Today’s Thought “Selflessness: An Uncommon Posture” G. Ward

 

1 Peter 4:1 “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God.”

 

The goal of the believer’s confession of his or her own sins forgiven was met by Christ, who suffered, enough so, that disallowed any effort from us through such reconciliation unto Holy God. With such a gift of grace, any should immediately and often ask the question, what shall I render to this Savior who has no need of anything (?) and whereas our Lord’s Truth records, “to obey is better than sacrifice,” it means that doing what God demands is far more important than offering religious gifts or rituals, especially when someone tries to use sacrifices to make up for disobeying God's direct commands. Obedience, is a silent, humbled partner and at the forefront of its compliance, will regard all Christ endured (i.e., including HIS dying), along with HIS generosity in merciful kindness; always putting others ahead of Himself. When that meditation becomes a daily, ongoing reflection, a believer’s life prepares not for more years in earth, void of sufferings, but welcomes them; in view of the home HE prepared for them – whereby the threat of death and troubles are non-existent.

 

Father God, Your plan from the beginning involved this Gift of Jesus and our praise won’t cease to know You had us in mind before the foundation of the world. This day, wishes You a great morning, along with delighting in wherever You take us and proclaiming Your tender mercy to whoever; praying that Your church be revived in the greatest spiritual reality that Christ paid it all, and rendered the perfect example in endurance; in HIS Name we pray, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “What You See, Is What You Get” G. Ward

 

Psalm 119:160, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments is everlasting.”

 

I must admit how troubled I’ve been for other’s consideration of perceived, co-equal manuscripts prioritized over God’s Word. I’m an avid reader of most anything, amazed even at qualitative authorship from many, but I’ve experienced the joy to know what our Lord supplied when HE said, “My peace I give you; not as the world gives” and that my friends is known solely through the Word of Truth. Moreover, we’ll need to more understand it as final authority, particularly as we unfold more of its reality that says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words are forever.”

If as believers, we’re people of eternity, dependent on our Lord’s sustenance in everything, the assurance of HIS presence as we journey in/through this strange and weary land, won’t happen mystically, but only through a daily consultation mandated by our Creator.

 

And Lord God, we pray for one another, that each of us “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled to all the fullness of God” and become more prepared to proclaim HIS grace and mercy, as HIS words grant us security and comfort onto endurance. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “First Day of School with an Empty Backpack” G. Ward

John 15: ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also.

 

Televangelist Kenneth Copeland’s eldest son, is with a recent video expressive in how he doesn’t question God, but won’t understand why his parents are in a debilitative state of health although months away from being 90 years old. Moreover, that same son (in his 60’s) would proclaim “this ain’t right” for my parents to be in such pain. He then would state, “we still speak faith.” The grand-daughter then chimes in to suggest that her Pa-Pa was recently on her podcast to say her grandfather taught her that his healing already took place on the cross over 2000 years ago and he’s just waiting for his body to catch up and many don’t like such an answer. Both are begging for answers (cf. Jas.3:13-16).

Millions have ascribed to these kinds of ministries, very ill-prepared for life’s actualities (*1 Pe.4:12-13); even passing opportunity to carefully examine our Lord’s choosing those first disciples and whereas that listing at Matthew 10 were all killed for their faith, with the exception of Judas Iscariot, who died by suicide and John, traditionally believed to have died of old age, we must prepare (*Matt.16:24). By true faith in Christ, these who placed implicit trust in the Savior live eternally and weren’t taught an attachment to a strange land, but to more exist as a citizen of Heaven (Phil.3:20).

Follow-ship of shiny presentations with demand from charismatic leaders, nullifies “to God be the glory…”

 

Father God, those proposing to be teachers are certainly held to a stricter judgment that none should desire, but exorbitant lifestyles overwhelm spiritual sensibility. So, on today, we pray for the Copeland family, to absolutely witness Truth in their time of need, so as to identify with repentance unto Your lordship, so others may be significantly changed, not for mere popularity’s sake, but because You desire their repentance, through Jesus, Amen.

 

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.