Today’s Thought “Last Words” G. Ward

“My son, give attention to my wisdom, Incline your ear to my understanding; that you may observe discretion and your lips may reserve knowledge.” Proverbs 5:1-2

Salutations upon encountering anyone is the professional precedent to beginning needed conversation. These greetings and the lack therein may however quickly become miniscule against observations, persuasions and castigations inferred from my discourse unto any. Furthermore, all my inferences may appear with un-needed condemnation that has the receiver forever avoiding future conversations with me. More important to adopt is humility with empathy that recalls one’s own receptivity unto words authoritatively produced, then approach respectively.

The gospel is without transcendence and the reason many remain abhorrent towards it is because there’s no “good news” in the portrayal of many who deem themselves successful at most, while identifying knowing HIM, whereby HE chose to die for their sins also. Therefore, admittance first, to my falling short, then proceeding with perfect resolution with graciousness must follow.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “A Well Run Dry” G. Ward

“You have ordained Your precepts, that we should keep them diligently.” Psalm 119:4

In your estimation, how long have you known the Lord? Knowing carries a connotation of pursuit of Him so very intimate that refusal unto one’s own way is entirely uncomfortable (cf. Mt.4:1-11). Moreover the believer’s resolution for life matters begins and ends with the precepts found solely in Holy God’s word.

Rather than an answer to the prefacing question, there ought to be personal interrogation in who I rely on the most and with utter transparency approach the throne where mercy exists, never to waiver from the issue of vitality that questions do I know the Master on His terms or my own? If the latter is with any percentage, unrighteousness is without inheritance.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “A Sense of Urgency” G. Ward

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” Romans 13:11

I’m contemplating a great song not sung enough in our local churches, whereby its refrain insists, “Let your light shine, there may be someone down in the valley trying to get home.”  Categorization of who this someone may be should never stem from who we deem appropriate for such a gift of grace, but should regard the neighbor as any we have contact with. Our theme seeks to remind us of a short impact (i.e. span) we have to prove our faith or perpetuate spiritual apathy. As many are works in progress, never forget this as your personal position also (cf.Eph.6:12).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Turning Point” G. Ward

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” Matthew 6:27

Calamity and destruction of sorts maintain that many who disregard religion in times of peace, the fortitude to call on the only Name truly offering solace; Jesus (Jn.14:27). The call however, no matter the volume or length lacks assurance when called upon without familiarity; becoming no different than wishing upon a star (Pr.1:24-29). While the Most High’s pursuit of man visits every generation, the love message it portrays doesn’t seek to rest therein momentarily, but grants a transformation unto any (Ro.10:13) whereby shelter from storm(s) is assuredly comfort sought.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “The Disgrace in Concession” G. Ward

“So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach.” Hebrews 13:13

The struggle in adoption of wavering opinions that competes within our own psyche can be squashed; particularly when we’ve determined to live by the commands of Holy God found in His words. Our indecisiveness (lack of immediate conformity) can ultimately reveal a superficial waiting that translates unbelief (i.e. HE’S already spoken – 2 Ti.3:16-17). While faith may be difficult, Truth, is easy (*Mt.11:29).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Long Way Home” G. Ward

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

My Dad was an excellent story teller. The basic storyline generally contained truth, but most certainly he would include some hyperbole. He once shared how he and his bride set forth to take a drive to the west. Indifferent from flying to this excursion, this trip would include numerous days travel. He began this trip extremely tired, driving hundreds of miles to view his bride sleeping through most of the scenic views they both anticipated together in the planning stages. His ultimate frustrations awakened her as concession to his exhaustion. Her compliance was immediate, so he pulled over on the interstate. His deep slumber was comparable to that of a Sahara Desert experience after endeavoring miles of walking to then encounter a mass of water. He awakened to the condensation of the car’s window, un-sure as to their whereabouts, yet appearing to be a rest area. His consideration viewed his bride sleeping peaceably, so he exited quietly to visit the lavatory. Upon encountering the fresh air and exiting the lavatory, he encountered the illustrious map on the wall indicating “You Are Here.” It happened to be the very first rest area to the time he relinquished custody of the wheel before deep sleep. My Dad served 25 years for the murder of his bride (just kidding).

The slumber of ordinary estimations to what life ought to present can become the eternal disconnect that reveals the road was never long (cf. Ps.90:10-12). Moreover, Our Father as the landowner, always and assuredly invites you (the sojourner) to come home (Jn.14:1-3).

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Driven by Success” G. Ward

 

“The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.” Proverbs 8:13

There are key words and expressions not worthy of man’s adoption and success may be one of them. I say this not for controversy’s sake, but that it may breed introspection. Success is normally a drive that seeks prominence from man; forgetting that stardom among humans is temporal. Moreover, although the archives will reveal tremendous contribution, it competes with millions chronicled also. Success then for believers should be without the kind of provocation that elevates for short spans in fame, but promotes the Enabler (The LORD, high and lifted up) of any, seemingly capable (cf. Jn.15:5). The archive in prudence will never close for those who trust HIM (*cf. Rev.20:15).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Mirror of Obscurity” G. Ward

“On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry.  Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening.” Mark 11:12-14

Please don’t arrive at our home without notification, but in our backyard there’s a very large fig tree. Indifferent from most fruit bearing trees, the leaves and figs grow in synchronicity.

Jesus our Lord, in the passage is imminently approaching the crucifixion. Synonymous with a loving parent’s last instruction to their children, His words seek to prepare His disciples for steadfastness amidst a society prone to religion featuring themselves as their own god (i.e. selfish desires and the pervasion therein). Jesus cursed the tree because it failed to produce in conjunction to its natural course. Moreover, while with flourishing appearances of being fruitful, thorough investigation identified no fruit. The curse pronounced brought forth a withering (death), whereby no re-germination would be possible: Be found fruitful.

*We have cameras on the outside of our home; there will be no figs extracted before its time.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Words In Red” G. Ward

 

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25

 

Authorship from literary giants generally doesn’t war with others in lowly positions alike, in being heard. Although their words may lack prudence and practicality many ascribe to the first manuscripts presented. The process of adoration for these authors can/will subtract from personal interrogation that invites discipline that transforms.

The Word of God is incomparably the script in prudence with practicality. It’s yet very difficult to be impressed with its status as “best seller” when most who make this purchase fail to heed what’s within; more ascribing to “self-help” guides. When Holy God’s word is pursued righteously, the chieftain of expressed desire from the Author insists that every beholder first understand what’s been afforded them (although they were entirely unrighteous) and then to decide others have the same worth.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Without Choice” G. Ward

 

“And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

 

The beggar is with a new look. He’s without shabby clothing and an open dirty hand. He’s typifies what you and me represent; a longing for change socio-economically, politically and lack of cultural deference. The whole of man has sought absolution however, in the wrong source; looking to militancy from civic and political leaders for resolution.

When/if believers decide that the banner of belief (i.e. moral conduct) is the flag worthy to fly, many will ascribe to the question synonymous with the jailer to whom Paul and Silas was deposed; he asked, “what must I do to be saved?”

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Saint vs. Sinner” G. Ward

 

“Which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth…” Colossians 1:6

If you’re a team sports fan of sorts and one player had been recognized as the greatest to have played the game (demanding your viewership) and this portrayal from this proposed phenom’s statistical contribution was poorly representative of this insinuated stardom, would he still be regarded as an excellent professional in your estimation?

A Saint’s delineation understands what being a team player means; their Star Player is Jesus Christ. HE never fails at being victorious and the objective of the team never contends with hyperbole inciting what can’t be proven; they just reproduce His Stats (i.e. the gospel) as incomparable, whereby all receive trophies (cf. 2 Ti.4:8).

Happy Friday!

 

Today’s Thought “Maxwell House Coffee and Bacon” G. Ward

 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

 

How amazing is our God to bestow on man numerous opportunity in knowing Him. His pursuit of us is relentless, yet mostly goes un-noticed (cf. Mt.7:13-14). There are so many blessings to perceive and the conveniences therein subtract from an insistence from man to “wait on the Lord.”  Sure, we want to trust Him in all things and yes we testify to His way as best, proving words can/will lack altruism.

The frustrations from many that demand reversal of this superficial reality propose the question so very big, yet with an answer that guarantees reprieve. Plan for success by enabling a practice to begin (un-interrupted), not tomorrow, but today (Mt.6:34, Jas.4:14). Awakening each day to thank God for another day is appropriate, but blatant misappropriation soon follows when perception/reception with this newness presented carries forth one’s own plans (in the same-ness of yesterday), still pervading religion on most through declaring “He is Lord.” The actuality of our presentation ought to get back in the bed and even though bacon and coffee aren’t brewing, “Taste and see that the Lord is good!”

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Presumptive Anxiousness” G. Ward

 

“Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25

 

There are many events that take place in our lives, but there are few we’re very proud to repeat. Altogether, each of these experiences enabled the kind of maturation that determines peace must exist if afforded another moment. Corrective measures in this regard are synonymous with dieting; there’s success for a season, but more discipline (i.e. practice) should embrace desired effect.

Jesus’ arrival in the earth happened in similar terms, but His was without a propensity in gratifying personal pleasure. His inspired word could have listed numerous events, but chose a portrayal sufficient to lead us unto perfect surrender that’s joyous. Moreover, we’re contained/constrained within what is written (which is eternally relevant), to never estimate its qualitativeness of some novel culminating with a “they lived happily ever after” syndrome. Our personal authorship and promulgations can’t/won’t  hold a candle against Holy God’s inspired Truth, so stick with the script (*cf. Eccl.8:6-9).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Our Maker” G. Ward

Read the following passages - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.” Ephesians 5:29

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy…” 2 Timothy 3:1-2

If I hear this expression that’s entirely un-defined one more time I’m going to throw up! What is it? So glad you asked; it’s “you must love yourself before loving others.” Some philosophical giant pervaded this on man to never identify that great care for every individual begins with oneself from birth till death. The perpetuation of such is antithetical to the life the Savior provided and when sought by the whole of creation, fails to extol the Most High. Any practice of such egocentric behavior denies real love (1 Jn.4:7-8), allowing the world’s terminology’s usurp of Holy God’s word. While a many expression begun by man appears proprietary, it remains unconscionable for some to not bless the Lord at all times.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Untrustworthy” G. Ward

 

“All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor.”  Ecclesiastes 2:10

 

King Solomon is more/less the subliminal mindset with the whole of mankind revealing his superficial attack in materialism and recognition of accomplishment. Most interviewed of the prospect in riches share elaborate plans to forget the ease of greater consultation (available 24/7) from Proven Consultation that guarantees peace. Superficial (anything that lends itself to temporal existence) pursuits has become synonymous with the worse drug addiction known to man (cf. 1 Ti.6:10), causing a stupor that’s hypnotic, leading to ungodliness.

While there’s nothing wrong with riches, the common denominator for man will ultimately be faced with knowing that things, along with his own life never belonged to him (Jas.4:14). LIVE ACCORDINGLY…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Frustrated In America” G. Ward

 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

 

More than several years ago I visited the country of Haiti, taking for granted every accommodation sought earlier that would be as it had been (considering my many visits there). To my disappointment, our team was absolutely stranded for more than 6 hours and calling home became impossible, so our team relied on those of you who strongly ascribe to email vigil. Reprieve soon happened, but was very costly for me (in that I was captain to that team).

Reliance on great plans endeavored, without total consideration of the Source to one’s supply, will leave you stranded and six hours in contrast to an eternity in despair is not worthy of visitation (cf. Pr.1:24-29).

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Northern Lights” G. Ward

 

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 19:17

 

Palm trees from an initial perspective for a northerner (as I am) were/are captivating for me. It signifies arrival at a most posh resort, where ocean breeze exists and the sound of steel drums has the least in dance an accomplished choreographer. Those capable of such visitation rarely contemplate the inhabitants of the land. The comparability is synonymous with a reversal in visitation that marvels at your neighborhood’s oak tree. Most however that reside in these posh resort towns if granted visitation to your region, do think on the inhabitants; in a way that questions the wealth therein.

We would do well to consider the less fortunate, transcendent to wealth opportunity. There’s poverty existent in every region that denies the riches of grace and mercy found solely in the Savior; to which we hold the code (i.e. the gospel) that unlocks the room where palm trees may exist.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “If I Die Today…” G. Ward

 

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 136:1

 

My awakening each day recalls my absolute unworthiness, yet seeks to thank Holy God for mercy. The forgiveness of sins given me then becomes ever encompassing for the remainder of the day; my actions, words, and then the chieftain in spiritual absolution, desire denied. The struggle is real.

If/when consistent conformity unto the Spirit realm seems impossible, even up to offering defense that insists on a message in futility that pervades, “no one is perfect,” we’ll need to first look to the work ethic of the Savior (Mk.1:35), then unto the patriarchs of the faith (Heb.11:3-40) who while faced with great sufferings chose obedience unto their Maker. Thank YOU LORD for loving me.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Mother Goose” G. Ward

 

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

 

Living what you may suppose as being YOUR life to live while calling Jesus, Lord is synonymous with ingesting nursery rhymes before bedtime at sixty. The actuality of our spiritual existence seeks to deny every opportunity for any/every portion of who I was to become that to which HE’d have me to be. While it may be difficult, many persist in little to no effort in this proposed conformity, allowing routine living’s obscurity of what’s necessary to know HIM (Mt.7:19-23).

The subtlety of inference that quantifies pursuits in pleasure is the lie told that keeps one trusting in a day where satisfaction exists at a continuum (*cf. Eccl.2:1-11). I’ll choose to opt for the joy in surrendering to the King of Kings, promoting contentment.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “I’m Not Nearly As Bad…” G. Ward

 

The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

 

The whole of mankind has employed a contrast against the lesser of society long enough. Categorically, it’s synonymous with dirt sharing with a heap in the same to clean up.

Adoniram Judson (1788–1850), the famed missionary to Burma, spent long, tiresome years translating the Bible for that people group. The great span of his work had others comparing him to the Apostle Paul (seemingly congratulatory), the lowly missionary’s reply replicated Holy God’s word whereby Judson’s spiritual aspirations never desired comparison to a mere man, but unto Jesus.

Happy Monday!