Today’s Thought “Invisible, While Serving” G. Ward



James 2: ¹² So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. ¹³ For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.



As a believer, I’ve encountered many expressive of living a varied lifestyle; frustrated at the receptivity from others, or ashamed therein with desire for better but addicted. While their expression is overwhelmingly captivating, my duty is to first reach in the recesses of mine own soul to remember faults I couldn’t control and yet struggle with to then arrive at the most reasonable, responsible answer. In times past, the Redeemer of the world sought murderers, liars and fornicators because He was/is the Lover of their souls (Ro.5:8). Like a cosmetician or a fashion expert, He wants to make them over but with permanency in mind (Ro.6:4). When any after Him refuse to introduce what could be a “new life” vs. more historical facts about Him, along with chants of how good He’s been to me syndrome, there’s failure unto the victim of culture.

People come to faith in LOVE, not judgment (cf. 1 Jn.4:7-10).

Today’s Thought “Tones In Familiarity” G. Ward

 

Judges 16:20 She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.

 

Samson’s purpose was to aid in delivering Israel from the Philistines and in doing so was endowed with incredible strength. The Lord knew that Samson had a weakness for women with low character, using him to deliver Israel. Samson resumed his role in strength with such normalcy in his many feats of retribution against the Philistines to not realize power is from the Lord. Thereafter he would be captured by the same enemy forces he conquered before onto his final earthly doom. Before his demise, he would ask the Lord to endow him one last time and the Lord granted that desire…

Be sure to understand that “for HIS glory” may not be the fluffy consideration of all that you pre-suppose about God (cf. Ro.8:18).

Today’s Thought “Madame Zenobia” G. Ward

 

Luke 6:8 But He knew what they were thinking, and He said to the man with the withered hand, “Get up and come forward!” And he got up and came forward.

 

Many carnivals of old featured a fortune teller. The mystery provided in the moment gave segue way to current desire from many on today to seek answers from mystics, including ascribing to horoscopes (Deut.18:10-14, *15). Moreover, dreams of sorts remain worthy of interpretation, although sleep permits subliminal thoughts of varied events to surface with determinations pertinent to my vain imagination vs. actualities; yet I still demand an answer from another imperfect being.

Jesus is said to be on the mainline, rather than tell HIM what you want, understand that HE alone fearfully and wonderfully made you (Jn.1:3, Ps.139:14). Therefore, go to HIM accordingly…  

Today’s Thought “Under Lock and Key” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 9:27

but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

 

Jesus declared a lack of reception in His hometown (Mk.6:4). It appeared they knew about Him, without knowing Who HE was. Jesus was without character flaws; in that His purpose sought to glorify the Father in everything.

While we insist we’re no Jesus, His work in earth equipped us so that perseverance similarly would be ours (Eph.1:3).

Our new transformation may be blurred by the villagers of old, even precluding defensive measures of How I Got Over, but a heartfelt demand remains in proclaiming His Excellencies through concise presentation of HIM as supremely capable of their deliverance also.

Today’s Thought “Unexpected Answer” G. Ward

 

Luke 18:18 A ruler questioned Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

 

Many endeavors from men have been met by a work ethic soon with accolade from others’ referral in accomplishment. There’s another endeavor without prompting from man that should anticipate an end whereby congratulatory recognition will cease in men, to then desire eternal rest assumed by many presumably good enough (Ro.3:10). Altogether, there’s a step in faith worthy of exercise calling for death while yet alive (Gal.2:20); allowing a new construct orchestrated by the Creator. Thereafter, the new road travelled must remain steadfast in a spiritual state called “Deny Yourself” and follow Jesus until the end…

Today’s Thought “Real Men Do Cry” G. Ward

 

John 11:35 “Jesus wept.”

 

The Prophet Isaiah said this concerning Christ, “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” This grief was not the kind of despair that mourning presented as Lazarus was declared dead, but that which remembered sin found in man from the beginning that enabled sorrow to be inevitable.

Like our Savior’s tears would cease to flow in this instance, we too must prepare in our spiritual duty in reproducing the message of Heaven. The victims of sin un-reconciled will soon become new products of joy. Until this spiritual metamorphosis happens for the whole of mankind, I’ll reach for my crying towel (*cf. Pr.19:23).

Today’s Thought “Original Intent” G. Ward

 

Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

 

When I’m troubled about the way of mankind, including his impractical independence that keeps him striving against the wind, I’m compelled to observe faith’s calling to fulfill found in God’s word. Thereafter, my encounter with the Almighty reveals that an uncooperative spirit first resides in me and insists I gather unto the mercy Heaven dispenses, awaiting another’s change.

A refusal to accept flaws in others, blemishes the image to which I’ve been created to uphold, rendering me ineffectual; to which warrants my return onto the Rock of my salvation (cf. Joel 2:12-13).

Today’s Thought “Material Girl” G. Ward

 

1 Peter 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you.”

 

Believer-ship now, has been reduced to what I can ascertain out of this deal of redemption offered, rarely to invite my soul’s contemplation that asks, what shall I render? In recent years, we’ve been invited to popularity’s song with a repetitive chant, “Get Your Inheritance” which speaks to our appetites in superficiality and while we’re urged to pursue contentment by earth’s presentation because the Wonderful Savior is near, having pursued us, we’ll need to be reminded that the inheritance unto those placing their trust in this Blessed Redeemer will soon chant troubles are vanquished when seeing HIM face to face.

Today’s Thought “I Know My Redeemer Lives” G. Ward

 

1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence."

 

Refuting another’s testimony is said to be difficult; yet that dependency rests as such when one testifies according to their deepest conviction. Regardless, there’s no assurance of the saleability in the sayer’s presentation onto their audience unless the information provided is with a help element/benefit for the hearer(s).

My heart’s desire has become that to which Holy God pursues mankind with and that love needs man’s repentance (2 Pe.3:9) so that perfect, heavenly guidance would be theirs also. I’ve been chosen along with any who believe to share this mysterious phenomenon (2 Cor.5:20).

Today’s Thought “A Canvas In Abstract” G. Ward

 

Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

 

On yesterday America heard of nearly 2200 victims of covid-19 having died and causing sympathetic pause from many. In September 2001 a total of 2977 were killed in that infamous attack (New York City) and America grieved for many days thereafter. Should the events surrounding death produce a contrast in grief? While this current pestilence is debilitating to our soul, lack of security, very particularly that which compromised our military might remains comparably synonymous with the Jewish nation’s hope to be recognized for their rich heritage in view of their being over-taxed and de-valued.

More significant to military might and national pride, exists a Deliverer who cared then and now (1 Pe.5:7), that the soul provided man would purport unto others the altruism shown by the Master (particularly in their time of trouble) via a pause whereby emotion would take on misery felt in others as demonstrated unto me (Ro.12:15).

Today’s Thought “Skeletons, Stay In the Closet, Please” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 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.  Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

 

Sexual orientation is a term venerated by our times pertinent to what someone may engage in (*cf. Ge.1:27-28). It’s never dependent on who you are or intended to be. Moreover, when prerogatives are chieftain in expression seemingly worthy for all to know (very particularly outside of grace and mercy), they’re without eternal qualities recognized by Heaven (i.e. denying God). No matter how many gather onto opinion by man, there’s only one that counts and it demands my allowing HIS re-construction, so as to then present unto others what HE’S done. Every orientation presented needs to echo HIS will for mankind. Until then (refer to the title for today)…

Today’s Thought “One Last Try…” G. Ward

 

Romans 14:5 One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind.

 

Another Easter Sunday has passed and we received great regards for a day in excellence, comparable to Christmas holidays; yet my mind won’t let go of consideration of the Savior’s regard of our celebratory practices. The best choirs, dancers and singers were employed, along with fantastic speeches with wardrobe impeccable and while the next Sunday may produce worship unto this great King’s entry onto the earth, along with His resurrection that grants believers eternal life, I just don’t believe that the Savior’s invite to man’s veneration of special day’s activity that seeks to honor HIM, has Heaven on pins and needles in anticipation of the greatest holiday songs soon to be sung by us regular folks instead (2 Pe.3:8)…

Today’s Thought “Circumstances of Falleness” G. Ward

 

Luke 13:1-2 Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?

 

Almost immediate to disaster found in a few are questions leading to presumption on why this would happen. While the interrogation may appear innocent, it’s mostly soothing in knowing someone neglected righteousness and my consideration in the same would never be. How arrogant!

After man’s compromise in the beginning (Ge.3), it became impossible for him to be in the right place at the right time to avoid sufferings of sorts (cf. Ro.8:18). Therefore the contrast in determining mine own righteousness must lend perspective to the Only ONE who embodied righteousness in earth and heaven – Jesus, then follow.

Today’s Thought “Autograph Book” G. Ward

 

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

 

We’re social creatures and the forced introversion of current longs for recognition from our solitude. John the Baptizer most certainly understood our position although many were all around. While our social longing may be exempt of many currently, our Savior desires to be more than enough. Whereas the avenue of sociability will mostly include commonality from those presented; John being among many, had him as a sole warrior in presenting the Most Excellent Sacrificial Man who would exceed mankind’s greatest craving to be recognized along with anything seemingly worthy to attain.

We’ve all become like John in our opportunity to present this greatest Culmination of eternality in the same and what we may discover in dispensing this blessed Hope is personal fulfillment for having gifted another troubled in loneliness.

Today’s Thought “Beans or Steak?” G. Ward

 

Philippians 4:11-12 “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. “

 

As we witness another “Holy Week” perhaps it’s necessary to remember the Savior’s ability to condescend in earth for mankind’s forgiveness to then experience great rejection, economic uncertainty, incessant death threats and public humiliation. His consolation while enduring trials of sorts was the Father’s presence (cf. Mk.1:35). The kind of patriarchal examples written about in God’s word has become our solace on today (*Heb.11:17-40). The prudence in godly living remains the guarantee for peace no matter the struggle and my choice to follow HIM stands…

Today’s Thought “Without A Compass” G. Ward

 

Job 28:28 “And to man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”

 

We’re at a point in our sequester where silver and gold’s measurement isn’t a consideration. Striving after what was means of security have diminished to whether or not we’ll have basic supply and amidst the limitations presented are many suggestive of a near future time whereby normalcy will exist. While hope is commendable, peace is needed and the answer remains trust.

Today’s Thought “The Object of HIS Love” G. Ward

 

Romans 5:10 “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

 

If I were to awaken to the reality of knowing that the Savior to the world endured tremendous suffering, even death on a cross with my sinfulness in mind, my day’s journey might reflect His goodness. Moreover, if I endeavor to affix my mind on a passage and regard it as HIM talking directly to me, that it would lead me unto righteousness for His name’s sake, another may hear that His love and mercy is plenteous so they too may understand HE pursued them also. If I seek to live in accordance to how HE walked the earth, it may diminish my contrasting another’s misgiving to determine the frequency of my worship and rejoicing then will over shadow trouble seemingly in my way. Whereas faith in my Savior’s example was unwavering, even disallowing His persecutors to be disregarded at the very crucifixion designed for Him by their lack in understanding, mine own regard for those opposed to me will celebrate their potential in His love with expression in the same and when my soul is at the point of separation from this degenerative body, my being overwhelmed with joy will proclaim how great HE is for preparing Home for me. Not that I’ve ever been good enough, but HE certainly is…

Today’s Thought “What Next?” G. Ward

 

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To HIM be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

 

I’m convinced that if we’re granted a return to normalcy in the near future, greater appreciation for employment, friends and family will exist. We’re desperate creatures of socialization and the limits currently have become exasperating. Our sequestering demanded through county and municipal regulations wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t arrive through mandate; after all, many of us were compliant before, but governmental insistence…

Our disconcert unto contentment is the nature of humanity and the only antidote is a continual pursuit of our Sovereign King’s will. That quest is the preparation necessary for a return onto socialization, along with being the greatest capillary for peace while existing with others while confined.