Today’s Thought “Cultivating Faith…” G. Ward

Jude 1

³ Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.

 

There’s a subtlety in greater spiritual disconnect – exacerbated by lack in social reforms and racial insensitivities, political indifference and economic disparities, whereby many ask, “Where is God in all this?” It can more unfold a clear lack to understand the temporal peace and continuity that existed for any portion of this world, always competed with man loving self, over consideration of full devotion to his Maker and service to his neighbor and this is with global implication, transcending epochs.

These obstacles aforementioned won’t ever invite true believer’s interactivity to trust in measures (seemingly so convincing) appearing resolute (cf. 2 Cor.4:3-5). Hearts of men (*Jer.17:9-10) – perpetuating discord, even foolish recruitment of disparities of sorts that impacts generations to come, need the Lord! We’re HIS vessels, commissioned and compelled to share what is resolute, the gospel of Christ. Being citizens of Heaven, invites as many receptive, to an eternal city, welcoming to any, with many rooms and where disparities cease.

 

Today’s Thought “HE is LORD!” G. Ward

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”

 

Truly, I’m not so enamored with myself that it’s become needful of me, for any to identify knowing, then calling me by my rightful name given me at birth. Moreover, nor do I believe that many who know my name, truly know me and whereas in the days of Jesus, the English language didn’t exist and whereas HIS name in Aramaic was “Yeshua,” I’ll beg you to consider what other languages purport onto the Savior’s name as unique to our linguistic expression, but yet speaks about HIM as the Perfect Redeemer in the same; while others call on His Name frivolously, attributing that knowledge to knowing Him, but fail to surrender accordingly (Luke 6:46).

 

Today’s Thought “Surgery Required” G. Ward

Hebrews 4:12

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

 

Living in transparency, particularly - that to which would convey thoughts to any, is both harmful to us and others; but when a practice of God’s Word becomes not just a daily endeavor, but a practice so loved and needed, it cultivates new contemplations, whereby merciful regard is effortless.

The greatest contingency for spiritual success remains; allowing our Lord’s lead; not through mysterious correspondence, but sole trust of HIS written Word. To that end, HE’S never lost a patient (*John 17:10-12). Change Us O God!

 

Today’s Thought “Hot vs. Cold” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 10

²¹ You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.

 

“Straddling the Fence” is a term of juxtaposing oneself between two opinions at a constant and while many are convinced, they know the Lord, HE insisted that every follower know HIM by doing what HE says (Luke 6:46) and not lip service. There’s an unfortunate pervasion of religious expression acceptable throughout most districts of man and whereas Heaven refuses to see words without activity (Jas.2:14), perhaps some are potentially HIS, but failing miserably on today.

If you’re a true follower, you’ll live accordingly (both privately and publicly demanding of yourself holiness and not an unsanctioned mixture) and then ensure others know HIM (Matt.28:19). Holy God still searches hearts (Jer.17:9-10) … 

 

 

 

Today’s Thought “Tags of Protestantism” G. Ward

Ephesians 1

⁹ He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, ¹⁰ regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. 

While it’s fine to belong to a local fellowship and to be proud of its caring members, there’s one intent for every congregation existent; to enable others to witness HIS church as agents of hope through the message where true reconciliation from sins exist. Our Lord’s “good pleasure” refers to HIS benevolent and gracious purpose in revealing that gospel message before HIS patience (through our inactivity to teach HIS commands and unbelievers failure to surrender to HIM in everything) runs out. Insofar as your congregation appears better than mine, the same Christ is its Ruler – unless you’ve not believed (cf. 1 John 2:19)? 

 

Today’s Thought “Not Much Time Left” G. Ward

James 1

²¹ Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. ²² But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.

 

Perhaps on yesterday you were involved in a rightful, reciprocal discipleship gathering? Perhaps the discourse provided by one, or more, involved a minimum of 20 minutes of teaching from God’s Word (and hopefully not mostly motivational, but instructional – so that we may not grow weary in well doing)? If so, how have your meditations circumvented all you heard? Many say they want spiritual growth, but yet won’t absolutely rehearse, or further investigate all that was presented (cf. Ac.17:11), disallowing a compliance necessary to “know” God.

Excuses and the blame game won’t do; for the day provided is our Lord’s patience towards us. Let’s begin as if we never failed, for HE still desires a love relationship with you (2 Pe.3:9).

 

Today’s Thought “I Can Go to the ROCK!” G. Ward

Psalm 85:8

“Let me hear what God the LORD will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.”

 

Good spiritual leadership compels any who will listen, to an unwavering, perfect guidance, doing so without authoritative tactics that pervade personal accomplishments in/through an immunity towards regression unto the subject matter presented (e.g., a look at me I’m perfect syndrome). Instead, and because they know all are with a propensity to violate best conscience, they’ll offer themselves as a prototype to follow, ONLY, as they follow Perfection (1 Cor.11:1); and whereas the script of these proposed leaders will soon be replaced by a better manuscript, they urge every listener to defer to ONE Authorship who’ll never disappoint and whose guidance remains relevant (beyond epochs and culture).