Today’s Thought “The Greatest Prayer: Thank YOU Lord!” G. Ward

 

Psalm 116: ⁵ Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate. ⁶ The Lord watches over the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

 

While this entire psalm celebrates a love relationship with Holy God, particularly as he’d cry our in utter distress, I want to pay attention to his ending remarks; for they embody desire to do the Father’s will. The psalmist asks, "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" His resolve was to lift the cup of salvation, and proclaim the Lord as One, even if things wouldn’t deliver a reprieve on his own terms, but to know that above all he was afforded a true refuge where ultimate comfort exists. His thanksgiving assured the Lord that never letting go of God’s unchanging hand, would prayerfully serve as a witness to others how living a godly life is easy when a soul has determined I’m a representative of the Holy ONE.

 So, although we know, God has need of nothing, may the service we offer, serve others sacrificially and faithfully, remembering to remain in the shelter HE provides. What a joy to call HIM, Father!

 

And Lord God, we first marvel in how many examples of fallen individuals like us, exists from Genesis to Revelation and whereas like us, rebellion was their middle name, many found their way to surrendering to Your care for them, despite their wavering souls. May we, before every word or deed becomes our demand, remember our Lord Jesus, how HE without hesitance offered Himself in our stead, although entirely innocent, that condemnation from You would never be ours and then determine our every proclamation would speak as though You were speaking, all because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Kitchen Table Talk” G. Ward

James 1:22

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.

 

We sang a song many years ago that asked a question, “Don’t You Want to Go to that Land, Where I’m Bound(?)” and whereas those lyrics were so entirely melodious, even compelling an audiences’ evaluation of an inevitable eternity with or without Almighty God it can mostly embody an inadequate substitute for sharing the gospel of Christ with its glorious implications. The Truth of God’s Word mandates believers to profoundly teach one lacking (daily) intimacy with Christ – that is, HIS commands (Matt.28:19). Moreover, our Lord would also compel every believer as HIS missionary, because a person cannot believe in Christ if they have never been told about who He is and what He has done and it’s our responsibility to offer that unmerited favor of HIS presentation (Ro.10:14). It however, has become more apparent that our commission by such a Gracious Savior has become the biggest violation for us; for our words are cheapened by great lack in activity. We’re blessed and highly favored, while neglecting to share that same reality with others, in how they too can be (Matt.7:13-14). This day presented won’t call for wearing “sackcloth and ashes” due to inactivity, just repentance; for HE remains our generous, merciful Lord – prepared to extend a second chance.

 

Father God, the Way of the Lord is greatly to be praised and so we ask that our godly sorrow rise to the occasion in all Christ offered, proclaiming HIS sufficiency to any, erasing speculations and presumption unto every mindset by teaching how Jesus correlated in the earth HE made and did so perfectly. May our yes be overshadowed by intentionality to put others interests ahead of our own. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

 

Today’s Thought “Running Aimlessly” G. Ward

 

Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. ² My soul will make its boast in the Lord; The humble will hear it and rejoice.

 

While King David appears to be the subject of the immediacy when great troubles demands a quick response, particularly as he’s faced with being hunted by a first King for Israel (Saul), who sought to kill David from mere jealousy, David, in all his speedy presumption ran straight to the arms of the Phillistine King in a nation where’d he received great notoriety for killing their greatest warrior (Goliath). His trust of the Almighty through many trials before witnessed great and notable fortitude, yet this encounter caused such fear, so much so that he’d distant himself from a desired spiritual character, pretending to be insane. This great, opposing king would immediately dismiss David, by asking those servants of his, “Do I lack insane people” (?).

There’s great futility for you and me, every-time we venture to satisfy moments in our estimation in what could be a benefit or harmful to our journey in the Almighty’s earth. Our Lord’s insights are remarkably superior and Only HE knows all and whereas HE is ALL Wisdom and generously desires to impute that unto us, particularly as we trust and obey, we run to our King.

 

Father God, we see ourselves in David and desire more of Thee; asking Your forgiveness, whenever our leading usurps Your greatest guidance. May we journey in this day provided, surrendered to the attitude of our Lord Jesus, demanding of ourselves as HE did, “not MY will, but Yours be done” all because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Clarity on Truth” G. Ward

 

Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”

 

Proclaimers of Truth are servants of this foundational gospel (Ro.10:14), presenting the Savior as One who died for the sins of man and per Holy God’s insistence as Sole Designator on who comes to HIM, we’re grateful HE knows our name (John 6:44). Our hearts beforehand, were clothed in an impractical approach to life, believing if we functioned in civility and hospitality, even believing in God, this would carry us to HIS bosom, to forget, “demons also believe” (Jas.2:19). Any faithful to salvation’s calling to fulfill, must consider total allegiance, in allowing Christ to re-build them, via a devoted submission to HIS reign and rule, with a daily, ongoing pursuit in all HE is saying (that is, HIS complete Word), with implicit follow-ship; otherwise, these prerequisites violated keeps any insufficient.

Father God, You desire our repentance and whereas Your lovingkindness and patience could end soon, may every believer’s determination awake to those needing Your lifeline; for great praise is linked with obedience to Your commands. So, we ask Your forgiveness where inactivity existed, along with spiritual awareness in our every step, all because of Jesus, our Lord, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Broken Routineness” G. Ward

 

Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 Make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

 

The game of chess is remarkably challenging, involving strategic movement of varied pieces and ultimately most protective of one, the King, and when he’s captured, you’ve lost. That game is a corollary to our theme; life however, is not a game, but involves a categorical strategizing (Matt.7:13-14) and whereas every move we’re to make, involves what we believe to be best and whereas that crossroad determines I can bi-laterally exist with my Lord, alongside honoring my speculations that guides me great failure is imminent. Why? Because many times I’m hurried in desire, to forget my leading has been instrumental in many miseries, along with some bouts in happiness that never satisfied and whereas that can warrant a slowdown, perhaps it’s that contemplative review of the beauty of assured peace that overwhelms my soul when I absolutely rely on the Savior, who demonstrated how HE loved me and gave HIS life so I’d have eternal life with HIM is what I need (*Ro.8:37).

Another day presented, can witness lesser struggle; but, to do as I’ve done (distant from HIS lead), disallows spiritual progress. Instead, may we determine – what’s best for us is Jesus, then follow.

 

Father God, how excellent is Your mercy towards us. You’ve supplied greatest instructions and desire for this era, what was given Your Old Testament saints; the challenge to represent You through holiness (Isa.49:6, Matt.5:16). May the unity proposed for Your people, signify, without reluctance, that Your Word is true and worthy to present in a world entirely weary; as we represent the Light placed within, so as to overcome darkness, blessing our Lord Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Better Than?” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 2: ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

 

Good deeds, moral performance, or religious actions cannot earn or contribute to how our Lord Jesus became the substitute for the death we deserved. He’d do so - by imposing HIS own righteousness unto everyone who places their trust in HIM to lead their lives in every way, preventing anyone from bragging about their salvation and whereas many are quick to express how great our God has been to them, on the other side of such monologue is another person perhaps doubtful if God can/will be good to them. Verse 10 from our theme answers onto a proper reaction: We, as HIS believers are HIS workmanship, created to do good works. God has pre-ordained a path of service onto others (feeling disconnected) and specific tasks for each believer to fulfill. This implies an intentional, daily, active life of personal obedience and service, living out the purpose God has designed before HE made the world.

Father God, may this beginning of the week not resemble the preceding ones, but move from self-focus to the attitude of Christ, who put other’s interests ahead of HIS own at a continuum. May every follower more understand to serve YOU absolutely means serving our neighbor, whereby our Lord Jesus served us. May HE be praised through/in our every effort. Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Another Monday Granted” G. Ward

 

James 1: ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death.

 

To even hear the term “sin” is strange for this era. There’s an unfortunate demand from people to not hear of any judgment for lifestyles they embrace, even believing their sinfulness can still allow their hearing God’s voice, although habitually involved in selfish pursuits – which is sin. Many pulpits know this cultural demand and shamefully stay clear of messaging that may be construed as violating these lifestyles and we’ll need to know, the term lifestyles – includes every failure in activities of sorts that Christ Himself didn’t/wouldn’t  do (*1 John 2:6).

Our passage on today explains that unchecked sinful desire (lust) leads to action (sin), which ultimately results in spiritual and physical death. Using imagery of conception and birth, the verse highlights that sin originates from within an individual's own heart, not from God.

 

And Lord God, You allowed Your Servant Jeremiah to share with the whole of mankind, that above all, the heart is desperately wicked, to then ask, who can understand it and whereas the very next verse demands all know what is written – that YOU alone search the heart and test the mind, giving to each person according to his ways, we ask without trepidation that YOU change our hearts O God, make them ever new, in through Jesus, Amen.