Today’s Thought “Hope Onto a Younger Generation…” G. Ward

2 Timothy 1

 ⁵ For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 

Whereas much of our view as children witnessed what appeared to be very elderly relatives committed to the Lord’s Way, some of us have now exceeded the age to which they were then and my concern is whether we’re living up to that standard modeled for us, or are we indistinguishable from those clearly pursuant to selfish desire? Moreover, what will those much younger aspire towards if we’re no different than they are (?), and while we’re grateful for those so exemplary, even those having departed this earth unto an eternity with Holy God, we’ll never know how their incessant prayers, lent our spiritual foundation in/for HIS today.

 

Today’s Thought “Mourning and Repentance” G. Ward

2 Samuel 3

³¹ Then David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth, and mourn before Abner.” And King David walked behind the bier.

 

One of David’s mighty men (Joab) would exercise in a partial loyalty to this proposed King David, while significantly desirous to avenge his brother’s death (given in battle by Abner – King Saul’s great soldier, who’d soon understand that David was truly anointed King and would defect Saul’s camp). Abner’s consultation with King David desired to be a catalyst in bringing the northern and southern kingdoms of Israel into one, which certainly found agreement with King David (vv.20-23). Abner would soon thereafter suffer a violent death (at the hand of Joab) and King David would insist all would know he was innocent (and Joab guilty), calling for a day of mourning with an unwavering consideration of the Lord’s Way.

When troubles or demise occurs with any, we, of this dispensational era in the Spirit realm, owe our Lord a solemn reflection of HIS mercy provided and thereafter, must teach others how to correlate to each day given to enable HIS peace while in this strange land, assured of a “dwelling place” eternally long (Ro.12:15, Ps.90:12, John 14:1-3).

 

Today’s Thought “Held Hostage by Pirates of Self-Righteousness” G. Ward

1 Peter 3

⁸ To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, loving, compassionate, and humble; ⁹ not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing.

 

To be “thin-skinned” (in the Spirit realm), is to allow foolish things’ penetration of other’s evaluation that’s entirely insignificant (done or said), without considering what our Lord endured (John 15:20). As we contemplate HIS resilience and perseverance, it cannot be solely a view in admiration of stalwart character in HIM, but a dutiful replication (in how HE correlated similarly) that impacts others (Matt.5:16). Moreover, even if another is insulted in our presence and our advocacy is required, it’s not with vitriolic tone, furthering contention and divide, but is prepared with encouragement to those victimized and prayer for the perpetrator of foolishness; after all, aren’t we peacemakers?

 

Today’s Thought “The Largest Cemetery” G. Ward

Numbers 19

1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, ² “This is the statute of the law which the Lord has commanded, saying, ‘Speak to the sons of Israel that they bring you an unblemished red heifer in which there is no defect and on which a yoke has never been mounted. ³ And you shall give it to Eleazar the priest, and it shall be brought outside the camp and be slaughtered in his presence. 

 

The concept of ritual impurity or uncleanness in religious contexts that makes one unqualified to participate in certain religious practices or enter sacred spaces is something unfamiliar for this spiritual era, but was the demand for Israel. Their wilderness experience involved over 1.2 million cadavers (from their own countrymen) lying all around (as these were judged by God and condemned accordingly) and whereas there were laws governing being around those things deemed “unclean” and because this actuality was unavoidable, the Almighty offered HIS standard of purification rites.

The demand for believers now, although considerably different (i.e., without slaughter of animals) – is with a great charge unto sanctification (a state of separation unto God, so as to be useful, for HIS purpose) and this separation involves a no conceding to the world’s standards, but full devotion to HIS commands (*1 John 2:15-17).

 

Today’s Thought “Truth is Searchable” G. Ward

Judges 2

² And as for you, you shall not make a covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed Me; what is this thing that you have done? ³ Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out from you; but they will become like thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.

 

Immorality continues because of humanity’s insistence to govern themselves (*Ro.1:18-22); particularly when one reaches “adulthood” – refusing to be told what to do and whereas there’s willingness and permissiveness in vocalizing such familiarity with knowing God, our Creator - HIS demands remain non-negotiable unto those lesser (Luke 6:46).

Israel, from slavery to wilderness, would travail through desert regions onto a Promised Land, offering great doubt and murmuring along the way and whereas it became time for their children to inhabit this new land and voices raised to confirm their dependence, even convinced of the Almighty’s plan, the term – “familiarity breeds contempt” would experience its unfortunate inauguration. Thereafter, would witness selfish desire over obedience become their unholy mantra, as they’d refuse to drive the original inhabitants out, along with consultation of their gods and trouble in the East was promised (v.3), along with testifying to why there’s present day war in Israel. God’s Word is true.

 

Today’s Thought “A Forecast of Reign” G. Ward

Daniel 7:9

“I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire.

 

Daniel, at chapter 7 shares a dream given and it involves the future (far beyond his own era), whereby Christ’s return will witness HIM as King, serving as Sole Governance for the Universe HE made (John 1:1-3). Daniel’s elaboration embodies a threatening notion of the insufficiency of prior empires that sought invincibility, even that to which forecasted doom for a post Roman Empire. Moreover, Daniel’s description for Christ as the “Ancient of Days” was esoteric to the title for God and HIS return will witness HIM as Judge in all of HIS glory and whereas kings who desired glory, failed, Christ the King will not.

*We’ve been given a kingdom of sorts and our responsibility towards furthering the gospel is a charge to keep in our hearts and dispense to others and if we persist to violate that chief command (Matt.28:19), we’re as the kings of the empires for Daniel’s dream – facing annihilation. *Instead, let Jesus lead you…

 

Today’s Thought “Ebb and Flow: An Un-Spiritual Phenomenon” G. Ward

James 3

⁶ And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

 

Followers of Christ have everything they need in the manuscript HE authored for our guidance (cf. Ps.23:1) and whereas there exists a dual component of our beings (flesh v. spirit), perfect submission to the Spirit realm, enables great delight upon our compliance.

The inconsistency however, from our words, have perhaps been instrumental in violating others’ conscious – even doubting that anything good can exist in/through the church (particularly when/if they know of your affiliation). What are you allowing to be said and seen on social media, or in the marketplace? Do any know of your political views, or efforts in social reform, ALONGSIDE your Savior (Who insisted on political and social reformational detachment and called every follower to pervade eternal matters over temporary, governmental issues)?

For the believer: What shall our mouths declare? If that’s answerable pragmatically, perhaps your confession is also idealism (?).