Today’s Thought “Rightful Preparation” G. Ward

1 Peter 4: ¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; ¹³ but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.

 

While any reasonable won’t run towards sufferings, they’re common an encounter for humanity. The Apostle’s inspiration seeks a believer’s comfort to know troubles are/can be overcome by an ongoing perspective of trusting God through Christ; to not be overwhelmed when the people slander our spiritual posture, but to know our watchfulness regarding our Lord’s return must be our focus and whereas our desire should match the Almighty’s – in that HE maintains an immense capacity for patience before HIS ultimate judgment, our mercy must reflect HIS. So, this week has begun, to capitalize on our ambassadorship; finding another and sharing Truth. This remains our primary responsibility; building communities of believers; not politically, or through social reform, but solely through ALL Christ did.

 

Father God, while trusting You involves imitating Christ, many are familiar with our politics, along with our Savior. We’re horribly exposed to expressions of God and country, emblematic of idolatry, as some are enamored with living in a strange land, without consideration of a preparation onto an eternal life with You. May our meditations encompass an unwavering determination to proclaim our Lord’s sufficiency amidst a majority living on their own volition. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Deliberate Doublemindedness” G. Ward

Matthew 6: ³⁴ “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

Idolatry is service, or deep trust given to anything created— including anything that holds power or authority over one and giving that thing or person such allegiance, in place of the true and living God. Rather than begin with a personal verdict of not guilty, an examination is warranted with each of us; particularly in view of the fragility of things and people (so temporal), contrasted with the Savior (*not a created being), giving HIS life as a Perfect Substitute for our punishment and the eternal hope of Heaven where troubles cease.

The examination aforementioned, won’t be so entirely encapsulated in selfish desire to wait for Friday, so as to celebrate vigorously, but celebrates each day for their Redeemer’s victorious distribution of love and presence, over doom and destruction – we all deserve. Now, let’s assess our plans against ALL of that great provision; for to disallow HIS plan for your and my life HE purchased, furthers an idolatrous spirit (Ps.94:11).

 

Father God, may Your blessings come under best investigation by us, that first appreciates employment, housing, family, in view of so many desirous of the same and not be so overwhelmed in things we can see and touch. For the substance is ode to Jesus; and causes our reflections to remember others ahead of ourselves. May our joy rise in that recall, praising You for our usefulness; for to serve, will seek those dis-spirited and proclaim HIS appointment by walking alongside them until they realize HE remains a present help in/through every occasion. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Murderous Pride of Life” G. Ward

Galatians 6: ³ For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ⁴ But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but to himself alone, and not to another.

 

What a Friend we have in Jesus is not just a song, but actualized when we keep our minds stayed on HIM. That mindset should more concentrate on how HE loved me, despite my failings and chose me as HIS representative in earth; not a pulpit assignment, but a missionary one, that endeavors any with what I never thought could exist for me. Thereafter, I’ll sing, I shall never forget what He’s done for me. Often and because of such desire to witness others in that actuality, my paying attention to what so many others around me are not doing according to HIS righteous standard, allows my foolish critique, more than my mercy extended, and there goes my failings re-surfaced; to forget I need HIM more than any. It’s then that my regenerated, spiritual heart is more prepared to Look Beyond faults from any, to know my tendency unto other’s regression may be near and administer hope – beyond their indiscretionary words, or actions unbecoming of our Lord’s attitude in earth and respectfully, compassionately restore them onto knowing – WE owe HIM so much more and I’m prepared to stand alongside of them, until HIS strength saturates their soul.

 

Lord God, Your Word is so entirely refreshing when our repentance first considers how we’ve violated our Savior, then others and whereas our inconsistency occurs, may we hate that portion, while loving Your changing us. We’re unfolding each day a best response to a life so short and You prove Your Word as essential in resolute desire to bless Your Name. May holiness rise to its occasion in every heart pausing to know You, adjusting immediately to all the Spirit is saying to the churches. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Speculative Knowledge” G. Ward

James 3: ¹³ Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 

 

The question first offered is answered at verse 16 – “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.” Altogether and because such uncertainty of days for all exists under the sole regard of the Almighty, the so-called wisdom of man that’s on a quest to be impressive unto other men is with futility. Moreover, journeying to more knowledge forgets, his esteem among many impressed may soon be displaced by another competitor, as his life’s work will be relegated to a historical archive of sorts, whereby generations grow more distant in truth concerning human frailty. Instead, we’re all compelled spiritually to know that expressions of intellect that lacks indiscriminate love, intentional encouragement and compassionate hospitality, is symbolic of how Christ endeavored living in earth. May we all celebrate HIS surrender for our indiscretions, by disquieting selfish ambition, along with being impressed with some unavailable to HIM as “the Way, and the truth, and the life.”

 

Father God, we’re overwhelmed in Your loving-kindness towards us, thanking You for such generous guidance in our wilderness experience. May we all cease adjusting to this weary land’s estimation of living and more seek You as Author of our every footstep; praying without waver and praising You for Most Superior counsel – all because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “God Is Not Lost” G. Ward

 

Romans 3: ¹¹ There is no one who understands, there is no one who seeks out God;

 

Mankind, no matter the generation, no matter their selection of religion, no matter their daily pursuit in morality, is never sufficient when it begins in/through what some deem a righteous pursuit – apart from following HIS commands. All, no matter the pursuit, particularly when any fail to interrogate the Holy Script emanating from the Sole Maker of Heaven and earth in how it exists to guide those created. This chapter warns any against believing they’ll please HIM because so many lives around them don’t reflect moral fiber in their soul. So, the Apostle Paul seeks to disquiet such a group, namely the Jews listening. They relied on their lineage through Abraham with great presumption of their being sealed automatically. Paul argues that the Lord’s words from the prophets echoed the same faith through repentance (found in the New Testament) for all after the first two would deny the Almighty’s righteousness; insisting they know if Holy God was/is a tolerable Lord regarding small or great sin, judgment, which encompasses HIS entire Truth, would be without basis. On today, may we regard the best heritage in Jesus, by choosing HIS Word, over external visuals of righteousness apart from HIS.

 

Lord God, may our evaluation cease to recognize how any man correlates with life, to never be impressed with another created and seek out every value from a personal view of what it means to Bless Your Name. We pray for others involved in a similar pursuit, but yet choosing the vibrancy of worship centers over substantive teaching; that they’d be overcome by seeking You more and more each day. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Word Games” G. Ward

Psalm 37:7, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not get upset because of one who is successful in his way, Because of the person who carries out wicked schemes.”

 

Our Lord can be perceived as so angry to those who’ve not considered HIS absolute leading their lives; but that can also be an undesired indicator for our lives also. Here’s why I say that: Until one endeavors to study God’s Truth, it can appear hostile and so opposite of HIM as a gentle Savior; particularly when our Lord said HE hated Esau (Mal.1:3). That didn’t mean Merriam-Websters’ version of hate, but merely "Loving" his twin brother Jacob meant choosing him for covenant blessing; "hating" Esau meant passing him over and withholding that specific covenant role. As Psalm 37’s construct - regards the wicked, that also has a far different meaning. Wicked, in Holy God’s expression, includes any who habitually practice sin against HIM or others (1 John 3:4-7).

Our theme however, invites believers to know God’s wisdom understands every motive of man (Jer.17:9-*10), insisting that we remain calm and trust in HIS timing, avoiding anxiety or anger when observing the temporary success of wrongdoers. We, as converted must remember our time before our repentance and pray others will soon find the road to true success – knowing the will of God and surrendering accordingly.

 

And Lord God, You’ve given us both instruction and recall, so may we use our time in effectual leaning to Your everlasting arms. May we never forget the many who betrayed our Lord Jesus, found them surrendered to HIM in Your timing and keep our lamps lit, that brings You glory, remembering our Lord’s command to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, always believing, always loving to the end. Because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Valedictory Address” G. Ward

 

John 14: ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be. 

 

Our Lord, so entirely selfless comforts HIS followers although endeavoring to soon endure the vilest death recorded. His comforting words assured those disciples of a soon departure, but to know He’d come back for them, taking any who’d place their lives in HIS care. That dwelling place is referred to as a mansion, for the magnitude in delight of such a place is absolutely trouble-free (i.e., eternally long). That hope our Lord shared was so horribly obscured by what these disciples heard Jesus portray beforehand, along with witnessing Judas’ betrayal of one so innocent.

Jesus allowed these first 12 to travel alongside Himself to demonstrate that peace isn’t found in the world (John 14:27), but in HIM. Moreover, mindful reprieve of potential trials and tribulations is unavoidable; so, the resolve to this, is intimacy with the Father, solely through the Son (John 14:6).

 

Lord God, may we pursue that daily presence Jesus offers, knowing of its guarantee of peace. How dare we, as believers regard living in such a temporary place as something to behold, outside of ensuring others know of all Christ endured, to then desire their repentance. We ask that every mindset, determined to live for Christ, urgently identify what they’ve received and bravely proclaim HIM glorious to any, in Jesus Name, Amen.