“When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: ‘Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ On hearing this Jesus said to them, ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”  Mark 2:16-17

Yesterday, I buried my dad. I always knew if I lived long enough, this day would come.

Yet I could never prepare for the moment I watched him being lowered into the ground. My heart sank, knowing I would never see him again in this life.

His last year on earth was very hard to endure, but I saw him keep his faith to the end. I have great comfort in the middle of great sorrow. I love you, Dad.

My father was a good man who led and took care of his family. Yet, in the middle of his life, he realized his hope for heaven must be based on another man’s righteousness. Dad knew Jesus didn’t come for the righteous, because there are none. No one will be declared righteous by law-keeping. So, we must faithfully yield to Christ and receive the righteousness that comes from God (Philippians 3:8-11).

What about you? Are you trusting in your own ability to please God?

Is your hope for heaven based on your goodness outweighing your badness? Do you believe God will let you into heaven since you tried your best to do what’s right?

Remember that God requires perfection. That is why he made Jesus

“who had no sin to become sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Soon someone we love will be saying goodbye to us. On that day, may we be found in another man’s righteousness.

Thank you, Lord, for having compassion for us by taking our sins upon the cross that day. Our hope for heaven is impossible without your substitutionary work. Amen.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

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Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

FURTHER READING

The Church is for Sinners, Not Saints

Do You Go to the Hospital on Sundays?

After What I Did, Can God Use Me Again?

The post Another Man’s Righteousness appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.” Jonah 3:10-4:1

I like the story of Jonah. It’s an easy read. But let’s not miss the mercy and compassion of God toward the sinners in this book.

Looking closer, I noticed the anger of Jonah and tried to peer into his heart a little deeper. He was a prophet and feared God, but he wanted God to judge these men. They were cruel and violent, so when told to go, he knew God just might save this undeserving people. Jonah wanted no part of it.

I’m just like Jonah. I have hatred in my heart toward those who are cruel. I believe that some people just don’t deserve God’s goodness. I know he is merciful and compassionate. I just don’t want him to show these people any love or forgiveness. If he does, I don’t want any part of it. I know I should love my enemies and pray for those who spitefully use me, but truthfully, I would be angry if God was kind and forgiving to them.

Then I hear him say,

“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” (Romans 9:15).

I realize I am a great sinner and I’m glad that God showed me grace and not judgment.

What about you? Is there someone who has caused you great pain in your life? Do you find it impossible to pray for your enemy? Let me hold your hand and let us pray to our God together so that he would help us to do the impossible.

Lord Jesus, thank you for dying and paying for my sins. You have shown me great mercy and kindness. Help me by your Spirit to pray for those who have hurt me. Amen.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Watch Your Anger – Psalm 37:8

The Danger of Anger

From Anger to Grace

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The post Justified Anger appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”  Luke 23:34

God always makes the first move. He seeks those that are not looking for him. We love him because he first loved us. He chooses to forgive sinners who have no idea of the magnitude of the offenses they have committed against him.

Let’s peer into the window of time and see Jesus’ last hours on earth as he hangs on the cross.
His worst enemies in attendance.

Vile, heartless soldiers and envious religious leaders watching from below.
Next to him two criminals crying out,

“If you’re the Son of God save yourself and us” (Luke 23:39).

**Amazingly, what do we hear next? **

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Look closely at what follows. Out of this group, some find undeserving grace.
Light to open blinded eyes supplied.
The Spirit dispatched to soften hardened hearts.

“Truly this was the Son of God”, proclaim the soldiers guarding him (Matthew 27:54).

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom,” utters the repentant thief.

Later, some of the Pharisees believe in their Messiah.

What about you?

Do you doubt God, or do you just want him to get you out of trouble?

Take heart. Our Lord finds people like you and me who aren’t looking for him. He reveals himself to those who aren’t asking for him (Romans 10:20). When we take our last breath, may we hear these words: *

“You did not choose me, but I chose you. Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

Thank you, Jesus, for granting us mercy as you suffered so greatly for our sins. Eternity will not be long enough to express our love and gratitude.

Ask the Lord to help you trust his promises concerning his love for you and ask him to help you remain faithful as you walk in the Spirit by faith.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

•  Jesus has Forgiven you, but Have you forgiven Yourself ?
•  On Trial before Pilate by Max Lucado
•  “Father, Forgive Them” by Max Lucado

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughtsaboutgod.com/four-laws/

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“And Isaiah boldly says, ‘I was found by those who did not seek me, I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.’” Romans 10:2

Sometimes God really surprises us with the people he decides to save. Saul of Tarsus comes to mind. He was a terrible person who dragged men and women who followed The Way to prison, even torturing some of them to death. He thought he was doing God a good service.

I’m fascinated every time I read this passage. Jesus came down again just to pay this man a personal visit. Later, he referred to Saul as a chosen vessel with specific purposes he would fulfill for God.

We also used to follow the ways of the world, gratifying our sinful cravings and desires. We were all like sheep going astray, deserving God’s wrath. Not one of us can be called righteous (Romans 3:10-11).

Yet God says we were also chosen, just like Paul, and it’s because of God’s mercy that we are in Christ so no one can boast before him. For all eternity we were in his Father’s possession. “All that the Father gives me will come to me and it is my Father’s will that I shall lose none.” (John 6:37)

Before he died, Jesus prayed that he might give eternal life to all those his Father had given him (John 17:2). I think heaven will be full of surprises when we see who’s made it there. As we approach the entrance, we will know we are not worthy to be there either.

*“Father, thank you for your great love for us, making us alive when we were dead in our sins. We praise you for the amazing grace and kindness you have shown us in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

If you would like to experience the reality of God’s presence in your life and have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, you can say this prayer:

Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of the throne of my life. Make the kind of person You want me to be.

Remember, God is just a prayer away.

FURTHER READING

Where Do I Call Home? – A Refugee’s story.  Helen Loewen’s story

Searching for a Higher Purpose – Betty Lau shares her story

My Search for Inner Peace – by Eva Reinhart

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The post He Desires to Save Us appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”  2 Corinthians 1:21-22

When I was 20 years old, I made a promise to a young, 19-year-old girl. I was in love and I intended to commit my life to her. As I stood before all those witnesses, I pledged my devotion to her until one of us died. That was my hope and yet I knew I could not guarantee the future.

God is different. He makes promises and he keeps them. Jesus tells us to believe he’s going to prepare a place for us, and he will come back again to take us to be with him (John 14:1-4).

When Jesus made this promise a long time ago, I think he knew we might have times of doubt. So, he also promised to send a Helper to live with us and be in us. The Holy Spirit is our teacher who testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. (Romans 8:1) and marks us as sealed in that promise.

Believer, you have a promise from God that he is coming back for you one day. Until then, his Spirit living in you is better than a written contract. He is the guarantee of your future.

By God’s grace, 39 years later I’m still married to that girl I fell in love with. We’re both still hanging on to our promise, and clinging to God’s promise.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for your compassion and understanding our weak faith. We need the Spirit of Truth who assures us of all your promises. Amen.”

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

God Forgave Our Sins, Past, Present and Future

Don’t Let Your Past Control Your Future 

A Secure Future – by Pastor Palitha Jayasooriya

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The post The Guarantee of Our Future appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away I will not”. “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today yes tonight, before the rooster crows twice, you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same” Mark 14:29-31.

Sometimes our greatest strength can be our greatest weakness. Peter was tough and fearless, declaring to all his allegiance to his master. When he cut off the man’s ear in the garden, he proved it. But later the rooster crowed as Peter denied knowing him.

My being the oldest brought high expectations from my eager parents. Early, repetitive training produced common traits found in a firstborn. But the things that come naturally to us can be our greatest downfall. I often forget this, attributing successes to my own abilities and strengths. Then pride begins to settle quietly in my heart.

Jesus said, “What do you have that you have not been given?” All of us were born with the gifts, abilities, and IQ we possess. We have nothing to boast about.

Jesus is our greatest example.

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness … he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” (Philippians 2:6-8).

What about you, Christian friend? What is it that comes easily for you? Thank God for what you have been given. Let’s use what comes easily not only for our own interests, but for the interests of others, bringing glory to our Lord. And remember, though we may fall because of pride, he remains faithful. Jesus told Peter, “When you return to me, strengthen your brothers.” Later God used his talents through the Holy Spirit to lead his Church.

Thank you, Lord, for giving me your Spirit showing me the awful sin of pride. Help me to bring you honor and glory to you through all that you have blessed me to do in this life.

Today: Thank God often for all the gifts and abilities he has given you so that you could serve people around you in his strength.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

• Get Rid of Guilt
• Guiltless is God’s Eyes
• Lies – Speaking the Truth or Speaking Lies

Learn more about knowing Jesus at: https://thoughts-about-god.com/four-laws/

The post What Comes Easily to You? appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” Galatians 5:1

A slave, released from years of bondage, wouldn’t need to be informed that it was for his freedom that he’d been freed. He’d never go back to that bondage. Amazingly, God must remind us that we have been set free to be free, and warns that if we go back, Christ will be of no value to us at all (Galatians 5:2).

There’s always a cost in being set free. Those forgetting this soon fail to appreciate what they have been given. When God left His throne, He came to set you free. Seeing you in prison, powerless, and in bondage to your sins, He left heaven to purchase your release with His own blood.

Be very careful to remember the cost of your freedom or you may drift back into slavery by subtly seeking approval from God for your good works, forgetting that it is His work alone on the cross that justifies you. Or slip into longing for the old world and its lusts, forgetting the yoke of bondage you were in. 2 Peter 3:17 states,

“Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position.”

Remember when you first believed and how precious He was to you at the beginning? Never forget it was for freedom that He set you free.

Lord keep me from my old way of thinking and take away my desires for worthless things. Remind me often that you alone by the death on the cross have removed my sins and given me a righteousness that was not my own. Amen.

Memorize this: “for apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), which shows our total dependence on the grace of God.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

Further Reading

• A Yoke of Freedom or Bondage – A Devotional by Karen Woodard

• Freedom Reigns in This Place – A Devotional by Claire Colvin

• Freedom in the Truth – A Devotional by Debbie West

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The post Remember the Cost appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

You woke up thinking it might be over today. Your mind is free for the moment, but you fear those dreadful thoughts may come back. It’s your private battle and you can’t talk to anyone about it. They wouldn’t understand. Some days are better, but you’re tired and you don’t know if you can make it through another hour.

Don’t lose heart. You’re not alone. There is someone who knows exactly what you are going through.

The devil wants to sift you as wheat and devour you, so don’t be surprised when your faith is tested as if something strange is happening to you. God is the author and finisher of our faith and He prays for us, that after we have gone through the trial, our faith will not fail. God knows how much we can bear and at the right time He provides a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Commit your soul to Him who is faithful and be thankful, not for the trial but because you’re His child.

Remember, you will have peace when your mind stays on Him and trusts Him.

Don’t be afraid. Your battle is now in the open. Jesus told Peter, “after you have denied me, and you return, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32.) Stand up and go forward, because someone out there needs you, and you know exactly what they’re going through.

Lord, you are faithful and know what’s best for us, remind us that your grace is sufficient and that your power is made perfect in weakness. Then I can say when I am weak, I am strong. Amen.

Today’s Challenge: Speak with those who are going through trials and let them know you understand what they are going through. Then comfort them with the comfort you have received.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Perfectly Weak – by Francis Frangipane

•  My Weakness, God’s Strength –  by Kath H Jones

•  His Strength Made Ours – by Bethany Hayes

The post Weak but Strong appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And when he again brings the firstborn into the world he says, ‘And let all the angels of God worship him.’ And of the angels he says, ‘Who makes his angels winds and his ministers a flame of fire.’  Hebrews 1:6-7

They have been watching us since the beginning of time. A few people have had encounters with them.

We have always had a fascination with angels.

Consider these brilliant, powerful creatures who filled the night sky announcing Christ’s coming to the shepherds. At his darkest hour in the olive garden they appeared to strengthen their Lord, and on his glorious resurrection morning they moved the heavy stone, terrifying the soldiers guarding the tomb.

As we ponder their existence, remember their purpose. Many quietly minister to God’s people and serve their Lord who created them. It’s the fallen ones who make a great commotion. Be careful of these who disguise themselves to deceive men, supporting the atheist yet desiring our worship. That’s idolatry.

We’re warned not to listen to any angel bringing us a different message (Galatians 1:8) than the truth that Jesus, made lower than the angels for a little while, is now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death so that, by the grace of God, he might bring eternal life.

What about you? What voices do you hear? On the earth, evil spirits fight to get your attention. In heaven, there are voices of millions of angels and believers around the throne saying, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, riches, wisdom, might, honor, glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:12) as they all fall down and worship. So should we.

Precious Lord, you have redeemed us to God by your blood and are worthy of our praise. You alone deserve our worship. Thank you for making us sons and daughters and bringing angels to minister to us. Amen.

By Rich Vega
Used bi Permission

Further Reading

•  Angels: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly – by Sue Bolin

•  Guardian Angels Watching Over Us – by Dr. Bill Bright

•  Army of Angels | A Story of a Miracle

The post Faithful Messengers appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:16-17

Sometimes I wake up and wonder if God’s still there. It’s been a while since I talked with him. I get busy with so many things. How can I go so long without thinking of him and confessing my sins? I wonder if I’m just a hypocrite and fear that maybe he’s not with me anymore.

Then I hear God say to my soul, *“you’re still mine” (Romans 8:16), gently reminding me that he gave me a new heart and a new spirit.

Then I hear him say, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). He takes me again to the foot of the cross, pointing to Jesus who paid for all my sins. He fills my mind with the truth.

What about you? Do you sometimes feel that God has left you? Be of good cheer. He’s still there filling your mind, soul, and heart with the truth.

It’s a mystery that Christ is in us, and his Spirit is living on the inside. But the truth is that he is our hope of glory and the guarantee of our inheritance. The Holy Spirit will never leave us or forsake us; even when we are faithless, he remains faithful.

Lord, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to be with me and in me, and for being the author and finisher of my faith. Amen.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  God Demonstrates His Love like this…

•  God is GOOD

•  Salvation Explained

The post You’re Still Mine appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid”  John 14:27

Some of you reading this right now are very much afraid. The hardest trials are those that can’t be talked about with anyone else.

Often, unpleasant thoughts seek to occupy us as soon as we awake. Resistance flies away, then comes anxiety and dread, flooding our soul with despair. Hours and days pass without relief. Exhausted, our souls cry out, how long, Lord? But peace feels far away and unattainable.

Take heart, fellow pilgrim. You’re not alone. There are others suffering the same and know exactly how you feel. (1 Peter 5:9)

More importantly, Jesus gives you his peace, so do not be afraid anymore.

Peace and fear can’t be in the same room at the same time. Do not grow weary in the battle but be encouraged filling your mind with his Word:

So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. (Isaiah 41:10)

You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

He did not give us a spirit of fear, but of love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by my name. You are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

The Lord shall preserve you from all evil. He shall preserve your soul. (Psalm 121:7)

We are called to suffer and share in being comforted by our Lord. Praise to our God who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Someone will cross your path one day. You will understand exactly how they feel and be their help from God.

Lord, enable us by Your Spirit to fill our minds and hearts with your truths. Thank you for giving us peace and delivering us from the darkness into your marvelous light! “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy” (Psalm 94:19)

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  Struggles, Despair

•  Getting Life Back on Track 

•  Salvation Explained

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The post Don’t Be Afraid appeared first on Thoughts About God.

“You see, at just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”  Romans 5:6

This past weekend another unexpected fire hit our little mountain town. Laughter and joy of celebrating my daughter’s birthday quickly morphed into anxiety, dread and fear. Reflecting on my emotions after seeing the helicopters and planes clean up today, I am left with the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness.

Most fires have an unknown origin. They appear suddenly, with the wind its driving force, leaving terrible destruction.

When the fire came within ¼ mile of our home, the wind changed direction. I know that God controls the wind and am thankful to him that our house was preserved.

Sin is like a consuming fire. It is also insatiable and destroys everything it touches. Without Christ, oddly we felt indestructible and confident, thoroughly enjoying the passing pleasures of sin.

We were comfortable, not realizing we were slaves to the desires that would take us ultimately to our eternal destruction.

When the truth came to our ears, fear gripped our hearts. But we were unable and without strength to change. Then great sorrow and dreadfulness overcame us.

Now let us marvel at the goodness and mercy of God. When we were still powerless, in due time, Christ died for the ungodly.

Then, just like the wind that goes where it wishes, the Spirit came to us granting repentance and we believed.

What about you? Are you comfortable in what you love to do? Don’t quiet your conscience. The flames of sin can bring you quickly to an eternal place you don’t want to go.

May the Lord change the wind in your life, bringing you his Spirit who alone can preserve your soul.

Precious Lord Jesus, we were not only ungodly, but unable to change. Thank you for your great mercy as you brought us great deliverance in such a hopeless state. We praise you for preserving our souls now and forevermore!

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

Further Reading

•  What Do You Want Jesus to Say When you Meet Him Face to Face?

•  Spiritual Oxygen: Are You Getting Enough?

•  Salvation Explained

The post Without Strength appeared first on Thoughts About God.