Today’s Thought “Conviction: God’s Priests at Work” G. Ward

Acts 17

¹⁶ Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he observed that the city was full of idols.

 

The Apostle Paul finds himself in Greece, the religious and intellectual capital in the Roman Empire; yet, he’s not impressed as so many were (1 John 2:15-17), nor is he disillusioned concerning the magnitude of responsibility to remain full of grace while among such permissive behavior from its citizenry (cf. 1 Cor.10:23). Soon thereafter, he’d encounter their great philosophical giants. These giants (of philosophy) were intimidating to most, because their answers were overwhelmingly intelligent, even leaving most perplexed. However, Paul would embrace his weakness (not as men regard weak, but a fortitude to remember HE who is greater, lives on the inside of him; so, what should he fear (?). Ultimately, his convictions didn’t disappoint – but would introduce a cycle undesired by other courts mentioned by our Lord (*Matt.10:16-18). As believers are we paying attention?

May our lives never represent a confidence (entirely arrogant), suggesting an unsanctioned capability without the Lord’s leading (John 15:5) and whereas being bothered by actions (from the unredeemed) is permissible (Eph.4:26), our commandment to “wait on the Lord” remains…

 

Today’s Thought “Dutiful Response” G. Ward

Romans 13

⁸ Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.

 

Great sarcasm from some who borrow, has been allowed to express their depletion of resources that satisfies an account of sorts, even an unfortunate adoption by onlookers similarly, that allows others to hear and apply the saddest sentiment of, “they’ll get it, when I get it” and whereas when the initial agreement was established, allowing particular goods and services to be extended (via credit), foolish defense becomes a newest demand. Our Lord would have every believer to comply (through every endeavor) with a heavenly citizenry in mind; even that to which understands an inseparable spiritual mantra that insists, who/whose I am, is what I do.

Moreover, and because we’re called HIS own, every response must first emanate with love, distinguishable from a common culture – to never wait for some to meet the same code in perceived decency, but to give it (unhesitatingly), in view of what our Lord bestowed on us (particularly while we were unlovely); not an inventive morality, for all that we’ll ever need is written (for our compliance and for HIS glory) and opposite of our proposed value systems (that lack sustaining power, along with being arrogant at best.). The contingency to see our Savior face to face remains obedience (Luke 6:46).

 

Today’s Thought “To Be, Or Not to Be…” G. Ward

 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Brilliance, is a tag appropriated by man, generally indicative of one highly extraordinaire. It however, casts dispersion in becoming too impressed towards people so entirely temporal and will soon offer displacement onto even a greater demonstration by another, who will soon have their account shattered. Altogether, this may be a spiritual corollary in how many can be deemed (through self-proclamation) as spiritually superior, because they too have lent great practice of an articulated humility (i.e., outward appearances in having attained stalwart character – without recognizing their true and only contribution to the Cross of Calvary was sin in them), even that to which neglected to condescend to Holy God changing them (e.g., “It’s me oh Lord, standing in the need…”).

HIS working in us must never find one feeling accomplished, yet pressing (Phil.1:6, 3:7-10).

Today’s Thought “Praise Without Practice” G. Ward

Ezekiel 36

²⁶ Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 

 

While support of Israel for the church is understood as a reasonable response in view of all that Holy God proposes onto His own, we must understand that lack in the same, won’t ever thwart HIS plans (cf. Zech.14:4, Ac.1:1-9). A believer’s compliance unto the Almighty happens as one devotes himself to an intimacy intended; desiring to never let go of HIS precepts (1 John 5:3) and won’t settle for morning prayers of grant me safety, along with those they love (cf. Ro.5:7) to then count on an evening slumber that echoes, “now I lay me down to sleep…” Instead, believers are consumed with a servitude indifferent from all their prior experiences; they’ve been changed and that transformation enlarges their hearts unto great compassion, desiring eternal security (in Christ) for others (particularly before HIS return; to which they anticipate will be very soon - *Mark 16:15). 

 

Today’s Thought “Stinkin Thinkin” G. Ward

1 Peter 2

⁴ And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

 

Priests of old were prepared for service, cleansed from their sins, anointed and ordained, and sought only to administer that to which Holy God compelled. Believers are given over as synonymous with that priesthood and whereas Christ remains their Example, they seek to imitate HIS life.

After HIS resurrection, He’d compel every believer to address any (as we go) and teach HIS Way. The world remains apparent in how they address life, particularly as they co-depend on systems (namely politics) to disable perceived social ills – which epitomizes idolatry. Our LORD in earth would never submit to wrongful dependence on kings, governors, or emperors’ resolve (i.e., a governmental imposing of morality upon its citizenry) while yet insistent on our obedience unto his laws (Ro.13:1-7). The politics of Jesus’ day were oppressive, along with frivolous forbearance in accordance to their own speculations (entirely sectarian and seemingly righteous) and dare not submit to a reign and rule from the True King (cf. Ac.4:12).

Every time you consider pervading social media posts (for or against candidates) and distributing great, eloquent discourses (e.g., at the water cooler), that charges others’ involvement towards such temporal interactivity, you really decide that Christ governance lacks insight and cannot know what’s best for us. That stance subverts the Truth in what HE commands believers to do for any (including the vilest of sinners – *1 Cor.6:9-11) AND IS BLASPHEMY! Read it again.

 

Today’s Thought “Seemingly Alone” G. Ward

1 John 4

¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

Assurance of being beheld by our Creator will always lack confidence when activity thereunto rests in who I’ve been (2 Cor.5:17, Gal.2:20); along with exercising in a spiritually unrecognizable retention of certain facts (pertinent to God’s Word) and a perpetuation of periodic visitation with other believers – denying discipleship (*Heb.10:24-25).

What stands out in our theme for today, besides a great contingency to know HIM, exists a most powerful, existential reality – “God is Love” which identifies HIS plan of escape unto those somewhat defiant (cf. Ro.1:18-21). Moreover, His Word proclaims Him as the Center-point of true love, but if/when those practitioners of self-love (2 Ti.3:2-5) fail to identify denying themselves (Matt.16:24) now, assuming there will be a tomorrow for such reconciliation – they ask for troubles, eternally long (*2 Thess.1:9).

 

Today’s Thought “Principle to Practice” G. Ward

Ephesians 4

^{14 “}As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; ¹⁵ but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

 

The pace in our society has many dictates (ever-evolving) and while there exists a small segment (*followers of Christ) desiring abstinence from an adjustment thereunto – there’s even periodic lapse with them. The believer in Christ is given great admonishing to thwart unlawful submission towards things and people that promote spiritual dissonance and mandates our involvement in daily pursuit of the Holy journal (i.e., God’s Word), that washes away bad theorizing. When considerate of this deepest conviction is central to our being happens, we’re then able to instruct others accordingly. Unity, won’t involve the masses (Matt.7:13-14), particularly where believer-ship is concerned, but is possible with/unto God’s “few” when it’s established on the foundation of sound doctrine Christ administers (cf. Ac.17:11).

*Those who pervade knowledge from men (particularly through great art of public speaking), along with Holy God’s wisdom are as numerous now as it was in Christ’s day; so be careful (1 John 4:1-3). The Almighty won’t ever need impressive oratory from preachers to be proclaimed as Great…