Latest Thoughts of the Day

Proverbs 16:7

4/22/2021

When a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.

It would be nice to have no enemies. As far as possible we are to live at peace with all men. We are challenged not to take into account a wrong suffered, and to forgive others as God has forgiven us. God even calls us to love our enemies and do good to those who treat us badly. But Jesus did all this perfectly, and men still opposed Him enough to nail Him to a cross. He it is who said, “If they hated me they will hate you”. But God can work it that our enemies are distracted by other things and leave us alone. We can be kept from conflicts. Lord, help our ways so to please You that You can grant peace through our Lord Jesus.

Psalm 76:7

4/21/2021

You alone are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry?

A nuclear power station is very clearly posted with regard to where the dangers are. There is always a sense that what you are dealing with must be taken seriously. There is no occasion where the power source is to be taken casually or related to on friendly social terms. One must ever be in awe. The psalmist expresses something like this as he stands in awe of the righteous judgment of God. Holy brightness and glory make us tremble. There are scriptures aplenty that teach us how to approach this Holy God. We have an Advocate, and He enters the very Presence on our behalf. We are shielded from the destructive power and given peace and safety, enrichment and blessing. But all this only comes to us through the blood of Jesus.

Job 21:7

4/20/2021

Why do the wicked live on.growing old and increasing in power?

Job struggles with what troubles us all. In this life the wicked seem to prosper, to live quietly full of joy and to die peacefully in their beds. It seems often to be the righteous who face struggles, pain, frustration and grief. Job is working this through in this passage, and what he comes up with is simply a lament. We do not understand this aspect of human life, and we have difficulty resting. Yet Job will not abandon his trust in God. Something sustains him. The Spirit of God keeps his soul, even in the midst of distress. We think of the man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. We think of the One who deserved only praise, who suffered public shame. For the joy set before us, let us suffer shame, entrusting ourselves to Jesus!

Esther 6:7

4/19/2021

So he answered the king, "For the man the king delights to honor..."

Haman is excited to describe what ought to be done for the man the king honors because he thinks that he is the man the king will be honoring. We know that it will be entirely otherwise for Haman. Haman will have to go through what he will most hate of anything. He will be required to honor Mordecai publicly. It is satisfying to see the turning of the tide upon Haman, and to watch the unfolding of events in his undoing. It will be wonderful to watch the vindication of God’s people and the destruction of His foes. And this we shall all see in the final day, when Jesus comes to vindicate His people and to glorify His Name. All that is evil will receive its recompense. We say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”

Nehemiah 7:7

4/18/2021

...in company with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah):

Every movement has its speakers and celebrities. We feel like we know them, and we appreciate their part in keeping it together and making it go. They would have no place at all if it were not for the support of us multitudes. But they are necessary, and worthy of praise, and, in a sense, they are servants of us and not of themselves. Of course, they often strut, and frequently vie with one another for supremacy. It is difficult to be humble when many look to you. Lord, if we are celebrities, help us not to strut. If we are working men, help us to be glad to be useful. If we are part of the people of God we are engaged in a noble enterprise. We are honored to be connected with Jesus.

Ezra 6:7

4/17/2021

Do not interefere with the work on this temple of God. Let the governor of the Jews and the Jewish elders rebuild his house of God on its site.

The letters have been sent and replies received that authorize the rebuilding of the temp on its original site in Jerusalem. Tattenai, the governor of the land still wants to hinder the work, so Ezra speaks directly to him to challenge his interference. Much of the ministry God has called Ezra to perform is challenging personal actions of people. The most painful for him will be to confront the people of God with their wrong choices. God raises up the man needed for each task in His church, forming their personalities to focus on the need at hand. For all our corrections, encouragements, challenges, and eventualities, He has given all of us One who meets our needs, even Jesus.

2 Chronicles 19:7

4/16/2021

"Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."

Jehoshaphat the king is deeply concerned not only to deal with idolatry among God’s people, but to establish justice among the judges appointed for the land. The words before us challenge judges to faithfulness, care, and sobriety in exercising their responsibilities. They are not to be masters of situational ethics, coming up with solutions that cover all the bases. They are to begin with the Fear of God. They are to be acquainted with His character, and on special guard against temptations to take into account personal issues as they pass judgment. The perfect judge will be committed to God’s glory and zealous for His truth. He will reflect the life and character of our great Judge and King, even Jesus.

1 Chronicles 15:7

4/15/2021

...from the descendants of Gershon, Joel the leader and 130 relatives.

David’s first attempt to move the Ark of God was full of joy and worship and praise, but not the awe appropriate for this holy object. God amazed and humbled King David and his people when His wrath broke out upon Uzzah. This way of organizing the move involves nearly a thousand participants, remembering the special position of all the sons of Aaron. It honors the priesthood, connects with 400 years of history and generates an appropriate Awe in the midst of God’s people. They cannot congratulate themselves on having rescued the Ark. They bow in worship and amazement before the emblem of His glory. Lord, deliver us from slip-shod worship. Help us to remember Your awe and majesty. We love You for Your tender love, even as we worship and adore Your Son, Jesus.

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