Today’s Thought “Packing My Bags” G. Ward

Romans 5:12
“Sin entered the world because one man sinned. And death came because of sin. Everyone sinned, so death came to all people.”

Grandmother was the model citizen of heaven. As she aged thoughts of departure was her constant sentiment. She knew the scriptures well enough to know heaven was her home and the courage of her conviction, that is knowing that Jesus paid it all, prepared accordingly. No one disquieted her as she laid her burial garments down on the bed periodically. Expressions like My Maker, He’s the Lily of the Valley, Mary’s Baby and He’s A Battle Ax in the time of war were the familiar tones of her day; as she was proud to express Holy God as One with a varied mercy unmatched.

We’re now part of a generation where calling Him Lord is still with familiar tone, but these days have incorporated ideas that lend itself more to categorical understanding of good citizenry in earth void of spiritual duty to die to sin and self (Matt.16:24). Moreover, we dare not engage others on death via the misuse of what Jesus meant when He said “that they may have life and it more abundantly,” immediately taking our mindsets to euphoric conditions and great tangibles. I wish a few more Grandmothers of old would rise up (*Ro.12:1-2)…

Today’s Thought “Can’t Wait to Get Home” G. Ward

Jeremiah 29:11  

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

These worthy of addressing by the Prophet Jeremiah were in bondage in a strange land by a people refusing to worship the One and Only God. The majority living at the time of this message would die in bondage. From the time of this message, 70 years would prevail in this horrid land under an unruly people. Perhaps if you did the math a fifteen year old boy would be 85 before he would see his homeland again.

Howbeit that we’ve come to this time of taking this same passage and recklessly applying it as we see fit? God said, I know the plans, that is, not willing to unfold the complete plan. Why? It’s because of what Jeremiah echoed at chapter 17:9, “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?”

We’re agents who change as the wind shifts; selfish by nature. We want circumstances to be melodious and prosperous for us first and then if there’s enough to dispense thereafter go by my sister’s house syndrome. We’re very guarded not wanting any to see our vulnerabilities, then defensive the moment another hurls criticism. The way Jesus provided is the same as in Jeremiah’s message to the exiles. Although we’re in a weary, strange land, Jesus’ presence won’t relent; He’ll be there when you call on Him righteously.Not on your terms, but His. Are you gearing up to be patient with not knowing those plans, or will you begin something you perceive is righteous and then insist the Lord told you? The care Holy God provides is quietly instantaneous, while offering rest and complete peace; but being hidden by the Holy One must be practiced daily so I may establish great pattern in watching Him work it out.

Today’s Thought “I Need An Answer” G. Ward

Galatians 5:13

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

I’ve noticed that more theologians are bending towards consideration with answers concerning the many sociological and health complications than ever before. While theirs perhaps seek to shed comfort for the weary mindsets troubled about an end to racism and coronavirus, the limitations from man still lack the kind of prudence and understanding that could shed light with resolution on why (cf. Jer.17:9). Earth matters remain complicated in that when one trouble goes away another awaits; sufferings run at a continuum (Ro.8:18). That’s why when any level of fun permits, we long in the same soon afterwards. Our lives are perhaps with more sadness than we’d like to admit. The comfort scriptures are there so we may be comforted through earth’s depression. To know that we have a Savior acquainted with every form in grief lends the spiritual support necessary.

Our theme on today celebrates the freedom extended to us by Christ Sufficiency. With His availability unto our redemption (forever), He’s granted us freedom to observe Him as All in All. Chaos is the opposite of this observation and believers are horribly guilty through denying the message of the cross unto every weary soul representative of the vastness in our society. Troubles are entirely cyclical and so is rest to those who will believe.