Stanley Jones once said that the future is in the hands of those who care. Solomon once said that a good man leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren (Proverbs 13:22). Focusing only on today has benefits, and Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow. The prayer He taught His disciples included prayer for today’s bread. Not worrying about tomorrow is completely different from not caring about tomorrow. A further line […]
Author Archive: Douglas Thomas
Be Prepared
The more directly the education received in our youth is related to our true identity and purpose, the more directly we can be about the business our Father intends for us to walk in. That which is born of flesh is flesh; that which is born of Spirit is spirit. The more we are spending this life preparing for what happens after our flesh is gone, the better prepared we […]
Christ in You
Jesus considers you when He considers Himself. He taught Paul to understand something of the mystery. When Jesus introduced Himself to Saul, Saul was on his way to Damascus, with letters of authority from the chiefs of Israel to imprison and/or kill followers of “The Way” of Jesus. In effect, Jesus introduced Himself and His people in the same statement to Saul: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…” (Acts […]
Fervent in Spirit
Love must be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with […]
Taught by the Spirit
Now we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, in order to know what has been freely given to us by God. We also speak these things, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people.(1 Corinthians 2:12-13 HCSB ©®) Show us what you have given us, Lord. Show us purpose […]
Rulers and Inches
I have several versions of a sliver of wood called a “yardstick.” Once I had a stick that was a little different: it was called a “meterstick.” When this type of device is only 12 inches long, it is not called a “footstick,” though. It is then a “ruler.” These sticks are used to enforce rules, and to judge the degree of compliance with the rules. The rules in question […]
Born Of God
He was in the world,and the world was created through Him,yet the world did not recognize Him.He came to His own,and His own people did not receive Him.But to all who did receive Him,He gave them the right to be children of God,to those who believe in His name,who were born,not of blood,or of the will of the flesh,or of the will of man,but of God.(John 1:10-13 HCSB ©®) Born […]
Repent and Die
When Peter stood before the huge crowd of people who heard the Spirit fall on believers on Pentecost morning AD 1, he quoted a prophet and then told them who Yeshua was. Some of them responded, “Brothers, what must we do?” (Acts 2) Peter’s answer was not “Come down front,” nor “Join the seekers’ class,” nor “Be ready to be baptized by easter,” nor “Meet with the elders to see […]
Man Makes Roads
Humans are continually making paths from ideas they think will lead their tribe to making God happy and thereby receiving His blessing. Don’t eat meat. Don’t get married – stay single and focused on God. Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t dance. Wear a head covering. Wear a beard. Don’t wear a beard. Wear long sleeves. Wear long dresses. Attend church meetings. Tithe. Give money to TV preachers. Give to the poor. […]
But God’s Grace
Jesus chose the cross. He chose miserable death over glorious life. After He partook of the lamb at the Passover meal, He stepped in line behind millions of lambs who had been sacrificed by Israeli families through the centuries. As He went forth from the table to the sacrifice, the weight of the cost became more clear than ever. When we are at the plate, bases loaded, we feel the […]