Today’s Thought “Recruiting Sharpshooters” G. Ward

 

Deuteronomy 18: ²⁰ But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name, a word which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.

 

While many presume to speak for Holy God, their words, many times, fail to echo what’s found from Genesis to Revelation and even when there’s quoting of such, context can be violated, that absolutely distorts its impact in Truth. Moreover, the sayer’s knowledge of so many impressed with their perceived eloquence, works vigorously to keep the masses confounded by intentionally finding passages befitting to their greed. Throughout Holy God’s compilation of Truth, great warning is given regarding trust of man; so much so, that true prophets’ prefacing would most always begin with the Lord says, inviting those listeners to potential judgment when compliance to HIS demands were violated; yet, many times, these warnings offered a proposed return to the Lord’s way. If/when a presumed minister of Truth is always sharing great things ahead (particularly when an auditorium may contain 50 or more), against God’s “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” the demand for these may not be as what’s given them from the Old Testament – to be stoned to death, but an imminent eternity in torment may be.

 

Father God, whereas more discernment is needed than before, many have to first decide that the Truth of Your Word is Life. May we who know the journey You provide for us depends on that Truth as any parched desires water. May our intentional witness more gather those vulnerable to trickery of the false prophet than ever before and then teach all Your commands, giving You all the glory and honor, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Straight Talk” G. Ward

 

2 Peter 2:1, “But false prophets also appeared among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”

 

Whereas it’s said that “many are called, but few are chosen,” we’ve now become witnesses to that reality. It’s given in such measurement because of a demand from so many to be entertained by eloquence over substance, along with masses being embittered with so many struggles of times past – entirely unresolved and seemingly without answers so contrary to today’s jargon that says don’t claim miseries of sorts, instead, just speak your demands. Moreover, spiritual, historical realities from God’s Word are/have become the sole responsibility of the pulpiteers’ explanation and whereas those who’ve placed their trust in the Lord Jesus are told to weigh everything heard (Ac.17:11, 1 John 4:1), so many rather trust in these princes. Our Lord Jesus insisted we know that none are to be exempt from great sufferings of sorts (John 15:20), but more consider an assurance of HIS unrelenting presence. Therefore, we’re called to disallow every false teacher’s penetration of fanciful distortions of biblical truth, that lead people away from genuine faith in Christ and keep the vulnerable depending on them.

 

And Lord God, we need the Truth of Your Word to reign supreme in every mindset that unfolds a personal determination to build confidence in all You instruct and whereas we’re to extend honor to Your teachers of Truth, implicit trust belongs to YOU. We ask that You bless our pursuit in Your Word for Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Lending Inspiration” G. Ward

 

Titus 2:2, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”

 

In faith through Christ, there’s an ongoing, daily pursuit in HIS Word that allows a dignified approach to all we’ll say and do; after all, we’re significantly owned by this Savior, who exemplified every moral attribute HE requires from us, so HE’S not insisting on these attitudinal demands pretentiously; for HE knows the difficult road ahead. Remember, how upon HIS appointment of the first disciples, He’d admonish them/us accordingly (Matt.10:16-23). The pace of society, along with wrongful adherence to cultural trends, now witnesses older Americans’ insistence to maintain both youthful appearances, along with acquiescing to genres our parents and grandparents would never consider for themselves. I love sports cars and whereas getting in may not be consistently problematic, getting out will be. Instead, I’m understanding how necessary it’s become to more set a tone of joy and peace as any would anticipate senior-hood and wherever you are chronologically, you should assess all our Lord Jesus delivered us from, that should always ask thereafter, what shall I render to HIM, not my selfish will…

 

Father God, the plight of man, so selfish, is yet without ability to forecast whether there’s a next moment and whereas YOU knew from the beginning, we ask that You teach us how to correlate to each day, so as to significantly honor You. May our pursuit, keep our eyes on Jesus, who struggled not to be the Self-less King, as we Objectively desire to be like HIM, leaving child-like behaviors to the young and being HIS example in earth to Heaven, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Highest Regard” G. Ward

Proverbs 28:13

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

The swiftness of days presented invites many towards a hurried pace and even opens an unfortunate critique with any who’ll fail to seize moments that will exercise in decision the way they would. A more appropriate stance will absolutely slow down to recall the pain in such hurried decisiveness, to perhaps contemplate where a hopeful resolute surety exists. Faith in Christ, more than confession, allows HIS lead and during the course of each day insists on numerous spiritual pauses that will contrast how my desires matter against an eternity proposed(?) and that quiet time, even though noise may be all around, will allow a newest spiritual posture that yields to HIS lovingkindness that absolutely displaces things and people so temporary. I bow onto this Great King’s unrelenting presence with great humility, knowing I’ve missed the mark set on so many occasions, yet, HE always seeks to restore me (1 John 1:9). It’s (i.e., my surrender to HIM) the best thing I’ve ever done…

 

Father God, Your mercies are astoundingly here for now; so, may those who’ll listen identify with the deer who pants after the water from the nearby brook, longing to have their thirst quenched by Heaven, as we look to the Author of our faith – Jesus. We’re determining there’s no greater joy than to be intimately acquainted with the grace HE provided – through obedience. May Heaven smile upon the many who’ll say yes to Your will; in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “A Throne for ONE” G. Ward

 

Isaiah 42: ⁸ I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to idols.

 

To know God as Creator and Sustainer of the earth HE made, that includes everything and everyone is clearly the preeminent mandate. Moreover, HE will ultimately be recognized by all in regards to sole worship of Himself and whereas there’s dire consequence for any who’ll neglect to bow unto the splendor and beauty of HIS holiness by agreeing with everything He says, through obedience and rehearsing HIS attributes. Listen, while all are guaranteed an eternal life, please know, all won’t be eternally exposed to HIS grace and mercy, but doom and torment – because they failed to know HIS Name. Some may ask, “how can such a gracious God send any to hell?” HE doesn’t. One can’t propose to live so entirely on their own volition, making every objective theirs - to then arrive at what’s most important to consider and then question something they failed to do within the scope of their consciousness.

Today is provided to consider a rest HE provides and that reliance on HIM – now, absolutely guarantees peace and joy. Who’d forsake such?

 

Father God, we, Your disciples are/have failed to more understand our role to proclaim and teach Your mandates, causing other thrones to thrive in the mindsets of those You made and whereas You desire their repentance no different than afforded us, we’re busy praising You, without perfect submission. Change us O God, that others may benefit in/through the Savior’s work on their behalf. Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Looking Through the Window…” G. Ward

 

Psalm 119:64

The earth is full of Your goodness, Lord; Teach me Your statutes.

 

I’m recalling a time when electronic devices were minimal and how when any obtained a pocket-sized transistor radio, they became the envy of those all around and whereas that reflection may insist on that era as being the good old days, troubles and trials were numerous, but the information shared didn’t arrive at a moment’s notice. Yet, it was a time when communication was a must. Inquiry, about the well being of another focused in so as to offer great aid to a dilemma and if you said you’d help, one would endeavor that which embodied best care. Generations thereafter, have been exposed more to a hurried society, prioritizing oneself and too busy for genuine inquiry in how one can be helpful unto another.

Those of us who’ve placed our trust in the Lord’s lead, more understand a need for fellowship with like-minded individuals; for our focus remains on the Author and Finisher of where our faith exists. Therefore, our accountability understands that HE won’t leave us, along with knowing HIS peace is indicative of eternal presence. So, we call HIM – Faithful; seeking to be like HIM as we grow up.

 

Father God, what marvelous access You’ve provided; particularly in view of our meditations’ recall of Christ’s redemption of all our indiscretions. May our recall in perceived better days, understand today is given as the best day to proclaim how great You are, no matter the chaos all around and find another who needs to identify Your unrelenting love is now, that leads to forevermore, in/through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “The Road Appears Long” G. Ward

 

Ezekiel 33:11, “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure at all in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then should you die, house of Israel?”

 

Whereas God’s mercy is great, along with HIS patience being available for this day exists, the day is young and all are called to stand vigilant of HIS term limit and whereas no one knows of that day, to observe HIS criterion for an eternity with HIM, remains the most significant pursuit for man. That pursuit won’t just know all HE commands, but lovingly adjust to doing them. Moreover, and because HIS commands are not burdensome, the one pursuant won’t undermine the Almighty’s highest standard by rebelling against being changed, so as to reflect the Lord Jesus’ attitude; absolutely placing other’s interests ahead of one’s own.

 

And Lord God, the magnitude of spiritual responsibility rests in all the Savior exemplified. Our imitating HIM must be top priority for every life – who insists, “I know Him.” We’re so thankful on this day for a blessed assurance that Jesus is ours personally and corporately. May HE shine through our every struggle and honor HIMSELF, even using us for HIS glory that grants our joy. In Jesus Name, Amen.