Latest Thoughts of the Day

Mark 8:19

12/14/2018

During those days another large crowd gathered. since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said,

Jesus puts His people in a difficult place, with real need and limited resources and forces the disciples to see and feel the dilemma. He knows what he will do. But he wants them to feel the pressure of the moment and recognize that their response ought not to simply be, “everything will turn out all right.” That may not be the response of faith at all. Faith is rather when we see squarely the problem and the impossibility of any solution, and look to obey Jesus, that the need might be met.
Lord, help us today to see what we are up against, and how inadequate we are to the task. May we see clearly the problem and the need, and my we look to Jesus.

Matthew 14:1

12/13/2018

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus,

Finally the real news works itself to the top. Those who think they are in charge are often very slow to realize what is happening in the sphere they govern, but news finally reached the tetrarch about Jesus. Of course, he interprets everything with the center upon himself. It is his killing of John the Baptist that is at the root of it all, and supernatural things have their explanations in things that he has done. The leaders of his day were so hopelessly out-of-touch with what God was doing that their attempts at interpretation make them look foolish. Perhaps it is so even today. Perhaps God is working deeply and broadly beneath the surface events to accomplish things that will amaze us all. Men only pretend to lead. It is You who are sovereign, Lord Jesus.

Malachi 3:1

12/12/2018

"See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the Lord Almighty.

It was predicted for nearly 400 years, but it came suddenly. John the Baptist appeared on the scene, and he announced the One God had promised to send as the Redeemer, the Savior, the King of His people, Israel. It all came about within about thirty years. 2000 years before, Abraham had been given the promise. 2000 years after, we look back at the flash of time in which all was accomplished. The messenger and the One proclaimed came and accomplished what God had from Eternity decreed. Thank You, Lord, for your Remarkable Word. Thank you for all You have done for us in Your Son, our Lord, Jesus.

Zechariah 8:1

12/11/2018

Again the word of the Lord Almighty came to me.

It is well that the “Lord almighty” is speaking, for the thing that He will promise is impossible. He will speak of peaces and safety and normal, established life in a city with a heritage of peace. Old people leaning on their canes will watch grandchildren play in the streets. “The good old days” restored, with all the aura of safety and blessing functioning again. Utterly impossible, given what they have been through! But God says, “Will it seem marvelous to Me?” It is the word of the Lord that has come to Zechariah, and the Lord will fulfill His purposes on behalf of His people. And we do know it, Lord! We are at peace. We see our grandchildren playing in the streets. Peace and safety and blessing are what we have come to know in Jesus.

Haggai 2:1

12/10/2018

On the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai:

Haggai has pointed out problems that have beset the people as a result of neglect of the Temple work. They have taken to heart the exhortation of the Lord, and within a month, God speaks again through Haggai. God commends their response, sympathizes with their discouragement and promises His own presence in the forward struggle. He even makes reference to His own coming in the person of His Son, when He speaks of the glory of this house excelling the temple of Solomon. God will grant peace to those who trust in Him, and all nations shall flock to worship. Lord, help us to see Your Son as the fulfillment of these promises, and help us to work that His Temple be glorious. May our efforts to build exalt Jesus.

Zephaniah 2:1

12/9/2018

Gather together, gather together, o shameful nation, before the appointed time arrives and that day sweeps on like chaff, before the fierce anger of the lord comes upon you, before the day of the lord's wrath comes upon you.

Two wicked sons had followed on the throne of Hezekiah, and the land of Judah was rife with wickedness. Josiah had assumed the throne, and Zephaniah must have been a wonderful encouragement as he tried to set right the dreadful state of Judah.
Zephaniah sets forth dreadful words of condemnation, but mixes in wonderful challenges to repent and draw near to God, and finishes with words of great joy as the people of God will return to the One who is mighty to save. Many will heed the terrible warnings. Josiah’s reforms will take root. Repentance will come to pass, and multitudes will draw near with joy to Jesus.

Habakkuk 2:1

12/8/2018

I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give the this complaint.

Habakkuk knows that he is right about God’s attitude toward the sins of His people. He is confident that an answer to his complaint will come. But his response at this place shows an attitude that will be dramatically altered by the revelation that is to come. Habakkuk does not know the half of God’s outrage at the sin of His people. God’s punishment will be far more than Habakkuk can conceive. Habakkuk will be set back on his heels, and will need time and contemplation to respond to what his nation is to face for her sins. No more calling God to account. Repentance and shame and submission. Hope will be only in Jesus.

Nahum 2:1

12/7/2018

An attacker advances against you, Nineveh. Guard the fortress, watch the road, brace yourselves, marshal all your strength!

It is a kind of mocking. “Brace yourself, Nineveh!” “Do all you can!” “Get ready!” “All you may prepare and do and get ready will come to nothing, as I bring my terrible calamity upon you to destroy.” Nineveh had her repentance under the preaching of Jonah 130 years before, but it had not stuck, and Nineveh was overpowering the world with her conquests. But the time draws near for her destruction, and God arouses her readiness to be destroyed. He will bring down everything that exalts itself against the Lord. Nineveh has become a symbol of proud rebellion, and she will be a symbol of God’s almighty response. Thank You, Lord, that though we have been proud, You humbled us, and sent us forgiveness and eternal life in Jesus.