Today’s Thought “Home for Christmas” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”

The visuals on television commercials for this time of year portray such peace and continuity among family and friends amidst a backdrop of décor in warmth while chilly exists outdoors. It appeals to the whole of mankind’s desire for the same perceived authenticity in care from family and friends. There however is a cultural war that’s full of deception, perpetuating great debate in the soul; mandating rights and reception to what you do versus unalienable recognition for who you are (cf. 1 Ti.3:1-4). The delusion is so pervasive, even causing great lack of deeper independent thinking, denying basic understanding that mandates no one upon looking at me can authoritatively state what I do in my personal space and it certainly must never define who I am. There is however Final Authority who does see what any are involved with and desires (through unrelenting LOVE for your soul) that you come home whereby genuine care exists (1 Pe.5:6-7)…

Today’s Thought “Needs Over Desire” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5:20 “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

A great economy is relative to perceived blessings shared one to another. Furthermore, it invites some of the least in all our acquaintances to receive tokens regarding friendships. Christmas club savings have become the consideration from most employers that enable this perspective and when those funds become available look out shopping malls, here they come!

There are some who seek to break the traditional gift exchange via crafts and baked goods; exercising fiscal prudence. Whether an exercise in frivolous or limited spending, have any invited Holy God’s perspective (*cf. Jas.4:3-8)? Extending a percentage unto HIS cause at your local fellowship (weekly), never invited (spiritually) a prerogative that embraces the remainder of what I’ve earned as mine own (i.e. to do as I choose – Ps.24:1). The entirety of who we as believers have become (via our confession) should “opt out” in doing what we deem as good, by  perfectly submitting to WHO accepts our repentance.

Today’s Thought “Hanging the Mistletoe, But No Kiss” G. Ward

James 2:13 “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”

Christmas parties are numerous from this time forward and the guy from the mailroom and the chief executive staff are frequenting the eggnog saturated with spirits. The dance floor is crowded with gyrations and shouts of euphoria from comrades otherwise reserved, and if you look in the distance Larry just placed the illustrious “lampshade” on his head (*cf.1 Cor.6:11). All of those participants have invited you to “let go” but your guarded position wears an unforgiving expression that pre-meditatively disassociates with all the players therein for the New Year upcoming (*cf. 2 Cor.5:20). They’ve heard (incessantly) of your spiritual connection, yet witness little to no demonstration outside of the banner that tags you arrogant and aloof.

While Christ may have passed in attending a party similar, HE patiently and lovingly awaited their remorse (2 Pe.3:9)…

Today’s Thought “Get Insurance With Every Purchase” G. Ward

Colossians 1:13 “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.”

Losing a component to a game or device was typical for a kid many years ago and today’s young people are no different. Economics however have declined exponentially since I was a child that would probably have the modern parent admitted to a hospital, stressed and perplexed over how their little 4 year old could have broken the Apple I-Phone X they purchased at Christmas.

 Seeking to satisfy another via a tangible gift is comparable to a child losing or breaking a portion of a game or device received. Value and interest in all things seen or touched will soon diminish; whereas the Gift provided from On High keeps giving immeasurably (Eph.3:20-21). Little Johnny or Rebecca can’t lose that (cf. Ro.8:35)…

Today’s Thought “Johnny Gets Jail Time” G. Ward

Colossians 1: ⁹ For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰ so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹ strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Our days in experiencing technology that delivers news on the spot helps us gain visuals of varied crimes committed whereby many exercise in more indignation that condemns permanently (cf. Jas.2:13). Thereafter, we’ve witnessed the court trials and sentencing for these perpetrators to note great pleas from the mothers of those socially rejected. The condemnation from many equates these mothers with being responsible for their child’s lack in social compliance that landed them in this proposed mayhem. All that Mother saw was the child she loved (*cf.1 Ti.1:12-17).

LOVE = “Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor.13:7).

Today’s Thought “Blinded by the Light” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

Varied doctrines equal more indecision whereby afflictions (i.e. troubles) persist. If/when one gives up towards pursuit in what may sound good (that which has seasonal success at best, but horrid eternal implications) unto what was established even before earth’s beginning, WILL find rest (Matt.11:28-30). Belief is said to be the qualifier, whereas anything believed cannot be with a conviction minus a practice therein (*Jas.2:14-20)…

Today’s Thought “A Smoke-Filled Room” G. Ward

Psalm 119:83 “Though I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget Your statutes.”

The psalmist’s illustration of “a wineskin in the smoke” is indicative of a broken life; a uselessness of lofty pursuits away from God’s directives. This status is lonely and grievous, longing for a peace that shelters (cf.! Pe.4:8). A search that may include counsel of sorts along with Holy God’s precepts is not the road to resolution. TODAY, carries a powerful connotation in new opportunity that obscures indifferences of old (Ps.119:145-152). Freedom isn’t free until the OWNER extends a pardon…

Today’s Thought “Avoiding Practicality” G. Ward

Psalm 119:160 “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.”

The political symbols, along with principles imposed on Americans (whether pro or con), means absolutely nothing on this somber week in recognizing the life of our 41^st President who more sought to enable dignity while difference existed. Wisdom in this regard will surface when any contemplate the magnitude of life when departing the earth is realized (cf. Matt.24:35). While we wait, nurturing what isn’t guaranteed (i.e. eternal life – cf. Matt.7:21-23), particularly any form in great humanitarianism, must insist that every deed glorify His Maker (*Col.3:17). A somber week exists because one understood. Will your week include eulogies comparable?

Today’s Thought “Big Baby” G. Ward

Psalm 119:155-156 “Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes. Great are Your mercies, O Lord; revive me according to Your ordinances.”

My being enthralled with the commandments of God must never get off my knees, particularly in view of this merciful encounter (cf. Ps.118:24, Lk.6:46), to then offer my creativity unto next moments not belonging to me. Encountering the All-Wise, Sufficient King’s precepts leaves no room to consider personal wisdom that invites articulating (including enacting) plans, to then beg Holy God to bless them (cf. Ps.37:5).

I’m determining to not violate my eternity over kudos from man…

Today’s Thought “Teacher’s Pet” G. Ward

Psalm 119:99 “I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.”

Naturally, yet un-spiritually, there exists a sublime confidence not pleasing to Holy God to which I’ve been guilty. That portrayal from me translates independence from my Creator whereby no shelter exists (cf. Jn.15:5). Shame and forgetfulness is always the end result; because the words or deeds to follow most certainly deny peace for every witness therein.

Those truly reconciled, long to be protected while careful to admit “if it had not been for the Lord on my side…”