Many test pilots have died because they were test pilots. Many people on commercial airline flights have been kept alive because test pilots tested the planes the people were carried by. Some things we think the Lord is leading us into or out of don’t work. Some things that look scary work perfectly and bring great benefits. How should we decide what the Spirit of Jesus is leading us to […]
Author Archive: Douglas Thomas
Commands of Scripture
How should we decide what we read in Scripture that should be considered “commands of Scripture” to us? Most of the people I hear using that phrase seem to have been taught which commands apply to us and which ones don’t. Everything that is recorded of Jesus commanding someone to do something can’t be an instruction to us. He spoke to demons, Pharisees, Sadducees, crowds, individuals, disciples and angels. It […]
Giving Gifts / Making Deals
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” He was afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! This is none other than the house of God. This is the gate of heaven.” Early in the morning Jacob took the stone that was near his head and set it up as a marker. He poured oil […]
Changed by the Resurrection
At that, Peter and the other disciple went out, heading for the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got to the tomb first. Stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. Then, following him, Simon Peter came also. He entered the tomb and saw the linen cloths lying there. The wrapping that had been on His […]
Valuably Weak
Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me, or with these surpassingly great revelations. So to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I […]
Rest and Peace
Do not equate rest and peace with sleeping at the end of the day, and do not equate the Kingdom with going to heaven when you die. As you go, announce this: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with skin diseases, drive out demons. You have received free of charge; give free of charge.(Matthew 10:7-8 HCSB ©®)
Much Too Common
All humans seem to have a few common bad habits. One is complaining. One is accusing others of evil motivations. One is being afraid of being complained about. One is being afraid of being accused by others of evil motivations. We can be free from all of these and the scores of others I didn’t name. Every event that we face, every thought that we think, every concern that we […]
Preserves
Preserving: our reputation, our estate, our opinion, our status, our control, instead of our integrity, our King’s authority, our King’s honor, our allegiance to our King, might be indication of a conflict of kingdoms. Lead us to find our provision and protection and guidance and identities by being absolutely devoted in our love for You and our obedience to You, Lord Jesus. Make us able to know the […]
Harvest Time
One day Billy Graham told Bobby Conner, “Son, I was reared on a farm, and one thing I have learned about harvest time is that it is short. Never forget: harvest time is a short time. ‘Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest?’ Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for […]
What the King Believes to be Possible
One day, Jesus had been teaching many people for hours (Mark 6:30-44). His disciples suggested that He send the people away to find food. He responded to their idea with a better idea: “You feed them!” Another day, Jesus had been teaching many people for three days (Mark 8:1-9). Jesus shared His concern with His disciples that the people were hungry. For some reason, they couldn’t think of a way […]