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.

 

Today’s Thought “The Kiss of Death” G. Ward

 

Matthew 26: ⁴⁸ Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign previously, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.” ⁴⁹ And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him.

 

To first remember, Jesus was God in the flesh, allowing this betrayal, knowing who HE made. Secondly, we’ll need to be reminded what betrayal is; it meant to deliver Jesus up treacherously. Moreover, for Judas this was intentional. Thirdly, didn’t we commit to His lordship over us? Have we forsaken HIS rule in exchange for our many pleasures so seemingly innocent? Has there been commitment to pursue His Word and then found us inconsistent? As a disingenuous kiss exists unto a spouse one insists they love and whereas we propose to be His church, that is, His bride – how well have you done?

Father God, may our view be open to correcting this unfortunate reality by understanding You giving us daily bread signifies a daily dependence on You for every provision and a recognition of You as our Ultimate Sustainer. Without You granting air, we don’t have life, So, may our hearts embrace believing this through better submission, then improving on testifying to ourselves and everyone that Your will be done, through Jesus, Amen. 

 

Today’s Thought “Never Too Busy” G. Ward

 

Matthew 19: ¹⁴ But Jesus said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

 

Accountability in faith matters must seek to arise in knowing I’m too incomplete unto existing in the broad scope of a chaotic world, including living by a self-imposed standard of whim, desire and speculation. This presumptive stance of my consideration is unable to accurately calculate the cost; for I’m totally unable to look into the future to view its result. Moreover, if and when I’ll decide my stance is derived from a prudent, educated investigation from others encounters who may be deemed successful intellects, I further in rebellion to what’s best to consider – for all should consult, then follow ONE who remains Perfect because HE is All Knowing and compassionately attune to what’s best for us.

Our theme maintains that coming to Jesus as children did won’t disappoint; for they were enamored and awe struck by HIS presence and that remains the requirement. Furthermore, a child understands they bring little to nothing to the vast scope of the world and merely depend on their guardian’s provisions and while they’re with propensity to step out of bounds, they crave the discipline that peaceably and lovingly sets them on the right course, and to that end – I must never become too grown up.

 

Father God, You refer to us as Your children, not as a demeaning inference, but an intimate one. For the love relationship You impose on us keeps guiding, leading us beside the still water and whereas that posture grants peace and comfort to know You’ll never leave us, it can also warn us that a view in such a proposed solace, can witness our drowning in that same body of water, representative of deep troubles everywhere. So, we say loudly, thank You for never letting go, all because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “You Want It, You Got It” G. Ward

 

“Look among the nations! Observe! Be astonished! Wonder! Because I am doing something in your days—You would not believe if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5

 

Appeals to Holy God cannot/shouldn’t prepare for reprieve on one’s own terms and that was the Prophet Habakuk’s cry; he was exhausted with his compatriot’s lack of trusting the Almighty’s way and it appeared the Lord was silent and tolerable even. Our Lord at verse 5 answers with great commands to this prophet; look and observe, be astonished and wonder. God’s people fit in where the heathens left off; more considerate of the world, than hearing and obeying their Maker. So, our Lord allowed the ruthless Babylonians to invade their territory to cruelly victimize Judah. Amazingly, many local fellowships purport fantastic prophecies towards hundreds or thousands of worshippers (cf. Mt.7:21) throughout auditoriums (weekly) with promises of no more trouble, while sharing very little on true contingency for peace (i.e. repentance). Is God the same God now as in the days of Habakuk? Does HE change, or do we need to change?

The Word of God is not the textbook of liberal arts; it’s astoundingly opposite of earthly thoughts. Moreover, and throughout both testaments, Holy God caused great destruction, even up to death for many who felt intelligent enough in distorting His commands. The beauty in privatized worship is that it helps us to know of His great care for us and never desire to repeat the mistakes of our predecessors; but ONLY trust HIM, even While sufferings may be continual.

 

Father God, we’re guilty of having needed You on wrongful terms. Our hearts many times desired retribution, and whereas You give us mercy, many times we failed to extend mercy to those we felt were grossly unrighteous. Then we come to our spiritual senses, and realize our Lord Jesus’ persecution and oppression given HIM for our gross spiritual negligence and hang our heads low, asking Your forgiveness and praying for the lost, because of Jesus, Amen.