THOUGHTS & MEDITATIONS
11-15-24
Food for Thought: Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Good morning! Chances are you’ve woken up, taken a breath, and maybe enjoyed something to eat or drink. All of this was made possible through Christ Jesus.
The key word in this passage is “needs.” Often, we want God to supply our wants—comfort, luxury, or success—but God, in His wisdom, promises to meet our needs. He knows what’s truly best for us, providing everything we need for life, godliness, and eternity with Him.
As you go through your day, trust in His provision, knowing that His riches in glory far exceed anything this world can offer.
11-13-24
Food for Thought: Jeremiah 29:11-14
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
We often find comfort in God’s promise to give us a future filled with hope, but have you ever paused to consider what that truly entails? Jeremiah 29:11 is a favorite verse, promising that God’s plans are good and bring hope, but the verses that follow reveal even more.
Look at what comes next: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” What are God’s plans for your life designed to accomplish? They’re meant to draw you near to Him, to encourage you to seek Him with your whole heart. When we turn to God with all our hearts, He promises to listen and to be found by us.
This passage teaches us two important truths. First, if we only seek God in our troubles, then we may only experience His presence in difficult times. But when we seek God wholeheartedly, in both good times and bad, we come to appreciate all we have and discover God’s true blessings. Second, God’s idea of prosperity is often different from our own. While we may think of prosperity in terms of material wealth, God’s prosperity includes spiritual richness, inner peace, and joy in His presence.
Remember to seek and praise God in every season of life, for He is with us through it all, and His plans are always for our ultimate good. That is for you to be with Him for eternity.
11-12-24
Food for Thought: Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
In Psalm 34, David reminds us that God is near, delivering the righteous from all their troubles and remaining especially close to the brokenhearted. He doesn’t promise a life free of hardship but reassures us of God’s compassionate and protective presence, even in the most painful moments.
Jesus echoes this truth when He tells His disciples, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Acknowledging life’s challenges and suffering, Jesus points to His victory over sin and death as our ultimate source of peace and hope. Together, these passages teach that while difficulties are part of our journey, God’s presence and power are unchanging. He not only comforts us through life’s trials but also promises ultimate victory, giving us courage and peace in a troubled world.
When life’s troubles make you want to quit, cling to the Rock of salvation. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you! When you’re at rock bottom, that’s when Jesus is closest to you. Trust in the Lord, and He will deliver you.
,
11-11-24
Food for Thought: 1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).
In the first chapter of 1 Peter, we’re reminded of the incredible gift we have in Jesus—a living hope and an eternal inheritance that nothing in this world can touch. Even when we face trials, God is using them to strengthen and refine our faith, preparing us for the glory that lies ahead.
Because of this amazing hope, Peter calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s holiness and love, rooting ourselves in His eternal Word. Just as a newborn depends on milk for growth, we too need daily nourishment from God’s Word to strengthen our faith and mature in our walk with Him.
Let’s come to God’s Word each day with a craving for this “spiritual milk” so we can grow into the fullness of the salvation He’s given us—living in hope, holiness, and deep love for others.
11-8-24
Food For Thought: Psalm 9:10
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” This verse reassures us that when we truly know God—His goodness, His mercy, and His justice—we can confidently trust in Him. God doesn’t abandon those who earnestly seek Him.
Jesus reinforces this promise in Matthew 7:7-8, encouraging us to “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” God’s response to our seeking is certain, even if the answers come in ways we don’t expect.
Are we actively seeking Him in our lives today? Let’s approach God with faith, knowing He is both our refuge and the One who answers. When we lean on Him and seek Him persistently, we find a refuge and a faithful friend who will never leave us.
11-7-24
Food For Thought: Isaiah 49:25
But this is what the Lord says:
“Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save.
For Israel, God’s promise in Isaiah 49:25 was a powerful assurance that He would deliver them from their enemies, no matter how strong. God was not distant or uninvolved—He pledged to step in and fight for His people, even when their situation seemed hopeless. This promise held Israel together through trials and exile, showing them they had a Redeemer who would act on their behalf.
Today, we see the ultimate fulfillment of this promise in Jesus Christ. When humanity was held captive by sin and death, God sent His Son to contend with the enemy on our behalf. Jesus defeated sin and death, setting us free and claiming our victory through His death and resurrection. This freedom is God’s gift to each of us—proof of His love, His power, and His commitment to redeem us.
So today, let’s take heart: the same God who delivered Israel has secured our deliverance through Christ. When we face battles or struggles that seem too big to overcome, we can rest in the truth that Jesus has already won the victory. We are free, protected, and held by a God who is mighty to save.
11-6-24
Food for Thought: Psalm 22:26
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever!
Psalm 22 is a journey—from pain to praise, from feeling abandoned to finding hope. David begins with a cry of anguish, a feeling many of us know well. Sometimes, it feels like God is distant, especially in times of suffering or loneliness. But as David pours out his heart, the psalm shifts, and we see the glimmer of God’s faithfulness through it all.
This psalm speaks to the depths of human suffering, yet it doesn’t end there. In the midst of his pain, David remembers God’s past faithfulness and trusts that those who seek Him will one day praise Him. He holds onto hope that God will provide for the needy and satisfy the hearts of those who turn to Him.
Psalm 22 reminds us that it’s okay to bring our honest questions and struggles to God—He can handle them. And, like David, we can hold on to hope even in the darkest moments, knowing that God’s story for us doesn’t end in sorrow. It moves forward to satisfaction, praise, and a heart that lives forever in His love.
Feeling abandoned? Cry out to God and trust that He hears. Our suffering isn’t the end of the story.
11-5-24
Food for Thought: Proverbs 12:19
19 Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.
Trust -firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something. When I hear the word “trust,” I always think of the 1989 film Batman with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson. There is a scene when the Joker, played by Nicholson, is having a parade and throwing money out into the crowd. He asks, “Who do you trust? Me, I’m giving away free money! And where is the Batman? He’s at home washing his tights!” However, the Joker’s truth was only a ploy. The money was fake, and the balloons were filled with poison gas. So, in the end, even though the people were putting their trust in the wrong things, Batman (Keaton) was coming to save them.
The world tells us lies: You’re only as valuable as what you achieve, Happiness is found in wealth and possessions, Follow your heart—whatever makes you happy is right, You can handle it all on your own, Your past defines you, You’ll never be enough, You must fit in to be accepted. These lies lead to depression, addiction, or despair. However, Jesus offers the truth: Your worth is inherent because we are created in God’s image. True joy and peace come from a relationship with God, not material things. God’s wisdom, not our fleeting feelings, leads us to true joy. We are designed to rely on God and each other; in Christ, we are forgiven and made new; God sees us as valuable, beloved, and chosen; God calls us to be set apart, not to conform to the world. These truths lead to joy beyond understanding in this life and eternal life.
The world asks,” Who do you trust?” while giving you things that will only last a little while. Jesus says, “I have already saved you.” (JN 3:16).
11-4-24
Food for Thought: 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Paul wrote these words in the face of intense hardship for the sake of the gospel—exhaustion, persecution, and trials that could have discouraged anyone. He describes us as simple clay jars, plain and fragile, yet holding the most valuable message. While we may be weak on the outside, it’s the power of God within us that gives us true strength. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re continually renewed, enabling us to endure beyond our limitations to share the gospel.
As we live out and share our faith, we’re bound to face challenges—whether through difficult conversations, resistance, or the courage it takes to be a light in a world that doesn’t always welcome it. Yet, these “momentary troubles” pale in comparison to the eternal impact they have, both in our lives and in the lives of others.
Today, let’s take heart. Every step of faith, every act of courage to live and share the gospel, is part of a far greater glory that God is preparing for us. Together, these steps form an eternal weight of glory that goes far beyond any hardship we encounter.
11-2-24
Food for Thought: John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Olive Garden, Texas Roadhouse, Red Lobster, Carrabba’s, Cheesecake Factory, Outback Steakhouse, Longhorn Steakhouse. What do all these restaurants have in common? They all serve bread before the meal. We look at the menu, see all the wonderful options, and order what we want. But while we’re waiting for our meal, we fill up on the bread that keeps appearing at the table. By the time our meal arrives, we’re too full to enjoy it and ask for a to-go box, planning to enjoy it later.
Now imagine this as a picture of our lives. We see all the things the world has to offer, but instead of indulging, we fill up on the bread of life—Jesus. When temptations come, promising joy or satisfaction, we’re already so full of the bread of life that there’s no room left for anything else. Then, the temporary happiness we once wanted will be complete when we get to heaven.
The verse reminds us that when Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” He is inviting us to find lasting fulfillment in Him. Just as bread sustains our bodies, Jesus sustains our souls. Those who come to Him in faith will never be spiritually empty because His presence fills the deepest needs and desires of our hearts, giving us purpose and joy that surpasses anything the world can offer.
11-1-24
Food For Thought: 1 Corinthians 2:9
“However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those who love him.”
This verse gives us a glimpse of the amazing future God has in store, but there’s even more depth when we look at the whole passage. Paul contrasts human wisdom with God’s wisdom, showing us that spiritual understanding isn’t something we achieve on our own. Instead, it’s revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we’re given the gift of the Holy Spirit, who opens our eyes to God’s greater purposes and guides us toward His unimaginable plans.
The truth is that God’s plans go far beyond what our minds can grasp on their own. The rulers of this world missed the wisdom of Christ’s mission, leading to His crucifixion. But through Jesus’ victory over death, the Holy Spirit now dwells within us, revealing God’s heart and His profound love for those who believe.
Today, let’s ask ourselves: are we open to the Spirit’s voice, leading us to the depths of God’s wisdom and love? There’s so much more for us to understand and experience when we’re willing to trust what we can’t yet see or fully understand. Like Nicodemus asked in episode one of The Chosen season one, “What if it’s more beautiful and strange than we could ever imagine?”
10-31-24
Food for Thought: Proverbs 28:26
“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
The world tells us to listen to our hearts. If we want something, we should get it. However, we often want things that are bad for us. I think of a child who is always asking for candy. The parents will say no on most occasions because they know that too much candy is a bad thing.
However, when that child grows up and is able to make his own choices, if he listens to his heart, then serious medical problems are in his future. We cannot trust our own wants and desires because we are sinful beings. We will always want what is bad for us. It may seem good at the time, but sooner or later, there will be a price to pay.
On the other hand, if we trust in the Lord and follow His commands, He will guide us safely through this life. Like wise parents, the Lord knows what is good for us and wants to see us succeed in life. If we fix our eyes on him, we will walk in wisdom.
10-30-24
Food for Thought: James 4:7-8
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Sometimes, life feels like a constant tug-of-war between what we know is right and the influences that pull us away from it. James reminds us that true strength comes from submitting ourselves to God—placing His will above our own and actively resisting those things that try to drag us down.
When we turn toward God, He promises to come close. This is more than a call to resist; it’s an invitation to lean in, knowing that every step we take toward Him, He’s taking toward us. How might our daily struggles look different if we leaned fully into that promise?
James gives us a powerful, practical call to action. “Wash your hands” is more than a metaphor; it’s about cleaning up the habits, routines, and actions that don’t honor God. This might mean watching our words, being mindful of our time, or letting go of negative attitudes. But James doesn’t stop with outward actions—he also challenges us to “purify our hearts.” This is about motives, reminding us to look inward and ask, Why am I doing what I’m doing? Are my actions motivated by love for God, or by self-interest?
If we find ourselves double-minded—pulled between wanting to serve God and other influences—James invites us to refocus our devotion on God alone. When we submit, resist temptation, and draw near to God, He promises to come near to us. Today, what’s one habit or thought pattern you can “wash” to step closer to Him?
10-29-24
Food for Thought:
“The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him” (Ps 37:40).
In Psalm 37 David reminds us to trust in God, even when it seems like evil and injustice are prevailing around us. In this final verse David assures us that God sees, God knows, and God acts on behalf of those who put their trust in Him.
In today’s world, where uncertainty and struggles can easily shake our faith, Psalm 37 calls us to a different response: rather than becoming anxious or envious of those who seem to prosper in their wrongdoings, we are invited to delight in the Lord and commit our ways to Him. God’s promise is that He will be our refuge, and He will sustain us through whatever we face.
Today, when you encounter moments of frustration or worry about the state of the world, remember to turn to God as your refuge. This means trusting His timing, surrendering your fears, and believing that He is working behind the scenes for your good. Take time to pray, release your anxieties to Him, and focus on doing good where you are. As you do, you’ll find a peace that goes beyond circumstances and a strength that comes directly from His presence.
Christians should rest in the knowledge that God is our deliverer and protector. He sees our struggles, and when we take refuge in Him, He will guide us through with His faithful hand.
10-26-24
Food for Thought this morning:
“The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.” (Psalm 145:8)
Have you ever pondered God’s attributes? In Psalm 145, David did exactly that. He recognized that everything he had either belonged to God or was given by His grace. God’s goodness overwhelmed David, and he couldn’t help but express his gratitude. He uses words like great, gracious, compassionate, patient, rich, steadfast, good, trustworthy, faithful, righteous, near, providing, and protective to describe God.
When was the last time you prayed to God and only praised Him for the gifts in your life? I encourage you to read Psalm 145 this morning and think about all the ways God has been great, gracious, compassionate, patient, rich, steadfast, good, trustworthy, faithful, righteous, near, providing, and protective in your life. Then, praise Him for who He is.
10-25-24
Food for thought this morning:
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)
David looks at his circumstances, surrounded by enemies, and yet he has no fear. He trusts that God will give him victory, refusing to let his situation cause him to doubt who God is. David knows that despite how things might appear, God has everything under control. With God on his side, who should he fear?
In the same way, this is a verse we should meditate on daily! When all hope seems lost, when the weight of the world comes crashing down, when you feel like you’ve lost control—remember, the Lord is your light and salvation. He is your guide and your protection. When you trust in Him, He will be your stronghold, your safe place. Then, like David, you can ask the question, “Whom shall I fear?” and, of course, the answer is no one!
10-24-24
Food for thought this morning:
“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day” (2Tim 1:12).
Paul is writing to Timothy, his young student, to encourage him to keep fighting the good fight. Paul states that we have been given a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. We should not be afraid to share the gospel message. Paul is in prison because of the gospel message. However, he is not ashamed or afraid. He has trusted his life to Christ and knows he will be cared for. He wants to impart this same courage to Timothy as he spreads the Gospel message.
As followers of Christ, we have that same Spirit in us. We should not be afraid to speak up about our faith or our Christian values. We have nothing to fear in this world because we know that Jesus will protect us. Go out today and hold your head up high and boldly proclaim the Gospel message.
10-23-24
Food for thought this morning:
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven” (James 5:15 NIV).
James conveys a powerful message to us: Prayer is powerful and effective. Jesus said that “if we have faith as small as a mustard seed, then we can tell the mountain to jump into the sea and it will”(Mat 17:20). Our faith can move mountains, and it can move God’s heart. James points out that a prayer offered in faith will heal both body and soul. If we truly believe and pray in God’s will, He will answer. Prayer is our personal connection with God, a reminder that He is near to us in every situation.
God loves all His children and wants what is best for them. When we come to Him in faith, we are placing our trust in His timing and wisdom. Let us remember today that prayer is not just our way of asking for help—it is a way of aligning our hearts with God’s heart. In every moment, may we pray with faith, knowing that our prayers matter to Him.
10-22-24
Breakfast for the Soul: Starting Your Day with God’s Word
Did you have breakfast this morning? It has been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and what you eat for breakfast can affect the rest of your day. Skipping breakfast can lead to reduced energy levels, eating more, and thus causing weight gain. It also affects our cognitive function and mood, impacting our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. While skipping breakfast occasionally might not cause significant harm, making it a habit can negatively affect physical and mental health.
Just as breakfast is the most important meal of the day, starting each day with time in God’s Word is vital for our spiritual health. Skipping breakfast can leave us feeling tired, unfocused, and hungry, and the same is true when we neglect spending time with God. Jesus gives us our spiritual food. He is the Bread of Life and Living Water. He has all the nourishment we need to face the dark world. Just like breakfast, we have to make time to prepare the meal. Do not go through the day feeling run down, under attack, and defeated. Take in the nutrients your soul needs, or as Paul states in Ephesians 6:11-18,
“11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (EPH 6:11-17 NIV).
Remember, how you fuel your body at the beginning of the day has a lasting impact on the rest of the day. Just as a good breakfast fuels your body for the day, time in God’s Word fuels your spirit. When you start each day with His truth, you carry His strength and wisdom into every conversation and challenge you face. Let His Word be the nourishment that prepares you to serve, love, and stand firm. As you take time for this spiritual meal each morning, you’ll find yourself better equipped to bless those around you. May your week be filled with the strength that comes from starting your day with Him.
10-21-24
Food for thought this morning:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Cor 5:17 NIV.
As Christians, we are made new in Christ and called to be ambassadors of Heaven. It’s our job to spread the message of reconciliation—not seeing others as the world does, but as Christ sees them, his wayward children. Remember, God’s love is so great that He allowed His Son to die for each person.
As the world grows darker, let’s shine the light of Christ’s love. Be the light of reconciliation and love others as Christ loves you. Have a blessed day!
10-3-24
Love Like Jesus
Good Morning,
Our adult Wednesday night class has been going through a study by Gene Appel called Living in the Age of Rage, and I believe the lessons we’re learning are especially timely for all of us. Last night’s lesson was about the separation of church and hate—a reminder that, as Christians, we are called to love everyone the way Christ loves us.
In today’s world, with social media, news outlets, political tensions, and racial divides all working to stir up anger and division, it’s easy to forget the words of our Lord Jesus: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:34-35).
Jesus commands us to love one another, but in this day and age, that has become increasingly difficult. Gene posed a thought-provoking question during our study: “When did it become okay to hate?” I believe that’s a question we all need to ask ourselves. While we may disagree with others’ ideas or opinions, we are still called to love them. Too often, we let offense or anger end relationships. But James reminds us of a different path:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20).
What would it look like if we, as followers of Christ, embodied these words in our everyday lives—especially when tensions run high? Whether in personal relationships or public discussions, we have the opportunity to reflect the light of Christ into this dark world. We are not just called to follow Christ, but to be sources of His love and peace in the world.
Loving others as ourselves is challenging, especially when we feel hurt or betrayed. Yet, Jesus gave us no exceptions to His command to love. He forgave the very people who crucified Him. This is what separates us from the world—Christians are called to do hard things, and loving those who hurt us is one of the hardest. But it’s also how we demonstrate God’s grace and truth.
The next time you feel tempted to lash out in anger—whether in person, on social media, or when someone disagrees with you—remember this might be a person God has placed in your life to win for Christ. Instead of responding with frustration, pause, and reflect on these words from Paul: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10).
In every conversation, with every person you encounter, you represent Christ. May we never tire of doing good and spreading His love to all we meet, even when it’s difficult. By reflecting His love, especially in moments of tension, we can be a powerful testimony to the world.
Let us commit ourselves anew to love as Christ loves us, shining His light in every interaction and conversation.
Blessings,
Brian Mitchell
Brian Mitchell