Today’s Thought “Intentionally Helpful” G. Ward

Ephesians 2

¹⁰ For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

 

Our rescue from the many trespasses of Heaven’s demand is comparably equated with being “snatched out of the fire” and whereas our Hero is Christ, who for the love HE had for us endeavored doing so, even for many others entirely undeserving, there should be no misgivings to our reciprocating love similarly. The love shown us, must boast on the Unlimited Source in the same; prepared to take another by the hand, leading them where peace and joy is found and feeding them if necessary to ensure their energy is in place to instruct another.

We cannot wait on Caesar’s government, when we have the Almighty leading HIS team – where no sectarianism exists…

 

Today’s Thought “Indicted or Commended?” G. Ward

John 5

³⁹ You examine the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is those very Scriptures that testify about Me; ⁴⁰ and yet you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.

 

Our Savior would encounter religious experts/bigots, who’d believe in scripture, particularly acquainted enough to quote them, but would miss WHO it’d speak of – the Christ; and whereas expertise should be pertinent to having been a practitioner of the manual’s Truth, that can lend advice, along with doing the work (Eph.2:10), certain religious practices can be hypocritical.

In all we do, let’s meet the Savior’s demand and not complicate matters through un-availability (Matt.28:19).

 

Today’s Thought “Bypassing Reasonable Responsibility” G. Ward

2 Peter 1

¹⁹ And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

 

Peter, although the chief apostle, taught well, particularly because of his direct discipleship by Christ Himself, wanted every disciple then and now to know that as foundational as he was, the prophets of old were also credible and would forecast many events concerning Christ entry, along with His being rejected, His crucifixion and resurrection and affirm many things He’d say in earth. Peter, unlike many preachers of today, wouldn’t strain to be recognized for his eloquence, nor intellect, but his charge to present the Blameless Savior, would compel those followers throughout the generations to absolutely consult with the contiguousness of Old and New Testament; for it will thwart the pain of inaccuracies furthered and to do so privately, so that public acknowledgment in doing all the Savior commanded wouldn’t be burdensome.

 

Today’s Thought “Daily Interrogation” G. Ward

John 19

³⁰ Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

 

Our Lord’s crucifixion was certainly the most tumultuous death recorded, particularly in view of such innocence for an idiot like me and if any are remotely close to who I’ve been, the events leading to such vile persecution of the Holy One, should be rehearsed in our hearts before interacting with any – to ensure our promulgations are merciful, with no signs of contention, but thanksgiving, for what should be deemed, an “Unfair Exchange.”

 

Today’s Thought “Affirmation of Trust” G. Ward

Psalm 3:3

But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.

 

Our lives, as believers, mustn’t contrast themselves with the vilest of sinners, but only look at the sinless ONE and then determine to follow HIS example and whereas we fall short, our shame is expressed through godly sorrow (made known to HIM – daily). Thereafter, our honor and dignity that HE bestowed, determines to be found faithful in such restoration, and then praising HIM (so significantly) by walking circumspect of HIS continued presence, while insistent that others know – I don’t know why HE chose me, for I could do nothing so meritoriously acceptable in view of our Lord’s sacrifice; to then introduce this Blessed Savior to another never feeling as though they could endeavor such a love relationship with HIM either…

 

 

Today’s Thought “Older and Arthritic” G. Ward

Psalm 103

⁵ Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

 

For any of us who’ve place our faith in the Lord Jesus, along with having attained to an age wherewith we can qualify for senior discounts of sorts, may our daily determination to bless HIS Name (i.e., via a lifestyle of obedience), impact those younger to absolutely know HIM for themselves (*1 John 2:3-6). Moreover, and as seniors, our endeavors, once so easy, now has to agree with the newest ache, while truly reliant on our Lord’s strength that grants us vitality (or inner youth) and whereas HE has done it before, we believe He will use us again for the promotion of HIS gospel, as we hope for those thinking (with certainty), they’ll make it to our ripe age (James 4:14) …

 

Today’s Thought “Constrained in Truth” G. Ward

Titus 3:10-11

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

 

It’s shameful for our churches to pervade a divide so easily; it’s an almost tit-for-tat kind of relating to oppressive ways from others by a retribution unfounded. Instead, and because of spiritual reconciliation given us, that is, mercy and grace – despite our sinfulness, any who believe should never be able to testify to our feeling as though there could be peaceable resolution through other mechanisms outside of our Lord’s compelling to teach any HIS commands. Yes, great degradation of old (re-visited) is absolutely disturbing, but even those perpetrators of ignorant sectarian foolishness deserve a chance at knowing Truth (Matt.5:43-45). The Apostle Paul’s day witnessed the same as what we awaken to and he’d instruct in accordance to what our Lord gave him for HIS church; to utterly expel one from the fellowship, when they persist in spreading what seemingly is harmless a resolve when it seeks to anchor God’s Word (as if the Almighty needs help with an additional word(s) from mere human effort …).

 

Today’s Thought “Distinctively HIS” G. Ward

Psalm 40:8

“I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart.”

 

There’s two kinds of fear sanctioned by those of us pursuant to blessing our Lord: The first includes great reverence unto Almighty God for who HE is as Owner of the world HE made, and the next fear involves every point of slippage that embodies something uncharacteristic of Christ and whereas spiritual momentum that can thwart the pain of the second fear mentioned – involves a strongest need to examine how HE guides us exists (through study of Truth and to then do the will of our Lord, along with incessant praying and meditating on HIS precepts), we absolutely denounce any pretentious presentation (i.e., external religiosity over availability to any) positively flabbergasted to know that although we’ve not been good enough, HE chose us.

 

Today’s Thought “Dripping Sand from the Hourglass” G. Ward

John 3

¹⁷ For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.

 

Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection most certainly is our only hope onto eternal life, specifically, as we place our faith in HIM to direct the life HE gave us and whereas HIS earthly departure – understands HE lives as Advocate in glory (i.e., Defender and Intercessor for believers before God the Father), many of us are proud to be called HIS very own (particularly knowing - we deserved death and punishment – Isa.53:4-5). Furthermore, our Lord would promise HE’D return to earth (Matt.24:30) and upon that touch down, HE will judge the living and the dead (*Acts 17:30-31).

May this day find you faithful (1 John 2:6), for time is short.

 

Today’s Thought “Pursuit of Refreshing” G. Ward

Mark 6

³¹ And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.”

 

Persecution was threatening to Jesus’ disciples upon hearing of John the Baptist’s beheading, feeling the brunt of such association with the Savior. The 12 of Jesus’ inner circle would need energizing; because traveling with our Lord each day would involve ministry unto many, so Christ recommended retreat – for this work nullified insomnia’s entry (cf. Mark 1:35).

We’d all do well to remember how necessary retreat is and whereas it may not include great distance, but a great walk in an autumn forest, it may serve us as best reflection of what is owed a gracious Savior who stood in our stead, to then embody greater courage to intentionally see to others knowing HIM.

 

Today’s Thought “Real Spiritual Leaders” G. Ward

1 Peter 5:1 Therefore, I urge elders among you, as your fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and one who is also a fellow partaker of the glory that is to be revealed: ² shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not with greed but with eagerness; ³ nor yet as domineering over those assigned to your care, but by proving to be examples to the flock.

 

Unfortunate to progression of Truth, exists some more enamored with leaders than Truth itself (John 14:6). I say that in a general sense for selection of fallible people, will soon witness inaccuracies and whereas pastor-teachers’ calling from On-High insists on true, exemplary ambassadorship, those saying yes, MUST administer God’s Word – not as though they wrote it, but equally subject to it; even ensuring any of its transcendence (i.e., superiority, supremacy) to cultural, political and ideological matters, ever-evolving. Moreover, while these spiritual leaders exist in the world, their opinions are carefully weighed against what they promote as their deepest conviction – JESUS and HIM crucified.

If your selection of one is considerate of charisma and eloquence over care, blessed assurance may be marginalized (*Heb.4:16)…

 

Today’s Thought “Brighter Days…” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 15: ⁴² So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; ⁴³ it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; ⁴⁴ it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.

 

A common reading at a funeral can/will substantiate our existing in earth as certainly a short span, along with an uncertain date for departure when it says, “A time to give birth and a time to die” and whereas that Old Testament era couldn’t enjoin their faith unto the Great Advent of Christ, they’d experience death with a blessed hope of a future resurrection (indicative of a future, eternal presence with God) , but our era as followers of Christ, are assured we won’t die (*John 11:26), but will depart onto eternal presence with our Lord (2 Cor.5:1-8). Those of us understanding that nothing good exists in our flesh, gratefully acknowledge our Savior’s imputing of HIS righteousness in us when we confess our sins and absolutely gather to HIS leading us in everything. Like any, we experience bouts in regression, to understand the most excellent spiritual conduit afforded us – godly sorrow, that admits we need HIM every hour.

Grateful, to be alive, so as to proclaim HIM unto another, while longing for eternal reprieve from ongoing, incessant miseries…

 

Today’s Thought “Blue-Light in the Basement” G. Ward

Matthew 6

²² “The eye is the lamp of the body; so then, if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. So, if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

 

Superficial religion can be likened to insistence from one who insists on fun occurring mostly after dark whereby the morning dawns to realize they’ve partnered with monsters, who appeared normal in the dark.

The spiritual capacity afforded any, must defer to the Beholder where faith exists and whereas followers of Christ acknowledge HE knows all, they prefer “visions of rapture” (*1 Cor.15:50-53) that subtracts from frivolity’s penetrating their determination to acknowledge HIS presence wherever they go.

 

Today’s Thought “Last Dance?” G. Ward

1 John 5

¹³ These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

 

The introspection that is assured of our Lord’s salvation, for those pursuant to blessing HIS Name, has become subverted and normalized by many who know a few details involving all HE did in earth without a devotion required (Luke 6:46). Any who place their trust in the Lord, must allow HIS lead in everything and that was never meant to be a guessing game (2 Ti.3:16-17), or self-determinations appearing righteous; for HE is LORD, Maker of all and to call HIM Savior is with equivalency of HIS ownership of you and me.

We don’t have time (as many suppose) to get this corrected, for every moment is significant; for salvation’s calling will soon be over (so comply now) and whereas many may regard another’s spiritual posture as exemplary (based on religious rudiments exercised in one, Holy God weighs our every motive) – each one is answerable to the Almighty.

 

Today’s Thought “Talk to the Hand?” G. Ward

Romans 3:4

Far from it! Rather, God must prove to be true, though every person be found a liar, as it is written: “So that You are justified in Your words, and prevail when You are judged.”

 

Our stay in earth can be likened to an amusement park’s roller-coaster; perhaps initially (for some, not me) it can be exhilarating, but if there’s no off button, one may soon regurgitate all they’ve ingested. Moreover, this stay has customarily lacked a kind of rightful investigation of do’s and don’ts, keeping us prone to error and whereas some propose sufficiency that more thwarts the pain of shortcomings by more contemplating an undesired consequence of yielding to whims and desires, all continue to fall short (Ro.3:9-18).

Followers of Christ must therefore admit – significantly, that without our Lord’s righteousness implanted in us, we’re on the roller-coaster with no off button (3:21-24). Furthermore, we cannot seat ourselves (Ever!) in the chair of arrogance, but absolutely devote ourselves to a commanded spiritual responsibility onto others knowing they also need HIS righteous Implant, not our condemnation (Jas.2:12-13).

 

Today’s Thought “HIS Sovereign Control” G. Ward

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven.”

Whether positive or negative, all of life’s circumstances are Holy God’s allowances and while so many will face uneventful tragedies, along with great trial, this journey’s forecast happened before our entry (even our salvation) and it didn’t wait to determine whether we’d be spiritually compliant or not, but remains useful for HIS glory. Therefore, whether we’re careful or not, it won’t thwart these potential actualities; which demands a readiness unto HIS Holy production. It’s therefore incumbent on every soldier in the army of the Lord, to be taught in accordance to the very first disciples’ charge and whereas they were given over as sheep before wolves, they’d be vulnerable, along with facing great hostility in a world hostile to God's message. When taught correctly, the numbers in follow-ship accordingly, won’t anticipate self-recognition (or self-preservation) in/from the masses rejoicing, but count it a privilege to be associative in suffering as our Lord did. KEEP PRESSING MY BRETHREN…

 

Today’s Thought “I Don’t Know Why, I Have to Cry Sometimes?” G. Ward

Job 42: ² “I know that You can do all things, and that no plan is impossible for You.”

 

Job, would endure immense pain of great loss, but would be known for his incredible devotion to our Lord’s Sovereign Control, through one of the greatest sentiments of all time – “Shall we actually accept good from God but not accept adversity?” Unlike many who face trials so regularly, there appears to be predominant acceptance to be angry with Holy God when lives are disrupted by troubles; even questioning Holy God, to forget that many all-around, are also faced with trials of sorts (and substantiates a lack of investigation of many HE loved before us, to then ultimately personify HIMSELF, through HIS Only Son given for our sins – through great pain, persecution and death – John 15:20).

God’s will remains indiscriminate for the universe HE made, along with its occupiers and won’t always have answers for the many difficulties and whereas we’ve practiced being on the receiving end of blessings bestowed by the Almighty, we must more seek to adopt Job’s sentiment, that more counts on our Lord’s promise of an eternity with HIM, where troubles are vanquished (Ro.8:18).

 

Today’s Thought “Those People!” G. Ward

Numbers 14

¹¹ And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will this people be disrespectful to Me? And how long will they not believe in Me, despite all the signs that I have performed in their midst?

 

Many are without individual perspective because they’ve played “Do- si-do” (i.e., a folk dance, or square dancing) too long, even awaiting the announcer (the DJ) to say, “switch partners” - particularly when they’ve partnered with eloquent presenters who’ve passed away, whereby another will take their place and lead them to more rhetoric furthered (cf. Isa.5:20-21). Some will become enraged, even violent, if you call them an idolator (because they teeter-totter in spiritual instability – for their conscience is seared with with/in two sayers, and one authors great divisiveness soon to fade away, and the Other is the Maker/Owner of the earth and HE commanded us to never be enamored with mankind’s wavering views, but to ONLY TRUST HIM).

Our theme speaks to the wilderness experience of the Israelites (having gained deliverance from Egypt) and comparable to spoiled children, their rebellion failed to honor their DELIVERER and whereas this generation purports the same insurrection against Heaven’s regard – by relying on systems and its beholders (cf. 2 Cor.4:4), it can be likened to carrying a rabbit’s foot at a continuum and truly believing it grants you safe passage in a weary world…

 

Today’s Thought “Standardized Testing” G. Ward

James 3

¹³ Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

 

Many on today, may be questionably troubled by having been exposed to trigonometry; particularly because their career (current, or in times past) more deal(t) with simplistic mathematical equations and whereas retrospect of such lessons provided - enabled courageous discipline unto many endeavors, it can be mindfully cumbersome. On the other hand, follow-ship of our Excellent Leader Jesus, introduces greatest fortitude to stand with/for HIS lesson base where true wisdom flows freely unto any disciple (i.e., learner), and the highest standard it (the investigation) promotes, remains absolutely relevant and useful in everything; never confounding for our psyche that would ask, why have I endeavored this eternal message, but so thankful HE chose me for such a mission of greatest hope (?). The ongoing element of learning to walk accordingly gets easier, particularly as I allow HIM to carry me through.

 

Today’s Thought “When I Rose This Morning…” G. Ward

1 Peter 1:3

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,

 

This spiritual inheritance through Christ’s sacrificial offering of Himself is awesome to perceive, particularly in view of HIS eternal insight into who I am, what I’ve done, along with whether I’m sincerely devoted to HIM. Altogether, this warrants a critical assessment of how I plan to substantiate my faith, so as to nullify desire of old, along with wrongful contributions that have nothing to do with HIS ETERNAL message through me and what ought to be for HIS glory. I must tell Jesus. I must tell HIM my newest desire is a rightful portrayal when no one is around. I must tell HIM, how I long for fellowship with others as spiritually ambitious as I am. I must tell HIM, thank You for His patience, along with lovingkindness unto me, when slipping backwards, to then restore me onto usefulness in HIM, to then begin again, where my first Love remains. Please join me…

 

Today’s Thought “A Lone Wolf in the Distance” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5:20

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

 

The great divide for a great America is profoundly replete with an amendment’s right to say what you feel without regard to suffering penalty and whereas those of us who are owned by the Savior of the world –  who came to die in our stead, for sins we were/are unable to reconcile, to then afford us a life beyond this miserable world, not regarded as our home, HIS Truth usurps my constitutional freedom, particularly since it neglects to speak from/about Holy God’s superiority concerning HIS sovereign control and mankind’s trust thereunto.

If I co-exist with an ever-changing value system the world embodies, along with vehement support of men, who have no charge over whether there’s to be a next moment, I’ve embraced idolatry; “for I know I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Ti. 1:12b).

 

Today’s Thought “Comic Section” G. Ward

Revelation 1:3

 ^“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near.”

Funky Winkerbean was my favorite comic strip that appeared in The Detroit News every Saturday & Sunday mornings (Funky Winkerbean is a long-run comic strip by Tom Batiuk. Distributed by North America Syndicate). That was a time to which Bazooka Bubble Gum was most popular because every piece contained a comic strip. Furthermore, every boy ascribed to his own favorite comic book featuring a superhero of sorts. The nation's largest nonprofit children's literacy organization, R.I.F. propagated acronymically, a wonderful slogan that demanded Reading Is Fundamental.

We’re now exposed to faster, better, as the technology giants would have us believe. Listen to what an article written by T David Gordon elaborated (Credo Magazine, April 2014); “In our world of Facebook, Twitter and countless blogs, Pastors and lay people alike are consuming an overwhelming amount of information that is typically skimmed. Few, however are spending time reading a text anymore. So, when our waking attention is given less and less to the written word and more to images and sound bites, yes, our neurology is changed and our sensibilities are changed and we become intellectually and literally fourth graders, rather than adults…”

When Holy God stated there’s a blessing in reading (*esoteric to that of scripture), did His infinite wisdom understand this admonishing as beneficially transcendent to His words also, while demanding HIS Word be precedent?

 

Happy October!