Daily Reflections From God's Word

Author: OkieInMO

  • The Hound of Heaven vs. The Hounds of Hell

    I first heard a sermon over 45 years ago titled “The Hounds of Hell.” Bro. Bass, a hunter, described how his trained dogs would track their prey relentlessly—up mountains, through valleys, across rivers—never stopping until their target was cornered, exhausted, and alone. He compared it to how Satan and his demons track us, waiting for us to stumble.

    1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) warns us: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” The enemy is relentless. He will chase us through every twist and turn, pressing in until we feel trapped with no escape.

    But yesterday morning, I was reminded of a different pursuit—one not of destruction, but of love.

    I pulled a book from my shelf titled A Gentle Thunder and saw the title of chapter two: “The Hound of Heaven: The God Who Pursues.”

    Francis Thompson’s poem describes God as “that tremendous Lover, pursuing me with His love.” Unlike the enemy, who seeks to destroy, Jesus pursues with grace, patience, and mercy.

    Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

    Satan’s hounds chase to wear you down.
    But Jesus stands at the door, waiting for you to open it.

    He doesn’t force His way in. He doesn’t demand entry. He simply knocks.

    Maybe today, you feel exhausted—like you’re running from something you can’t escape. The enemy has been on your trail, whispering lies, making you feel trapped.

    But hear this: Jesus is pursuing you, too. Not with pressure, but with love. Not with force, but with grace.

    He stands at the door.
    He knocks.
    He waits.

    The question is—will you let Him in?

  • The Tightrope of Life

    Thoughts for the day…….

    The Tightrope of Life

    I been keepin’ Jesus at a distance
    So afraid to let Him get too close
    To the two lives I’ve been livin’
    As if He couldn’t see them both
    Close enough to feel the warmth of the fire
    Far enough away for me to hide
    But I’m tired of walkin’ the wire
    Between the darkness and the light

    “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would wish you were cold or hot.” Revelation 3:15 (NKJV)

    You ever feel like you’re living two lives? I know I have. It’s a strange and weary thing, keeping Jesus at arm’s length while trying to maintain this illusion of control. It’s safer that way, isn’t it? We feel the warmth of His fire, but we’re terrified to let it consume us fully. We desire what He offers, yet cling to the shadows of who we think we should be, balancing precariously between light and dark.

    As a teenager, I was at church in McAlester when Bro. Heard took the pulpit to preach. How he introduced his message is something I will never forget. “I know you’ve heard it preached before, ‘How Close Can I Live to the World and Still be Saved?’, but tonight I’m approaching that topic from a different angle; ‘How Close Can I Live to God and Still be Lost?’” Those words struck a chord within me, highlighting the danger of superficial faith—the feigned closeness to God while still holding onto the remnants of the world.

    The truth is, straddling that fence isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. We think we can manage it, that we can keep one foot in the world and the other in faith, all while sitting pretty on that top rail. But that’s an illusion. That fence doesn’t belong to us; it’s a part of Satan’s domain, a subtle trap that whispers lies of compromise. And if we aren’t careful, we can be led down a path we never intended to walk.

    Jesus doesn’t want us teetering between two opposing forces. He invites us to surrender, to lay down the struggle, and to embrace the truth of who He is. In Matthew 16:24, He tells us, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” He’s asking for more than just a half-hearted commitment; He desires our whole hearts, our full surrender.

    Here’s the kicker: we can’t walk the line indefinitely without consequences. This balancing act creates inner turmoil, leaving us exhausted and seeking clarity. We hold on to our stubbornness, thinking we can do it our way, but in reality, we are prolonging our own pain. It’s time we stop bargaining with God, thinking we can negotiate our faith on our own terms.

    Let’s be honest: can we really thrive on that tightrope? God’s invitation is clear—step off that fence and draw nearer to Him. In the safety of His embrace, we’ll find rest, purpose, and the courage to follow the path He has laid out for us. No more hiding. No more walking the wire. Only the freedom that comes from surrendering to the One who knows us best, the One who wants us to flourish in His light. Are you ready to take that step?

  • Finding Strength When Life Gets Heavy

    1 Samuel 30:6 (NKJV) – “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.”

    You ever have one of those days where it feels like life’s throwing everything it’s got at you? Bills piling up, work stress mounting, maybe a family squabble or two—everything just feels heavy, like a thick fog you can’t seem to shake off. We’ve all been there, feeling as if fate itself is just out to get us. But here’s the thing—you’re not alone in that struggle.

    Take King David, for example. He knew a something about life’s curveballs. Between facing battles, betrayers, and heartbreak, David had his fair share of tough days. Yet amidst the chaos, he found a way to rise. In 1 Samuel 30:6, we see David in a real tight spot…his own people were ready to take him down. But rather than wallow in despair, David took a moment to regroup; he chose to encourage himself “in the LORD his God.”

    Even when God’s hand didn’t seem to be readily visible, David was vocal about His greatness. He was lifting his own spirit, reminding himself that no matter how dire the situation seemed, God is still mighty, faithful, and always with us.

    That’s a lesson that hits home. How often do we let negativity seep in, flooding out our faith? Just like David, we might need to take a step back and remind ourselves of the blessings and strength God has given us in the past. We all have our “God stories,” moments that we’ve seen him work miracles or simply help us through the rough patches.

    So, what should we do when life tries to pin us down? Let’s dive into the word of God and declare those over 7,000 truths and promises over our situations. When you start reminiscing about all the times God came through for you, it’s like lighting a spark in your spirit. It helps bring clarity when everything seems heavy and dark.

    Today, lean into David’s tenacity. Speak those promises of God like an old friend whispering in your ear. Remember, you are not alone in this; you have the strength of a loving God behind you. That makes you more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). So, let that faith reshape those gloomy feelings and push you forward with hope and grace.

  • If This Life I Lose, I Will Follow

    “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” – Matthew 16:25 (NKJV)

    Following Jesus is easy when it costs us nothing. It’s easy when the blessings flow, when the path is smooth, when faith fits neatly into our routines. But what happens when following Christ demands something more?

    Jesus never sugarcoated the cost of discipleship. He didn’t say, “Follow Me, and your life will be comfortable.” He said, “Take up your cross.” He didn’t promise safety—He promised suffering. And yet, He also promised that losing our lives for His sake is the only way to truly find life.

    Modern Christianity struggles with this truth. We’ve been conditioned to think faith should be convenient, that God’s primary concern is our comfort. But the reality of discipleship is surrender. It’s laying down our desires, our plans, and even our reputations for the sake of Christ. It’s like the modem church thinks of submission as a dirty word, but James is very clear when he tells us to “Submit yourselves therefore to God…” (James 4:7 NKJV)

    The question is: What are we still holding onto? Is it control? The approval of others? A dream we’re unwilling to release? If Jesus asked us to walk away from everything, would we?

    The world tells us to live for ourselves, to chase after success, to prioritize ease over endurance. But Jesus tells us to live for Him. To stand firm, even when it costs us. To be bold, even when it makes us unpopular. To trust Him, even when surrender feels like loss.

    But here’s the promise—surrender is never truly loss. Because when we give up everything for Christ, we gain something far greater: eternal life, unshakable joy, and a purpose that outlasts this world.

    Think about the following questions and consider whether you’re more committed to comfort or to Christ. You just might be surprised.

    What is one thing you’ve been hesitant to surrender to Christ?

    Are you following Jesus only when it’s easy, or even when it costs you?

    How can you take a bold step of faith today, trusting that Jesus is worth it?

    Lord, I don’t want a faith of convenience. I want a faith of commitment. Give me the courage to surrender everything for You, knowing that true life is found in following You. Strengthen me to stand firm, even when it costs me, because You are worth it all. Amen.

  • Faithful Still

    There’s a song that’s been rolling around in my head since my feet hit the floor this morning. The first verse and chorus go like this:

    When my heart is racing deep within my chest
    When I’m underneath the weight of anxiousness
    When my fear is raging and I can’t catch my breath
    I will remember

    You are faithful still
    You have carried me through the deeper waters
    Walked beside me through the fire
    Faithful still
    You have closed the mouth of bigger lions
    Conquered even greater giants
    Gone before me, and You always will
    You are faithful still

    And it’s true. Even when we struggle with our own faithfulness to Him—fighting giants, facing lions, overwhelmed in deep waters, struggling to keep our heads above the waves as the tempest rages—He’s there. Faithful Still.

    Time after time, God promises in His Word that He will be faithful in so many ways, and I’d like to explore some of them here.

    He is Faithful in Our Trials

    Though life’s circumstances often rock our boat and the winds of uncertainty blow, Scripture repeatedly reminds us that God is faithful to His promises. Even as Jeremiah suffered under the horrific conditions of Babylon’s siege and occupation, he wrote:

    “This I recall to mind, therefore I have hope… His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23)

    The psalmist tells us in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in time of trouble.” And Paul, who endured immense suffering for the sake of Christ, said in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”

    No matter the size of the storm, God is there. Faithful Still.

    He is Faithful to Keep His Promises

    By all accounts, God made no fewer than 7,000 promises in His Word—and He is faithful to keep them all. People, even those closest to us, will make promises and break them, often breaking our hearts in the process. I know… I’ve been guilty of it myself.

    But Moses reminds us in Numbers 23:19, “God is not a man, that He should lie… Does He promise and not fulfill?” Paul, in Romans 4:21, declares that he was “fully persuaded that what He had promised, He was also able to perform.” And Peter affirms in 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promises.”

    Whatever the circumstance, the evidence is undeniable—He is Faithful Still.

    He is Faithful Even in Our Doubt

    We all have those moments—not doubting God’s existence, but His willingness to come through in time… to meet our needs… to save our loved ones… to heal… Hits home, doesn’t it? Or is it just me?

    No matter how many times He proves Himself, we still doubt. Yet Isaiah reminds us in Isaiah 59:1, “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear.”

    Paul urges us in Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” And David, in Psalm 94:19, writes, “In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.”

    Even Peter, called by Jesus to step out of the boat in the middle of the storm, took his eyes off the Master and began to sink beneath the waves. But when he cried out for help, Jesus responded—not with condemnation, but with a question:

    “Why did you doubt?”

    Even when we doubt, even when we wonder if He’s even listening—He is Faithful Still.

    He is Faithful When We Stumble

    It’s happened to all of us. We’re walking along on our spiritual journey, and out of nowhere, something trips us up—a temptation, a mistake, our own stubborn pride.

    David, who had his own share of failures, writes in Psalm 37:23-24, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord… though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down.” Micah declares in Micah 7:8, “Rejoice not against me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall arise.” And Paul reminds the church at Philippi in Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will complete it.”

    So even when we stumble and fall flat on our faces, God is there. Faithful Still.

    Regardless of where you are in life—your circumstances, your doubts, your struggles—God is always there, His hand reaching out just as it did for Peter. Because He always has been, still is, and always will be…

    Faithful Still.

  • Strength in Simplicity

    In the 15 years I lived with Mums & Dad prior to his passing in November 1988, just 4 days before his 74th birthday, he was often quiet…never having a lot to say. But if he did speak, you knew it was going to be something to hang your hat on.

    Over the years, I worked side by side with him on various projects around the house and in the garden, and in those times he helped to instill in me the values that I’ve tried to uphold, but have so often failed. And, he taught me about the things that truly matter in life, but wealth and popularity were nowhere on that list. What is, however, I present here…

    • Gentleness & tenderness are often greater strengths than force & intimidation.
    • A man’s true strength comes from kneeling before God, rather than posturing before men.
    • Hard work may never make you rich, but you must always give everything you’ve got to whatever you do.
    • Never turn away a stranger in need because you don’t know when you’ll be walking in their shoes.
    • Always look for the beauty in nature.
    • Fishing isn’t necessarily about catching fish.

    Having said that, I’ve been thinking lately about what that really means. And this is what I’ve arrived at.

    The world tells us strength is about dominance—being the loudest voice in the room, the firmest handshake, the most intimidating presence. But real strength often looks quite different. Gentleness and tenderness require far more courage than force and intimidation. The writer of Proverbs tells us that “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Jesus could have crushed His enemies with a word, yet He chose to serve, to heal, to love. That’s the kind of strength that changes the world.

    A man isn’t strong because he stands tall before others—he’s strong because he kneels before God. James, in his letter to the church at Jerusalem, advised them to “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up” (James 4:10). Pride puffs up, but humility brings true power. The moment we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers, that we need something greater than ourselves, is the moment we find the strength to stand firm. Posturing before men may earn their respect for a time, but bowing before God secures an eternal foundation.

    And then there’s hard work. It may never make you rich in the way the world defines wealth, but that was never the goal anyway. The reward isn’t just in the paycheck—it’s in the diligence, the perseverance, the satisfaction of giving your best. In Paul’s admonitions to the church at Collossi, his instructions included “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23). Whether the world notices or not, God does.

    Life has a way of humbling us, reminding us that we’re all just one moment away from needing grace ourselves. That’s why we should never turn away a stranger in need. And a very personal experience when I was about 10 or 11 illustrated the wisdom of Paul when he said, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). You never know when you’ll be the one hoping for a hand, a kind word, or a bit of mercy. The Good Samaritan didn’t ask if the wounded man was worthy—he simply helped. That’s what love does.

    Amid the grind, don’t forget to look up. The beauty of nature is one of God’s simplest, yet most profound gifts. King David, in a way that only he could with his gift of poetry and his very personal relationship with the Creator, stated, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). A golden sunrise, a bird’s song, the way the trees dance in the wind—it’s all a reminder of His presence, His artistry, His goodness.

    And sometimes, life is like fishing. It’s not always about what you catch—it’s about the experience, the patience, the stillness. The psalmist summed it up best when he said,“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). It’s about learning to enjoy the moment, to find peace in the waiting. Some of the best days on the water don’t end with a full net, just a full heart.

    So walk gently, work hard, give freely, and take in the beauty around you. There’s more to life than power and success. Sometimes, the greatest strength is found in the simplest things.

  • Living for God with Intention

    This has been the recurring theme in messages at church, in YouTube videos I watch, and in Connect Group discussions of late. Call me a conspiracy theorist (though i think pattern recognitionist fits better here), but I’m beginning to think that maybe God is trying to tell me something…

    Too many people today treat their walk with God like a New Year’s resolution—full of good intentions but lacking follow-through. They want to serve Him, they mean to pray more, they hope to read their Bible regularly. But life gets in the way, and before they know it, days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and they’ve drifted further than they ever thought possible. I know this to be true because it’s a pattern I recognize in myself.

    But here’s the thing: no one accidentally lives for God. No one stumbles into righteousness by chance. Living for God requires intentionality.

    Look at Daniel. As a young man, ripped from his home and placed in a pagan culture, he had every excuse to compromise. But what does the Bible say?

    “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank…” (Daniel 1:8 NKJV).

    Daniel didn’t wait until temptation was staring him in the face. He made up his mind beforehand. He was intentional about his commitment to God. And because of that, he stood firm when it mattered most.

    Jesus Himself spoke about this level of commitment. In Luke 9:23, He says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” That’s not a one-time decision. That’s a daily choice, a purposeful surrender every morning when your feet hit the floor.

    The reality is, if we aren’t intentional about living for God, the world will make sure we live for something else. There’s always another distraction, another excuse, another reason to push God to the margins. But Jesus didn’t die for a halfhearted, passive faith. He gave everything for us—shouldn’t we be willing to give Him our best in return?

    So how do we live for God with intentionality? We make daily decisions that prioritize Him. We set aside time for prayer, not just when it’s convenient but because we know we need it. We open His Word, not just to check a box, but to hear His voice. We surround ourselves with people who push us closer to Him. And when temptation comes knocking, we don’t wait until the moment of decision—we purpose in our hearts, like Daniel, to stand firm.

    Living for God isn’t a passive endeavor. It’s a choice. A commitment. A daily pursuit. So, the question is—have you made up your mind?

  • The Consequences of Silence: Remembering Our Faith

    Judges 2:10 NKJV
    “When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel.”

    I’ve always thought of this scripture as perhaps the most damning in the entire Bible, and it should speak volumes to the church at large today. As I ponder the stark reality illustrated in Judges 2:10, my spirit feels a heavy inclination. We read the tragic account of a generation that rises, one that knows neither the Lord nor the rich tapestry of miracles that fed and guided their ancestors. This verse, while brief, carries profound implications—it serves as a reminder of our duty to pass the baton of faith to the next generation.

    Imagine the original Israelites, liberated from slavery and witnessing firsthand the grandeur of God’s power. They crossed the Jordan on dry land, witnessed the collapse of Jericho’s walls, and saw His presence in the cloud by day and fire by night. Yet, despite such miraculous experiences, once that generation passed away, the stories faded, and God’s marvelous deeds fell into oblivion.

    How could it be that the vibrant history of God’s faithfulness dissipated into silence? It’s a truth we cannot ignore. It happened due to the absence of intentionality in sharing the faith. Generations can only carry what is taught. If we remain quiet about who Jesus is and what God has done in our lives, we inadvertently hand down a heritage void of meaning.

    As I reflect on the children in our communities, my heart aches at the thought of them growing up devoid of the truth of God’s love. In our busy lives—filled with schedules and responsibilities—it becomes easy to forget the urgency of teaching our children about God’s unwavering faithfulness and His character.

    What am I actively doing today to ensure those around me, particularly the young ones, are drenched in the love and stories of our Lord? Conversations over dinner, stories before bed, or even sharing my testimony can lay a strong foundation for the next generation’s faith to flourish.

    The repercussions of forgetting God didn’t end with those ancient Israelites. We see it play out even today, as our society increasingly embraces a narrative devoid of His influence. Without a strong foundation, the foundation of our faith can weaken, causing our churches and communities to drift.

    Let us not remain silent. As we engage in teaching, sharing testimonies, and living out our faith, may we inspire the next generation to know the Lord intimately. Every story told serves as a thread weaving them closer to the divine, anchoring their hearts in His truth. It’s our mandate and privilege to carry forward the legacy of faith. May we rise up, not just as believers but as storytellers of His greatness.

  • Responding to Temptation


    “You can’t control the temptation that comes your way, but you control your response.”

    Temptation is an inevitable part of the human experience. Regardless of where we are in life, we are all faced with trials that test our resolve. In James 1:12 (NKJV), we find reassurance: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” While we cannot prevent temptation from entering our lives, we hold the power to choose how we respond to it—a choice guided by the Holy Spirit.

    There is immense comfort in knowing that even in our moments of weakness, we have the strength within us to rise above. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV). “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” God’s promise is not just in the deliverance from temptation, but in affirming that even in our weakest moments, we can find refuge and strength in Him.

    Think about the moments in your day-to-day life where you face temptation. Whether it’s the urge to indulge in harmful habits, to gossip, or to stray from your values, remember that you are not alone. God’s faithfulness is all-encompassing; He walks alongside us as we navigate our choices. In those critical moments, we can drop to our knees in prayer, asking for guidance and the ability to see the ‘way out’ that He provides.

    Temptations may attempt to draw us away from our true purpose, yet they can also serve as powerful opportunities for growth. Each time we resist temptation, we strengthen our character, embodying the likeness of Christ. This journey is not about striving for perfection but rather embracing the learning process as we reflect on our values and principles.

    Let’s focus on transforming our perceptions of temptation—from a mere hurdle to a chance to demonstrate our commitment to God’s will in our lives. Next time you are faced with temptation, pause and pray for divine guidance. Your response can shape not just your character but also influence those around you by showcasing the strength found in walking with God.

  • God is in the Details

    Matthew 10:29-31 NKJV – Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

    In the hustle and bustle of our lives, it’s easy to overlook the intricate details that make up each day. We often focus on the major events, the milestones, and the overwhelming challenges, while the smaller moments fade into the background. Yet, as the song “God is in the Details” reminds us, it is precisely in these minute particulars that we often find the profound presence of God.

    Matthew 10:29-31 beautifully encapsulates this idea. Jesus reassures us that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge and care. If God is so intimately involved in the lives of the sparrows, how much more does He care for us? This scripture emphasizes that our lives — down to the very hairs on our heads — are fully in His hands. It is a powerful reminder that the divine is not limited to monumental occurrences but is also present in the minutiae of our daily existence.

    Take a moment to reflect on the details that fill your day. Consider the sunrise that illuminates the morning sky, the laughter shared with loved ones, or the unexpected kindness of a stranger. These moments, though seemingly small, demonstrate God’s creative hand at work. They serve as reminders that every breath we take, every heartbeat, carries the imprint of His love and intention.

    In our fast-paced world, it is easy to become desensitized to these details. We race from task to task, often forgetting to pause and acknowledge the blessings present in each moment. This brings us to the call of Psalm 46:10: *“Be still, and know that I am God.”* In stillness, we are invited to notice how God weaves His presence throughout our lives. It is in our quiet reflections that we can discern His fingerprints on the tapestry of our daily experiences.

    Moreover, recognizing that God is in the details encourages us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When we begin to notice and appreciate the little things — a gentle breeze, a word of affirmation, or an answered prayer — we foster a deeper connection with our Creator. Our hearts become attuned to His presence and our trust in His divine plan strengthens. In moments of uncertainty or doubt, it is often these simple reminders that reassure us of His unwavering care and love.

    As you go through your week, challenge yourself to look for God in the details. Observe the ordinary and find the extraordinary in it. Let your eyes be opened to the miracles that occur every day, wrapped in the simplest forms. Keep a journal, recording moments where you felt His presence in the mundane.

    Remember, “God is in the details.” He is present not only in the significant moments of life but also in the minutiae that comprise our daily journeys. As we recognize His involvement in our lives and express gratitude for the small things, we discover that our faith deepens, and our lives are enriched by His constant love.