Today’s Thought “A Forecast of Reign” G. Ward

Daniel 7:9

“I kept looking Until thrones were set up, And the Ancient of Days took His seat; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire.

 

Daniel, at chapter 7 shares a dream given and it involves the future (far beyond his own era), whereby Christ’s return will witness HIM as King, serving as Sole Governance for the Universe HE made (John 1:1-3). Daniel’s elaboration embodies a threatening notion of the insufficiency of prior empires that sought invincibility, even that to which forecasted doom for a post Roman Empire. Moreover, Daniel’s description for Christ as the “Ancient of Days” was esoteric to the title for God and HIS return will witness HIM as Judge in all of HIS glory and whereas kings who desired glory, failed, Christ the King will not.

*We’ve been given a kingdom of sorts and our responsibility towards furthering the gospel is a charge to keep in our hearts and dispense to others and if we persist to violate that chief command (Matt.28:19), we’re as the kings of the empires for Daniel’s dream – facing annihilation. *Instead, let Jesus lead you…

 

Today’s Thought “Ebb and Flow: An Un-Spiritual Phenomenon” G. Ward

James 3

⁶ And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

 

Followers of Christ have everything they need in the manuscript HE authored for our guidance (cf. Ps.23:1) and whereas there exists a dual component of our beings (flesh v. spirit), perfect submission to the Spirit realm, enables great delight upon our compliance.

The inconsistency however, from our words, have perhaps been instrumental in violating others’ conscious – even doubting that anything good can exist in/through the church (particularly when/if they know of your affiliation). What are you allowing to be said and seen on social media, or in the marketplace? Do any know of your political views, or efforts in social reform, ALONGSIDE your Savior (Who insisted on political and social reformational detachment and called every follower to pervade eternal matters over temporary, governmental issues)?

For the believer: What shall our mouths declare? If that’s answerable pragmatically, perhaps your confession is also idealism (?).

 

Today’s Thought “Thoughtful Salutations” G. Ward

Philippians 1:1b-2

To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

I’m somewhat troubled by such pervasiveness of religious acts for our era because most is ideological (i.e., from the basis of a social, political, or economic theorizing) and whereas Truth’s (John 14:6) contingency is always pertinent to an eternal demand, reaching beyond earthen unrest of sorts, hope (i.e., looking forward to promises ahead), transcends miseries presented, affording my response unto others to be entirely encouraging. Therefore, my words should exemplify that to which I’ve been blessed with; particularly as I contemplate, How Great Is Our God!

 

Today’s Thought “Carried Away by Error” G. Ward

Matthew 23

⁵ And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. ⁶ And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, ⁷ and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.

 

Jesus’ warning to HIS disciples concerning these super religious leaders was unabashed; particularly in their insistence to be recognized alongside the Almighty and whereas we know it’s said, “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God” (Ex.20:4-5), religious leadership in some, have exacerbated this ongoing tragedy. Jesus came to serve and not be served, but many are still enamored with titles and gaudy presentation. Moreover, it’s sad to witness the Savior of the world in great crowds being touched by many, interacting with the despised and washing feet, to see such regression with some. Don’t be complicit in supporting the antithesis of God’s demand; humbled leaders still exist to make Christ known.

 

Today’s Thought “Few and Far Between” G. Ward

Hosea 4:1

Listen to the word of the Lord, you sons of Israel,
Because the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land,
For there is no faithfulness, nor loyalty,
Nor knowledge of God in the land.

 

Have things gotten better? Is indictment from our Lord against those HE loved then, caused HIM to mature whereas HE is regretful in HIS assessment of their rebellion? Has Jesus become our scapegoat, even believing that this dispensational era has us absolutely guiltless; particularly in view of such contemptuous devotion to who we say is our Lord?

Can your grandchildren recite that which is deemed “The Lord’s Prayer” while without hesitance hold their hand to their heart declaring the “Pledge of Allegiance?” I’m jus sayin…

 

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

Hebrews 13:5

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever abandon you,” so that we confidently say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”

 

While this appears to solely embrace the idea of longing for money, enough so that it overwhelms my conscious, the expression, “the love of money” more indicates covetousness (the excessive or inordinate desire for something). Our consciences carry both good and bad elements of those deposits all around and whereas those who exist to love our Lord with all their heart seek to bless the Lord at all times, we welcome a best input (spiritually and through HIS Word) that compels our change towards an unwavering mindset emblematic of Christ righteousness. May your day say so.

 

Today’s Thought “Is There a Doctor in the House?” G. Ward

Jeremiah 17:9-10

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.”

 

While seemingly harsh to contemplate how mankind’s heart is naturally incurable and whereas Holy God is our Maker, we cannot be HIS workmanship to then determine a life plan seemingly prudent to follow, but are given presence in earth to be governed by HIM and if/when any are resistant to that original order, it’s comparable to barbarism (i.e., uncivilized).

Any who purport being barbaric needs taming and whereas Holy God desires to train any via spiritually transforming a rebellious heart, HE remains the only Qualified Physician for such a surgical procedure.