And He died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for the One who died for them and was raised.(2 Corinthians 5:15 HCSB ©®) One reason Jesus was tortured to death was so that I would not live for me anymore, but for Him. That should impose drastic changes on my to-do lists. It should also drastically improve the likelihood of my life […]
Author Archive: Douglas Thomas
Accurate Measurements
I can’t measure my week or my years or my life by what I have accomplished. I can only honestly measure the value of my times based on the answer to the question, “Did I do what I was told to do?” That means that if I can’t really list much that I have succeeded in, but can truly say that I did what I was told, even if the […]
From Egypt to Palestine
Where was the failure in the picture of the descendants of Israel being brought from lives of slavery in Egypt to being laid in sandy graves on the trip to Palestine? Should Moses have done a better job communicating the vision Yahweh had for His People? Should the people have spent more time studying the Scriptures? Can’t be that – there were no Scriptures. Should the people have been hungrier […]
The Guarded Path
Hey, awesome! Accept the words that Yahweh speaks. Make notes about things He has given you as instruction and command, and memorize them. His wisdom wants to speak to you through your heart, directing you to be able to understand life. If you invite His Spirit to give you insight, and cry out to Him to become understanding in your mind, if you seek understanding like it is more valuable […]
The Peace of God
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.(Philippians 4:4-7 HCSB ©®)
Your Opinion
Some people don’t speak up in conversations because they don’t think anyone wants to hear their opinion. Some are just fearful of making a statement that starts a fight that they won’t be able to survive by defending their ideas in. Most people don’t want to hear anyone’s opinion unless it endorses their opinion. They are not interested in what your thoughts are. If they happen to read Scripture, it […]
Ekklesia Ruling
Every time the church has tried to rule in public affairs, the result has resembled the Holy Roman Empire: corruption, slaughters and darkness. Every time believers have entered into the rule of public affairs, the result has resembled the influences of William Wilberforce and Amy Carmichael: laws being changed or created that invite and empower righteousness, freedom, life and light. Through the centuries, the work of individuals and groups of […]
Secure, so Humble
Now by the time of supper, the Devil had already put it into the heart of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, to betray Him. Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that He had come from God, and that He was going back to God. So He got up from supper, laid aside His robe, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water […]
Commands / Invitations
When Jesus instructs us, His commands are invitations. He is hanging from a crane in a Lifeboat and tells us to jump from the sinking ship into the boat He will pilot. When we stop trying to imagine having the strength and courage to jump that far, and realize the command is actually simply to release our grip on the sinking vessel, His strength will draw us into the air […]
Seeking Christ’s Interests
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon so that I also may be encouraged when I hear news about you. For I have no one else like-minded who will genuinely care about your interests; all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.(Philippians 2:19-21 HCSB ©®) So many distractions swirl around us. Family needs, work demands, property maintenance, food, gas, lights… Where is […]