Today’s Thought  “Potato Chips Before Bed” G. Ward

 

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 6:1

 

Great irony will disturb ordinary contemplations that can either promote criticism or personal interrogation of one’s own soul. Mankind has established patterns in deflections vs. admittance towards their need to comply with righteousness. Moreover, our Academy Award performance unto others seeks to exact normalcy at all times that hides the enormity in personal issues unresolved.

We would do well to more question why mercy was/is needed for our lives, and then adjust accordingly. The whole objective for a person of faith is not a pretentious surrender to our Lord, but to allow HIM to walk ahead of us so that HIS magnificence is the first view.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “An Evil Axis” G. Ward

 

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” 1 John 5:19

 

I’m reminded on today of the high school pep-rally; a tactic utilized to motivate the home team towards victory. It furthered great disdain for the other team although their cause was the same. Someone had to score more points, but true victory is ultimately the enablement to compete in a match that shouldn’t make a difference when you reach my autumn in life.

Pride in land, whether America or France is synonymous to this illustrious high school event (cf. Ps.24:1). The objective for the created ones more lends itself to a stewardship in great care (cf. Jer. 29:4-9) vs. un-peaceable vigil. Seemingly, this ideology may be too distant to perceive; particularly in view of current regimes of evil throughout the world; but let’s keep in mind that the origin of chaos occurred because of sectarian identity vs. obedience to the gospel (Mt.28:19).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Without Consequence” G. Ward

“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:2-3

 

My imaginative mindset visualizes all who will die on today; oncology wards are filled to capacity, even children that are in their final stage of life in earth. Then there are those victims of heinous crimes, innocently being in a wrong place, or some victims of traffic fatalities. Whether demise is natural or tragic, it’s inevitable and the preparation for man therein remains on the bottom shelf. The shock and sorrow of this inevitability reveals fear of the unknown soon to be extinguished by an unfortunate barrage in sympathetic concerns from the funeral crew, demanding the bereaved know that every victim is looking down from heaven, totally at peace with the Lord, REGARDLESS to their life decision mandating HE become their Master. Don’t allow your vain imagination’s perpetuation of everyone’s entry unto heaven, ensure they know the WAY, TRUTH and LIFE (Jn.14:6)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Virtue Denied” G. Ward

“For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” 2 Peter 1:4

 

Echoes from the aged have desired a do-over; an opportunity (more or less) to regress unto youthfulness that seemingly would enable a better life. Whatever could be afforded these who would consider such, fails to understand that the Beholder of life determines their existence in earth and may determine the second round as considerably less an existential span (cf. Ps.90:10,Mt.10:28).

The righteous perspective to adopt is the spiritual availability unto man (a real do-over). This potential reverent, consistent and obedient portrayal for any who believe has become the culminating factor that lends peace and contentment (Ro.10:13). Cease striving on today for insatiable thoughts in materialism and identify the imperishable, incorruptibility of the KING’s makeover (2 Cor.5:17).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Boyhood Presumption” G. Ward

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

A boy always wants to think of his own father as the quintessential specimen, comparable to Superman (able to leap a tall building in a single bound). After he and his friends have endeavored all the competitive sports through playtime, along with the rigorous challenges in bike-riding, there’s a posturing that compels them in a competition un-witnessed. Moreover, oversight in realizing their motor skills as so very similar for their age category was never a contemplation; substantiating that not one friend did exceedingly better in any competition endeavored, so they begin conjuring feats in physicality between their fathers.

America’s pride in military power is the same. The comparability however in nation against nation has become threats of nuclear weaponry, whereby there are no winners…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Hide and Seek” G. Ward

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” Psalm 91:1-2

 

Homelessness is more rampant than ever before and some victims therein reside in magnificent houses adorned with a variety of amenities.

The Apostle Paul upon conversion was blind for three days, without food or drink. His reflections surely identified a futility in selfish pursuits, while overwhelmed with joy on this intentional, miraculous encounter with the Savior (Ac.9). I’m convinced that every man needs to be blinded so that he can see and when that happens, his house once regarded as ordinary, will become his home adored.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Try A Little Tenderness” G. Ward

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” Ephesians 5:25

Although a much younger Otis Redding popularized the song “Try A Little Tenderness” decades prior heard the same lyrical content from other artists. However, the soulful passion of the 1966 version from Redding got the attention of many who were perhaps on their way unto abusive behavior.

My wife and I have been married for almost 33 years now and although we’re without any physical or verbal assault over the years, there has been emotional impropriety (Can you say “Silent Treatment?”). Any of this is categorical sin, exacerbating a selfish desire in usurping Holy God’s original and perpetual demand of the “two flesh becoming as one.” Indifference without spiritual resolve (particularly in marriage), is synonymous with taking a scalpel, opening a chest cavity (without anesthesia) , cutting the heart in half, while insisting that the cadaver get up and live as before. *Ladies, he may be cute and courteous now, but if his faith is adulterated (even slightly), his aggression may soon become cowardice.

Happy Wednesday!