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?

 

Today’s Thought “UNITY” G. Ward

Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

The song that states, “when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be” greatly signifies that until then, a preparation given us, cannot thwart sufferings (John 16:33). Our role as believers shouldn’t perpetuate notions that divisiveness is acceptable either (*Ro.16:17), even that to which seeks to substantiate moral fortitude through boasting of a political affiliation appearing more righteous than a lesser side; for Jesus, our Exemplar Leader – gave taxes to Caesar, along with compliance unto his laws, but absolutely/preeminently observed HIS Father’s reign and rule. I’m always perplexed on the unholy attempt to proclaim righteousness on a few things achieved from any (*Ro.3:10,23), to then forget the many failures of the flesh, entirely unbecoming of the Spirit realm(?).

 

Today’s Thought “Bordering Idolatry” G. Ward

1 Samuel 8

⁷ And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them.

 

Predecessors to every nation endured great injustice, hardship of sorts and sufferings and much existed at the hands of those unruly and whereas this era is called to a similar endurance and whereas anger is spiritually permissible (Eph.4:26), it was never meant to teeter-totter on efforts guided by one’s own volition (Prov.16:18), but utter dependence on Who any say is their LORD (cf. Jas.4:1-10).

Every Empire from the beginning, sought peaceable resolve on their own terms - versus the Almighty’s demand and then there were many proposing surrender to the Holy One, while equally dependent on a leader for reprieve (*Ex.20:2-5). As Solomon would pray to Holy God to abide in the Temple meticulously built for HIM, our Lord’s answer remains – humble yourself, pray, seek and turn from wicked behavior and Divine healing and restoration happens (2 Chron.7:14).