is the true and reliable Word of God, written for us that we all might be saved, even the forty-eight percent who consider it to be fiction. All they have to do is to read, believe and accept.

by John Grant
Used by Permission

John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney

The Best Word of Encouragement

In a world connected by the Internet, we communicate instantly, yet we may stare at the screen in wordlessness when a friend needs encouragement.

“My friend is sad, but I don’t know what to say.” We think, and think, and think….

Perhaps our stammering tongue is a God-given reminder to listen before speaking. How often wounded ones seek a hearer’s encouragement only to be wounded again by rash and impatient words. It is better to be speechless than reckless, especially with someone else’s soul. God, help us to wait upon you for the best words, if any.

“Listen, then seek words…give me the right words, Lord….”

“Or, after I’ve heard them, just a word, Lord; you are the One who can help the most.”

And maybe that is the solution…a one-word solution to our loss for words.

Jesus.

Yes, just one word about the One Who is the Word: “Jesus.” His life, death, and resurrection for our sins: “Jesus” says everything. His name is the best Word of encouragement we can give anyone in any situation. Jesus rose over the worst of this world – sin; if He can handle that, my friend, He can encourage our discouraged friends in whatever struggle they face.

And even if God leads us to say more, every word we say should reflect and point to that one best Word: Jesus.

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” – Acts 3:16 (NIV)

By R. Rising
Used by Permission

The Plans I Have for You

“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Thoughts on Today’s Verse

When Israel lay devastated in the face of a ruthless enemy that would rob all glory and strip bare the very soul of God’s people, God issued his promise. While the destruction visited upon them was in response to their rebellion and sin, God’s punishment wasn’t punitive alone, but redemptive. In their destruction, God promised prosperity, hope, and a future. Just as a doctor must cause pain when he sets a broken bone so it may heal, God’s discipline is not capricious but curative and ultimately life-giving.

Prayer:

In my struggles, O Lord, help me find your grace — not in the relief of struggle and pain, but in redemption and change to your glory. By your grace and through my Savior I say it. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

Confession

Confession! It’s a word that conjures up many images—some not so positive.

Confession isn’t telling God what he doesn’t know. That’s impossible. It’s not pointing fingers at others without pointing any at me. That may feel good, but it doesn’t promote healing. Confession is a radical reliance on grace—a trust in God’s goodness. The truth is, confessors find a freedom that deniers don’t!

Scripture says, “If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins, because we can trust God to do what is right. He will cleanse us from all the wrongs we have done.” John 1:8-9

Tell God what you did. Again, it’s not that he doesn’t already know, but the two of you need to agree! Then let the pure water of grace flow over your mistakes!

By Max Lucado
Used by permission
From: GRACE

To learn more about Max Lucado
http://maxlucado.com/about/

When Burdens Seem Unbearable

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. But I have trusted in Your loving kindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, Because He has dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:1-6

Which is more influential in your life—circumstances or your perspective? Although we may long for a pleasant life filled with abundance, comfort, and good experiences, the reality is that we live in a fallen world. Almost nothing is as it should be, but the way we perceive life’s hardships and burdens depends largely on our perspective.

For example, when we are overburdened, the world might look dark even when the sun is shining. The birds may be singing, but all we hear are the sorrowful cries of our own heart. The burdens seem so overwhelming that we may even distance ourselves from others, yet that only encourages us to dwell even more on our problems and leads us further into despair.

But when we open the book of Psalms, the words penetrate our bleak circumstances, inviting us to draw near and find rest in the Lord. How gracious of Him to give us this amazing book of comfort. But greater still are the lessons we learn from it.

In today’s psalm, David is weighed down with burdens. He asks, “How long?” Have you ever felt like that? He describes his troubles and pleads for an answer, but by the end of the psalm, his perspective shifts when he remembers that God is trustworthy.

If you feel as if you’re bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders, stop and look up to your heavenly Father. Remember a time in the past when God carried you through hard circumstances, and rejoice in His steadfast faithfulness. He didn’t fail you then, and He will not fail you now.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission
From: http://www.intouch.org/

God’s Word Gives Joy and Light

“God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light” (Psalm 19:7,8)

Professor William Lyon Phelps, one of Yale University’s most famous scholars, said, “A knowledge of the Bible without a college education is more valuable than a college education without the Bible.”

Why would he say this? Our verse gives us the answer. The Word of God (1) protects us, (2) makes us wise, (3) gives us joy, and (4) gives us light.

There are many other benefits that come from reading the Word of God. With dividends like these, we are indeed robbing ourselves of untold blessings when we neglect His holy, inspired Word for any reason whatever.

It is my privilege to counsel many thousands of people with just about every kind of problem conceivable – need for salvation, poor self-image, marital problems, financial problems, health problems, loss of loved ones, insecurity, fear, and on and on. One could think of every kind of personal need and problem that man faces, and inevitably there is an answer in the Word of God.

I do not know of any individual who has ever received Christ without some understanding of the Word of God. It is for this reason that I included in The Four Spiritual Laws booklet, which I wrote in the 1950’s, the parenthetical statement on page 2: “References contained in this booklet should be read in context from the Bible wherever possible.”

By 1983, it was estimated that more than a billion copies of The Four Spiritual Laws, which contains the distilled essence of the gospel, had been printed (including translations into every major language) and distributed throughout the world, resulting in many millions of people responding to Christ. Still, it cannot compare with God’s Word, nor can any other piece of Christian or secular literature. There is something unique and powerful about holding the Bible in your hand and reading it with your own eyes, for it speaks with authority and power possessed by no other book ever written.

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

God’s Word is the most important book ever written, and the most important book that I could possibly read. Today I will read it for at least 15 minutes with renewed devotion, dedication and sensitivity to its mighty revolutionary power to transform lives and enable children of God to live supernaturally.

by Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

Embrace the Rain

Recently I was on a cross Canada cycling trip with three friends. This was a major undertaking of 54 days and over 7800 km. We had many days of excellent weather. My mental picture was cycling in the sunshine coast to coast. Maybe it was a little unrealistic. The day came that I was dreading…

We woke up to pouring rain. It was cold, windy and raining. I did not want to leave the warm, dry RV to get on the bike with the prospect that it could rain all day. My fellow cyclist said in unison, “Come on embrace the rain!” I really did not want to embrace the rain, but what could I do? It was raining and I was committed to the team and a cross country ride for charity. I realized the choice was to have a bad attitude or accepted that the rain was part of the journey.

Funny how a willingness to see the rain as part of the experience, part of the journey changed my attitude and my enjoyment of the day and the other days that came with rain. Life provides opportunities for us to “embrace” the circumstances that come our way.

A scriptural version of “Embrace the Rain” comes from the James:

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV

Is there anything in the circumstances of your life that you are struggling to embrace? It is not part of the mental picture you have had for your life. Can you embrace that God in his love and wisdom has a plan for the circumstance in the journey you are on?

By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission

God Is HOLY

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8b

Recently I heard someone complain about the over-use of the word “awesome”.

“Let’s go out to McDonald’s for lunch” a friend poses. “Awesome!” someone responds.

“Did you watch The Big Bang Theory?” a friend asks. “Yes, it was awesome.”

“How do you like your 2002 Chevy Impala?” “Love it! It’s awesome.”

By definition, awesome means “causing or inducing awe; inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear.” Perhaps the prospect of a fast food snack, a situation comedy, or an old car can inspire admiring reverent respect. Or maybe not, and better wording is due.

God is awesome. He is also holy, another term far too misused or over used. “Holy” has diverse meanings, yet when we think of God as holy, the definitions that stand out are “entitled to worship or veneration as sacred” as well as “inspiring fear or awe.”

John’s glimpse of heaven in Revelation pictures God on a throne surrounded by four winged creatures who do not stop singing “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come,” and twenty-four elders whose job is to remove their crowns, place them before God and declare, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created, and have their being.”

Can we be in similar awe of God? Will we join the singers and crown-layers in giving God worth? Can we realize God’s holiness as grounds for us adoring and worshiping our Creator?

Dear God, you are holy and worthy of my worship. Help me understand afresh your mysterious and mighty role as the beginning, middle, and end of all things.

By Dr. Bill Strom
Used by Permission

You Can’t be Good Enough, and that’s OK

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” Romans 3:20 (NIV)

We tend to think of life as a balance sheet that we’ll eventually present to God. As long as our good deeds outnumber our bad deeds, we are acceptable to God, right?

“God forbid this to be true”, says the apostle Paul. “For no one can ever be made right in God’s sight by doing what his law commands. For the more we know God’s law, the clearer it becomes that we aren’t obeying it” Romans 3:20 (NLT).

Here’s the truth

You can’t be good enough, and that’s okay. There’s no way you will ever meet God’s standard, but the Good News is you don’t have to because Jesus covers your sins, allowing you to become intimate with God. This freedom, in Christ, means you can be who you were meant to be and live how you were meant to live. Love God and live accordingly!

If God’s not keeping score, why should you? No matter what you’ve done, God loves you and wants you in his family. The blood of Jesus covers your sin, and the Holy Spirit is teaching you from within.

What are ways you tend to keep score with God?

Why do you do this?

Ask God to help you trust him more.

By Jon Walker
Used by Permission

Trusting an Unchanging God

“Because God wanted to show his unchangeable purpose even more clearly to the heirs of the promise, he guaranteed it with an oath,” Hebrews 6:17 CSB

If there is one characteristic that might describe us all, more than any other trait, it would have to be that we are changeable and unpredictable. We are not dependable. How wonderful then to know and serve someone who never changes – who is the same yesterday, today and forever. We can know what to expect from Him in any given situation without fear of a sudden change in behavior, thought or purpose.

A scientist knows there are laws governing the universe and that those laws are inviolate. Thus, when President John F. Kennedy challenged industry to put a man on the moon, a mobilized army of scientists and engineers was able to accomplish the feat within nine years from the drawing board stage. When the assignment was given, no one knew what to do, and yet there were basic laws – dependable, trustworthy laws of the universe – on which they could build. Through much creative planning and thinking, the miracle occurred.

Today, it is commonplace to send men into space. God of the universe, who established the laws that govern all life, never changes. Our moods and our attitudes and actions vacillate, but God never changes. That is the reason we can absolutely, without question, believe His promises, and in so doing, release His mighty supernatural resources in terms of money, manpower and technology to envelop the entire world of almost five billion people with the most joyful news ever announced.

We are reminded in Hebrews 11:6 that without faith it is impossible to please God. Have you learned how to claim the promises of God by faith? When you do, you will learn how to live supernaturally.

Bible Reading: Psalms 102:24-28

Today’s Action Point: Realizing that God has bound Himself with an oath to keep His promise, I shall trust and obey Him no matter what happens, for this is the way to supernatural living. This is the way to maximize myself for the glory of God.

By Dr. Bill Bright
Used by Permission

Patience Freely Offered

“The Spirit produces…..patience.” Galatians 5:22

If you find patience hard to give, you might ask the question. How infiltrated are you with God’s patience? You’ve heard about it. Read about it. Perhaps underlined Bible passages regarding it. But have you received it? The proof is in your patience. Patience deeply received results in patience freely offered…

God does more than demand patience from us; He offers it to us. Patience is a fruit of His Spirit. It hangs from the tree of Galatians 5:22:

“The Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

Have you asked
God to give you some fruit? Well I did once, but… But what? Did you, h’m, grow impatient? Ask Him again and again and again. He won’t grow impatient with your pleading, and you will receive patience in your praying.

Max Lucado
Used by permission
From: A Love Worth Giving

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://maxlucado.com/about/

Encouragement for Every Season

Read: Psalm 139:1-12

One of the most distressing emotions is the bleak sense of isolation caused by a difficult situation or experience. This is especially true when a loved one has died or you find yourself in the middle of a severe trial that can’t be solved quickly. Though the planet keeps on spinning, your world seems to have stopped and you begin to wonder, “Lord, where are You?”

In Psalm 139, David reminds us that we do not journey through this life alone. Our loving heavenly Father is and has been with each believer every single day. He’s more than a traveling companion—He keeps His mighty hand on us and surrounds us with protective love (Psalm 139:5). Nothing comes our way without His knowledge. And He gives His children the grace not only to endure but also to grow more like Jesus through the experience.

God promises to be with you in all seasons of life, whether joyful or sorrowful (Hebrews 13:5). No matter how dark, depressing, or hopeless the situation may seem, your faithful Father is with you because His love never fails (Romans 8:31-39). Furthermore, He knows every facet of your situation and is working it out for both your good and His glory (Romans 8:28). Besides having the power to meet any need, He also has surpassing comfort for every hurt.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Dark valleys may blind us at the moment, but to our Shepherd, the night is as bright as the day. We can trust Him to bring us out of the shadows and into His light. In the meantime, we must cling to the truth of His Word, which assures us of His loving kindness and compassion.

By Dr. Charles Stanley
Used by Permission

From: http://www.intouch.org/

He Will Cover You

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge..”. Psalm 91:4

Thought

Life is filled with many uncertainties. You never know when something unexpected is going to happen. You have no idea when the next disaster will strike. In a world filled with hate and terrorism, none of us has a clue when the next horrible atrocity will take place. So what do we do when we can’t be sure of our circumstances? We take shelter under the wing of the One who is above all circumstances! We take assurance in our Father who has promised to bring us to himself no matter what may happen today … in our world … and to our bodies. Our lives are hidden with our Father because we’ve been joined to Christ. He is our Refuge! His wings are our shelter!

Prayer

Father, what words can I offer that are sufficient to thank and praise you for your deliverance that is greater than death? You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are the God who was and is and is to come. You are my Abba Father, who has adopted me and made me your own. I place my trust, my hope, and future in you and I will not be afraid. I find my refuge under your wings! All praise to you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

By Phil Ware
Used by Permission

From: Phil’s daily devotionals on http://www.verseoftheday.com.

Category: <span>Thoughts by Men</span>

Sometimes in life, it’s the smallest jobs that are hardest to get done.

May the beauty we see in God’s character ignite our desire to reflect His glory.

FURTHER READING

“You have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” 1 Peter 1:23 (NIV)

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

Jesus.

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

Confession! It’s a word that conjures up many images—some not so positive.

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

“God’s laws are perfect. They protect us, make us wise, and give us joy and light” (Psalm 19:7,8)

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,’ who was, and is, and is to come.” Revelation 4:8b

FURTHER READING

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” Romans 3:20 (NIV)

Here’s the truth

FURTHER READING

FURTHER READING

“The Spirit produces…..patience.” Galatians 5:22

FURTHER READING – Poems

Read: Psalm 139:1-12

FURTHER READING

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge..”. Psalm 91:4

FURTHER READING