Today’s Thought “Thoughtful Salutations” G. Ward

Philippians 1:1b-2

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

I’m somewhat troubled by such pervasiveness of religious acts for our era because most is ideological (i.e., from the basis of a social, political, or economic theorizing) and whereas Truth’s (John 14:6) contingency is always pertinent to an eternal demand, reaching beyond earthen unrest of sorts, hope (i.e., looking forward to promises ahead), transcends miseries presented, affording my response unto others to be entirely encouraging. Therefore, my words should exemplify that to which I’ve been blessed with; particularly as I contemplate, How Great Is Our God!

 

Today’s Thought “Carried Away by Error” G. Ward

Matthew 23

⁵ And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. ⁶ And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, ⁷ and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.

 

Jesus’ warning to HIS disciples concerning these super religious leaders was unabashed; particularly in their insistence to be recognized alongside the Almighty and whereas we know it’s said, “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” (Ex.20:4-5), religious leadership in some, have exacerbated this ongoing tragedy. Jesus came to serve and not be served, but many are still enamored with titles and gaudy presentation. Moreover, it’s sad to witness the Savior of the world in great crowds being touched by many, interacting with the despised and washing feet, to see such regression with some. Don’t be complicit in supporting the antithesis of God’s demand; humbled leaders still exist to make Christ known.

 

Today’s Thought “Few and Far Between” G. Ward

Hosea 4:1

Listen to the word of the Lord, you sons of Israel,
Because the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land,
For there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty,
Nor knowledge of God in the land.

 

Have things gotten better? Is indictment from our Lord against those HE loved then, caused HIM to mature whereas HE is regretful in HIS assessment of their rebellion? Has Jesus become our scapegoat, even believing that this dispensational era has us absolutely guiltless; particularly in view of such contemptuous devotion to who we say is our Lord?

Can your grandchildren recite that which is deemed “The Lord’s Prayer” while without hesitance hold their hand to their heart declaring the “Pledge of Allegiance?” I’m jus sayin…

 

Today’s Thought “When I Grow Up…” G. Ward

Hebrews 13:5

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”

 

While this appears to solely embrace the idea of longing for money, enough so that it overwhelms my conscious, the expression, “the love of money” more indicates covetousness (the excessive or inordinate desire for something). Our consciences carry both good and bad elements of those deposits all around and whereas those who exist to love our Lord with all their heart seek to bless the Lord at all times, we welcome a best input (spiritually and through HIS Word) that compels our change towards an unwavering mindset emblematic of Christ righteousness. May your day say so.

 

Today’s Thought “Is There a Doctor in the House?” G. Ward

Jeremiah 17:9-10

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.”

 

While seemingly harsh to contemplate how mankind’s heart is naturally incurable and whereas Holy God is our Maker, we cannot be HIS workmanship to then determine a life plan seemingly prudent to follow, but are given presence in earth to be governed by HIM and if/when any are resistant to that original order, it’s comparable to barbarism (i.e., uncivilized).

Any who purport being barbaric needs taming and whereas Holy God desires to train any via spiritually transforming a rebellious heart, HE remains the only Qualified Physician for such a surgical procedure.

 

Today’s Thought “Fourth of July Planning” G. Ward

Romans 12:3

For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.

 

When any will earnestly pursue God’s Word, particularly HIS enablement for their existence, along with existing in such temporal conditions and land that permits contemplations regarding their own eternity - either with the King of eternal peace, or an eternal doom, those meditations will certainly outweigh  impetuous motioning the populous exemplifies, that never slows down enough to think, “if the Almighty won’t grant me a next breath, what can I do” (*John 15:5)?

 

Today’s Thought “Even the Doctor Needs a Check-Up” G. Ward

Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of people in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; ² he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is clothed in weakness.

 

Whereas we as followers of Christ, have been given the priesthood in believer-ship and are compelled to instruct those who may be morally deficient, or plagued with false teaching, ours cannot exhibit a short-fused attitude, even rude, to act as if we’ve not disappointed/misappropriated the practicality of Truth found in God’s Word, along with periodic thoughts unbecoming to how Jesus walked in earth (1 John 2:6). Instead, our meditations before and while encountering those potential converts - must be witnesses of the price Christ paid for their sins, ensuring we keep a lifeline available to throw one who never thought our Lord desired a love relationship with them as HE gave us. Yes, Lord Yes…