Today’s Thought “Taking It on the Chin” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 4: ²⁹ Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

 

Pride of life can be mostly defensive and certainly sinful, keeping one with a fist balled up and whereas our Lord walked the earth HE made (John 1:1-3), knowing crowds were more enamored with all they’d pre-suppose He’d do, particularly since the predominant of HIS audiences were Jewish and severely disenfranchised amidst an Empire imposing great degradation and economic oppression towards them, Christ, our Lord, would yet exercise tremendous compassion, leaving HIS church for Heaven and granting us a similar peace unto endurance, despite societal triggers, so abusive. Moreover, at no time was HE personally guarded when insults and lies were spewed. So, may every believer exemplify HIS attitude, looking to others as we were found when called to serve, looking beyond every outsider’s indiscretion to know they need Jesus and we have the key to HIS throne room.

 

Father God, our minds were defiled in coarse assessment of others, forgetting the price our Savior lent to our deliverance and we thank You for this day presented to re-calculate that cost, by/through Your Word’s standard - "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” even placing others significantly before ourselves; for to know our Savior remains the greatest gift of all and HIS grace is more than enough. We pray for one another in that spirit, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Setting the Table” G. Ward

 

 Galatians 1: ¹³ For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it;

 

Whereas many have achieved an education replete with a varied subject matter, establishing depth of intellect, even receiving great accolades among men, our Lord’s selecting those for HIS kingdom onto Heaven won’t ever call on what we know, or where we’ve been to determine our usefulness. Moreover, it’s widely perceived that many exhaust themselves in efforts seemingly prone towards success, to then try the Almighty; and that presumption will many times finds a fellowship (to their liking) for a potential harvest, to what was dry ground (*cf. John 6:44).

Our theme addresses a group then and now; even using Paul’s personal, notorious past, as if to say he was the worst of sinners, yet, our Lord called him from darkness unto light; teaching us that our Lord will have mercy on whom HE chooses, because HIS Divine intervention remains a world apart from mankind’s devices. We bring nothing to the table set before us.

 

Father God, You remain the Host of every supper, even preparing the table, despite enemies all around and one such an enemy is our very own self, yet, You seat us, washing us beforehand, introducing the delicacies in Your Word and whereas that menu is overwhelmingly tasteful and rich onto endurance, may our running to You never witness our getting tired, as we find Your Shelter, entirely Sufficient, for every season; all because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Yesterday’s Mishap; Re-Visited” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

 

Wherever I go, getting there early is essential for a clown like me – seemingly suited and ready to exemplify our Lord’s attitude and whereas arrogance in a believer forgets the hefty price our Savior rendered and because I know I’m the most opinionated individual needing to walk in the Spirit versus assessing what’s wrong with everyone else, I’m so grateful to Jesus for granting mine own repentance (Ac.3:19). I’ve now more identified with what David meant in the first Psalm when he said, “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night” and whereas our theme on today concentrates on duties pertinent to believer-ship, I’m compelled in genuine kindness, not a conjured conciliatory attitude.

Father God, our lives can mostly exhibit a superficial attitude, entirely flippant, even through our greeting one another – to not really identify with listening to those in our presence, but more identifying with what we perceive we need and whereas You remain our Great Shepherd – we have need of nothing, while absolutely thanking You for another day’s journey to get it right – because of Jesus’ kindly consideration and pardon of our sins. May praise unto HIM be greater, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Preparing for Someday” G. Ward

 

Romans 14:1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions.

The message of grace is perhaps the toughest to convey because it absolutely involves nothing we’ve done so well or can do outside of receiving its giftedness from our Savior. We, however, are with some throughout every audience who will place extra on it, that is grace. They’ll not eat certain foods; while denying consistent discipleship’s affiliation within a local fellowship. More than often, I’ve witnessed these can be disquieted by our peace with congeniality; enough so, even that affords us as believers to set the record straight and that’s why chapter 12 insists we try to live at peace with all and whereas perspectives change, the true meaning of God’s Word won’t. So, what you can do is arrange a short study with them to enable you both to become very solid in relationship with Christ; and news flash, it won’t begin with points of indifference, but hone in with Jesus’ work on behalf of man.

 

Father God, while we’ve all fallen short of Your glory, so, may our mercy towards one another increase, for no one desires to be shamed into greater belief, particularly by another as fallible as they are, yet want the conviction the Spirit offers. We ask that our spiritual meditations rise to understand that out war is not with people appearing cantankerous, but the forces of evil all around. May we present You as worthy to pursue by one standard, the Truth of Your Word and not vain arguments, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Loose Lips…” G. Ward

 

1 John 3:18

Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

 

I would call this section of chapter 3 of 1 John a synopsis in empathy, that is an ability to understand another’s dilemma and compassionately so. Followers of Christ seek to practice righteousness, whereas others invent their own righteousness in accordance to what’s popular and because small portions of believers exist in a world filled with those un-surrendered to Christ, we appear odd, even self-righteous, particularly since we won’t involve ourselves with any appearance of unrighteousness. So, John invites every believer to know that regardless of what fellowship we frequent, the household of faith must prioritize one another; for to say I love you is cheapened when consolation from one is needed, along with material needs to thereafter witness our mouths echo, “I’ll be praying for you” to then move on to a pursuit in happiness, while misery victimizes your brother or sister.

Father God, Your Truth says that You’ll never leave us, nor forsake us and whereas Your Truth also insists that we, Your followers seek to imitate You, may we cease lip service and serve You by serving others; forgetting about ourselves and concentrating on all You’ve provided through sending Your Only Son – Jesus, whereby we praise You for such Perfect rescue. In HIS Name we pray, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Don’t Pass Go!” G. Ward

 

John 10: ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

 

The foundation of belief to know Jesus as Lord, understands that HE was/is the essence of God; meaning HE shares the exact same divine nature, being, and attributes as God the Father. He is not a separate being or a lesser creation, but the full, eternal expression of God existing in human form. Unapologetically, a believer’s proclamation of such must begin and end on that note; for there’s no connectivity to Holy God otherwise (John 14:6) and whereas some intellectuals have examined, then confirmed the historical proofs of HIS existence, that admittance can deny that actuality (i.e., that HE was God in the flesh – John 1:1-3,14).

King David’s expression, “The Lord is my Shepherd” transcends every generation (in believer-ship), that lends security in earth to Heaven, even unfolding a united front of our Triune Maker (The Father, Son and Spirit), having purposed even, our response concerning our Blessed Hope onto any, particularly in view of so many who deny such security with insistence that our Jesus was merely a good man. As believers, we know that HE remains the Only Good One who has redeemed us and shall forever proclaim HIM – Faithful!

 

Lord God, mankind, from the beginning have encountered opposing factions, denying Your power. May our steps cease moving towards these, more believing in our influence, than hearing their denial, particularly when the foundational matter resolved before the foundation of the world has been settled. We honor You with the monumental commission given us, remembering to never move away from the security to know You will never leave, nor forsake us, through Jesus, Amen.  

 

Today’s Thought “No Matter What the People Say” G. Ward

Colossians 3:1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.

 

Whereas our exposure to statements that remind us that God makes no mistakes, along with HE may not come when you want HIM, our desperate hearts, particularly upon points of misery presented, begs HIS attention as if HE needs to awaken to these earthly realities (cf. Matt.6:10, John 4:24) and while many may exercise in a rightful pursuit of Holy God (i.e., a daily, diligent investigation HIS Word), all need to know HIS thoughts and ways remain incomparably highest.

The global climate however, furthers in divisiveness and witnesses political leaders dedicating themselves to a “Robin Hood” theorizing, whereby its citizenry suffers in great lack. Moreover, this era has become compassionately aware of the less fortunate by more exercising sentiment of “what a shame” and someone needs to do something about this syndrome.

We’ve more sought to embrace our earthen posture as something to behold, although so temporal; even allowing religionists of sorts to impose on us what they perceive the Almighty wants us to know, versus freely sharing how HE has need of nothing, while yet desirous of a love relationship with everyone who’ll repent of their sins through Christ (2 Pe.3:9-10). All of God’s Word presented is a call to reorient our focus from temporary, worldly concerns to eternal, Christ-centered realities.

 

And Father God, may all stand amazed in their re-orientation of the Spirit’s demand, then follow. We’ve often denied every era before ours, that’s included many who’ve doubted Your Sovereign Control; so, may this day provided endeavor praise unto You for allowing greater personal pursuit of Your rule of us onto Heaven where troubles vanquish; because of Jesus, Amen.