Today’s Thought “Not In My Neighborhood” G. Ward

Matthew 9:36

Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd.

 

Civic unrest has now grown rampant in one of our great cities (St. Louis, MO.) and many viewing the news remain comfortable because these heathen perpetrators don’t stand a chance in our “law and order” areas. Despair, along with men as lovers of self however, is with transcendence of both geography and socio-economics. Gang warfare in the inner city is road rage on any interstate. Frivolous destruction of property is synonymous with progressive urban developments that invites wayward spending causing recessions while greatly contributing to the erosion of “green space” whereby the inevitability of lack in oxygen remains imminent.

What seemingly was past generations in lack (i.e. technological advancements), comparably waiting for food to heat in the old-fashioned oven vs. the speed of the microwave, allowed many from prior generations to more contemplate prudence over convenience; which may have lent itself to remembrance of parental instruction that demanded cognizance of the LORD being near vs. current messaging promoting consultation with Holy God only necessary as destruction, distress and uncertainty persist (*Pr.1:24-28)…

Today’s Thought “Fed Up…” G. Ward

Lamentations 4:12 The kings of the earth did not believe, nor did any of the inhabitants of the world, that the adversary and the enemy could enter the gates of Jerusalem.

An unchanging God amidst an ever evolving world has become an avoidance of man that disallows constraint necessary for eternal hope in Christ (Ro.6:23). When any opt out for only those melodious passages containing encouragement without appropriating personal contingency therein, violate the dialogue intended between God and them; to which no man inherits heaven on those terms. When Holy God speaks, every answer for those under heaven must first agree (through implicit trust), then embody what it insists we do. *God will not be ignored! Catchy phraseology and charismatic leaders will ultimately cease, then what (*cf. Lk.16:19-31)?

Today’s Thought “Captor of My Soul” G. Ward

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Religion is synonymous with personal philosophy. It has become more relative to an individual choosing a varied, perhaps even wavering, set of values/morals delivered by those seemingly eloquent. Although very similar to Christianity, religion is with exclusivity/intolerance, promoting divisiveness while the Believer's message is an all-inclusive one with Christ as Head. Moreover, the transformational experience that asks Christ to reign supreme as Lord hates any self reliance found in them (*cf. Ro.7:14-25), desiring more to hide behind Perfection.

Today’s Thought “I Can…” G. Ward

Ephesians 2:8-9

 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ^not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

 

Amazingly, religious and philosophical forecasts from many desire change unilateral of contemplations in understanding whether or not the next moment will be granted by Heaven’s posture. Success continues as the most estimated measure of man, but failures remains the best teacher.

Today’s Thought “What Millions Can’t Buy” G. Ward

2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The Apostle Paul’s construction of such a letter happened not only as he awaited death by the vicious Emperor, but also while imprisoned without violation. Others may have suffocated from what perceivably felt like abandonment that asks does anyone care.  There was yet ONE who accompanied him at all times (Heb. 13:5). Moreover his concern never anticipated earthly pardon, nor one last steak and lobster feast, but to know that the message of hope would continue amidst trouble everywhere (cf. Lk.22:42). So he called on the protégé that walked alongside him at difficulty’s way, expressive of an urgency to get to this prison one last time for further instructions.

We’re busy now; moving fast unto nowhere and if slowdown permits, electronic devices are turned on blocking reality that hinders assurance of where eternity lies for us. We dare to enter any level of worship that asks the Master what HE desires (Phil.2:17), violating the very essence of every man’s existence and without faith in being owned we remain incomplete. TODAY HOWEVER, OFFERS AND WARRANTS A RETURN (*Ac.3:19).

Today’s Thought “The Answer; Not Always Expedient” G. Ward

1 Peter 5:6-7

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

 

Such a message, by New Testament’s most celebrated character (cf. Lk.22:54-62)! It arrived at a time whereby proven--ness with this author belonged entirely to Holy God and that same Author of his faith renamed him (Matt.16:16-18), not because he had ability, but on his confession of the Savior’s Sufficiency. Any thereafter would be received in the same (cf. Ro.10:13).

Peter shares unusual encouragement to the newest people group who were absolutely despised by the natives, even unjustly so. This proposed calling to fulfill issued by this leader didn’t call those who would trust in the Lord unto a righteous indignation expressive of wicked oppression imposed on them, but implicit belief that Holy God works incessantly for those HE loves and HIS efforts won’t ever require a co-pilot.

 

Today’s Thought “Grace Found Me…” G. Ward

Ephesians 4:25

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

 

Imagine if denial was the centerpoint for every believer (cf. Matt.7:21). The wholeness in this imaginative theorizing is in itself troubling, because to be a follower of Christ is an ongoing pursuit demanding one’s total receptivity onto spiritual metamorphosis. As the caterpillar becomes a butterfly or moth, we as believers allow Holy God’s changing us from the inside/out and thereafter sharing with any, the joy of redemption, not because we’ve ever been good enough, but HE most certainly is…

Today’s Thought “For HIS Glory” G. Ward

Numbers 24:2

“And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel camping tribe by tribe; and the Spirit of God came upon him.”

 

The Superiority of Holy God demands our implicit trust, but must always rely on what is written (Heb.1:1-2, 1 Jn.4:1-6). Holy God used a false prophet (Balaam) to demonstrate onto His people (Israel) an insistence for HIS presence in their lives. Israel’s constant rebellion of God‘s authority, along with their murmuring against His blessings has become a picture of our own insistence to more seek principles of pleasure (including pseudo sources) that contains a yield of temporary fulfillment and violate an eternity intended (cf. Ac.17:11).

Although our modernity celebrates worship center’s newest construction of buildings without crosses that may offend, there must remain an incessant, internal view, considerate (wholly/holy) of the price given for me (*Matt.16:24)…

Today’s Thought “Proper Sleep” G. Ward

John 10:6-8

This figure of speech Jesus spoke to them, but they did not understand what those things were which He had been saying to them. So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.

Melatonin is a hormone, naturally excreted from the pineal gland that regulates the sleep/wake cycle. Melatonin, the pill you purchase simulates that which may seemingly appear deficient (hormonally). My unscientific theorizing will insist (because of trust in Holy God’s rest guaranteed for the believer) that worry (from minimal to extreme measures) is the cause. There’s a pervasive, false narrative given man that has penetrated the souls of many, mandating that any should strive to become their own empowerment. Chants of “I can” may sound prudent to follow until I seek sleep (i.e. lights and camera off), whereby two-fold sufferings occurs; first, over-thinking scenarios that haven’t manifested that lacks confidence on whether I’m equipped, along with arrogance in my abilities, yielding nightmares from subliminal fear along with acid ridden foods I consumed before slumbering (cf. Jn.15:5).

Efforts lent (proportionately) unto every manuscript and discourse given by another man violates the All-Wise Savior’s desire to lead any desiring a peaceable journey. Will you follow?

Today’s Thought “Willing to Be Exposed” G. Ward

Psalm 51:12

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Confrontation concerning that which is sinful is the worst ever. We don’t want to be equated with those perceived degenerate. The defense mode found in most has become the restlessness that subtracts from optimal health (spiritually and physically) and the reprieve for this expose’ must rely on the Shelter of the Almighty. This hide-out won’t guarantee that the pain of offense is without consequence, but when one chooses to be hidden, shame is then inconsequential…

Today’s Thought “Undeserved Restoration” G. Ward

Luke 19:5-6 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”  And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly.

 

This was not a small thing to consider from such a small man. The story of Zaccheus must be the story of us all. The anticipation of the KING would trump all this little fellow owned (Lk.19:8-10). To condescend in climbing a tree would ordinarily be beneath him and then to be addressed personally by the Lord Himself, remarkable!

Interrogation of these passages (i.e. word study) insists on thematic application of the phrase “received HIM gladly.” It meant so much more. Zaccheus would gladly fall under the Lord’s purpose for himself with utter hospitality and without hesitance.

Categorically, our sins may not be as plenteous, yet Heaven’s regard is without carnal posture (cf. Ro.5:8); offering a similar invitation at a continuum. If you’ve said yes to such a supper, why haven’t you invited another in view of so much offered (Matt.28:18-20)?

Today’s Thought “Re-Birthed” G. Ward

Psalm 5:7

“But as for me, by Your abundant lovingkindness I will enter Your house,
At Your holy temple I will bow in reverence for You.”

Determination towards dieting and exercise usually occurs on Mondays. It’s generally indicative of the week’s beginning, a new opportunity for righteous thoughts to become desired activity.

Rarely is there mindful calculation of the many (first) days endeavored whereas good intent became another incompletion (cf. Jn.15:5). Venturing to say “I can” views a resolution that completes one, to forget personal impropriety as ongoing.

There’s a rest from dissatisfaction that transcends my incompletion and that surrender should/could be today (*2 Cor.6:2).

Today’s Thought “It’s the Weekend Baby!” G. Ward

1 Peter 1:13

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

The pursuit of happiness is mostly a drive of selfish proportion. Moreover, the magnificence in planning is comparable to ingesting an energy drink (anticipating a long drive); initially it provides a refreshing but after losing its potency, another stimulant is needed.

The joy in contentment however, insists that a new pursuit for me as a servant of the Most High, understands the solace permitted via an internal investigation. That assurance of HIS presence settles me, even when storms persist…

Today’s Thought “Graven Images…” G. Ward

1 Timothy 2:5-6 “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.”

Sport s paraphernalia and political bumper stickers of sorts seem acceptable (*1 Cor. 10:23), until one absolutely abhorrent concerning that team and politician is the disgust from the viewer that subtracts from the soul’s  surrender to how great HE is.

When the term factions is viewed as a biblical warning, it carries a connotation of “party making” whereas those groups rely on predominant methods/principles and seek to impose them on their societal neighbors (and when no conformity from those same neighbors is refused, great ridicule/ostracizing is the accompaniment). Believers are compelled to understand that the message of hope in Christ remains great “and there are few who find it” (Matt.7:14b).

Today’s Thought “Fleshly Determinations” G. Ward

Galatians 5:19-20 “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Insistence from any (calling on Jesus as Lord) who celebrates dual citizenry (i.e. earth and heaven) without understanding that earth’s presence is preparation for heaven, should warrant a return unto the contingency plan Holy God instituted. Perspectives and opinions concerning the varied impropriety of other men may appear appropriate because government enabled rights to do so exists, but the Father’s reign in lives surrendered more plead for peace’s entrance (whereas the opposite divides - *Gal.2:20).

Today’s Thought  “Pursuit of A Better Structure” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5:4 “For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.”

There’s no need for paranoia, just preparation as it concerns the pervasiveness of evil in our society. That preparation is not as many have proposed (Eph.2:8-9); it’s that which allows the Master Builder’s architectural design to totally reconstruct the building given us with all the many code violations (2 Cor.5:1).

This does not more cultivate an adventure towards death, but more engages a reasonable and analytical determination in allowing the Sufficient to reign supreme in/with the life I have remaining; with reminders from the Holy Script that because HE prepared the avenue that guarantees eternality, particularly when my personal obedience to what is written becomes an established practice desired…

Today’s Thought “Negligent In Grief” G. Ward

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Perspectives lent mankind subtracts from an intended care for everyone. While matters of eternity should embrace the entirety of our existence in earth, it’s reduced to short prayers begging for safety for us and our own (cf. Jn.17:1-9). Sentiments (after disaster strikes) are more prone to blame than personal assessment that would lead any reasonable to question their lack in sharing the only resolve available (Christ).

While bickering is without end and the war stemming from political indifference divides, there could be some that perish. EVERY BELIEVER SHOULD SEEK TO SHUN PERMISSABILITY THAT FITS IN WITH THE PREDOMINANT MESSAGE (i.e. political & social resolve) AND INTRODUCE THE AUTHOR OF PEACE TO ANY TROUBLED…

Today’s Thought “Color-Less Society” G. Ward

Romans 8:18  “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

A day in the Roman Empire’s comparability for the believer may have understood pompous sectarianism of today that has some in a predominant society with subliminal evaluations along with lack in empathy regarding sociological damage of generations in oppression received as any would. That same unfortunate estimation may believe that the predominance in opposite ethnicity possesses the worst attitude and activity of the last degenerate viewed with appearances in the same.

 Living in a land that is esteemed so free, rarely will afford a man of a different ethnicity such as mine to contemplate being Black; whereas my color has my thoughts in premeditative mode concerning every interaction. While some say we’ve progressed warranting no discussion, they yet regard me as their Black friend…

Today’s Thought “Diamonds and Rust” G. Ward

Isaiah 40:6

 A voice says, "Cry out." And I said, "What shall I cry?" "All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field.

 

Rare ly do any (consistently) slumber with contemplations of the Lord’s return (1 Thess.4:13-18), to then awaken to an unknown reality of this could be my last moments in earth. The transitory position in all of humanity must maintain a “here today, gone tomorrow” theorizing that questions their own eternality (cf. Matt.7:21-23).

Diamonds and Rust is a song composed by the legendary Joan Baez (1974) concerning a dead-end love relationship re-visited. It more reveals that while we’d love to think of ourselves as strong, only Holy God is with that tag. Humanity’s original composition as dust reveals our frailty and compels our total dependence (*Matt.11:28). The rest in that dependence offers both recovery and true strength (ONLY found in HIM) and terms of the flesh are extinguished. The practice (i.e. pursuit) therein delights in the peace, and failure to embrace this proposed phenomenon is comparable to nakedness at the busiest hour on New York’s Times Square…