Week Twenty-Six, 2026
“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.” — Psalm 139:1-2
We landed in the middle of the night in a foreign city, checked into the hotel, and went to bed. We woke up at midday ready to see the city. We left our key at the front desk, as required, hailed a cab, and told the driver the name of the museum we wanted to visit.
Later, as we viewed the art, I had a funny feeling, turned to my wife, and inquired if she remembered the name of the hotel where we were staying. She said no, and we were stranded. Once I found someone who spoke English and described what the hotel looked like, he came up with the name, and we got back to our hotel.
The Bible teaches that God knows exactly where you are—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—and that true identity is found “in Christ.” It emphasizes that God meets you where you are, with Psalm 139:8 affirming, “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.” God knows your sitting and rising and understands your thoughts from afar.
God is present in every place, from the highest heights of heaven to the deepest depths of the grave (Sheol), ensuring that no one can hide from His presence or escape His care. You cannot get lost from God. He knows your every sound and movement.
You cannot lose God because His presence, love, and salvation are viewed as guaranteed, even when faith feels shaken or when material possessions and worldly security are lost. God is often viewed as a constant, comforting force who does not abandon His children, offering strength and restoration in times of trouble.
While you can lose material things, faith in God is the ultimate asset, and according to Christian faith, God will never leave or forsake you.
The best of all is that God will never leave us. He is only a prayer away.
Sometimes True Stories
To all my friends who enjoy golf, here is an analogy based on today’s Proverb. When you hit a great shot, what do you learn? Probably not much; you feel happy and have a certain amount of pride in the great shot you hit, but what did you learn? Now let’s take the opposite approach: you hit a bad shot. You have several choices: you can ignore and accept the bad shot, or you can analyze and embrace the discipline and work effort it takes to get better.
Failure seems to teach us more, and most of us know instinctively when we need correction. Scripture says the Lord disciplines those He loves. In golf we take lessons to get better; in life we need the discipline of the Lord. He is our teacher, and He knows we are going to hit the bad shots of life. Failure makes us humble, and humility makes us better. The Lord appreciates a humble heart because a humble heart accepts discipline, and discipline makes us better! — Tony Ferguson
– 0 –
Anger, self-pity, and blaming others for our circumstances are the walls of self-made prisons. Sin has a way of setting a trap that is hard to escape and often leads to a heavy heart. Jesus came to lift our burdens, to set us free, and to open the prison doors. We all have heavy hearts at times, and how we deal with our burdens will ultimately determine how we get through these difficult times. The righteous understand where to turn, and it starts with prayer and talking to our Lord about our burdens. When experiencing difficult times, many of us turn to friends or associates, and some will talk to no one. May I suggest we talk to Jesus? He is always there, will always listen, never judges, and is totally dependable. — Tony Ferguson
– 0 –
“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” — Revelation 19:6b-7
Weddings are a big deal around the world. They are all about the bride. The bride is adorned with the most beautiful gown to make her the ultimate picture of beauty and purity. The occasion is capped off with a fabulous reception. Nothing is spared, including money. The cost of the event can easily be $40,000. Yet, there is a wedding and feast waiting in Heaven for those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ. The church is the bride. The bride has adorned herself with the righteousness of Christ Himself, making her the ultimate picture of beauty and purity. The reception, the marriage supper of the Lamb, has been prepared and lacks nothing. It will be a feast unlike anything we can imagine. And the cost? Priceless and already paid.
Will you be there? — Rich Jensen
Quotes You Can Use
The flesh can never be satisfied.
Remember, we may be stressed, but we are blessed.
Jesus promised that those who believed in Him would never die.
Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction. — Anne Frank
Laziness in our faith provides a fertile garden for the devil to plant the weeds of life in our minds.
The only thing we should covet is a closer relationship with God.
Sometimes faith will make you look stupid until it starts to rain. — Noah
The mark of an effective church is not how many people come, but how many are living differently as a result of having been there.
If you have nothing else to give your children, they have enough if they have God.
We are not building God’s kingdom. God is building His Kingdom, and we are praying for the privilege of being involved.
Smart people learn from mentors. Average people learn from their experiences, and stupid people already have all the answers. — Socrates
Life isn’t waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain. — Snoopy
If you have an important decision to make, or even a small one, it is good to make your decision with the guidance of the Lord. — Corrie ten Boom
Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.
Don’t be impressed by money, followers, degrees, and titles. Be impressed by kindness, integrity, humility, and generosity.
If you get on the wrong train, get off at the next station. The longer it takes to get off, the more expensive the return trip will be.
You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choices.
Saving faith is a transforming faith that produces fruitful obedience and gracious compassion.
Partiality is incompatible with the gospel because it contradicts Christ’s work, God’s character, and God’s mercy.
Receive others as God has received you. — Edgar Aponte
Address all items and comments to [email protected].
© Thoughts on Life Copyright 2026
10025 Orange Grove Drive
Tampa, FL 33618, USA