Today’s Thought “Pain: Don’t Claim It?” G. Ward

Isaiah 53:3

He was despised and abandoned by men, A man of great pain and familiar with sickness; and like one from whom people hide their faces, He was despised, and we had no regard for Him.

 

While this passage is witness to 700 years before Christ entry and whereas the emotional and physical, debilitating pain it caused our Lord existed, particularly that which demonstrates an unusual LOVE HE has for those HE made (John 1:1-3,14) and whereas our modernity’s foolish adoption, so antithetical to how HE endured and whereas HE said, “a servant is not greater than his Master” and we yet proclaim “love shouldn’t hurt” – it does.

Our journey in earth shouldn’t be astonished upon such pain experienced, but our humanity craves to be sheltered from it and whereas our Lord’s comfort reigns entirely sufficient and whereas greatest preparation (spiritually) is often forsaken, PAIN continues; but when/if we persevere in HIM, pain shall be over (Ro.8:18). So, let’s get started (cf. *Matt.10:16-23).

 

Today’s Thought “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” G. Ward

1 Timothy 6

¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy.

 

These instructions are a great lesson for wealthy believers (who our Lord loves), not necessarily for those aspirational (i.e., chasing dollars at most any expense). They’re to first deny any form of arrogance, to not walk proudly, but humbly; particularly in view of an equal calling from the Lord, involving the rich and poor. Then, they’re reminded that things (particularly money) come and goes, so don’t become in-satiated with temporal possessions, soon to be outdone by faithfulness – now, to our Lord where substance (faith) carries any onto HIS bosom. Finally, the rich are compelled spiritually to see a need and meet it; which is better than silver or gold, involving true legacy building.

If your aspirations to become a millionaire, waits to acknowledge all aforementioned, get off the money train and find another depleted and sponsor their breakfast and you’ll soon witness spiritual prioritization that confirms Jesus’ words, “it’s better to give than receive.”

 

 

 

Today’s Thought “Teeter-Tottering Is Child-Play” G. Ward

1 John 2

³ By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 

This word “know” (from this context of knowing Holy God) is/should never be associated with mere intellectual, or simply acquainted with, but carries a connotation of desired intimacy and total dependency on the Savior that afforded us redemption. Moreover, it contemplates HIS graciousness and patience with us, particularly lending our steps onto others similarly.

Our grief however is ongoing; as we’re often broken, because each have/are guilty of spiritual adultery. We’ve forsaken the covenant relationship with Holy God, every time we’ve mingled, even prompting earthen systems, diminishing HIS sovereign control. We’ve lived in horrid contradiction of where our heart has been made over, but cannot persist in wrongful devotion of two opposing masters. Instead, our insistence must echo, HIS will be done.

We thank HIM for HIS perfect reconciliation upon our repentance, refusing to not self-lessly forgive and restore another – because we know pitfalls’ entry is lurking, whereby we’ll need HIS restoration again. Thank You Jesus!

 

Today’s Thought “First Place Ribbon” G. Ward

Psalm 69: ³ I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.

 

While King David’s sufferings overwhelmed him in moments, causing him bewilderment in why such oppressive ways existed towards him (from those so adversarial), he wouldn’t know that these writings were divinely inspired to confirm writings thousands of years later to indicate that One who endured to HIS end on earth for our victory in HIM continues to this day. It’s stated that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” to indicate that bouts with sorrow and hardship are temporary, and they will eventually give way to confidence and greater trust/perseverance in the Lord. Moreover, resilience becomes our middle name, as the pangs of life are more anticipated (because of the Savior’s preparation unto those HE elected), causing outsiders’ further castigation that accuses our surrender to HIM as something foolishly occultic, but you Keep Pressing, for your reward is near.

 

Today’s Thought “America, the Spoiled” G. Ward

Ephesians 5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; ² and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.

 

Jesus was given, because apart from HIM – man’s endeavoring righteousness couldn’t be found. Moreover, we had no ability to surrender to His Way, overwhelmed, that even faith itself was imparted unto those chosen; therefore, embodying the definition of what it means to be inept (i.e., incompetent).

Why, then are so many identifying with Christ as Lord while with expressed, public sentiment of dependency on systems and people so entirely temporal and whereas we’re called HIS very own, so as to imitate HIS life, particularly how He’d correlate therein, why such idol worship is on the increase is disturbing, yet expected (?). The Almighty yet offers the antidote, but soon the prescription won’t be available.

People of God must question their every motive against what our Lord did (including all HE said and is saying) and whereas HIS every endeavor was both selfless and without a proposed interactivity (with the world) that would even depend on unholy systems (ever-evolving), may we all repent (Ac.3:19) and proclaim that to which is with (ETERNAL) implications, more denying earth’s citizenry. A practice thereunto assures Jesus is mine…

 

Today’s Thought “Taking It on the Chin” G. Ward

Romans 15:3 For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The taunts of those who taunt You have fallen on Me.”

 

Denial and selflessness are the predominant, pronounced tags of Catholic Nuns versus perceived followers of Christ and whereas the latter group’s characterization appears entirely truthful, it’s because there’s been great lack to always defer to God’s Word in everything and whereas those directives invite any to know “few” acquiesce to what it says (the identifier of true belief – Matthew 7:21-23, Luke 6:46, James 2:18-19), along with doing so while devoted to Jesus as Lord and determined to bring all glory and honor to HIS Name, we know that HIS endurance having withstood greatest reproach, assured us of a similar visitation (John 15:18-20), whereby we’re grateful to HIM for the peace HE left us and the endurance HE granted us. May HE be forever praised!

 

Today’s Thought “Angry, But with Hope” G. Ward

Jeremiah 17

⁹ “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?

 

The answer is God can. He alone has the cure; but it can’t rest, nor mingle on/with mankind’s ideologies that runs congruent with faith in Christ - who never submitted to political affiliation – suggestive of a dutiful regard, along with merging an entity existent for our teaching HIS church (and for my argumentative friends, yes, we’re called to submission to government regulations, yet supremely consumed with our King’s message). We have many disciples currently insistent on supporting foolish agendas of delineating points of indifference among some ethnicities, that questions intellectual capacities within, to forget the whole of man is from One God and thereafter every nation from three sons having the same parentage (*Ge.9:18-19), making all of you -Asian, Hispanic, even White of Black. *I’m old enough to remember when immoralities existent within another and any linkage thereunto, deemed one complicit (WHO ARE YOU SUPPORTING, ALONG WITH CHRIST?). If you’re owned by this Magnificent Savior, talk as HE talked! HE most assuredly never took any to government to insist on change (and yes, abortion was prevalent then, along with homosexuality - *Jas.2:12-13), but insisted every disciple find another beyond the scope of ethnicity, socio-economic status, etc., and teach them HIS commands. HE will transform them! Not your legislation, but HIS! Until then, SHUT YOUR MOUTH AND PREACH ONLY JESUS!!!

 

Today’s Thought “In A Dark Room, With A Lit Candle” G. Ward

1 John 2

 ⁹ The one who says that he is in the Light and yet hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now.

 

Many will endeavor such a passage with immediate dismissal, insisting they don’t hate anyone; but let’s journey to interrogate its meaning: If one exists in your life (whether personally attached, or merely familiar with) and enters your view and that same one is very opposite of what you perceive ought to exist through any individual – does your soul frown? To detest (i.e., hate) someone means to dislike with intensity (e.g., comparable to hating scotch bonnet peppers or rutabagas).

Biblical mercy is the Almighty’s withholding of the punishment we all deserve and HE dispenses it indiscriminately (Ro.9:15). Is that spiritual view, optional for our adoption as followers of Christ (*Jas.2:13)? Howbeit, that while we were detestable, we were loved by the Holy One, enough so, that HE’D provide Jesus as the Perfect cure, so we’d have connectivity with HIM – while we render other uncooperative souls hopeless?

 

Today’s Thought “Eternity, Set in the Heart” G. Ward

Proverbs 18

⁴ The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

 

Rendering mercy before judgment is always the consideration for followers of Christ, because we’re with absolute recall of a time before HIS salvation was afforded us and whereas our pursuits involved some earthen victories, most endeavors involved great distress. Moreover, our feeling a need for other’s compliance (i.e., civil and moral) unto an unfounded morality we’ll propose, is hypocrisy and therefore renders our opinions and perspectives as useless. Instead, knowledge of our Savior’s Walk (in earth) persuades the believer in finding another – trapped in insecurities, ensuring them of a Mighty Fortress, available to them.

 

Today’s Thought “Tempted, Like the Rest…” G. Ward

James 3: ² For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well.

 

Accountability to our new status as followers of Christ – should live to exemplify HIS model; exercising great carefulness in thwarting every avenue in subjective rhetoric from us, pertinent to the same evil our Lord Jesus witnessed in HIS era in earth. Yes, we see the injustice. Yes, we have opinions, but we more observe the script given us that creates a resolute answer concerning enemy forces (*Matt.28:19). Moreover, as we know our old status included being an enemy of the cross, that now witnesses HIS adoption of us, despite us (Ro.5:8) and whereas our interrogation of HIS Holy Word – testifies to how the vilest of sinners were also transformed onto being useful in HIS service and whereas all are/were taught by the Savior’s example to not expect anything moral from Caesar, or his compatriots, but to solely persevere in Truth (John 14:6), we digress…

 

Today’s Thought “The Whole Script” G. Ward

Acts 20

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. 

 

Dispelling Truth (John 14:6) is most assuredly the answer for what the world needs today and whereas critique of national discord is allowed, it must never circumvent great portions of discourses provided – because what has been continues, and is without resolution for man (*cf. Jer.17:10). There are however, moments of peace, indifferent from what our Lord deemed HIS peace, that keeps any on a quest for happiness, discounting what has plagued mankind, particularly after the first two fell for the Tempter’s regard over Holy God control (* which translates settling more for happenstance that lacks a preparation for troubles ahead, equaling immature thinking) and if our Lord’s equippers teach a dual reliance on Holy God and mankind’s systems, moral decay and contempt for eternal demands grows…

 

Today’s Thought “Textbook Training” G. Ward

Genesis 9

¹⁸ Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. ¹⁹ These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

 

When any persist to purport race, contrary to our Creator’s intent (Ge.1:28, Isa.49:6), Who only created the human race and whereas those perpetuators of divisive regard even spew inability for some segments of society as incapable of achieving civility, along with inferior proficiency in educational matters – This Is Not Accurate Science, This Is Racism.

Support of this horrid ideology, makes any complicit, no matter their testimonials as to how they love Jesus. Moreover, to further argumentative divisiveness, on who our grandchildren marry (i.e., different ethnicities) was NEVER sanctioned, but only with believer’s compliance towards matrimonial compatibility in believer-ship (*Deut.7:3-4).

This foolish and unfortunate reality in racism has those appearing devout in Christ – equating political conservativism with Christ fellowship, when our Lord may have rode on a donkey, but refused appeals to Caesar regarding any political and social reform. SO, WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT? Eternal life with our Lord is with an exclusivity, non-welcoming to that worldly view (Rev.7:9-10).

 

Today’s Thought “Impractical Belief” G. Ward

James 4:7 Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Let’s be clear, the Devil is not Holy God’s opposite! As the Almighty created angels, Satan - is the chieftain of the fallen angels; he’s busy, but ABSOLUTELY INEFFECTUAL against believers’ submission to Christ, who ABSOLUTELY defeated the Devil’s efforts. If an enemy has been utterly defeated by a Champion, do you go and kick him in the head thereafter? So, why are our prayers to Holy God with a battle unfounded, that binds him along with those principalities? Have you not read? Yes, Satan is real, but Holy God remains ALL-POWER and not some. How dare any who propose to know God through Christ - seek so much talk to the Creator about another defeated(?)!

Efforts in praying eloquently and their sounding religious are more pharisaic in nature, than spiritually edifying and borders blasphemy (*Matt.23:4-11).

 

Today’s Thought “Stand in the Corner!” G. Ward

Titus 2:2

Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.

 

As the World Turns (*pun intended), our exposure to inaccuracies grows; that merely shares how we’re getting old and whereas that exposure has witnessed myriads of circumstances (both noble and ignoble – 2 Ti.2:20), along with sadly witnessing many depart from this earth, we’re afforded a contemplative review in how to best correlate with the time remaining (*Ps.90:12).

A voice exercising wisdom, speaks from where wisdom emanates, not subjective rhetoric (*Prov.2:6); including that which has been tried by the greater intellects and reformers of times past, to then think of their own twists in admonishing as more fruitful. Instead, and as any are afforded life (in a chronological sense), must pervade Life (in the spiritual, DUTIFUL sense) as being Christ and HIS eternal demands and exercise accordingly.

 

Today’s Thought “A Church Unified” G. Ward

Colossians 2

⁵ For even though I am absent in body, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your orderly manner and the stability of your faith in Christ.

 

Growing in faith, will most assuredly desire other’s maturing together in/through Christ and whereas the family of our Lord is expanding (with every confession of HIM as Redeemer through repentance of sins), even reaching beyond parameters in biological connection, it’s because our Father in Heaven reigns in our hearts, along with witnessing love’s impression that concerns itself for what’s best for others and includes our new family members (John 13:34-35).

 The letter the Apostle Paul constructed, involved congratulations to this church, particularly Paul being awe-struck with their endurance while he was imprisoned for the cause of the gospel and whereas his incarceration didn’t discourage his efforts to comfort those so beloved by the Almighty, along with impacting the saints (generations later) to know that such a letter writing campaign may be considerate an avenue that encourages followers of Christ to absolutely persevere in HIS greatest example and not the world’s lack, so, let’s make ourselves available…

 

Today’s Thought “The Analysts’ Sofa” G. Ward

Psalm 28

⁷ The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;
Therefore my heart triumphs, and with my song I shall thank Him.

 

We’d all do well to embody a portion of the great hymn – What A Friend We Have in Jesus, where it says, “Can we find a friend so faithful. Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness, Take it to the Lord in prayer.”

Prayer remains a most excellent conduit given man, to help in defining the Way to best correlate with the fleeting perspectives of man, even that to which more lends selfish pursuits (bound for failure). On the other hand, if our prefacing varied endeavors, are with pleadings that denies uncertainties, while trusting in what Final Authority quietly admonishes, one could soon witness great solace, that keeps us singing, “HE has done great things for me!”

 

Today’s Thought “Vaccinated onto Life” G. Ward

Isaiah 40

²⁹ He gives strength to the weary, And to the one who lacks might He increases power.

 

The roads are paved with many testimonials with insistence - on trusting the Lord in everything and whereas the state of mistrust is not incomprehensible for followers of Christ, even when unbelievers won’t, it’s because our desire grows in compliance to trust more each day via a personal pursuit of God’s Word; but is yet with experiences of periodic lapse; so, we mercifully convey the whole of mankind’s vulnerability to sinfulness (*Ro.3:10,23), through offering the cure (in view of the Lord having rescued us), even admitting to a need to be the first in line for such a miraculous, spiritual inoculation – due to a weak constitution, while grateful for "HE who is greater in me"  (cf. Jer.17:9-10).

 

Today’s Thought “Here, to Instruct” G. Ward

Hebrews 5

¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the actual words of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 

A great majority of audiences sit as orators proclaim the Lord’s Way, believing in their own ability to retain a discourse given; although it included an interrogative effort of many days for those who are true unto its preparation and who solely seek to get it right, doing so without conjured theatrics. Many of these audience members however, have sat in collegiate lecture halls, forced to take notes and did so willingly, with potential careers in mind, that would remunerate them extremely well, lending materialism.

The Word of God is eternal and while everything else will pass away (Matt.24:35) and whereas a daily pursuit therein assures peace and joy, those two are often forsaken, upon perception of long-term benefits – while existing in a “right now” generation. Altogether, a society hardens and grows more calloused to God’s reign and rule, while still commanding orators’ eloquence with awe-inspiring messaging, insisting the responsibility (in making disciples of Christ) belongs to spiritual orators, while Holy God merely calls these leaders - equippers for the saints (*Eph.4:11-12).

 

Today’s Thought “Profit and Loss Worksheet” G. Ward

Philippians 3: ⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. ⁸ More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ,

 

At what expense are corporations endeavoring record profits, along with pricing manipulation that appeals to our culture’s gargantuan appetite in greed (*cf. Prov.21:17)? Perhaps this may be the beginning of an unfair spiritual corollary to the Apostle Paul’s accolades, pertinent to his prior to being drawn to Christ as Lord (John 6:44), so very desirous to an escalating societal regard (both academic and religious), to thereafter calculate, and celebrate his new transformative experience through Christ, to then understand that what was once things valued - against being displaced by an intimate acquaintance with the Savior and afterwards, mattering far less when pre-occupied and overcome with/in how the Redeemer knew him, re-named and commissioned him, despite an arrogant and aloof past was greater than he ever imagined...

Is that your sentiment?