Today’s Thought “Rise from Mediocrity” G. Ward

 Zechariah 14:9

And the Lord will be King over all the earth; on that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.

 

While much is given concerning the end times and seeking to identify who may be the Antichrist, many antichrists (false teachers) exist (*1 John 2:18) and whereas this prophet (thousands of years beforehand) would forecast God’s Word, he would never understand its impact, yet trust ALL prescribed. This future set of events will witness God’s own subject to inaccuracies furthered by making a pact with the Antichrist because of a zealousness to perceive him as Messiah, whereby he will break that agreement, insisting they worship him alone. Israel will refuse and the illustrious Battle of Armageddon will begin. Our LORD will be victorious as the ONLY governance and Israel restored (cf. Rev.19:15).

God’s plan cannot be thwarted; so, observe, by doing, before it’s too late (Your potential portion = 1 Thess.4:13-18).

 

Today’s Thought “Amidst a Rocky Road” G. Ward

Exodus 20

¹² “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you.

 

While sickness unto death can overtake a child so compliant in their parent’s demands, this passage is relative to inheriting a new land for the Israelites; even that to which exercises Heavenly concern for great respect from a child to parent relationship and whereas there are some who absolutely rebel, enough so, that can deliver a dire consequence, instructions were/are provided (2 Ti.3:16-17).

Moreover, the parent-child relationship, if pursued correctly (i.e., in accordance to what’s written – Deut.6:4-6) is/can be a marvelous introduction in how adults find it easy to submit to the Almighty’s authority; but if not taught from the home environment and relegated to systems, may witness horrid, selfish plans bound for implosion (cf. Ge.4:1-8).

Perhaps like most, you’ve not been perfect in this realm? Imparting the Truth of God’s Word is an ongoing necessity; so, take another (although lacking biological relativity) by the hand and teach them our Lord’s commands and perhaps you’ll witness their safe passage from earth to heaven, or vice versa and thereafter generations would be convinced that the Way of the Lord is Perfect!

 

Today’s Thought “Inconspicuously Cured” G. Ward

Luke 7

⁴ When they came to Jesus, they strongly urged Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; ⁵ for he loves our nation, and it was he who built us our synagogue.”

The slave, seemingly the center-point in this storyline needed healing and whereas Jesus healed HIM, it was the slave’s owner, the Roman Centurion who by supreme authority and great compassion summoned Jewish Elders to compel this Jesus to have mercy on his slave. Jesus would acquiesce and endeavor to follow these elders. Upon getting close to the house the Roman Centurion would stop Christ, admitting he wasn’t worthy to have such Supremacy enter his house. Jesus would use this opportunity (with a great crowd following) to commend such faith with humility from one so unsuspecting, whereby a different healing would soon take place.

This day presented thanks our Lord God for HIS salvation, although unworthiness persists.

 

Today’s Thought “Apart from HIM = Nothing” G. Ward

Luke 19

¹⁰ For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 

For any lacking confidence in the Lord recognizing them, there’s a great elixir – the Word of God. It enables any to witness the Almighty’s pursuit of idolatrous murderers, liars, cheats, over-zealous persecutors of HIS church, adulterers, and the like. So many may perceive they came to Jesus, a kind of finding HIM (*John 6:44), but HE’S never been unavailable; however, we have. Moreover, we’ve allowed for defense mechanisms in the form of castigations against church leaders and its member’s non-compliance to God’s moral code to penetrate our souls for too long, even that to which violates discipleship intended.

Practiced quietness through/in the Truth of HIS Word unfolds perfect resolve; it’s where I began and continue. I yet marvel in why HE chose me, but grateful HE did.

 

Today’s Thought “HE Isn’t an American God” G. Ward

2 Peter 2

1 But false prophets also appeared among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. ² Many will follow their indecent behavior, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; ³ and in their greed, they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

 

Foolish prognosticators are pervading fear onto earth’s citizenry beyond the scope of this era and portion of the world and whereas our safety more emanates from lack of invasion (at a continuum), many countries’ rest is hindered by groups of uncivilized militias, along with tyrannical government leaders’ arrogance.

America is with global recognition that appeals to most countries and whereas democracy is our proud necklace of choice, may we be reminded that foolish pride misappropriated, credits and misunderstands what the psalmist was given – “Unless the Lord builds a house, they who build it labor in vain; unless the Lord guards a city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps.127:1).

*You don’t wait on someone self-appointed to insist on what Holy God is doing, HIS Word has been there all along, and you’re still running to eloquent men to scare you onto spiritual cognizance (1 Cor.2:1-5)? THAT’S NOT FAITH!  

 

Today’s Thought “When COMPANY Is Coming” G. Ward

Isaiah 40

³ The voice of one calling out, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

 

While some know this as prophetically representative of a coming Savior who saves people from their sins, along with addressing a sinfulness among captives of Holy God exiled to a far and weary land, this would call for a spiritual pageantry in preparation.

 For generations relative to HIS magnificence – they’re called to obey HIS commands and seek to live as HE did (while in earth), and for those inhabitants then (concerned with their progeny who’d follow and hopefully thwart the pain of disobedience that can perpetuate great troubles), a true repentance from rebellion that landed them in a strange, cruel land.

 

Today’s Thought “Bible Scholarship” G. Ward

Mark 8

¹¹ And the Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, demanding from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. ¹² Sighing deeply in His spirit, He *said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation!”

 

Some, propose to live in the realm of the Spirit, but are yet defensive, divisive and vitriolic – due to their religious views as something they’ve conquered entirely, without propensity to slip backwards and whereas Jesus Christ remains the Only One who wouldn’t slip, we’re grateful for HIS example; seeking closeness onto every day provided. However, there will always be opposing factions that interpret the message through us as judgmental and antiquated, even hating our presence (*John 15:19-20). Moreover, they’ll propose questions that appear impossible to decipher (e.g., Ex.14:26-29), along with what they deem - deep theology, yet for the believer – bent on discipleship continued, versus attending services solely to extract motivational messaging, we (followers of Christ), have answers, but many times see wrong motives from questioners and must keep it moving…