Today’s Thought “Back Seat In A Tiny Car” G. Ward

 

Exodus 24:3 Then Moses came and recounted to the people all the words of the Lord and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words which the Lord has spoken we will do!”

 

The term “children of God” is most certainly a status to behold, indicating complete dependence on parentage that guides and protects with Infinite Wisdom (1 Jn.3:1). The tag “children” can also promote sociological dysfunction in that mankind’s urging desires adulthood, including independence.

 Moses would soon endure a crushing blow after a mountaintop experience with the Lord (Ex.32:7-9); he would take entirely too long.

Words spoken can often be weightless; particularly when not accompanied by precise activity that defines them. While the world’s ever-evolving acceptance in man’s swift transition exists, trusting Holy God’s demand always delivers and to recapitulate can be the beast preventing the passage to peace, but the Lord’s burden is still light (cf. Amos 5:18-24).

Today’s Thought “Walking the Mile” G. Ward

 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, ¹⁸ while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

 

Mercy from Holy God transcends offenses committed when confession thereafter desires forgiveness from Final Authority (cf. Ps.51:3-4).

Georgians awakened this morning to news of a fellow on death row to be executed this evening for some heinous, murderous act committed years prior. Media’s sensationalistic commentary included his last meal requested and surely it violated health’s standard. Altogether and without knowledge on whether this man embraced contrition to then seek Heaven’s exoneration is the opportunity for any to understand that condemnation that broods unforgiveness from men has believers awaiting an eternity promised whereby faith then rests as their new view sees the Redeemer of their soul face to face. Are we the vilest murderer when we fail to throw a lifeline to those offenders seemingly irretrievable (Jude 1:23)?

Today’s Thought “The In-Between” G. Ward

 

Acts 7:54-56 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; ⁵⁶ and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

 

So inconspicuous was the death of Stephen to many considering themselves subjects of Christ, but very known to his persecutors who just endured perhaps what has been the most excellent chronological discourse in proving our Jesus as the Christ. This Easter speech would ultimately culminate with a great tongue lashing incomparably bold considering death as imminent (vv.51-53). Confidence in all Jesus demonstrated and promised to those HE loved was his focus (cf. Matt.6:19-21); but never would he have imagined seeing heaven while being stoned to death. Moreover, not just heaven, but this Jesus STANDING, where he’s mostly depicted as seated at the right hand of the Father.

Before counting success in this world soon to be forgotten, pursue an ovation from heaven that grants peace when others fail in presence (Heb.13:5).

Today’s Thought “If This World Were Mine…” G. Ward

 

Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.

 

Our lives if devoid of crisis would eliminate praise. In other terms, good days wouldn’t be if contrasts in miserable days were forgotten. Our witness unto misery found in others can implicate victims therein from a more pervasive notion that God’s intent for man is to remove all suffering (cf. Jn.15:20). Our prayers most certainly indicate such, particularly when we as believers lend support in the same by immediately attempting to pray it away (cf. Matt.6:8).

The Lord’s omniscience won’t rely on our prayers to awaken HIM onto earthly realities (*Isa.55:8-9), but continues as merciful and just, understanding our frailty. Our questioning why where devastation exists are unanswerable; yet the home HE prepared for us disquiets our short earthly status as a promised eternity void of pain is presented and the guarantee therein isn’t automatic (Matt.7:21, Ro.3:10,23)…

Today’s Thought “Premeditated Buffoonery” G. Ward

 

1 John 1:5-7

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; ⁷ but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

 

What any are involved with (in their soul provided and particularly in the predominance of each day) determines who really is Lord (Matt.6:21, 1 Thess.5:17, Jas.1:22).The Spirit realm provided man makes him personally accountable to Holy God and while visuals from others seek to confirm testimonials on how the Lord remains the lover of your soul, heaven’s interrogation more asks where’s the reciprocity (*Lk.6:46)?

Forget the paradigm of what church represents to only recall the love the Father has for you by activating true faith, *remembering the construct along with regeneration that makes us new belongs solely to HIM (Eph.3:20-21, Phil.1:6).

Today’s Thought “When the River Stops” G. Ward



James 3:8-10 “But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; ¹⁰ from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”



Outside of the glorious words from our Creator, I’m often perplexed and bothered when I hear another stating something in the emphatic (Ro.3:4); particularly when it’s vile. The most unintelligible act of mankind is disobedient dissonance unto the holy standard given and when words that exact spiritual disconcert are even thought about, it’s primary goal is to purport selfishness (to forget our Savior was devalued and overlooked also – Jn. 15:20).

My moral compass was once contained by the blessed Grandmothers I enjoyed for so long; I loved them without relent. Whatever I could say and do in their presence was acceptable. They’ve departed this earth long ago and since then there’s a more supreme barometer. The God in me deserves better than exposure to mine own gutter religion (*Nu.23:32).

Today’s Thought “Without Hesitance” G. Ward

 

Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Perhaps you’ve witnessed the elderly upon their awakening? Immediately, they engage the small light, to lie there without additional electronics engaged while extended sounds in silence may indicate gratefulness with tidbits of amazement of their surviving another day (particularly in view of best friends and family having passed). Their abodes are meticulously decorated with doilies on tables and numerous photos of some whose lives are expressly busy, but find time to visit periodically (entirely on their terms).

Some of our seniors are fortunate to have personal transportation whereas unwarranted visits to the grocery store more extract two small items to obscure their loneliness. Then others are imposing (grudgingly) on transport services or superficial acquaintances (awaiting their deaths with contemplations in being a recipient unto a will/trust) and although their desire is to begin early, they’re at the mercy of those seemingly benevolent.

There’s special care that lends comfort to the dejected (1 Pe.5:7). That care translates presence with certainty (Heb. 13:5b). The scenario above although sad, challenges carriers of Truth to find (intentionally so) another needing care and then to offer both presence and sacrifice until the one shown mercy can exercise in the same can then meet the spiritual similitude that Christ offered (cf. Matt.16:24).

Today’s Thought “Selective Memory” G. Ward

 

Amos 5:21-24 “I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your solemn assemblies. “Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fatlings. “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. “But let justice roll down like waters And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

 

Imagine the acceptability rate of the Old Testament prophets, particularly with all their messaging of gloom and doom. The stark contrast given us mandates the mouthpiece of God now only present melodious passages concerning my own welfare. Altogether, this is opposite of worship. Moreover, most places designated worship centers have been planning for this weekend’s praise service with excellence. Musicians are fine tuning their chords presented and voices are with incessant rehearsal so as to present the most excellent sound. The audiences will marvel to then boast unto others that theirs is a fellowship of excitement. If spontaneous praise was the consideration, the construction would/could have implications of being marginal at best and what that may prove is worship never belonged to God, but sought to be an accompaniment that would provoke congregants to hear culminating truth (which amounts to disorderly).

Worship begins/ends with obedience and adoration with one existential reality (GOD IS GREAT and GREATLY TO BE PRAISED!) and no matter the sound, it’s the regard onto HIM, our Sovereign King, that all is owed. May we allow His change to indicate our preference(s) be a thing of the past, seeking what would bring glory and honor to His Name.

 

Today’s Thought “Clean On the Outside, But…” G. Ward

 

Hebrews 4:13-15 “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”

 

Establishment of pattern will formulate habit. There’s a significant spiritual corollary offered throughout the scriptures that would compel us first to know how much we’re loved, then to submit perfectly therein (Matt.5:48). While perfect from a worldly connotation assumes a without error posture, the spiritual application insists that all who believe keep maturing onto their confession of Christ’s supremacy and mastery over their life. This pursuit need not include defensive statements when error is presumed by another, but must worship Holy God for the rest (*Heb.4:1-3) HE provides whereas obstacles are obliterated (cf. Ps.95:6-11).

Today’s Thought “Vacuum Cleaner Salesman” G. Ward

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

 

A most excellent definition, don’t you think; “a people for His own possession?” Let’s be reminded on today of His record: He made the heavens and the earth, then the contents. Mankind was then compelled to take charge over everything. The details therein of that stewardship left no room for speculation onto any following thereafter, even up to how we worship the Creator and believe me it never was a consideration of what would pleasure us.

Our presuppositions have precluded our usefulness, rendering us pompous as we perpetuate notions of equality with God and we do so upon great planning that leaves the manual on the kitchen table (cf. 1 Ti.3:16-17). There’s no wonder attendance for every place of worship is in decline. The essence of belief understands restoration, particularly in view of their guilty status (Ro.3:10, 23); deciding in their hearts to disquiet every idea in decline, opting for new found productivity in spiritual effectiveness (*Ps. 118:24).

Today’s Thought “Monday’s Quarterback” 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.”

The voice of God given His creation rests in the compilation referred to as the Bible. Its transcendence remarkably extends beyond language, culture, social status and economics. It’s therefore incumbent on any mouthpiece designated as belonging solely unto Him, to only declare what He’s given and the Holy Spirit is the Enabler(1 Cor.2:12-14).

I’m amazed at the illogical, un-authoritative discourses from some granted audiences of thousands to surmise that all present are soon to experience material abundance based on their monetary gift to worship palaces whereby their leaders live exorbitant lifestyles. Is every audience member contained in holy living (cf. Matt.7:13-14)? Giving, in the spiritual realm remains an act of worship and when any give to receive something back, worship is violated (cf. Ps. 24:1). God is not a genie in a bottle; while we’re consumed by newest vehicles and spacious homes, the majority of His creation needs clean drinking water.

Today’s Thought “Changing Batteries on Smoke Detectors” G. Ward

 

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

 

Thwarting calamity and potential destruction is with ordinary reliance as we seek common preventive measures. In our homes fire escape mechanisms may be in place, but we’ve not contemplated earthquake tremors (witnessed in the State of GA. several years ago, registering 2.4 magnitude). The preparation that denies sufferings is with transcendence of fire and storms; embracing every life circumstance and asks Who owns the escape/reprieve(?).

The kind of global unrest we’re experiencing has become formulative disagreements in every direction allowing spews of hatred to be common place; as if to say partisan tactics guarantees safety (*Ps.127:1). The actuality in Jeremiah’s message concerning God’s own in exile, mandated that the three tenets of mankind’s aspirations (wisdom, might and riches) be SILENCED amidst a most Sufficient, Sovereign God (*cf. Ro.12:18). Find refuge in HIM quickly for calamity remains sneaky.

Today’s Thought “A Charge to Keep…” G. Ward

 

John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

 

Myriads of motivationalists exist as tremendous orators and authors, sharing vitality in owning your power along with the truest essence in positive thinking that includes dismissing individuals counter-productive to your aim.

What better peace exists as solace that won’t relent than Jesus’ invitation to the whole of mankind to come to HIM if one is weary needing rest (Matt.11:29-30)? Moreover, happiness remains momentary, whereas JOY lends confidence only under the auspices of this Wise Savior. While HE ate with extortionists, we’re taught to shun the potential convert to which was some of us (*1 Cor.6:9-11). To be received by this KING has become the recompense un-meritoriously granted (Isa.53:4-5). As you’ve been awakened this morning eagerly awaiting another philosophy seemingly worth adopting and that will grant success unto your today, remember your Creator (*Jn.1:1-2) owns this breath you breathe and you’re not in charge of even the next moment unless HE grants it. WATCH YOUR PLANS…

Today’s Thought Unilateral of Total Dependence G. Ward

Acts 17:30-31

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

The term “elementary oracle” mentioned in the books of Hebrews demands that we (i.e. believers) who have invited the gospel to transform our lives be reproducers in that message of deliverance and when there’s need for such reiteration of God as Creator, that is having made us for HIS purpose and plans, while yet insisting we’re our own, is indicative of never having His Spirit.

You cannot make an Easter speech until there’s rehearsal of the facts therein…

Today’s Thought “Does God Watch the News?” G. Ward

Matthew 6:8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

The visual society in mankind’s supplication will mostly consider strong pleas of immediate help when turmoil persists (Pr.1:24-29), as if to say trouble in earth is not permissible. Moreover, its exhibition forgets Holy God truly remains “all knowing.” Reverence for HIM understands HIS transcendence, never presuming that HE’S anything like man (Isa.55:8-9). HIS universal mercy and love is beyond the scope of geographical lines; insisting HIS children’s compliance in adopting brethren without parameter (Jn.3:16). When sectarian pursuits in spirituality (i.e. me and mine syndrome) has become the practice for any man, peace will never live there (*cf. 1 Thess.5:3).