Today’s Thought “Plans for the Weekend?” G. Ward

2 Peter 3:10-11

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…”

 

The very term, the day of the Lord, indicates an intervention of God in human history for judgment and whereas HE knows those who belong to Him, may personal assessment be immediate. Moreover, He kept mankind limited; therefore, our perception of the proposed brethren won’t need to reach beyond their confession of Him as Sufficient, particularly when their lives portray desired humility to that end.

This climatic act in our theme is God’s way to vindicate His Name, along with destroying enemies of Himself (absolutely devastating to the unprepared, which includes those insistent on knowing Him, without adherence to what He says – cf. Matt.7:21-23, Luke 6:46). While this appears harsh, His patience continues, desiring their repentance (vs.9), yet the magnificence of planning life gets in the way, including a backwards approach in doing most anything first, to then ask blessings from God (and He won’t be mocked) …

 

Today’s Thought “Anticipation” G. Ward

Revelation 21:4

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

 

Pain in life cannot be averted due to man’s sinfulness and while most seek to pervade catchy phrases, deemed motivational, those who listen will often question what they did so wrong that disallows their sentiment in the same. The greatest construct given man doesn’t exist in vain philosophies (soon to be replaced by additional trials for refusal to acknowledge where true help is found – cf. Ro.10:14), but any must ask where peace exists (John 14:27) and whereas the so-called believer is anxious to get to another religious session to criticize today’s culture (considered void of absolutes), many forsake the sole objective in knowing HIM; to invite others not to their magnificent edifices, but to share the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6). *Mercy shown any, contradicts thanksgiving when praise usurps obedience (Luke 6:46). No one is deserving of grace and since Love found you, how about ensuring another receives the Blessed Hope – Jesus?

 

Today’s Thought “An Unordinary Preparation” G. Ward

James 4

¹⁴ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.

 

Dysfunction, whether self-imposed, or circumstantial, perhaps plagues all men and while some count busyness as action that thwarts the pain of it all, it ultimately visits through activity unbecoming to a desired eternality with Holy God. Instead, and because the new day granted us exists, it’s far better to not rehearse things of yesterday (particularly when/if they’ve hindered our fellowship with the Holy One – on HIS terms). The precepts found in this chapter (James 4) are foundational to know defeatism in believer-ship is entirely opposite of spiritual governance that perfects us and prepares us for an inevitable journey and avoidance of this reality proposes a perpetuation in more dysfunction. Contemplate HIS love for you, but never forget HE’S just (vs.12) and whereas those who believe understand (preeminently and confidently), “there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Ro.8:1), we thank HIM for grace.

 

Today’s Thought “True Progression” G. Ward

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

As believers have encountered worship services on yesterday, that identifies their need for best direction (i.e., Christ rule), along with the joy of fellowship with like-minded recipients of grace (that grants hope with patience towards others). This gathering furthers commitment to the center-point of hope – God’s Word and hearing Truth, compels believers unto obedience and whereas periodic assessment in how well I’ve done with every moment presented asks, have my thoughts, words and deeds been governed by that to which I insist is precedent, become apparent to those who know me and am I intentional with sharing my undeserving, yet new found status of being known by Heaven made opportune for others’ hearing; because that’s become the believer’s daily objective (?)…

 

Today’s Thought “Just A Piece of Turkey?” G. Ward

Philippians 2

³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 

 

There’s a particular commitment to daily thanksgiving acceptable in the heavenlies and it must first involve – self-denial. That seems preposterous in a world insistent you love yourself first (cf. 2 Ti.3:1-5), yet our Lord exemplified this attitude, that we’d follow; knowing many awaken dispirited (some days) needing compassionate care from some who know Him.

There are some on this American Holiday who aren’t over-joyed with the idea of great celebration; they’re missing loved ones, or economically depleted and just plain dismayed. The Great Compassionate Savior desires they know He is near (Phil.4:5-7, 1 Pe.5:7) and for us who adore His Sufficiency, we’re called to assist them in rightful encouragement (*Ps.34:18).

 

Today’s Thought “The Clock Ticks for You” G. Ward

Luke 23

 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

 

Two other books would elaborate on the two criminals having been on the band wagon with the crowds (i.e., doubting Christ – Matt.27:44, Mark 15:32) and whereas this ugly scene wasn’t immediate, time that witnessed the Savior’s compassion towards His persecutors (23:34), along with apparent abuses given Jesus, whereby HIS silence was testament unprecedented, causing one criminal to relent.

Confinement, whether forced, or self-imposed can spark a good conscience. One criminal’s horrid regard in continual unproductivity was given eternal life; because a quiet time unfolded his sinfulness and he was afforded that confession unto our Lord (cf. Josh.1:8). All of this was the foreknowledge of the Almighty (*Eph.1:4-5), that mitigates our foolish opportunity to decide who qualifies (spiritually), so don’t (Ro.10:13).

 Today’s Thought “Crowded Antagonism” G. Ward

Luke 23

³⁵ And the people stood by, watching. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”

Opposition (so vitriolic), and predominantly perceived by any, must overcome hatred with well doing (i.e., not being quick in defense – Gal.6:9), via an absolute recall of ONE who endured greatest persecution and found praying their deliverance simultaneously (vs.34 – *A spiritual prelude to the holiday season).