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

Proverbs 2:2

Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

 

To be clear – followers of Christ, understand true wisdom emanates from followship of the Lord’s Way and not intellectual pursuits of man and whereas both may be a necessary journey to pursue, the Word of God will remind its students of the preeminence in the Almighty’s plan for us, as far superior to a wavering, philosophical, along with hope in social reforms and political change (favorable to our demands). Instead, to know the panacea always shall exist in the Maker’s script and believers are called to teach it in accordance to that strongest conviction they’ve obtained (certainly doing so, with love, joy and respect).

 

Today’s Thought “Come and Go, To That Land…” G. Ward

1 Thessalonians 4

¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who remain, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore, comfort one another with these words.

 

This scenario provided us, would come upon a question that needed answers concerning these churches identifying where their loved one’s hope in Jesus would exist – considering they died and whereas those living anticipated our Lord’s return (1 Cor.15:51-57), those who died presumably couldn’t. The answer provided would assure them that the souls of these who placed their full trust in Jesus while in earth (cf. Luke 6:46) were with the Lord and HE’D afford them the great opportunity to come back with HIM to witness believers (*still alive) to be joined onto an eternal physical presence with new resurrected bodies (1 Cor.15:50-54) designed by the Almighty,  permitting forever and whereas the same hope exists for our generation, to believe remains the requirement (and that certainly includes understanding all our Lord did and commanded, while affirming all HE did and said as true, along with acting on them by appropriating Jesus Christ in every endeavor (word, or deed) AND THIS IS NOT AUTOMATIC (Matt.7:21-23)!

 

Today’s Thought “Over-Throwing an Enemy” G. Ward

1 John 5

⁴ For whoever has been born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.

 

Perhaps we’ve all witnessed a schoolyard bully, to view a perceived toughness existing more in/for those feeling inadequate, than some determined to utterly conquer fear (*indicative of overcoming) and if fortitude to stand is neglected, could deliver a potential, hazardous encounter (cf. Matt.10:28). The bully for the believer is the world’s influence (on a body and soul belonging to the Almighty), and while that influence is so temporarily perceived, more acknowledging our citizenry in Heaven is required (*John 8:31-32); to thereafter – only live for substantive things embodying eternal merit (cf. 1 John 2:15-17).

I pray that HIS today for believers everywhere – unify, under HIS righteous banner and not those messages without eternal merit; for we know money and things are not eternal.

 

Today’s Thought “Reciprocal Order” G. Ward

Philippians 2

1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, ² make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

 

These verses embody a consensus of every apostle our Lord appointed, declaring Christ as the Premier Example of holy living in earth, even that to which witnessed absolute SELFLESSNESS - up to giving HIS life for a contemptible people HE made (John 1:1-3, 14).

While many fellowships pervaded great praise this past weekend, FEW, were compelled in this unchanging message of the apostolic age and whereas the many twists on HIS Truth have millions entrenched in SELFISHNESS, even that to which demands their inheritance now, have they not read – “No one is good except God alone?” Moreover, as parents shouldn’t reward a child conveying bad behavior and whereas an ill-considerate, predominant view of Holy God, Keeper of the Highest Standard is marginalized by great presumption from those HE made – will HE lessen HIS Sovereign Supremacy to rule (cf. Matt.7:21-23)?

 

Today’s Thought “And the Award Goes To…” G. Ward

2 Timothy 2

²³ But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged.

 

To be perceived as passive is to be equated with our Lord Jesus. HE didn’t offer contest with some adamantly spreading/spewing controversies lacking eternal implications – because as Maker of Heaven and earth (John 1:1-3, 14), His divinity understood mankind being enamored with ever-evolving points of presumption, so eloquently argued and remained focused on the goal of eternality for any (2 Pe.3:9).

We, who follow accordingly, are called to an exchange similarly; that forsakes temporal, compelling attempts towards obliterating social diseases and political unrest; giving any (of our daily encounters) a chance to know ONE who is still granting peace, resolute deliverance and perfect guidance, while others argue who in these moments may be deemed – the greatest.

 

Today’s Thought “A Tight Fist” G. Ward

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

 

While it may be difficult to fight with another whose peace disallows their being foolishly reactionary, that scenario could yet offer rage with another determined to spread pain (e.g., hurt people – hurt others…). It’s therefore incumbent on believers in the security the Word of God offers, to prepare - through a preliminary contemplation towards a common, unfortunate inhospitality existent in the marketplace, enough so, that won’t anticipate (ideally so) grey skies becoming clear and objectively spreading the wealth of the Light within – regardless (Matt.5:14-16).

 

Today’s Thought “A Portrait of Mercy” G. Ward

Matthew 5:48

Therefore, you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

 

Our Heavenly Father has through the Son, introduced the highest standard to mankind, impossible to keep entirely, even that to which is synonymous with the Mosaic Law so that’d we’d observe His Majesty, the Savior’s sacrifice for our sins – because absolutely no righteousness could be found in those HE made. We celebrate Christ righteousness, through a daily consideration of such ransom paid by One; while knowing none are deserving of such grace dispensed, yet we strive to represent well; because those who insist on being called HIS very own – hate the sin that persists in them, so they more rely on the righteousness HE placed in us, asking HIM to use us, for HIS glory…