Today’s Thought “Trouble in My Way…” G. Ward

Psalm 118: ⁵ From my distress I called upon the Lord; The Lord answered me and put me in an open space. ⁶ The Lord is for me; I will not fear; What can man do to me?

Being in dire straits is the issue and whereas that condition won’t always involve finance, but can include any “crisis of belief” (i.e., where deeply held convictions about God – war against a fleshly demand for immediate reprieve), may those who follow Christ persevere in righteousness imputed.

 The great crowds at Christ’s Triumphal Entry (into Jerusalem on a donkey) would chant portions of this psalm (v.25), declaring “Hosanna” (pleas for salvation) and whereas hundreds of thousands would chant “Blessed is the one who comes in the Name of the Lord” so happily that day, less than 5 days later would witness many shouting “Crucify HIM!”

When/if the kinds of tight spaces compel us to an un-spiritual, reactionary response, may it cause us to remember the reverberation to our sinful insistence can often deliver us unto even more troubles. Instead, and worthy for adoption is, “those who wait for the Lord, Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.”

 

Today’s Thought “Safe and Secure?” G. Ward

John 6: ⁶⁶ As a result of this many of His disciples left, and would no longer walk with Him. ⁶⁷ So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to leave also, do you?” ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ And we have already believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”

 

To “know” the Lord is with similitude of a marriage relationship and whereas the intimacy shared in that partnership is private, our dependence on the Savior is with that predominant component; it depends on HIM in every way, particularly inwardly (i.e., in soul matters), so that every outward expression thereafter, may exemplify HIS goodness implanted, bringing others to HIS message intended.

Our theme witnesses many proposed disciples of Jesus having heard HIM say that HE is the "Bread of Life" and that true life comes from consuming HIS flesh and blood. That moment separated the "crowd" from the "Twelve," as many abandoned Him, forcing a choice between rejecting His difficult, spiritual message or accepting Him as the source of eternal life; even highlighting a contrast to either be a “fair weather” follower, or a committed disciple and whereas those fleeing more desired a political leader/king, HIS demand was too great.

*The road less traveled is yet HIS demand (Matt.7:13-14).

 

Today’s Thought “What We Owe” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 13

 ⁶ It does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; ⁷ it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 

The subject is Love and whereas Truth demands we know “God is love” (1 John 4:8), we must act accordingly. Whereas our Lord Jesus was significantly selfless, even enduring a tumultuous death on our behalf, we, as followers of Christ are called HIS very own with refusal to celebrate wrongdoing (i.e., while seeking the highest good of others), even finding joy in truth and righteousness with patience that grants them hearing of the Magnificent Savior’s work, that includes the incomparable price given for our indiscretions.

 LOVE is actionable, along with indiscriminate — so, choosing to honor God rather than self, without “cherry picking” those seemingly worthy defy Truth; for Christ remains the Only One worthy and all others    

 (Ro.3:10,23) …

 

Today’s Thought Without Interference?” G. Ward

Proverbs 18:1

One who separates himself seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom.

 

While many agendas exist in people, there are some who (upon hearing this agenda) counter these plans, questioning every particular involved and rather than receive these offerings so as to build consensus that yields a best choice, the planner (many times) will dismiss those, even tagging them contentious, while separating themselves (permanently) from what once existed.

It highlights that withdrawing from community—family, friends, or the church—is a self-centered act that results in a rebellion against godly counsel and wise advice. This behavior creates an "echo chamber" where the individual only listens to their own opinions, leading to arrogance furthered and antithetical to the expression that says, “no man is an island” theorizing.

 

Today’s Thought “Soon, Some Will See the KING!” G. Ward

Hebrews 4

¹⁶ Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.

Almost daily, astonishment circumvents the lives of Americans as they hear the demise of some so celebrated and whereas we’re all extending great comfort to those closest to those lauded, the shock of it all quickly subsides. Great expressions through artful canvases flood the internet that includes many esteemed for their craft who are presumed in Heaven – to then see a welcoming committee (of famous ones departed), receiving another deemed as successful. It perpetuates a notion that positive earthly contribution from humanity is rewarded by the Savior (Jesus Christ) who had/has no favorites and paid a price for anyone’s sinfulness, insisting on one way to exist with HIM eternally; via deepest, personal conviction that Jesus is that person’s Owner, which includes repenting from sin and placing sole trust in HIS will (i.e., Word) for their lives. *For Believing in God is not enough (Jas.2:19 says, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”).

 

Today’s Thought “That’s Not Motivational!” G. Ward

Luke 16: ²² Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s arms; and the rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. ²⁴ And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’

 

Very “few” ascribe to Truth and many author scripts encouraging mediocrity and whereas the “few” portraying Christ Sufficiency - genuinely desire our Lord receive the glory, the others build prominence.

Life is ultimately this way: One aspiring to live sumptuously (i.e., at the expense of others remaining depleted), can mostly be selfish and if that practice empties onto habit, only our Lord can change that; but that same beholder of (emotional) self-preservation must first recognize need for change and whereas that egocentric one may feel as if they have time to reconcile themselves to the Highest, Righteous standard that grants eternity – their plans are non-authoritative. May this serve as warning that a next moment isn’t guaranteed and eternity waits – for both the REDEEMED and unredeemed.

 

Today’s Thought “The Externals of Religion” G. Ward

Isaiah 66:1 This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?

Certainly, Holy God is not contained in temples built, that we’d become so enamored with these institutions, but to know through all our Redeemer offered and saying yes to HIS will, through repentance of sins – makes any HIS temple in earth. Therefore, we’re now called to embody a humble, obedient heart (through whatever we do or say as representative of our LORD - *Col.3:16-17). Our theme challenges the idea that God is impressed by external, magnificent, or religious displays, if they’re not accompanied by genuine, humble, and reverent devotion. 

We cannot buy into this spiritual institution, for the poor are yet unable, but still called HIS very own, while blessed. Moreover, we’re not good enough; for everything we are in HIM, was administered by/through HIM (i.e., faith, forgiveness and righteousness) and apart from HIM, we can do nothing (John 15:5).