Today’s Thought “Running Without Credentials” G. Ward

 

Jeremiah 33: ³ ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.

 

The proactive prayer our Lord offers here, is a plea to fully understand HIS plans, not a genie in a bottle solicitation.  The beautiful, emphatic language however – “great and mighty things,” befits this era’s unfair religious usage and because many will pull one expression of God’s provision out, they’ll neglect the surrounding ones that shares how God’s own disobedient children were at this time captive in a strange land -  Babylonia and Holy God wreaked havoc on theirs – Jerusalem, placing them with an unruly leader. In New Testament times, “the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro.6:23) and whereas God was gracious to HIS own in the Old Testament, offering a future hope and restoration, we honorably proclaim, HE’S the same in the entire Truth of HIS Word; yet, the spiritual conduit of repentance remains. Repentance is the sincere act of recognizing wrongdoing, feeling deep sorrow, and committing to a change in direction or behavior. Hearing from Holy God however, won’t treat HIM with contempt, because HE alone knows if we’re being genuinely sorry in violating HIS commands. So, to that end, I’ll see you Sunday (Heb.10:24-25)!

 

Father God, we’re given many examples, both good and bad, from ordinary actors just like us and whereas the Spirit teaches us how to correlate to striving to be Heaven’s representative in earth, that absolutely overcomes the world, we thank You for making us effective. The pace of time Lord, remains the same, yet seemingly comparable to the speed of light and for some it’s conviction to cling to the old rugged cross and for others, it’s being on the gerbil wheel, exercising in whim and desire. So, we thank You for the gospel, which remains the perfect resolution – through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Torrential Rain, Blocks A Proper View” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 4: ¹⁴ As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; ¹⁵ but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ.

 

The Word of God is replete with warnings against false teachers and whereas our society’s exposure to those who undermine the truth of God’s Word continues, it wreaks havoc on the masses, that causes many to even deny a daily, diligent and intimate pursuit of God’s holy script; and although some insist on knowing Christ – there’s great lack in foundational truth (from them) about all HE provided.

Every believer must unify under the resolute rules from our Lord; to first be equipped, that is being discipled, to then teach (those of their encounters) what was taught them and whereas corporate worship gatherings are meant to encourage efforts in the gospel’s expansion, along with worshipping our Great Distributor of grace (onto obedience), we must set the record straight; so others can disquiet efforts from charismatic, cunning fellows who insist an auditorium full of people being encouraged to get their inheritance now and give generously (so that double may become the return) and thereafter when service time ends, they return to violating Jesus’ prerequisite to being HIS follower – to deny oneself; which means surrendering personal plans and selfish desires.

 

Lord God, may our encouragement to know that because You’re still speaking to man, it can be interpreted as Your lovingkindness and patience and because You’ve appointed us to convey all You are saying, may our diligence to the Truth of Your Word increase, remembering Your tender mercies are worthy to replicate and prepare others accordingly; thanking You for perfect supply in/through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Let’s Twist Again, Like We Did It Last Summer!” G. Ward

 

Matthew 24: ³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

 

There continues to be great philosophical statements that many hang their hats on, but that hook will soon loosen and allow the hat to fall and whereas the catchy phrase can last for a significant period, even that to which our grandchildren may echo, its application is marginalized by cultural trends ever-evolving.

Our Lord Jesus’ authority (cf. Matt.28:18) however, transcends generational appeals from man, even granting perfect directives in earth and leads to eternal life with HIM. We, as followers, along with being made new (for HIS purpose), are called HIS special possession to embody total allegiance to HIS commands and character; with a daily demand to investigate, that to where all HE is saying and did (*2 Ti.3:16-17), so as to follow demonstrably. For, there’s no need for HIS words to change; they’re absolute and forever.

 

And Lord God, we honor You, significantly more than anyone, or anything and it derives from witnessing such sacrifice given on our behalf; causing more determination to bless Your Name at all times. We’re thankful for another day’s journey in You – where following Your commands are no longer burdensome, yet we’re at war with the flesh (insisting on our persuasiveness), while desirous to see others comply in knowing You in a personal, dependent way; to forget they can’t come to You unless You draw them. So, may our probe of all You say, increase, that we may trust You more, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “As I Look Back Over my Life…” G. Ward

 

Philippians 3: ⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. 

 

As Paul, the apostle for Christ, sought inventory of his life before redemption, with all its celebrated accolades; being regarded for his educational prowess, along with a heritage of royal proportion and belonging to the highest sect of religious order, even esteemed by man, he’d contrast that against the surpassing knowledge of the One  not impressed, but loved him, despite his prior life as an enemy of the cross (Phil.3:18-19).

Perhaps your life is either impressed with one of similar nobility, or you’re pridefully preemptive in sharing your great credentials? Our Lord’s embodiment of what it means to be a humble Servant – “emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men and humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” and HE remains the greatest. Therefore, every follower of Christ should undergird a daily evaluation that begins with all HE offered, despite our prideful, wavering affections; studying HIS written Word, so as to become more like HIM.

 

And Lord God, we’re privileged in ability to approach Your throne and whereas that approach should encompass fear and trembling, many assume their arrival speaks to You, the Holy One, but because we who know You as Sole Creator and God Almighty, we don’t ever feel so comfortable in saying much, without allowing Your Word to say all we’ll need to correlate in best servanthood. So, we thank You for feeding us once again and may these meditations overwhelm our selfish promptings on this day presented in Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Dreaming is Permitted” G. Ward

 

Psalm 34: ¹⁸ The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

 

I really thought my senior-hood would be a view comparable to a Norman Rockwell painting; that is peace and harmony, without great trials; to then grow up in the Lord and whereas HE sought to prepare every follower of hard times ahead (Matt.10:16-22), along with impending judgments that could unfold hatred regarding my confession of Christ as Sufficient that transformed my old life into new (John 15:19-20), I’ve now become sensitized to my every step of how HE endured - amidst even greater trials. Christ, however, demonstrated how to get along, though trials persisted. HE embraced an intentional quiet time with the Father, even rehearsing perfect guidance found in the highest document provided man (the road map to being sustained). Moreover, HE embodied “praying without ceasing” and yes, HE wept; doing so, while looking out at the multitudes, along with witnessing earth’s departure for those HE loved. Yet, HIS tears may have portrayed sadness, but never despair; for HE was on mission, even unashamed, along with bravery, insisting all would know the Father desires a love relationship with any, that involves a reconciliation that only HE can provide (John 14:6).

 

Father God, it’s become our joy to call on Your Name and yes, it’s greatly to be praised! There’s confidence in Your hearing us; particularly as our Lord Jesus taught every follower to identify a need that assures – “Your will be done.” As we more submit to imitating our Savior’s walk, may ours echo HIS words and character; meditating more on a time without measure, where troubles will be over, because Mercy found us and forgave us and we know HIS grace is sufficient! May every component of Heaven and earth’s ownership be praised, because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Once Lost, But Now – Found” G. Ward

 

Isaiah 62:4 It will no longer be said to you, “Forsaken,” Nor to your land will it any longer be said, “Desolate”; But you will be called, “My delight is in her,” And your land, “Married”; For the Lord delights in you, And to Him your land will be married.

 

This verse is a depiction of what is meant by trouble not lasting. Israel, God’s own, would act unbecoming of the Lord’s salvation (and we certainly know something of that) and whereas the wages of such sinfulness was with consequence not thought of when selfish desire forgot Holy God’s Way, Israel would be taken captive unto a weary land, distant from the one flowing with “milk and honey.” The Almighty, would hear their cries (particularly because of their godly sorrow), He’d allow their return. Paul Bunyan, a prolific Christian author, wrote a manuscript central to such a theme called The Pilgrim’s Progress, writing very specifically about Isaiah 64 that said, “In this land also the contract between the Bride and the Bridegroom was renewed; yea, here, as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so doth God rejoice over them.” Moreover, old hymnbooks contained a great classic, namely Beulah Land, also relative to this verse. Listen to one great stanza; “I’ve reached the land of corn and wine, And all its riches freely mine; Here shines undimmed one blissful day, For all my night has passed away.”

May our journey in this strange land, more understand the reprieve felt for Israel upon being granted a return to their Maker’s bosom, has become our Lord Jesus’ presence in us and nothing can separate us from HIS love (Ro.8:35).

 

Father God, we marvel at such marvelous love you have for us! We are contained by flesh, but yet overwhelmingly conquerors through Jesus. So, our hearts surrendered to the gift HE provided, desires to sing melodies indicative of our salvation, knowing while we were enemies of the cross, LOVE entered the room, invading our souls in pardon unto restoration, whereby we await being with our Lord Jesus - day and night, proclaiming Him Victorious unto any. We sing praises to Your Name! Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Determinations, After Being Awakened” G. Ward

 

Psalm 145: ⁸ The Lord is gracious and compassionate; Slow to anger and great in mercy. ⁹ The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works.

 

People of God, strive daily to absolutely follow in the Savior’s footsteps (Eph.5:1-2); but never in accordance to a conjured concept, but one analyzed, through a daily interrogation of how HE correlated in earth and whereas we know how from the beginning, our Lord Jesus as Pre-incarnate God (that is relative to John’s portrayal that insisted all know – “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being” (John 1:3) – we praise HIM.

We praise HIM through being grateful. Old folks, some time ago would echo a sentiment once so common – thanking God for things as well as they were. Moreover, and we investigate our Lord’s merciful compassion, we strive to always look beyond faults (in others), addressing needs versus relegating religious expressions that insists we’ll be praying. Instead, we stop our endeavors and lend genuine care, remembering our Lord’s presence won’t let go, despite our pulling our hands away far too often and whereas HE keeps HIS hand open, prepared to receive us back, may ours keep opening - to receive others with that similitude.

 

Father God, we’ll echo how we want to be like Jesus, yet soon forget that upon hearing Your voice, the immediate response, will do what’s demanded. So, Lord, we pray for one another on this day, absolutely remembering our redemption that mimics our Best Example, Jesus our Lord, thanking You for enabling our rescue, to then be led by the Spirit, Who teaches us every hour – the avenue of greatest grace provided by/through Jesus. In that Name we praise You. Amen.