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).

 

Today’s Thought “Too Many Words?” G. Ward

Matthew 15: ⁸ ‘This people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.
⁹ And in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

I’m very amazed to witness retail outlets at Christmas to see Valentine’s Day trinkets for sale and whereas it appears commendably preparatory, it’s really indicative in knowing American’s appetite for partying and while celebrations of sorts can be good, there can be unsanctioned mixture considered that lends greater distance with Holy God’s standard for those HE made.

God rejects worship where people draw near with their mouth but have hearts far from Him. If more practice of internal desire to live as Christ did – happens, others may be inclined to inquire about our peace and thereafter witness our mouths echoing HIS love for them exists in the same.

 

Today’s Thought “The Family Bible on the Coffee Table” G. Ward

Romans 1:18

 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

 

Those proposing to have at some point been mad at Holy God, have existed in a bubble far too long. There were others before us and perhaps after our departure and whereas difficulties visited them (far too frequently), many of them sought HIS comfort by faith, knowing troubles weren’t lasting (cf. Heb.12:1-3). To delude oneself is perhaps the greatest error existent; particularly when one is quick in perspectives given on Holy God without personal interrogation in what HE says, to become inventive/presuming on HIS mercy (Ro.10:8).

Unfortunately, many actively "push down," ignore, or hide the truth about God that is evident in nature and conscience, choosing to live in defiance and that kind of failure to honor the Almighty may soon experience no recourse permitted, for many are with a similitude of being on “death row” and whereas believers are prudently investigating, then seeking to do what HE says will live eternally, we beg some others to get on board.

 

Today’s Thought “Determined in Spiritual Fortitude” G. Ward

John 17: ¹⁵ I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Like any, I’m with periodic bouts in spiritual regression, and that I hate and more determined than before, to eliminate these indiscretions from the journey imposed. I’m yet very grateful for the deposit within (*John 14:26) and all HE reminds me of concerning all our Savior endeavored for me, even desiring others know of HIS magnificence; whether in the marketplace or workplace – I desire one attitude (Phil.2:3-4). No matter the vile conditions and language unbecoming of civility all around, I’ll hold my position, particularly since HE’S been mercifully patient with me. I must endure, although confident of my eternal destination with HIM, proving my availability as HIS vessel in this strange land; never conforming to a multi-faceted, perspective soon to become displaced by another eloquent one. For HE alone is good and HIS mercy endures forever.

 

Today’s Thought “Intentionally Yours…” G. Ward

2 Timothy 2:1-2

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.

 

Many are treasure seekers at best, seeking to employ Holy God for the immediacy of an answer suited for their expansive egos and not for HIS glory – concerning PURPOSE and whereas every believer should cease from nuances to being reproducers of HIS gospel and deal with mankind as they’ve been dealt with and granting hope beyond anyone’s wildest dreams of being loved and forgiven beyond measure, many proposing to believe, have instead become synonymous with sponges – soaking up all the Almighty offers and not sharing.

There are seemingly many (some will insist, even enough) gospel teachers; but if that were true, our districts would pervade more peace than chaos. Truth of old, is Truth today and whereas visuals of exponential growth (numerically) was never the spiritual barometer, but continues as a pre-ordained, one-to-one availability (*Heb 5:12), can our LORD count on you?

 

Today’s Thought “A Rightful Crutch” G. Ward

James 4: ⁸ Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 

Perhaps in faith, you’ve more understood how people need people? Ecclesiastes records partnership’s effort to remain faithful to Holy God can/will often involve such because one may be prone to frequent dry spells – insisting we know “for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” and whereas our love for the brethren desires their individual pursuit of God through Christ, via affirmations that proclaim HIM, the Great Shepherd, whereby those who’ve placed their faith in HIS guidance won’t want for anything, we say “use us.” However, if one is a practiced believer, and objectively keeps another dependent on their words and promptings, it more disallows a required repentance (genuine to one gaining presence unto the Holy One) with greatest, personal devotion, when me, nor you can be found.

 

Today’s Thought “Because HE Lives” G. Ward

1 Peter 3: ⁹ not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing.

To "not render evil for evil" means refusing to seek revenge or retaliate when someone has wronged you. It is a call to break the cycle of harm by choosing a higher moral response. The Word of God is replete with admonishing people of God unto any consideration of thinking we own portions of our existence in this strange land, but compels us to live as citizens of Heaven (Phil.3:20-21). Our every endeavor should be prefaced with prayer and thereafter slower movement; for our Lord positioned us here as light carriers in a dark world and whereas so much anger with divisiveness is rampant, those highly contentious can/will be surprised, if one counters their disgruntled behavior with non-provocative well wishes (and to really mean it – praying their peace that includes the Savior’s presence).