Today’s Thought “Deflection of Righteousness” G. Ward

“And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.” Luke 2:36-37

 

All that I want to be in Christ must consider a practice of reliance/dependence on HIM in everything. As we endeavor springtime, we’re witness to tremendous metamorphosis orchestrated by our Sufficient King with things in nature. Daily awakening for humanity is comparable to seasonal change; raising the banner of renewed opportunity (both in sins forgiven and second chances) that demands courage to exercise in implicit trust in the Compassionate, Merciful Creator who had you in mind before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4).

Anna established a life that embraced the Temple. The structure therein was representative of where Holy God existed. This pre-dispensational position of Anna had yet encountered the awaited Messiah (vs.38); Oh, but when HE came and she viewed the Savior of the world, all her effort to remain close (where righteousness existed) exacted TREASURE FOUND. Our eyes can’t see HIM, yet remain euphoric for HIS imputed righteousness given us.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Paradoxical?” G. Ward

“Am I a God who is near,” declares the Lord, “And not a God far off?  “Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 23:23-24

 

There are many experts with varied subject matter that astounds those viewing; and particularly when so very few are enabled in the same. Moreover, the scholarship of man (i.e. when one’s aptitude is with superiority) causes great humility for those like me who may be average in every area of intellect. None however have been able to attain expertise status in Holy God (cf. Mt.24:35). The pursuit in knowing Infinite Wisdom is/has been a life journey. Therefore it’s always troubling to hear those claiming to be HIS own drawing offense from those oppositional to their spiritual positioning (*Mk.6:1-6), particularly due to one’s failure to make HIS greatness known vs. their own authoritative posturing that perceivably shouldn’t be questioned.

Never stop with pursuits in intimacy with our Lord, but more that lends itself unto obeisance; anything less has become the familiarity that breeds contempt.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Euphemism vs. Literal” G. Ward

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:38

Great harm in sharing faith as an easy, widely acceptable position attained by any/many, has become the irreverence of man regarding Holy God. The Master of the universe is not on the throne of mercy synonymous with being a bad boss just wanting control; but desires mankind to know Him as their Maker. When an invention perceives superiority over the Inventor who established every component of their being with eternal ability to sustain them or not, that created being is only deluding themselves (this epitomizes “delusions of grandeur” in psychological profiling).

Today’s disciple (without hierarchal parameter) must ready himself for endurance. Many hate Jesus’ name as demonstrated when HE walked the earth and others only want Him on their own terms. There are few reliant on the Spirit’s implicit guidance that offers “cooling water” unto a spiritually parched society of believers that understands “Truth” amidst a degenerate world is yet unpopular. Will you stand?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “A Devotionalist’s Nightmare” G. Ward

“For forty years I loathed that generation, and said they are a people who err in their heart, and they do not know My ways. “Therefore I swore in My anger, truly they shall not enter into My rest.” Psalm 95:10-11

Here are the Apostle Paul’s words unto the church, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ac.20:18b-21).

Have we become so entirely obedient in our vast supply unto others concerning the things of God that we need to be continuously motivated to reach towards moments never promised (cf. Heb.11:3-13)? Sadly, our orations won’t demand repentance and particularly that which shares a consequence for un-reconciled sin. Moreover, don’t dare share the whole scroll, just those that bolsters days in euphoria…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Time Out” G. Ward

Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.” Isaiah 38:2-3

We’ve seen it on many an unfortunate occasion; gathering within a hospital scope as a loved one lies within whereby the doctors have done all they could do. The surety of the inevitable escapes us within these moments, particularly relative to our own demise. Without spiritual cognizance of what could be, that is, a blessed reality (cf. Jn.14:1-3), there’s often one led to remind HOLY GOD of what He said in His own word regarding healing. Could it (the biblical reference for healing) really be referring to the work the Savior provided for our eternality vs. physical healing in view of every human vulnerable to this reality (cf. Isa.53:1-5)? King Hezekiah prayed for an extension and received an additional 15 years, but don’t forget that he, Lazarus, The woman with the issue of blood, Peter’s mother in law, the royal official’s son and all thereafter had to die after being healed. Salvation preached today ensures that health become inconsequential as eternity permits (cf. Ro.8:18). Are you ready (*Ps.95:7-8)?

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “One In a Million” G. Ward

“At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said…” Acts 1:15

Our involvement in spiritual matters that has regard for sharing Truth from Holy God’s standard (esoterically), may seem very small on today, but can carry optimal reverberation for future generations. The joy in this consideration obscures the presenter and more highlights where the Message emanates (*cf. 1 Cor. 2:4-5). Ultimately, relying on this Refuge establishes a practice that seeks to yield one’s own perspective (cf. Ac.2:44) that remains entirely argumentative, unreliable and lacks resolve. Preach JESUS first to yourself by admitting you’ve missed the mark, then quickly recapitulate to the path given you and find another needing restoration.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Oppositional Forces” G. Ward

“But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.” Acts 4:4

A proclamation in perceived righteousness that may emanate from our theorizing deserves opposing views (it helps to maintain balance); but when our orations seek to impose generous love (that’s entirely inclusive) it’s very troubling. We must remember that conformity unto something entirely opposite of our carnality’s perspective is called into question (i.e. desiring transformation), evasiveness to this demand is/has been the natural course of man (cf. Jn.15:20).

The attributes of Holy God is our daily striving (Eph.5:1-2). The Lord is faithful. Hide yourself behind the Great “I AM” by staying true to the message.

Happy Friday!