Today’s Thought “Drowning in the Sea of Presumption” G. Ward

 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy.

 In the year 2020, 65% of Americans identified themselves as Christians and whereas what any echo - lacks actuality until activity follows lip service, there’s need for great concern from those purveyors insisting they know HIM and true believers have the message that truly reconciles; particularly in view of cultural pervasiveness of what it takes to know HIM (*cf. Luke 6:46). Ours must cease in criticisms and acknowledge a dutiful response. Moreover, there’s plenty of lifeline remaining, that sets the record straight, as to Who rescued them (Ro.5:8). If no intentional persistence is found in believers (that seeks to rescue the perishing), it more proves their being part of the faction needing the lifeline aforementioned.

 

Today’s Thought “My Ambassador-ship” G. Ward

Romans 16:1-2

I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, ² that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.

 

Phoebe would be a widow and directly responsible to hand deliver this letter by this Apostle. Her great, spiritual character prefaced this delivery and although many knew of her humility, it would be an unusual task afforded a woman.

*While any can be drawn to HIS majesty (John 6:44) and useful for HIS glory, assignments by HIM won’t bend to cultural relativities, but merely provide demands from an unchanging, Holy God, ensuring HIS will be done. Are you preparing accordingly?

 

Today’s Thought “Known by the Holy One” G. Ward

Hebrews 7

¹¹ So if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron?

The term “Sufficient” in believer-ship, is attributable to Christ and whereas every believer (i.e., one who places their trust in HIM), seeks each day to live holy, we know HIS perfect sacrifice as the culminating factor in being forgiven and whereas God’s own, in times past relied on a system involving priests as administrators of sacrificial acts on behalf of many desiring to be recognized in the heavenlies and because generations of those same priests were dutifully available, it would represent a temporary reconciliation. This era however, calls attention to an elimination of another way to spiritual reconciliation, insisting all would know Jesus Christ as the Only Way (*John 14:6) and whereas “few” (Matt.7:13-14) will confirm HIS effort in their living each day, it’s not determined on what you did, but on whether or not you’ve been chosen (*John 6:44). My prayer is for this recognition as expedient (cf. Acts 3:19-20).

 

Today’s Thought “A Living Reversionary Clause” G. Ward

Matthew 6

²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The Conscience: Guilty (many times) in defense mechanisms, because of personal lack to identify that Holy God desires a love relationship with them, but rather talk, than walk as Christ did.

I’ll presume on the conscience of man. It’s the center-point of desire (*Jas.1:14-16) and whereas most want to be perceived as morally conscious (i.e., void of thievery, killing, etc.), they’ll establish a presumed goodness found in them (*Ro.3:10), while pervading on any who will listen, how this world is bankrupt in heavenly virtue, to then invite another to an unending castigation against rich preachers – guilty of lavish lifestyles as the culprit; even that to which produces congregants seeking more health and wealth than winning souls for Christ; even with foolish, repetitious speech concerning  shortcomings found in man, while our Innocent Lord only seeks to become their Patient, Loving Caregiver.

 

Today’s Thought “Ventriloquist Hand Up My Back” G. Ward

1 John 3:18

Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Great expressions of sorts are lent in believer-ship upon hearing of grievous circumstances found in some, along with celebrative ones and while many are sincerely attentive in their regard, care for others is existent for as long as one is in their view and thereafter, the less sympathetic, will move onto other encounters, hoping one won’t approach them with sad actualities, because it makes them uncomfortable. Instead, knowing the Lord, more prepares to walk alongside the dispirited, even hopeful for additional jubilant times; not so much as a dutiful response (even though it’s owed), but spiritual consciousness in being granted a new heart that genuinely cares (cf. Heb.4:16).

 

Today’s Thought “Lifeguard on Duty…” G. Ward

1 John 4:9

By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.

While I don’t remember, I’m sure that as an infant I cried many times for no apparent reason, but what’s shameful is when 60+ years are afforded me to then perpetuate the same (cf. 1 Pe.5:7). While that may be somewhat amusing – it’s unfortunately an accurate tag. A believer’s view must have Christ Sufficiency in mind in every way. HE alone is our Great Shepherd and whereas our being tagged the sheep of HIS pasture exists, we’re unnecessarily prone unto a wrongful exploration (*1 John 2:15-17), to then sup in poisonous fields, amidst wolves and blatantly distant from our Shepherd (cf. Ps.139:7).

Our complaints sound similar to a baby crying every time perspectives (so temporarily perceived), flow from our mouths without hope; particularly since our LORD endured the greatest persecution, to then give HIS life for a big baby like me. Thank You Lord – in Your forever regard to make me Your child.

 

Today’s Thought “Walking and Chewing Gum” G. Ward

Psalm 137

¹ By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion.
² There we hung up our lyres on the poplar trees, ³ for our captors there asked us for songs,
and our tormentors, for rejoicing: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

Although we’re challenged to imagine being absolutely owned by an ungodly society, along with being transported to their strange land, it truly has become a real corollary to our existence for this era. Whenever we seek resolution to any proposed endeavor without heavenly prompting (i.e., from God’s Truth), we’re owned in ungodliness. Moreover, and as we’re believers in/of Christ (sole) Sufficiency, our true citizenry exists in Heaven (Phil.3:20).

The psalmist gives us insight of this imposed dilemma Israel incurred; a slavery so mindfully brutal and while their weeping was profuse, their captors lack of empathy demanded they render a “tap dance” selfishly desiring to be entertained.

I'd rather have Jesus than worldly applause
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
Yes, I'd rather be true to His holy name…