Today’s Thought “Daily Interrogation” G. Ward

John 19

³⁰ Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

 

Our Lord’s crucifixion was certainly the most tumultuous death recorded, particularly in view of such innocence for an idiot like me and if any are remotely close to who I’ve been, the events leading to such vile persecution of the Holy One, should be rehearsed in our hearts before interacting with any – to ensure our promulgations are merciful, with no signs of contention, but thanksgiving, for what should be deemed, an “Unfair Exchange.”

 

Today’s Thought “Affirmation of Trust” G. Ward

Psalm 3:3

But You, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.

 

Our lives, as believers, mustn’t contrast themselves with the vilest of sinners, but only look at the sinless ONE and then determine to follow HIS example and whereas we fall short, our shame is expressed through godly sorrow (made known to HIM – daily). Thereafter, our honor and dignity that HE bestowed, determines to be found faithful in such restoration, and then praising HIM (so significantly) by walking circumspect of HIS continued presence, while insistent that others know – I don’t know why HE chose me, for I could do nothing so meritoriously acceptable in view of our Lord’s sacrifice; to then introduce this Blessed Savior to another never feeling as though they could endeavor such a love relationship with HIM either…

 

 

Today’s Thought “Older and Arthritic” G. Ward

Psalm 103

⁵ Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

 

For any of us who’ve place our faith in the Lord Jesus, along with having attained to an age wherewith we can qualify for senior discounts of sorts, may our daily determination to bless HIS Name (i.e., via a lifestyle of obedience), impact those younger to absolutely know HIM for themselves (*1 John 2:3-6). Moreover, and as seniors, our endeavors, once so easy, now has to agree with the newest ache, while truly reliant on our Lord’s strength that grants us vitality (or inner youth) and whereas HE has done it before, we believe He will use us again for the promotion of HIS gospel, as we hope for those thinking (with certainty), they’ll make it to our ripe age (James 4:14) …

 

Today’s Thought “Constrained in Truth” G. Ward

Titus 3:10-11

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.

 

It’s shameful for our churches to pervade a divide so easily; it’s an almost tit-for-tat kind of relating to oppressive ways from others by a retribution unfounded. Instead, and because of spiritual reconciliation given us, that is, mercy and grace – despite our sinfulness, any who believe should never be able to testify to our feeling as though there could be peaceable resolution through other mechanisms outside of our Lord’s compelling to teach any HIS commands. Yes, great degradation of old (re-visited) is absolutely disturbing, but even those perpetrators of ignorant sectarian foolishness deserve a chance at knowing Truth (Matt.5:43-45). The Apostle Paul’s day witnessed the same as what we awaken to and he’d instruct in accordance to what our Lord gave him for HIS church; to utterly expel one from the fellowship, when they persist in spreading what seemingly is harmless a resolve when it seeks to anchor God’s Word (as if the Almighty needs help with an additional word(s) from mere human effort …).

 

Today’s Thought “Distinctively HIS” G. Ward

Psalm 40:8

“I delight to do Your will, my God; Your Law is within my heart.”

 

There’s two kinds of fear sanctioned by those of us pursuant to blessing our Lord: The first includes great reverence unto Almighty God for who HE is as Owner of the world HE made, and the next fear involves every point of slippage that embodies something uncharacteristic of Christ and whereas spiritual momentum that can thwart the pain of the second fear mentioned – involves a strongest need to examine how HE guides us exists (through study of Truth and to then do the will of our Lord, along with incessant praying and meditating on HIS precepts), we absolutely denounce any pretentious presentation (i.e., external religiosity over availability to any) positively flabbergasted to know that although we’ve not been good enough, HE chose us.

 

Today’s Thought “Dripping Sand from the Hourglass” G. Ward

John 3

¹⁷ For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.

 

Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection most certainly is our only hope onto eternal life, specifically, as we place our faith in HIM to direct the life HE gave us and whereas HIS earthly departure – understands HE lives as Advocate in glory (i.e., Defender and Intercessor for believers before God the Father), many of us are proud to be called HIS very own (particularly knowing - we deserved death and punishment – Isa.53:4-5). Furthermore, our Lord would promise HE’D return to earth (Matt.24:30) and upon that touch down, HE will judge the living and the dead (*Acts 17:30-31).

May this day find you faithful (1 John 2:6), for time is short.

 

Today’s Thought “Pursuit of Refreshing” G. Ward

Mark 6

³¹ And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.”

 

Persecution was threatening to Jesus’ disciples upon hearing of John the Baptist’s beheading, feeling the brunt of such association with the Savior. The 12 of Jesus’ inner circle would need energizing; because traveling with our Lord each day would involve ministry unto many, so Christ recommended retreat – for this work nullified insomnia’s entry (cf. Mark 1:35).

We’d all do well to remember how necessary retreat is and whereas it may not include great distance, but a great walk in an autumn forest, it may serve us as best reflection of what is owed a gracious Savior who stood in our stead, to then embody greater courage to intentionally see to others knowing HIM.