Today’s Thought “Merciful: A Reasonable Attribute” G. Ward

 

Titus 3: ⁴ But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, ⁵ He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

 

A believer’s rejection of another must be carefully in tune to their own yesterday; particularly that to which won’t compare oneself with a host of other bad actors, but assess how well I’ve imitated the ONE who redeemed me from my every indiscretion, despite my continued failings and while I was unkind, unloving and blatantly rebellious. Perhaps then, my actions will demonstrably and compassionately look beyond faults in others as was shown to me by our Eternal King(?).

 

Holy God, we marvel in Your Word. For it guides us perfectly and whereas the Spirit allows our understanding, enough so to correct us, we welcome that change. Our greatest need to proclaim Your generosity to another beleaguered by ongoing troubles that keeps them broken compels us, Your called out ones – to introduce the greatest cure offered mankind, Jesus our Lord; teaching them how HE continues to love those HE made and desires a love relationship with any who’ll place their trust in HIM. We thank You for such a charge to recall – through all our Savior demonstrated. To HIM be the glory, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “A Spoiled Child” G. Ward

 

2 Corinthians 12

 ⁹ And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

 

Humans were made fragile to more depend on their Maker in everything; and so, the Apostle Paul is our student-example of endurance amidst what he referred to as a thorn in his flesh and would pray three times for the Lord to take it from him. Our Lord said no. Paul writes, that trust in the Lord endures. Here, the thorn was opposition to his ministry; a false apostle, who would continuously counter Paul’s teaching.

 Jesus would teach every disciple how to more pray the Lord’s will be done and whereas it’s also said that God will give you and me the desires of our hearts – what that means is that once our hearts are genuinely in tune with the Lord’s Word in unselfish desire, and to never think of oneself as better than Jesus, who suffered unto a life of greatest persecution, betrayal from within, lies and deception from HIS own along with the most brutal crucifixion, we’d prepare accordingly (Matt.16:24). The Apostle Paul would thereafter consider how to overwhelmingly conquer a troubled mindset; for his troubles, like ours, are momentary and so Holy God reminds us in the same, MY grace is Sufficient.

Lord God, our mouths have echoed we trust Thee, but then we rise from our knees in immediate activity to assume because we’re able, You approve. May each one on today, more realize that absolute, daily pursuit of what’s written and devoted compliance unlocks uncertainties and grants peace amidst the many thistles and thorns in our way. Our desire is more trust of Thee, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Overwhelmed in Soap Scum” G. Ward

 

Titus 3: ⁵ He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.

 

There’s a complete spiritual cleansing and brand-new life God gives a person through Jesus Christ; and this metaphor describes a deep, spiritual cleaning that removes sin. This renewal given believers, refers to the ongoing, life-changing work of the Holy Spirit inside a believer. The Spirit does not just patch up an old life; He continually transforms and molds the person into a new creation.

We’re given a complete spiritual cleansing by ALL Christ offered, that is HIS very life in exchange for our punishment and whereas HIS Spirit (Ro.8:9) exists in believers, enabling us to discern the Truth of God’s Word (1 Cor.2:14), may we consider HIS transforming us by/through a daily pursuit of how Christ correlated in the earth; for HIS perfect example will guide us onto greater peace in the many trials presented.

 

And Lord God, we’re adjusting daily to counting it joy when trials invade our moments, for we know You as a Mighty Shelter and absolutely more depend on Your ongoing presence to carry us through. We pray on today, for other believers – vulnerable to being grievous in their soul; that they’d witness a fellow believer coming to their aid, walking alongside them until trouble diminishes and then become productive witnesses altogether, proclaiming Christ as our All in All, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Who’s Who: A Tag Obliterated” G. Ward

 

2 Corinthians 5: ¹⁷ Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

 

The new identity in Christ, a believer is afforded, can absolutely forget about carrying the outstanding luggage of old, so weighty and consumed with appearances of perfection and worldly success; it’s because the Maker of Heaven and earth, including people and things, decided to inhabit fleshly vessels of mankind – chosen, before the foundation of the world was considered. The believer’s past won’t define us; we’re completely recreated by God and to know that no matter our moral productivity (according to others), HIS highest standard continues to be violated, until any humble themselves through a repentant heart, to then seek forgiveness through Christ. 1 John 3:1 highlights the great love of the Father in making believers children of God, assuring believers there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus; now our makeover celebrates being HIS chosen and given the priesthood to reflect HIS nature and compels others unto that same light from a dark, weary path (cf. John 7:13-14).

 

Father God, to meditate on this great, spiritual focal point is so refreshing. So, our hearts are glad and generously offer praise to Your transforming us unto an effectual calling as witnesses to Your Truth. May this serve as tremendous encouragement for our day’s journey in You that invites the many of our encounters to see our works and bless Your Holy and Righteous Name; asking Your appointments for this day presented to proclaim How Great Is Our God! In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Throwing the First Stone” G. Ward

 

1 John 3: ¹¹ For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we are to love one another.

 

Genuine love for fellow believers acts as proof that a person has moved from spiritual death into eternal life and whereas we know what our Savior endeavored to forgive our sins, including being hated while innocently proclaiming HIS Father’s plan from the beginning, our commissioning would be similar (John 15:20). Therefore, our clinging to that rugged cross (given us) involves an uneasy road ahead, requiring interdependence from other like-minded believers (Eccl.4:9-12) for periodic encouragement is needed (Heb.10:25). Soon, and because few are involved with the Truth of this spiritual quest, love for the brethren increases and believers exact our Lord’s demand, “By this (love) all people will know that you are My disciples.”

 

Father God, we’re here temporarily to reflect Your character as Holy and whereas You’ve granted us every spiritual blessing to do so, we seek Your blessing as we endeavor all it shall mean to thrive as representatives of Your commands while in a weary land, preparing each day in accordance to how our Lord Jesus endured and following HIS perfect example, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Simple Math” G. Ward

Revelation 21: ¹⁸ I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; ¹⁹ and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

 

Complete honesty and respect for God's message is the eternal demand given mankind. Here’s what that’ll mean; One must not invent new prophecies, or twist the text to fit personal agendas, or falsely claim God said something He did not and whereas the airwaves are filled with religious zealots invading Holy space by seeking fame and fortune; true missionaries maintain the words in Jesus’ preparation that says, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you…”

Pursuing Truth without sensationalism lends great joy and peace, even establishing greatest confidence in HIS abiding with us wherever we venture, assuring that the HOME HE prepared for us, assuredly includes us.

 

So, Father God, whereas we know You as All-Wise and All-Power, our trust is established by the daily pursuit in Your Word where absolute Truth lives. May that faith grow exponentially so, as we proclaim to all the excellence You’ve allowed in our approach to Your Mighty Throne, through Jesus our Lord, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Mama Said, Eat Your Liver” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 10: ²³ All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. 

 

Legalism in a biblical context is the mistaken belief that people can earn or keep God's favor, salvation, or attain towards spiritual maturity by strict adherence through having read perceived Truth from Holy God’s script and whereas to know Jesus was/is the fulfillment of the Law, means to know the Almighty’s standard won’t accept futile efforts of man, so inconsistent in compliance, Christ, would follow those precepts perfectly, allowing our sweet communion with the Father (John 14:6). The apostle, having penned this letter through Divine inspiration, would share liberty in Christ, but not that which violates another’s potential to follow our Lord’s perfect way. For example, many won’t eat pork, because all their lives they were told it was absolutely forbidden and whereas they affirm the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, confessing their sins through repentance, but maintain some dietary constraint, perhaps our Lord will open the door for you and me to aid their inaccuracy(?), but if I insist on eating smothered pork chops in their presence, it’s become abhorrently offensive to them and may ruin a witness.

 

Father God, the attitude of Christ was intentionally compassionate and sacrificial and whereas we’re called to follow HIS example and lead, we’re deciding to trust in all HE administered. Our light within was given by the Savior to point others to HIM and disquiet the darkness having consumed those lost. So, may our every word and action, live in the standard You determined as absolute, as we joyously say, it’s more than enough and give freely Your highest standard to any deficient in knowing – our Lord Jesus paid it all (*Col.2:13-14)! Amen.