Today’s Thought “Mostly Academic” G. Ward

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3

The beauty in knowing Holy God transcends academia and Jesus created access for the least of us lacking scholarship. Our approach therefore must refuse what typifies a liberal arts process that relies on passing tests to become credentialized. Our Lord wants to extend an excused absence unto any that are willing to die to who/what they’ve been to become altogether new (cf. Ro.6:4).

Thursday’s objective respects this spiritual metamorphosis required by believers and newness of life merely does as HE did, whereby everyone pursuant gets an “A”.

Today’s Thought “Settling Dislocation” G. Ward

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

Mankind longs to be perceived as congenial but will (upon investigation) be found short of this reality when followed closely (Ro.3:10, 23). The interrogative process that notices shortcomings in others (by believers), understands the futility in pursuit of such a one found transgressive, because they too seek to remember theirs no more.

Perhaps Wednesday can have you portray a spiritual orthopedist; setting a bone is painfully debilitating during the procedure, but afterwards sheds tremendous relief. There are many patients to encounter.

Today’s Thought “My High Chair” G. Ward

 But they cried out all together, saying, “Away with this man, and release for us Barabbas!” (He was one who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection made in the city, and for murder.) Luke 23:18-19

Rarely is our approach to Holy God’s word with castigation against ourselves. Instead, we marvel at spiritual improprieties found from Adam and Eve to John at Patmos. It appears reasonable to think their exposure unto varied miracles, along with many walking with Jesus, there would not have been a single lapse in judgment; but our soul forgets the confession of Him as Lord, placed the risen Savior on the inside. Therefore, I’m the vilest!

Tuesday’s reflection demands that I’m Barabbas (released from the heinous sin I committed, by a more Excellent Substitute).

Today’s Thought “Conditional Praise” G. Ward

“Most of the crowd spread their coats in the road, and others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them in the road.” Matthew 21:8

The portrait of believer-ship is readily perceived at our perspective places of worship weekly, to which I’m grateful. There is however very little room for an introductory explanation given on the true cost of discipleship that contrasts feelings in change that lasts (seemingly); whereby the adversity either at home or in the marketplace deludes one’s spiritual encounter Sunday (*cf. Ac.2:44-46).

Will Monday’s chants of Hosanna in the Highest accept potential sufferings for the day while more considerate of His proposed Shelter, or abandon the Master’s rule because HE wasn’t fast enough?

Today’s Thought “No Other King Exists” G. Ward

 “If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” Matthew 21:3

Being told what to do has transcended into modern man’s insistence to own your power while scrutinizing (insubordinately) persuasive appeals of peace from any with authority over us (cf. *Eph.6:5-9). As many were captivated by Jesus’ Kingship on a day deemed worthy of permanent commendation (laying their coats on the road as HE – their Deliverer, passed through on a donkey), they too would soon seek the nexus in vain philosophy that would deliver them from imposed anguish on their own terms, denying the King of Kings’ permanent deliverance.

How can any admit to empowerment with existential frailty found in every man? Thursday is regarded as “throwback” for the purpose of recall. Do you remember your own composition (from dirt)? Moreover, do you know your Composer (the LORD, High and lifted up)? Will we yell hallelujah on Sunday to encounter Monday to govern ourselves (*Lk.6:46)?

Today’s Thought “Last Dance” G. Ward

“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people assembled about Aaron and said to him, “Come, make us a god who will go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” Exodus 32:1

Barely out of bondage via the Hand of Holy God, a people delivered forgot. Seemingly harsh to perceive for our time; the opportunity in recognizing this land and its participants as HIS still exists (Ps.24:1). The consequence of death (for lack in compliance for the Master’s demands) prevailed for all but two (i.e. no deliverance unto the Promised Land). The Creator (who doesn’t and won’t change) yet invites you unto HIS plan.

Wednesday was/is granted not for personal pursuit and satisfaction, but for HIS glory…

Today’s Thought “Breaking Curses” G. Ward

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12

To think too highly (as to our own sufficiency), is to deny the efforts of generations prior with their desire towards wisdom that endures. All that we are in this modernity truly stems from both success and failure embodied in our predecessors and if/when the insistence via personal activity repeats history’s frivolity, one must be prepared for an unfortunate consequence given them (cf. Ro.1:18-32).

Tuesday is not happenstance, but is intentionally the Master’s hope through you, HIS servant…

Today’s Thought “Recall of a Better Foundation” G. Ward

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Contrary to a perceived, consistent tranquility found in others, is the unfortunate suffering due every man (cf. Ge.3). Many have gone before us having endured their journey as tedious; trusting yet in the eternal reprieve promised them (cf. Ps.90:10-12).

Give Monday’s fret unto Him who desires to embolden you for His work, forgetting yesterday’s contaminants.

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

God said to Solomon, "Since this is your heart's desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king,” 2 Chronicles 1:11

Innocently desiring Holy God’s guidance is the process in reverence that regards my stewardship, not ownership of anything (Ps.24:1).At any point in my disconcert of this spiritual phenomenon being personally perceived, it’s me welcoming danger. The journey begun in spiritual diligence returns not to defiance for peace, but recognizes a Wonderful Savior always willing to reconcile, then restore him (**cf. 1 Ki.11:1-13).

Thursday Longs for Home…