Today’s Thought “The Lion’s Den” G. Ward

Romans 1:5 “Through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake…”

To know Holy God insists on full compliance with what HE says; it’s not congratulating Him on things perceivably well done (cf. Eph.1:6-8). It’s detrimental, even denying eternal life to understand the words from Holy God apart from man’s responsibility to be governed by it (i.e. in all ways).

Thursday concedes that the uncertainty in living outside of Holy God’s guidance is synonymous to a city kid abiding in a jungle whereby ravenous lions are plenteous. He soon will be devoured.

Today’s Thought “Sound Sleep” G. Ward

Isaiah 33:14 “Sinners in Zion are terrified; Trembling has seized the godless. “Who among us can live with the consuming fire? Who among us can live with continual burning?”

The position in being safe from adversaries and adversity is a common perception in our western society, forgetting that unless the Lord protects, we’re not guarded (*Ps.127:1). While kudos is extended to an outstanding military, it’s not enough.

Wednesday should mandate our observation of the Lord knowing what we need even before we ask; therefore we ought to extend to the All-Wise thanksgiving, for HIS willingness in guiding us (mostly irreverent) for His own pleasure.

Today’s Thought “A Lavish Lifestyle” G. Ward

But Abraham said, “Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.” Luke 16:25

How do any reside in America and not desire more (cf. Ac.4:12)? Choices in every socio-economic group are numerous and the current generation of youth have longings unimaginable to the many (like me) growing up in my era. For the most part our idea of euphoria was being locked up in a candy store; whereas many of this generation are perplexed when asked what they would like for Christmas.

Thursday is given that all who believe would offer Someone so substantial that insatiability would be disquieted and contentment would prevail in a strange land…

Today’s Thought “The Road Is Long…” G. Ward

Numbers 14:1-4 “Then all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become plunder; would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.”

We’ll often impose on Infinite Wisdom a way that seems prudent to follow due to circumstances not shedding reprieve fast enough, but better to remember is that trials happen to teach us to persevere in Holy God’s standard.

Wednesday seeks to understand that my sight of so much has become the blindness unto the virtue necessary in faith’s progression. I’m convinced that in a world of toils and snares, I need the Lord to guide me.

Today’s Thought “Damaged Goods” G. Ward

Hebrews 11:1-2 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.”

Not being “good enough” in our world leads to a life of misery; while not being “good enough” in the spiritual kingdom to which the believer resides demands persistence. There’s been generational instruction that condones a pompous conditioning for man whereby he’ll soon wear out. That conditioning believes his striving will pinnacle in success (cf.*Eccl.2:11) forgetting his time in the earth will soon be forgotten. Then what (Matt.7:13-14)?

Monday refuses to contrast the illicit practice in man against his best presentation, feeling justified; but seeks justification from on High, understanding without it no one qualifies (cf. Heb.7:12-19).

Today’s Thought “I Talk Too Much!” G. Ward

And the foundations of the thresholds trembled at the voice of him who called out, while the temple was filling with smoke. Then I said, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!
Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:4-5

Is there a preparatory reverence for entering into Holy God’s presence, or do we just begin speaking with Him to then get off our knees precluding HIS talking with us as insignificant (cf. *Eccl.5:1-2)? Have any forgotten Him as omniscient (all-knowing)? Therefore and supremely, what do you want to tell HIM?

I’ve not been careful with this attitude in prayer. Better to communicate is eternal realization of Holy God as Creator, knowing that HE invented all existent (Ps.24:1).  The Prophet’s of old reverence for HIM ought to be the conformity for us today. That’s what Thursdays know…

Today’s Thought “Heaven Are You Listening?” G. Ward

Luke 18:6 -8 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Faith in Holy God is not presumptive, waiting on trouble to then trust Him; but more establishes a pattern in self-less adoration, insisting the Savior’s portrayal as Beautiful is honored. Moreover, it must be prepared to be regarded as foolish to the whole of mankind; as it purports being fearful vs. strong.

Wednesday understands – that the automatic in being received in Heaven’s grasp is a farce. The process to regard should never be burdensome, but ought be anticipated as rain to a drought and if/when it’s not, begin again, as if you never departed. HE alone is merciful, I’ll follow therein.

Today’s Thought “Suicidal Tendencies” G. Ward

”For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:18-20

When/if I determine that floating between two opinions by merging my will (perspectives, opinions, preferences, etc.) along with the Creator’s, I’m immediately denying HIS existence as Everlasting Father; I’m nothing apart from HIM.

Tuesday believes; the day presented forgets yesterday violated. To bask in sadness is often the subliminal depression whereby the ordinary have learned how to divert attention towards every man’s reality (i.e. that Holy God is King!) and when surrender unto the fact of His demand for preeminence is perceived by any, joy and peace is the receipt.

Today’s Thought “Under Construction” G. Ward

Matthew 5:48

 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Worldly perfection is found in no man because its terms are ever evolving (cf. Phil.4:11-13). Spiritual perfection however, strains with every moment presented to please its Owner; when that discipline is established, no matter the condition around me, my soul is barricaded unto submission therein.

Thursday contemplates; the superficial persona that appears productive and effective is the predominant lesson taught man and hasn’t worked for centuries; whereas the answer that grants such is readily perceived but mandates denial of self (*Mt.16:24).

Today’s Thought “Perhaps I Don’t Want Truth?” G. Ward

John 16:13

“When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.”

Knowing what’s ahead would appear to keep us from trouble. Seemingly too fantastic to perceive (i.e. a look into the future) reveals unfaithfulness unto our carnal (fleshly) pursuits vs. our spiritual duty, because the moment is here to capture; leaving us at a crisis of belief (a cross road of sorts).  

Will Wednesday ask; Must heaven open its gates that I may gain a view before I conform to HIS image? Will another commentary, prayer, or devotional thought become the prompting necessary in closeness unto the One loving me despite who I’ve become?

Today’s Thought “Re-Burying My Treasure” G. Ward

“But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Philippians 4:10-12

If I ask Holy God to search my heart and HE then unfolds a buried barrage of futility whereby I’m subject to remove HIS Holy shovel from HIS Mighty hand, was HE ever there (cf. 1 Jn.1:5-7, Ps. 139:23-24)?

Tuesday understands that contentment is not complacency. Contentment, in the highest assessment (i.e. spiritual), trusts in the All-Wise Savior to lead and guide (in all ways and through me) for HIS pleasure.