Today’s Thought “Smart Is, As Smart Does” G. Ward

 

Acts 17: ²⁴ The God who made the world and everything that is in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by hands.

 

Whereas the Apostle Paul is taking opportunity in Athens at the Areopagus (Mars Hill), an intellectual and cultural center filled with statues, altars, and pagan shrines, he addressed esteemed philosophers who believed the gods of any temple, existed in those designated worship spaces, allowing even those worshippers to govern themselves once they departed temple territory; Paul would insist there is One God, Creator of the Universe, without regard to earthen boundary (i.e., to know all come from one man – v.26), whereby intellectualism, or higher intelligence isn’t impressive to the Maker of man. Moreover, to know a conformity to His Way is the demand, calling for every man’s repentance in His Holy presence.

We, as believers, have now become the temple of the Holy Spirit and whereas HE is the Great Instructor, He teaches slow learners to great scholars – a needful humility that marvels in how the Almighty loves the unlovable and even desires a love relationship with His creation.

 

Lord God, may we stand at attention as our Teacher permits Heaven’s regard to saturate our hearts, once so despicably wicked and now washed in the blood of Jesus our Lord and determine to never be impressed with any avenue of man soon to pass away; for we are Your priests, although in a weary land, willing and determined to teach about an eternity, when we’ll absolutely cease from sin and view our Exemplary Savior - Jesus, face to face, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Only A Test…” G. Ward

 

Proverbs 24:17–18: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them”.

 

Let’s first decide the definition of who may be the enemy is simply one who opposes your convictions and whereas our Lord demanded we love them, it’s because HE did. Therefore, and in view of HIS great compassion, even Divine (while in earth), to know who would genuinely place their faith in HIM, tears from our Savior would flow to see the many who needed HIS lead (*Matt.9:36-37 - for without it yields an eternal doom). Some would shout, “Crucify HIM!” Many would mock HIM. Great crowds would follow HIM – solely for the miracles; He’d continue on the proposed mission and the testimony of God given us, records that some once trapped in darkness would inevitably be chosen by that One and Only Blessed Redeemer (John 6:44).

As you and me look to that Great Author and Finisher of our faith and because of the Almighty’s testimony, determine on this day – HE ALONE CHOOSES WHO WILL OR WON’T COME TO HIM and whereas those could be on their way to becoming part of HIS family, be prepared to serve them as HE did, patiently and kindly; determined to not distribute their perceived carelessness, but a great mercy that found us (Ro.5:8).

 

Father God, Your monumental Word continues to marvel us; revealing our desperate hearts as wicked (Jer.17:9) and whereas You sent the Perfect Cure – our Redeemer Jesus, may we decide to follow HIM will mean to look beyond mankind’s faults by allowing the Light placed within us shine brightly (when we said forgive us Lord), thanking You for completing us daily and leading us to every enemy with love and desire to witness their repentance. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “When Intimacy Builds” G. Ward

 

Luke 19: ⁴¹ When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, ⁴² saying, “If you had known on this day, even you, the conditions for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.

 

Jesus’ tears show deep sorrow, love, and heartbreak for people who are spiritually blind and headed toward judgment, rather than anger for Himself. His famous words upon being given over to a heinous death – to hear such mocking for those He’d soon give His life for, would echo a sentiment so cherished by believers, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" and we’re now called His very own to embody the same. May we be reminded that Holy God’s standard is highest and regards our perfection unto it and yes – without our placing implicit trust in the Son, allowing HIS righteousness to permeate our total being, Almighty God won’t look upon our sinfulness. Many of this era reject HIS peace. They continue in the conjuring effect, running aimlessly and as a person endeavoring directions for a lostness to a proposed destination, our Father provides us, His ambassadors with directives for spiritual weariness unto those unaware of their forsaking an eternity with HIM (*Ro.10:14). If our disobedience fails to compel others to know HIM for all HE offers, it’s with comparability of an unbeliever’s lostness, because we’ve decided to violate HIS mercy and grace meant for the “whoever” of HIS gospel.

 

Lord God, our Savior’s compassion is magnificently perceived as loving beyond our comprehension; for the vilest of sinners are included and if we’re not careful, our efforts pre-determine some aren’t worthy, doubting Your Omnipotence. Forgive us Father, as we examine our vile behavior and lack to do that of our highest spiritual priority – enabling others to hear, trust and obey ALL Jesus said and did. May tears turn into gladness, as our Lord is near. Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” G. Ward

 

Matthew 6: ²⁷ And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span? 

 

Our Lord’s discourse from chapters 5-7 of Matthew embodies spiritual practicality with great demand and whereas HE insists our listening understands the earth is the Lord’s possession as its Sole Creator – HE remains the Caregiver; even up to feeding the birds. Moreover, HE provided us with unique intelligence to enable HIS will be done. This won’t ever mean that our design can distance itself from where All Knowledge exists, to then assume such finite determination’s success shall be. For those motives enacted births worry. HIS mercy towards us, most assuredly offers this era what was given our predecessors – when insistence of their way failed miserably at honoring our King that says "return to the Lord your God" or "turn to Me" which appears dozens of times (For HIS mercy is Great!). May today’s worry be extinguished through a concerted meditation with thanksgiving, more delighting in rightful governance and whereas Jesus is the Way, Sole Truth and Life, determine HE knows what’s best for me.

 

Father God, we marvel at such refreshing when our considerations think on the magnificent love You have for us. Moreover, we thank You for the godly sorrow from our hearts, determined to honor Your leading us and never return to thinking too highly of ourselves again. We honor the Spirit for ability to hear, then understand what You’re saying to Your church and count it joy for such refuge, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “God: An Equal Opportunity Employer” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 9: ¹⁶ For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am under compulsion; for woe to me if I do not preach the gospel. 

 

The Apostle Paul’s commission is the same as our own as believers in Christ Sufficiency; after all, it’s HIS gospel; we’re solely called as messengers. Moreover, that this message of reconciliation will never require what you can bring to the table. Many times, we don’t feel ready because our speech isn’t as great as another. Our Lord began with untrained, uneducated men, to show the world what HE could do through them - and the same is provided us, particularly as we make a daily effort to grow in HIM. We never graduate from these courses taught in HIS Word, yet we’re comfortable in always being HIS student, even as we’ve been given such a trust. HE develops us to being HIS teacher and while some would say Gregory, that’s a stretch, our Lord compels us to know that the kindergarten teacher is needful for the same college professor so scholarly. Therefore, as you learn His yoke is easy, you’re compelled to find another student to instruct.

 

And Lord God, we ask that our fortitude to stand emanate from our daily contact with such a Magnificent Savior as You are. Moreover, we request of You, that Your allowance for this student proposed would occur very soon, so our journey with You, would first depend on You to guide us through and secondly allow us, Your representatives to know of Your great works the more that seeks to ensure You receive all the glory, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Rightful Preparation” G. Ward

1 Peter 4: ¹² Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; ¹³ but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed.

 

While any reasonable won’t run towards sufferings, they’re common an encounter for humanity. The Apostle’s inspiration seeks a believer’s comfort to know troubles are/can be overcome by an ongoing perspective of trusting God through Christ; to not be overwhelmed when the people slander our spiritual posture, but to know our watchfulness regarding our Lord’s return must be our focus and whereas our desire should match the Almighty’s – in that HE maintains an immense capacity for patience before HIS ultimate judgment, our mercy must reflect HIS. So, this week has begun, to capitalize on our ambassadorship; finding another and sharing Truth. This remains our primary responsibility; building communities of believers; not politically, or through social reform, but solely through ALL Christ did.

 

Father God, while trusting You involves imitating Christ, many are familiar with our politics, along with our Savior. We’re horribly exposed to expressions of God and country, emblematic of idolatry, as some are enamored with living in a strange land, without consideration of a preparation onto an eternal life with You. May our meditations encompass an unwavering determination to proclaim our Lord’s sufficiency amidst a majority living on their own volition. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Deliberate Doublemindedness” G. Ward

Matthew 6: ³⁴ “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

Idolatry is service, or deep trust given to anything created— including anything that holds power or authority over one and giving that thing or person such allegiance, in place of the true and living God. Rather than begin with a personal verdict of not guilty, an examination is warranted with each of us; particularly in view of the fragility of things and people (so temporal), contrasted with the Savior (*not a created being), giving HIS life as a Perfect Substitute for our punishment and the eternal hope of Heaven where troubles cease.

The examination aforementioned, won’t be so entirely encapsulated in selfish desire to wait for Friday, so as to celebrate vigorously, but celebrates each day for their Redeemer’s victorious distribution of love and presence, over doom and destruction – we all deserve. Now, let’s assess our plans against ALL of that great provision; for to disallow HIS plan for your and my life HE purchased, furthers an idolatrous spirit (Ps.94:11).

 

Father God, may Your blessings come under best investigation by us, that first appreciates employment, housing, family, in view of so many desirous of the same and not be so overwhelmed in things we can see and touch. For the substance is ode to Jesus; and causes our reflections to remember others ahead of ourselves. May our joy rise in that recall, praising You for our usefulness; for to serve, will seek those dis-spirited and proclaim HIS appointment by walking alongside them until they realize HE remains a present help in/through every occasion. In Jesus Name, Amen.