Latest Thoughts of the Day

I Chronicles 10:5

6/12/2025

When the armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he too fell on his sword and died.

Terror and awe overtook this young man, and somehow it seemed appropriate for him to respond to Saul’s death in this way. Circumstances and social pressures and impossible demands and emotions can move a person to self-destroy. It seems like such a waste and loss, and, in the light of eternity such an utterly useless and foolish thing, that we stand in awe and lament when we see it. And do not such things happen in our day? And are we not deeply thankful that the right and wrong and the eternal consequences are in the hands of such a One as our God? Does He not understand extenuating circumstances? Will not the Judge of all the Earth do right? We are thankful our lives are in Your hands, Lord Jesus.

2 Kings 0:12

6/11/2025

"That's not true," they said, "Tell us." Jehu said, "This is what he told me:"This is what the lord told me, I anoint you king over Israel'".

The men could tell that the visit of the messenger was more than just chatting. They wanted to hear what it was all about. Jehu tells them about the anointing as king of Israel. What bloody work the commission includes isn’t shared by Jehu. It would not do for word to get out concerning what mission Jehu was destined to fulfill. These things were dreadful. But Jesus, whose only purposes were blessing, also knew more about His mission than any of us could guess. Jesus was anointed by God to redeem His people from their sins. Jesus pursued the mission unflinchingly to the end. We appreciate what You were anointed to do and did for us , Lord Jesus.

I Kings 7:17

6/10/2025

A network pf interwoven chains festooned the capitals on top of the pillars, seven for each capital.

The huge pillars cast of bronze for the front of the Temple were not weight-bearing, since there was no second story for the building. If there is symbolism to the fact that seven chains were interwoven into the design of the capitals, it is of human origin, as God gave no directives for the design of the temple. Solomon used the creative talents of men he could hire to design and to execute plans for this glorious structure. The visual impact of impressive architecture was entirely absent from the tabernacle whose design was precisely dictated by God. God permitted the building of the Temple, and Solomon displayed his own artistic acumen in bringing it into being. Help us, Lord, to use our personal talents to glorify the Name of Jesus.

2 Samuel 8:7

6/9/2025

David took the gold shields that belonged to the officers of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem.

The army under David is on a roll. One victory follows another as the boundaries of Israel are restored or expanded. The wealth of the conquered nations is certainly disbursed in the usual manner of war, but the objects of special attention and value are brought to king David, and he has them brought to Jerusalem and registered in his treasury. This will all increase the value of what David eventually will direct in preparations for building a Temple for God—but all this is in the future totally unknown to David at this time. We are called to lay up treasure in heaven for the building of a Kingdom beyond our imaginations. Victories over sin and labors for God’s kingdom contribute to strong hope of heaven in Christ Jesus.

I Samuel 11:6

6/8/2025

When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he burned with anger.

Indignation at the outrageous demands of the enemy and the dishonor they were to God, Saul is moved to a remarkable zeal to direct the army of Israel to respond. This is the impulse of God Himself to accomplish vengeance and destruction upon His enemies. It is not the Spirit of God coming upon Saul in power to bring him into a personal relationship with God Himself. It is God’s way of accomplishing His purpose at that moment in the history of Israel, His people. God often moves those in political power to make decisions that will make them great or decisions that will bring their ruin. He raises up one and puts down another. Work in our hearts, Lord, to bring us to know and love Jesus.

Ruth 2:8

6/7/2025

So Boaz said to Ruth,"My daughter, listen to me. Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here. Stay here with my servant girls.

Boaz has heard about Ruth’s kindness to her mother-in-law, Naomi. He wants to show kindness and a kind of protection to Ruth, knowing very well the misuse she could experience with others in the area. At the moment he has no personal interest in her at all. The ultimate relationship will come about in the unfolding of events. Naomi advises according to what seems best at the time. It is the way our lives develop. We do what we can for the glory of God and allow Him to bless and guide our way. He is faithful, even in our little lives to guide toward His greater end. In this case, God was viewing a distant descendant named Jesus.

Judges 7:8

6/6/2025

So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents, but kept the three hundred who took over the provisions and the trumpets of the others

Gideon’s pared-down army will need the 300 trumpets to accomplish the victory that God had purposed for them. When exactly God gave Gideon the plan we are not sure. Did he know from the beginning that the trumpets would be needed, or did he just “happen” to have them when God gave his directions? God obviously had a plan, which included special encouragement to Gideon that the plan would succeed. God has a plan for us, too, and it will involve the use of the means that God has ordained for us to have. Thank You, Lord for ordaining good works for us to do and supplying everything needed for us to accomplish them. Help us in all things to glorify Jesus.

Joshua 8:11

6/5/2025

The entire force that was with him marched up and approached the city. They set up camp north of Ai, with the valley between them and the city.

It had been a disgrace that the city of Ai had conquered the Israelites, but the issue with Achan was settled and God had purposed to now give Ai into the hands of Joshua’s army. God did this by giving Joshua a plan of battle that involved an ambush set and a shrewd maneuver. The result would be entire looting and final destruction of the city that was boasting their success. The city had reached its limit of wickedness. The time had come for judgment. We worship You, Lord Christ, and are thankful that the destruction we deserved was laid upon our Savior. We are thankful that You bore the wrath of God for us and rose again, Lord Jesus.