Today’s Thought “My Easy Chair” G. Ward

“In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted, with the train of His robe filling the temple.” Isaiah 6:1

America leads the world in commerce and values their leaders to set and maintain a tone in prosperity. We won’t eat leftovers, nor will we be seen with the same garments; within our daily grasp (even for the poorest) are myriads of choices. King Uzziah’s leadership was emblematic of a similar prosperity (cf. 2 Chr.26), so when he died despair vs. trust in Holy God became the unfortunate factoring. As Isaiah was commissioned to these people, Holy God shared their obstinance towards righteous conformity (cf.1 Sa.8).

Historically, nations insistence on proposed prosperity that denies its Creator (i.e. true governance) is doomed towards implosion and if the Most High is loving the world (Jn.3:16), could America be His example (through utter destruction – cf. Isa.6:11-12) to demand the world’s compliance? HE’s done it before (*Lk.14:23)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “My Mountaintop Experience” G. Ward

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

Jesus Christ, sinless; all men sinful. Moreover, the ONE without sin died to then rise from death so that we wouldn’t experience unforgiveness that denies eternality. Our confession of the Righteous ONE as Lord over the life He’s given is now with demand that our earthly pursuits shares forgiveness, along with restoration unto all men.

Real HOPE was given thousands of years ago while mankind yet complicates simple reality (i.e. Partiality – Jas 2:1-7, Unforgiveness – Mt.6:14-15, Lack of Love – 1 Jn.4:7-8). Ultimately the sin of disobedience is the premise that subtracts from any being known by HIM (cf. Mt. 7:21-23) and the perpetuation in deceit that says I’ll love them, but my interaction with them is now re-established as minimal, is not forgiveness at all.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Strongest Barometer” G. Ward

“Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

The Sermon on the Mount (*Mt. – Chapters 5-7) is the very hinge for the entirety of the New Testament. Christ introduced the way so very opposite of practical response from humankind.  The will of Holy God is found solely in HIS word and man’s approach unto it must never seek to juxtapose the Sovereignty therein. One can echo religious sentiment of “I trust Him” while simultaneously regarding their supplication as a reminder unto the MOST HIGH of His own words so that it may benefit their own circumstance.

We must more contemplate that Children’s hospitals are equal in proportion to those adult facilities and funeral plans are made from both. While my personal prayer for health in others may be incessant, my soul (at the same time) is with preparation (preeminently so) to praise HIM for mercy and grace provided thus far (cf. Ro.8:18)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Desired Effect” G. Ward

“Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence As fire kindles the brushwood, as fire causes water to boil To make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence!” Isaiah 64:1-2

Unrest from the whole of society (this time of year) that includes great impatience along with lack of hospitality, longs for the comparability of what a Norman Rockwell portrait represents (i.e. continuity and peace among men). Pleas from today’s peacemakers, although admirable, forget that hope for mankind’s conformity unto righteousness is with great contingency from the Most High (cf. Isa.65:1-10).

Isaiah’s rebuke from Holy God has become our opportunity to share with potential brothers and sisters that knowing HIM more includes being known (*Lk.10:17-20)…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “The Street Lights Came On…” G. Ward

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29

If a kid approached you many years ago to express that he/she overheard your Mother speaking to their Mom whereby it was okay for you to remain outside playing after the street lights illuminated, would you have continued to play?

Who then is Holy God whereas the pressures in life maintain your ear being more in tune with man’s vain philosophy over perfect guidance?  Inasmuch as the penalty for violating Mother would mean death, it wasn’t literal, just very painful; but a practice in disobedience unto Holy God is death (*Ro.6:23).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Choosing My Best Suit” G. Ward

“Whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:11

True devotion unto our Creator delights in His Holy control for one’s life; particularly in view of the peace and joy it promotes in having experienced such guidance before. Anxieties of sorts, along with lack in spiritual preparedness, obscure the best consideration for the believer; it’s therefore incumbent on those who trust HIM to long for His presence every moment (cf. 1 Pe.5:6-9). Imposing on a limited scope in wisdom (found in man) yields to more uncertainty (i.e. lack in confidence). Avoid potential embarrassment by choosing to remain hidden (cf. *Josh.24:11-15)

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Semantics vs. Facts” G. Ward

Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." Romans 3:4

A truthful politician (particularly when running for an office) is an example of what a misnomer represents and the one stating (emphatically) that Christ is Lord, while ascribing to selective motivational promptings, will soon know that HE ALONE is worthy to be perceived (cf. Isa.45:23).

The most esteemed writer, along with purveyors in eloquence won’t compare; unless their old ideologies are denied, giving way to “Thus Saith the LORD.”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Under A Guise of Blessings” G. Ward

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8

Every motive of my existence should long for a peaceable contentment therein (cf. Pr.3:5-6). Instead, the whole of man insists on a practice in pleasuring oneself under a banner portraying that it’s my life to live (*1 Cor.6:19-20). There ultimately will be a spiritual reckoning perhaps too late in attaining and no matter how many chants of pseudo encouragement exists; the eternal standard is with tremendous contingency.

The beauty of this day given, affords me the second chance that desires conformity unto what’s truly best for me; that is, guidance in my every thought from the One and Only Proprietor of excellence.

Surrendering All, signed unfaithful

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “46 Days Till Christmas” G. Ward

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

When/if the rich make promises in extending gifts to their friends who are impoverished occurs, the poor recipient remains practically sleepless, while vigilant, to never doubt the pledge. Anticipation diminishes in many that have perfect access (Ro.10:8-9) to the Owner of “The cattle on a thousand hills” and HIS presentation of gifts are tantamount to everything we’ll ever need; but we fail to see because faith in the Proprietor more pertains to the intangible (*Jn.10:10-11).

“He may not come when you want Him…”

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Statue of a Fool” G. Ward

“You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Our relationship to those younger shouldn’t be relative to where our intellect was at that same age; nor should it be so entirely condescending to preclude that a whole generation is hopeless. Persevering in God through Christ must first believe that I’ve been redeemed and spiritually transformed from all that didn’t matter in my life’s journey before Christ and then seek to give it away so another would experience peace (cf. Phil.3:7-9). When/if my portrayal in the Spirit realm seeks more to be relevant (i.e. towards cultural positioning), the beholder involved therein will/can quickly identify my disingenuous spirit, precluding my reaching them with “good news.” This is not to say to relax and just be you, it more lends greater opportunity to pervade on any your new ambassadorship (2 Cor.5:19-21).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Tis the Season…” G. Ward

“Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

The pervasive forces in evil mandated I return to education pursuing a degree in anthropology (unauthorized). My studies have revealed a chaos vivid to any who will view analytically. I say that because our church sits in the middle of an expansive demographic (both multi-housing and single dwelling homes that include every socio-economic class). The criminal element within is more desperate until springtime; he therefore is busy from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. (he must get his rest, for his job is criminology – an arduous pursuit).

Despair for any may not have them rob you of your goods, but the crime that seeks to de-motivate an implicit trust in follow-ship unto the All-Wise Savior happens subtly, so remaining in the grip of grace is essential (1 Pe. 5:6-7).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Small Town, Enlarged At A Moment’s Notice” G. Ward

“Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, ^] persecutions, and sufferings, such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!” 2 Timothy 3:10-11

Our exposure to teaching forgets to include great trouble that accompanies occupational realities. That lack in proper instruction enables mental meltdown for extended periods that questions why hazards are so pervasive. Moreover, certain venues are more contemplated as safer, although we’ve witnessed the opposite (cf. *Ps.127:1). When tragedy strikes it’s certainly not the time to impose on any distraught varied defense tactics, but to compassionately embrace the opportunity in portraying Holy God as Sufficient rest for all weary (Mt.11:28-30) promoting inclusiveness for so many that want to trust (*Col.1:28).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “That Was Then and Now Is Now” G. Ward

He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on listening, but do not perceive; keep on looking, but do not understand.’ “Render the hearts of this people insensitive, Their ears dull, And their eyes dim, otherwise they might see with their eyes, Hear with their ears, Understand with their hearts, and return and be healed.” Isaiah 6:9-10

The Old Testament is still Holy God’s promise to man fulfilled by Christ’s righteousness. The commission we’ve enjoined ourselves unto is a calling similar to Isaiah’s; people still want God on their terms and not HIS. The arrogant growth (found in many) that practices self-sufficiency plays a worldly game in momentary bliss than eternal security and their success in re-inventing the wheel is our refusal to reverence The Almighty’s demands that teaches denial in presumed proficiency and to more understand that no one is absolute, only The Creator.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Presupposition, A Killer” G. Ward

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.” Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.” 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Coffee mugs and songs made millions on scripture that celebrates Holy God for His production for their lives to never consider the key word to the Most High’s generosity; honorable. Jabez’s brothers were probably not borderline demonic, but more than likely they would be synonymous with our visual in what nominal Christianity appears to be for our time. Perhaps many view the blessings of God in wealthy terms, when all Jabez desired was to bring honor to his Creator, not to reside behind the gates to a palatial home with a Bentley parked in the circular driveway.

Happy Wednesday!