Today’s Thought “Black History is Everyone’s History” G. Ward

Genesis 9

¹⁸ Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. ¹⁹ These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

 

Whereas Holy God created mankind without consideration to our external physicality, we’ve lived opposite of that actuality. Intelligence, should understand the unfortunate divide perpetuated by many, while witnessing many infer their children marry according to the social construct resembling themselves – even that to which never think of themselves as racist.

How can Holy God err (*Nu.23:19)? HE CANNOT!  Would HE make certain shades of people more prone to criminality, less intelligent, or morally reprehensible, while saying from the Truth of HIS Word, that HE made man in HIS image (*so as to reflect HIS Divine attributes, not a physical appearance); so, the fall of man thereafter witnessed – ALL having come from the 3 sons with the same Mother and Father? Gregory, you appear guilty of perpetuating the problem also, in that you’re highlighting racist tactics as you celebrate Black History Month. No, friends, we do so in the same vein of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish have too been great earthly participants, but Blacks in America have been marginalized in/through horrid descriptors entirely inaccurate, along with history erased and denied, even losing our names – and forced to carry surnames of a brutal ownership in what was/is a free land unto others with different pigmentations (*1 Cor.7:23); along with being the brunt of a monolithic regard in all matters of being Black in America. May we all celebrate accomplishments beneficial to the many segments of society, but preeminently GLORIFY our Almighty God for HIS Perfect Resolution to foolish divide found in us.

 

Today’s Thought “A Charge to Keep” G. Ward

Psalm 18:3

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

David (upon constructing this song) was perhaps an older fellow, contemplating how the Lord rescued him from many enemies, very particularly a foolish King Saul’s vindictive, jealous pursuit that sought denying David a kingship and whereas praise remembers who brought us, it should become worship that absolutely obeys. Following God’s commands rather than ritualistic behavior should be the goal for the believer; it authenticates how completely fulfilled I am with Christ leading me, even circumventing every meditation and so satisfied with what HE’S done despite my efforts, to say that if no other rescue is afforded me, I’ll yet serve HIM until I die (*cf.1 Cor.2:9).

 

Today’s Thought “Religious Impracticality” G. Ward

2 Timothy 1

⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

The Word of the Living God is to be studied and whereas many ascribe to it as though they’re reading an ordinary book, they’ll fail to observe its significance, because their observation depends on intellect, disallowing the Spirit’s teaching (John 14:26, 1 Cor.2:14).

The spirit of timidity aforementioned equals a cowardice that Timothy would be guilty of. He was a young man being urged to preach “in season and out of season,” which meant to proclaim the Gospel consistently and faithfully, regardless of whether it is convenient, popular, or well-received. We’ve listened to improper usage of such a slogan, even that to which demands “fear” as unacceptable and whereas we’re all afraid of something, many have imposed upon us a castigating, super-believer posture unfounded and whereas Jesus Himself, experienced intense fear, dread, and anguish when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane to have "this cup" (His impending Passion) removed. Are you greater than HE?

 

Today’s Thought “Running on A Path Unending” G. Ward

 1 Corinthians 2:9

But just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the human heart, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.”

We need the encouragement (from God’s Word) written for our fortitude in Christ, now more significantly than yesterday (cf. Ro.8:18). Each day offers more consideration to exist in wrongful contribution to the affairs of this world, than trust of our Lord’s Sovereign Control; particularly since what we’ve been given to perceive is soon to change. No matter the generation of man, the Word of God remains relevant and is given us as believers, to train others accordingly.

Whereas eyes light up comparable to a young child at his birthday party to then be exposed to a big gift box wrapped anticipating all he ever wanted; yet, this promise is specific to those who love God (*1 John 2:6) and are called according to His purpose. Moreover, this verse is entirely relevant to matters of eternity; reassuring believers that Holy God is the Sole Preparer of unparalleled spiritual blessings and truths that transcend earthly experiences.

Study the Truth of God’s Word versus motivation onto mediocrity furthered. 

 

Today’s Thought “Got-ta Give It Up!” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5

¹⁵ And He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.

Whereas a majority of Americans profess to knowing our Lord, the biblical definition “to know” indicates greatest intimacy with HIM that absolutely depends on HIM in everything; along with walking as HE walked (1 John 2:6) and whereas a believer’s hypocrisy is to know how to properly decipher HIS Word, while not missing discipleship opportunities, yet, many times forsaking the intentional, spiritual duty to personally teach others HIS commands (*Heb.5:12), ensuring all/any would know HE loves them also. May every believer endeavor correcting such lethargy.

 

Today’s Thought “You Go Every Sunday?” G. Ward

Proverbs 22:2

The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.

 

The fellowship of believers welcomes all financial classes of people, even insisting on an interdependence; particularly as all acknowledge the Almighty in every regard (cf. Ac.2:41-47). It’s difficult for believers - no matter what economic class, when/if a fellow believer undergirds fiscal struggle to not desire helping and whereas the defensive may lend a perceived, rightful assessment to say, those depleted exercised in mis-management could be true, it won’t address a needful mercy presented each of us by our Savior – who witnessed our spiritual malfeasance, yet gave anyhow and whereas that should always be in the conscious of every believer, we unify on that magnificent premise versus castigations furthered (Eph.4:1-6), longing to see one another at meeting times (*Heb.10:23-25), considering it vital to our spiritual well-beings.

 

Today’s Thought “Are We Saying, It’s Too Difficult for God?” G. Ward

Matthew 5: ⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

It’s more apparent than any other time how mankind, even those who profess to know Christ, lack pursuit of HIS attitude (Phil.2:1-5). Our Savior was unwaveringly decisive in portraying eternal pursuits while living in a temporal land and whereas the difficulties of HIS exposure involved scenarios appearing attractive – He’d resist with a goal in mind, involving you.

The love our Savior speaks about is synonymous to all HIS enemies would offer HIM – a horrible crucifixion and upon such a tumultuous death in view, He prayed for them to be forgiven. For any now (*particularly believers) to persist in such anger that dismisses others for their every opposing view, even issuing tags so offensive unto their perceived selfish plights – truly misrepresent belonging to Christ. I don’t have to like anything the world presents, but while wrongful assessment occurs periodically, I must adjust to realize HE died for me when I was entirely disagreeable (Ro.5:8), giving me His blessed Hope, despite who I’ve been. Can anymore be changed?