Today’s Thought “The Empty Pitcher” G. Ward

James 1

¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 

 

The speed of days presented, once spoken of as phenomena so incredible has diminished to points of normalcy – a horrid prologue and comparable to what’s generated in our mindsets and when we feel so strong in matters without eternal merit (particularly as it seemingly chases us down), the next episode renders a culminating dissatisfaction that either keeps us reaching, or seats himself in a cup of miseries.

There is however, perfect resolve available to any where a regenerated mindset determines contentment unto spiritual purity – persists in filling the cranial cavity with words from the Master, enabling joy, even while temptations remain numerous (cf. Isa.44:22).

 

Today’s Thought “Filling A Sinkhole” G. Ward

Genesis 2

²³ Then the man said, “At last this is bone of my bones,
and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called ‘woman,’
Because she was taken out of man.” ²⁴ For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 

Mankind celebrates an insatiable ingenuity that promotes tremendous conveniences for himself (cf. 1 John 1:8), while often forgetting a value system given by his Inventor intended for every generation’s adoption and whereas its intent enabled his own existence, he’s guilty in adjourning to his laboratory so as to establish a clone impossible to match and without recognition from the Everlasting One.

The intent (from the beginning) established “family” (i.e., procreation) and our world has allowed an evolving from an eternal mantra to quicksand (*Ps.33:12). Your rightful portion for today depends on whether you’ll trust our Sovereign King’s Way (cf. Heb.13:8) …

 

Today’s Thought “Revive Us Again” G. Ward

Psalm 85

⁸ I will hear what God the Lord will say;
For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones;
And may they not turn back to foolishness.
⁹ Certainly His salvation is near to those who fear Him,
That glory may dwell in our land.

 

The purpose of man can mostly be perceived after the many attempts in futility (i.e., pursuits in life seemingly ordered by Holy God, without spiritual recognition) become exasperating and when any regard what has been for generations of times past (including their end – *1 Pe.4:7), what lies ahead – eternally long, is the supreme factor unto those reasonably aware of their Creator. Cease from troubling through hurried acknowledgement of HIS supreme plan and live.

 

Today’s Thought “Void of Pain?” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 12

 ⁹ 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.

The many sufferings in life have become taboo for discussion; victory for every moment is now the only acceptable trait to portray (cf. Jas.1:2-8). Pulpits exacerbate such, with prognostications of an entire year onto every hearer as definitively “greater than” any prior day (both materially and circumstantially) and while for the believer, dependence on Holy God as Shelter certainly grants our souls peace in His sovereignty, that faith depends (absolutely) on Divine assurance.

 Purveyors of appeasement (i.e., false teachers) love to hear shouts of acclamation from its audience, who will venture to leave such ecstatic praise so pervasive in the auditorium more spiritually ill-prepared for life’s difficulties than ever before and when trials come, they absolutely fall apart; even departing from a faithful God – who never promised sufferings wouldn’t plague His own, but guaranteed His presence, so endurance would be theirs.

 We ask; will you settle for eloquence over substance, or pursue the highest love relationship on His terms?

 

Today’s Thought “A Thief Is Lurking…” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

 

Numerous warnings are provided scripturally that seeks to thwart any association with perceivably innocent ploys that assures hearers of God so patient and loving, to never understand HIS rigid rule unto those HE created, won’t tolerate sin (*cf. Gal.3:10-13). Moreover, and because He’s holy (absolutely pure and dis-associative with sinfulness), Christ was given on our behalf as Perfect Redeemer (John 14:6). We cannot however, understand this Blessed Savior contemptuously. All HE would provide (deliverance from sin – through a price none other could occupy), compels us towards an implicit follow-ship of HIS commands and whereas that submission seeks to walk as He did, a prudent investigation – ongoing, even daily, is required; particularly since there’s an incessant war unto every human soul (*flesh v. Spirit - Gal.5:17).

HIS return is imminent and so many anticipate this occurrence at nightfall and believers exist throughout the world HE made (John 1:1-*3, 14) and many of those sectors are now experiencing night. Are you prepared on HIS terms, or man’s philosophic idiocy (2 Pe.3:9-10)?

 

Today’s Thought “Personal Journalizing” G. Ward

James 2

⁸ If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. ⁹ But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the Law as violators.

 

There’s a scriptural mantra worthy to embrace for believers as they endeavor to mingle in the marketplace; we’re carriers of Light amidst a pervasive darkness (Matt.5:14-16).

I’m considerably aware of my facial expression upon encountering strangers of sorts, even prepared to extend greetings towards any with deliberate eye contact. It won’t ever overwhelm another unprepared to reciprocate via an insistence to acknowledge “here I am” scenario, but portray quiet hospitality, along with sincere availability. I’m more cognizant of my being undeserving of such mercy granted me, particularly how our Lord rains His considerations on the just and unjust – compelling His own to distribute the wealth of His riches (Jas.2:13) and doing so indiscriminate of a social construct found in man (*cf. 1 Sa.16:7). Perhaps if our brethren would raise a rightful banner similarly, many of our potential kinfolk would ask how they could attain towards such peace (cf.Ac.16:25-30) …

 

Today’s Thought “Online Services?” G. Ward

Hebrews 10

²⁴ And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, ²⁵ not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

 

While we know and celebrate our Creator as the Most High, superior in knowledge, ever present and without limitation, many desire that HE acquiesce to this era of ingenuity; even thinking Heaven is pleased with how far we’ve come, particularly with devotionals, online praying and worship services at a moment’s notice on our electronic devices(?). Altogether, that stance is contradictory of HIS Omniscience. His foresight when making heaven and earth, didn’t do so with hope that we’d understand He alone is sovereign (i.e., Supreme Ruler – regardless/transcendent of time and human endeavor); that remains HIS demand. Moreover, He’s given us a supreme document circumventing the limited way of man, including his interpretations (with vain philosophical approach).

If HIS Word is true for you, find (immediately) a worship facility, where the Truth proclaimed, portrays HIM as the Only Sufficient ONE and everyone thereafter as incapable (*Ro.3:10, 23) and commit to every service time – not just the main show; because that’s HIS DEMAND (*and it won’t change because you have a computer and can sit at home – Luke 6:46 …).

 

Today’s Thought “Dressed to the Nines?” G. Ward

Revelation 3

¹⁵ ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

 

While many assume a posture of no one is perfect and whereas an assessment can involve a scale analogy of a 1 to 10 rating, many will often propose 9 or less, substantiating some imperfection (cf. Matt.5:48). Christ, at His Revelation would ask this church at Laodicea where they stood as to their devotion to the highest spiritual demand given (i.e., HIS Word). This great contrast seeking introspection understood how Laodicean wealth was predominant, allowing underground viaducts that brought water from distant cities (because their own water system was horribly tainted) and our Lord made such observation in view of this reality. Cold water is/was certainly indicative of refreshing, while hot (from the springs of Hierapolis) was extremely good for bathing. Lukewarm however epitomizes where they were before channeling potable water from surrounding cities (making it useful, immediately).

Our Lord still speaks volumes concerning the same unto us. Are was calloused to HIS commands, believing more in self-sufficiency, than God dependency (i.e., cold)? Perhaps we’re excited to awaken to HIS day; even prepared to find another to share how great our Lord truly is (i.e., hot)? When either of the two groups (cold or lukewarm) fail towards a receptivity in being absolutely governed by their Creator and seek to cry out in last days, very particularly because of horrid distress and calamity (read it for yourself – Prov.1:24-29) …

 

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Check-Up” G. Ward

Exodus 20

³ “You shall have no other gods before Me. ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not worship them nor serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, inflicting the punishment of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing favor to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

When things and PEOPLE have become so worthy of personal defense mechanisms, even that to which becomes vehemently argumentative (particularly when another has an unconscionable demand so opposite of that to which you adore – formulating a vitriolic hatred of that view so entirely TEMPORAL), you may be guilty of idolatry (*cf. Eph.6:12).

Moreover, and because this has our land (i.e., its inhabitants) guilty (particularly as we’ve imposed this actuality onto our children’s children (*re-read our theme of eternality), repentance is yet offered. No one, or nothing is worthy, except our LORD and HE requires no defense – because ALL belongs to HIM (Ps.24:1).

See you at worship…

 

Today’s Thought “I’ve Had Some Good Days…” G. Ward

Luke 2

²⁵ And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

 

Biblical hope aspires to witness what God’s Word assures will occur and settles therein. Moreover, and although objectively contained by the reality of the Word’s certainty, the believer continues in other duties unto excellence, although a supporting cast appears non-existent (cf. Ps.37:5).

Simeon’s desire to see the Savior (i.e., Messiah) as an old man, wouldn’t compare to opportunity for attaining wealth of sorts, along with determining matters of materialism’s distribution among his kin, but would be based upon spiritual messaging of his own exposure that would surpass every goal of man – to know the LORD and most importantly, through obedience, to be known by HIM. Inevitably, all Simeon desired would be fulfilled.

May our spiritual pursuit of the Lord, surpass every endeavor proposed, extinguishing bouts in never being satisfied/fulfilled in what will ultimately mean very little and while some insist on opening their mouths in great declarations of how they’re settled in this matter, don’t compare yourself with other men (including Simeon), but with the Only One who walked perfectly.

 

Today’s Thought “Needing A Valentine?” G. Ward

Colossians 1

²¹ And although you were previously alienated and hostile in attitude, engaged in evil deeds, ²² yet He has now reconciled you in His body of flesh through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach…

While many take issue with holidays, even that to which celebrates love, I’m grateful for the lengths many endure in that great expression (at the same time, it shouldn’t cost so much) and whereas it’s said that the best things in life are free, I’d like to pause to celebrate our Lord; including what’s preeminent – His death, burial and resurrection - All HE offered and what it cost HIM; a persecuted life like none other, including tremendous insults, a continued companionship with a betrayer, along with fraternization with men who’d deny His lordship and countrymen who despised His authority. All would marvel at such perseverance unparalleled; and while we know the conclusion to His story and deem Him the quintessential Hero, no tag from any so finite is our compelling. Such a love for us, compels our complete devotion to His rule (Luke 6:46), and to reproduce His loving others without trepidation (cf. 2 Ti.1:8-9).

 

Today’s Thought “Threatening A Spiritual Order” G. Ward

Hosea 1

² When the Lord first spoke through Hosea, the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take for yourself a wife inclined to infidelity, and children of infidelity; for the land commits flagrant infidelity, abandoning the Lord.”

 

Perhaps you’ve heard of this actuality in scripture? A prophet is compelled by Holy God to marry a wife of his intention, although she’ll soon disappoint through a wanton spirit. Altogether, Hosea would become fortified in this unfortunate activity from his bride to tell a nation of both intentional and unintentional disconnect from their Maker’s standard.

Our failure to comply to teach His commands is not because our voices fail to distribute God’s righteous mandates, but our disconcert to personal accountability in how adulterous we’ve been towards HIS perfect Truth and whereas we’re called to leave it (every indiscretion) behind, like David, we ought to echo “my sin is constantly before me” (Ps.51:3b), preparing to instruct others from that spiritual angle – where the King of Merciful Compassion washed me.

 

Today’s Thought “Post Superbowl” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 13

⁵ It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, ⁶ it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ⁷ it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

As believers journey through this strange land, knowing their time here is soon over, our actions must agree with that actuality. Moreover, we cannot pray, “Lord, teach us how to number our days” while considering the kind of interactivity with a temporary world, filled with evolving perspectives either and whereas even the un-converted understand these considerations for spiritual growth via intellect, we’re compelled to put immediate movement towards teaching what any of this means and to do so lovingly. The greatest message still unifies and maintains there’s only One Hero (Jer.10:6).

 

Today’s Thought “Stock Market Crash” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 9

⁸ And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;

 

The Apostle Paul addresses the church as to their giving (at 2 Cor. 9) and whereas many understand its importance, there’s an unfortunate paradigm in our world, associative with pure greed; particularly as we’ve witnessed some ministers (unsanctioned) living ostentatious lifestyles. Believers however, are compelled to teach in accordance to their spiritual pursuit in God’s Word (cf. Heb.5:11-12). It’s the ineffectiveness and unproductivity from believers’ calling to fulfill (Matt.28:19) that makes criticisms so prevalent in our society; even that to which has the unconverted surmising this as a hindrance to their affiliation with the local church, along with shamefully blaming God (cf. Ro.10:14).

Instead, this appeal for monies (in the passage of our theme), embraced a missionary offering promised by one church to other fellow believers. Moreover, the charge clarified to give happily, but not through coercion/compulsion and as one’s heart did so, Holy God would lavishly replenish accordingly and while some think of this as ideally meaning they can put a dollar in and receive ten back, that’s never the objective – because God’s Sufficiency never needs anything from us …

See you on Sunday Morning (?).

 Today’s Thought “Reciprocity” G. Ward

1 John 4

¹⁰ In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. ¹¹ Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

The summation of spiritual understanding involves concerted thoughts in what you’ve received despite the many indiscretions committed (cf. 1 John 1:8-9) and to then determine (as our Lord’s ambassador) that I must render an attitude synonymous of my Savior’s example; and whereas HE was entirely disengaged on worldly behaviors, along with no regard for a people’s champion (no matter a predominant following), any who call on the name of the Lord - digress from that to which they were, to become who HE’D have them to be (cf. Phil.1:6) …

 

Today’s Thought “Salutations; Considerate of My Position” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 1:2

To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:

 

There’s a re-training necessary in Christ essential to spiritual growth; it must never seek to conquer the holy manuscript in the essence of reading, but through careful examination. Let me explain. As one depends on a surgeon with a scalpel, endeavoring to remove a cancerous tumor – hidden amidst vital organs, endured a great educational process to then assess how he can remove such malignancy, all would insist on accuracy versus expediency.

A believer, therefore, is given a tag similar and the scripture aforementioned – defines him as one who is being prepared indifferent from any who trust themselves to guide a life given by the Holy One; even recognizing themselves as a “saint” (so widely misinterpreted by a worldly expression, indicating perfection, when in actuality is a mere tag that identifies any belonging to Christ as Lord).

Meditate on that; as this (HIS Word) remains, Holy God speaking to man.

 

Today’s Thought “Above the Noise” G. Ward

Romans 8

²⁸ And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

 

Just because there’s many participating won’t make it right, was the message of old; lending credence to proper investigation towards appropriating greater foundation to our lives and whereas now information is available at a moment’s notice and mankind places hope in other men (who live speculatively, independent of Final Authority’s script and are themselves temporal earthen creatures), our world remains ever-evolving, while Christ is the same.

Our Lord hasn’t lost control, we have and His sovereign reign causes every event for our lives to more contemplate spiritual objectives that will bring Him glory and honor. Even sufferings Gregory? HE said, “All Things!”

 

Today’s Thought “Click Your Heels Three Times…” G. Ward

1 John 2

¹⁵ Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

 

The greatest sin for the whole of mankind appears to be a forgetfulness of earth’s citizenry (of times past) who long ago dreamt in measure (through anticipating systems of sorts would grant relief), to never find solace in conditions and people and whereas some of faith would argue, no Gregory, it’s forgetting their Maker as Sufficient in wisdom to guide their every motioning is greater sin – I’ll say yea.

Faith in God through Christ remains an implicit way of trusting in the ONE I’ve understood as perfect resolution unto every matter of the life HE’S given; then to know inasmuch as occasions in happiness existed in this short earthen experience, the joy in knowing how HE prepared an eternal dwelling for me (in view of great miseries endured in this strange land) is longed for, enabling my determination to follow HIS lead – until I get home (Heb.11:1).

 

Today’s Thought “Friday Night Lights” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 6

¹⁴ Do not be mismatched with unbelievers; for what do righteousness and lawlessness share together, or what does light have in common with darkness?

 

I must admit to being overwhelmed in awakening to a warmer climate (particularly after more than 40 years residency in Georgia), versus my home state (MI.); yet, I’m equally perplexed in how such a balmy day (here) allows some to contemplate greater anticipation of nightfall for social interactivity, whereby dimmed lights can even make me look good(?). More than 10 hours of Winter sunlight will exist on today, enabling tremendous outdoor gathering of sorts, that offers best discernment with clarity (i.e., in view of most awakening early). My prefacing with such rhetoric seeks to provoke thoughts concerning dating. Old folks, having endured great rebellion themselves, would share that nightfall is a precursor to temptation the more as a varied ambience sets a tone of romance and whereas a heart’s desire embraces an abstinence in matters spiritually unbecoming, and because appearances overwhelmed my best judgment, a relationship ensued entirely disagreeable to my prerequisites (in moral or religious continuity) before any of this happened (***cf. Prov.1:24-29).