Today’s Thought “Heaven’s Constitution” G. Ward

 

Philippians 3:20 “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

 

Israel was God’s chosen to exercise faith in the Lord’s commands that would be distinct from other nations of the world more spontaneous in their living, including tribal governance. Israel’s unusual discipline in dietary and moral law would astound other nations unto knowing their dedication to the Lord’s way insisted on HIS leadership without waiver.

New Testament believers are called in the same and whereas our liberty exists through the work Christ provided, it too is written for immediate conformity. When other factions view our discipline and particularly when it embodies love onto the cause granting eternality, our inviting them to join the “Love Train” gives them new, merciful leadership that won’t ever relent (cf.1 Pe.2:9).

Today’s Thought “A Real Answer” G. Ward

 

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

 

Recent bouts with injustice, particularly as vividly imposed on people of color remains shamefully unacceptable, offering fret concerning furthered possibility in regression. The lethargy from some of America’s predominant group in denouncing wicked activity is confounding and considered necessary from many minorities to help obliterate this gross impropriety. Generations of man witnessed grave injustice alike, relegating resolve onto institutions, legislative process and philosophies. Believing in Christ’s Sufficiency understands peace to exist solely in HIS work (Ac.4:12) and no matter the proactivity of mankind’s indignation, history repeats itself because hearts weren’t mended by the correct Source. Grace found you and me at our confession of Him who is entirely able and blatant refusal to reproduce the message of reconciliation remains the culprit of every injustice. When Christ transforms, man will see other men from Heaven’s evaluation…

Today’s Thought “Not Guilty?” G. Ward

 

Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

 

Where oil and water is said to be a terrible, insoluble mixture, so is the believer whose aim seeks to juxtapose Christ’s commands with worldly ethics. Inarguably, the way of the Lord is without contempt when insistence from products of grace remembers the mercy shown them, placing a new demand on the life given via perfect adoration of the Savior who never violated soul directives in Truth vs. popular thinking.

Today’s Thought “Happy Memorial Day?” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 3:14-15 “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,  from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name…”

 

What was intended to honor the sacrifice of fallen soldiers on behalf of its citizenry has become personal pleasure anticipated via another party atmosphere delighting in friends and family gathering at the end of May for swimming and barbeque. While original intent may be marred in forgetfulness as to occasion that even questions an appropriated “Happy” that prefaces a day’s event, celebration yet is acceptable for the sacrifice that granted liberty from the Only One dying on our behalf and whereas memorializing is generally sad, thanking the Almighty for every life given earth that has expanded our hearts in love; wherein we’ve been loved, despite our wrongdoings, makes us glad.

Today’s Thought “Beyond Borders” G. Ward

 

John 17:20-21 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

 

At HIS time of departure from the earth, Jesus would reveal some of that great communion He had with the Father in prayer. On occasion we witnessed Him seeking prayerful communion in the same without knowledge of what was said; whereas this dialogue furthered our being able to imitate such selflessness (cf. Eph.5:1-2). The verses aforementioned are with supplications for unity in believer-ship from a world perspective. We’re more divided than ever in our geopolitical world and both cultural and political systems have promoted disunity from lack in understanding (cf. Ac.2:44). Jesus sought to introduce the only culture that mattered, that is spiritual responsibility from the redeemed to share the blessed hope HE offers, where no barriers exist. When you pray think on this; then act accordingly and immediately.

Today’s Thought “Too Much House” G. Ward

 

Haggai 2:9 “The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the Lord of hosts, and in this place I will give peace, declares the Lord of hosts.”

 

The Almighty commissioned the Prophet Haggai to offer hope to a people more embodying selfishness than remembrance in where all good things began (2:4-5). The inhabitants of that day were consumed with their personal well being while allow the Temple’s dilapidation. While Holy God appeared to be saying He wanted His house to have equal or greater recognition, He more wanted their affection to never diminish, particularly that which should remain most important. Perfect obeisance is most certainly the factor emptying onto perfect delight. Without complete trust of His directives given, any/every house will crumble (Ps.127:1). The spiritual project endeavored today, that forgets yesterday’s inaccuracies, will soon discover a new temple adorned with peace and contentment (cf. 1 Cor.6:19-20).

Today’s Thought “God and Me?” G. Ward

 

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.

 

The U.S. Army experienced great recruitment with its television campaign that had many embracing the catchy jingle “Be All That You Can Be!” It transcended belief in oneself beyond linkage to “This Man’s Army” to become subliminal adoption unto many. The jingle, however great in its perception would most certainly encounter a lonely reality that would disquiet the chant when no accompaniment followed and I became vulnerable to systems of sorts. Moreover, even when I gained entry to my promptings, routine and normalcy had periodic visitation inviting limitation.

There’s tremendous retreat readily available for any who demand proper motivation (cf. Jn.15:5). Our demand must desire separation from pseudo identifiers and cling to the Only spiritual example lending rest; denying return to chaotic forecasts entirely unreliable.

Today’s Thought “Whatever I Ask?” G. Ward

 

2 Corinthians 12:8-9

Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

 

Organized prayer meetings have increased in view of such uncertainty in the time presented and many supplications unto the Almighty exacerbate notions of troubles eliminated when doing so. Jesus, with spiritual conciseness taught disciples an exercise in rightful prayer that never sought to awaken Holy God (The Omniscient) on earthly realities (*Matt.6:8). Furthermore, HIS instruction encompassed implicit trust that mandated compliance with total self-LESS-ness from every disciple then and thereafter that embodied “Father, we know that Your knowledge is higher than ours, so may Your will already established in heaven disquiet our pleasure” (Matt.6:9-10).

My praise for every circumstance presented wouldn’t be if my days only included sunshine and merry-go-rounds; so my spiritual, mature resolve yet boasts “trouble ain’t lasting” (Ro.8:18)…

Today’s Thought “Get the Belt!” G. Ward



Proverbs 13:24 He who withholds his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.



Whereas it’s appreciated to have been exposed to great discipline growing up, the corporal punishment therein was not the first measurement from those adults responsible in our nurturing. Discipline is more instruction, including genuine care that regards a future hope for young people. More important to perceive is the greatness of the theological impact than the sociological one that says not to ever strike a child for the reverb in latter times perpetuate violent attitudes. We cannot discount the proven-ness of a practice stemming from the Almighty whereby generations prior were taught the essence of constraint that even allowed them to invite the Savior’s lordship over them, to now hear from presumed wisdom in authorship that declares the kind of discipline that’s painful was never beneficial.

Today’s Thought “At the Point in Disgrace” G. Ward

 

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

 

I’ve sought to remain inconspicuous most of my life as the spotlight on me syndrome is opposite of my shyness. Amazingly, my calling to fulfill has allowed speaking engagements of sorts to overcome this trepidation of old, but never to portray an over-confidence in ability. That which relies on self determination in being perceived in proficiency will soon be replaced by a newer improved presentation and preparedness to more be received by the masses vs. an objective in sharing is a lonely venture.

Today’s Thought “Tornado Warning” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

 

The basement of a house is said to be the safest place to consider in the time of great storm. It’s indicative of a sub space unmoved by surface winds that potentially toss materials sporadically and aimlessly. Our lives without a continual practice of surrender to the Lord’s demand will discover varied personal parts strewn in places of subjective principles unproven that keep us confounded; while Truth (Jn.14:6) persists in the promotion in safeguards, distributing peace, even when calamity strikes.

Today’s  Thought “Righteous Indignation?” G. Ward

 

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

 

Peter the Apostle elaborated on the Almighty as Holy and while our interrogation of what that means is the most incomplete phenomenon, limiting us to knowing Him as without sin (and a propensity therein), along with perfect in every way, we’re called to pursue the same (1 Pe.1:16). How dare any share what perceivably is regarded eloquence to appear superior to another created being without proper tribute to Wisdom’s beginning and end (*Rev.22:13). More excellent than anything is to know God is Holy, entirely opposite of us, requiring absolute subjection to HIS way; Eternity depends on that (Lk.6:46).

Today’s Thought “Bouts In Forgetfulness” G. Ward

 

Psalm 16:5-6 Lord, You alone are my portion and my cup; You make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance.

 

There’s not a time where I’ve endeavored convening with the Lord (through His words) to be satisfied with my behavior/attitude. His presence in me is so much more appreciated, particularly in view of my self-centeredness. It helps me in re-establishing proper spiritual posture that can never be sustained when I decide on tactic(s) suitable for change, but only has foundation when I call on His sufficiency that’s transformative. Moreover, I’m so glad He awakens me onto a newness; to not regard past imperfects, but delivers me; establishing an effectual route to pursue worthy of travel. His Name is Wonderful!

Today’s Thought “Incomplete Journey” G. Ward

 

Acts 20:27-28 For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. ²⁸ Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

If you’ve ever endeavored bible study, there’s clearly great contingency therein. What that means is when we fail at the commandments of the Lord, there’s a consequence. At times it wouldn’t rain, or perhaps there was food scarcity and many times death (cf. Ro.6:23). Howbeit that some bible teachers (tagged motivationalists) now pervade on many, only those melodious passages that lend false notions of mine own pleasure over perfect will found in the entirety of scripture ( *Phil.2:13, 1 Ti.3:16-17)? Truth, as HE is the person of Jesus (Jn.14:6), was never meant to be selective and those who fail to portray His word accurately are false.

Though it may cost you a presumed friend, remember Calvary’s price and conform immediately.

Today’s Thought “Yes We Can?” G. Ward

 

Romans 7:18-20

 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.  For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.

 

No matter the chant that got a President elected, believing in yourself is without foundation, particularly when there’s sole reliance on proposed ability and especially when any lack charge over potential next moments (Jn.15:5). More important to perceive is to remain in the grip of grace, to which the Lord Jesus needs no help (cf. Jn.19:30).

Today’s Thought “Failure to Communicate” G. Ward

 

1 Peter 3:1-2 In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior.

 

In times past the month of May was perhaps the season for great hustle in that weeks away would soon witness marriages and graduations. The current pandemic has most certainly altered graduation ceremonies as social distancing has become a preventive measure to behold; while marriage (for this modernity) is less a consideration. Immorality for our times hinder thoughts of monogamy, particularly biblical submissiveness assumed as entirely subservient for times whereby headship in homes is entirely subjective, even allowing toddlers to rule periodically.

Whereas Peter’s message to the church involved a spiritual impression that would compel an offender onto peace, the transcendence in subject matter remains. Whether through marriage or another acquaintance, submit today unto God’s peace, so the one troubled by a worldly standard would gain eventual rest (Matt.5:16).