Today’s Thought “More of the Same” G. Ward

Jude 22-23

“And have mercy on some, who are doubting;  save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.”

The term “spiritual warfare” has become pertinent to a contest with demonic forces, but in all our assessment (particularly in view of fast moving cultural permissiveness) we rarely make it relative to false teachings. Our souls long for mindful reprieve and the bad teaching for our time shares a pseudo opportunity for any bothered, to rid themselves of woes at an instant (e.g. If you’re sick, speak health. When you’re depleted of money, compel Heaven and it shall be given. Get fired from your job, don’t worry, God has something greater, etc.).

Faith in Holy God through Christ was difficult in the days of Jude and continues thousands of years thereafter because those who say “I know HIM” won’t equip another on this tedious journey (*Matt.28:19). When a concise presentation in truth becomes the insistence from those of us who believe, it enables the new benefactor to place sole trust in Jesus that awaits peace, not “pie in the sky” (cf.**Jn.11:1-4).

Today’s Thought “Lil Johnny Is on the Honor Roll!” G. Ward

Hebrews 5:12

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.”

Higher education is a must for most American households. It grants opportunity to not be deemed “regular” in economic forecast. The insistence from parents unto their children’s grades as best, creates environment for acceptance in the better universities. What if these parameters presented our young people more concentrated on their spiritual character than educational prowess (cf. Ps.37:5)? Those lacking correct prioritization question whether there could be both/and?  I authoritatively refer them to Exhibit Deuteronomy 6:5-7. When Holy God through Christ is made King, excellence follows. Loving Lil Johnny won’t desire his testimony similar to some of ours that boasts of being raised in the church while experiencing a life of perplexity and unrest. Love veils the hardship of self construction that ruins through admittance that the day given has become the opportunity to surrender to the All-Wise Savior who desires to redeem the soul of man so he may gain rest.

Today’s Thought “Restless In…” G. Ward

Hebrews 4:3

For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said, “As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter My rest,” although His works were finished from the foundation of the world.

Analyze this: “Come as you are” and stay as you’ve been, or be entirely transformed, to witness riddance of political, social and tenacious effort towards wealth (cf.* 1 Ti.6:7-10) that keeps me insatiably driven whereby no end exists. Seemingly a “no brainer” particularly in view of so many religious claimants of knowing God through Christ from the preponderance of our society.

No matter the opinion, there’s only One that grants security in knowing and it can never consider a determination to do better unto truer intimacy with the Most High via conjuring of a worthy standard recognized by others. The transformative power Final Authority offers, washes for good, disallowing dirty laundry from old to be seen (cf. 2 Cor.5:17).

Today’s Thought “Blanket Statements” G. Ward

Isaiah 45:12

“I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.”

We’ve practiced declarations that seek to bring meaning to the lives of others, even up to those with expansive intellect’s reliance on a practiced eloquence in the same. Generations therein marvel at any regarded as “silver-tongued” depending on them to supply meaning to their daily walk. The decision that pursues “quick fix” borders idolatry and disconcert unto the best standard presented man (cf. Heb.4:12-15). While most don’t want to be guilty in making the Creator second, they quickly divert to what’s familiar (cf. *Ro.10:8-9)…

Today’s Thought “Violating My Purpose” G. Ward

Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

A highly quoted expression will/can be grossly misapplied particularly when interrogation thereafter immediately causes the hearer to determine that all portrayed is societal failure vs. lack in personal adherence.

So it appears that the Prophet Hosea (from more than 3000 yrs. ago) shares a similar plight with those messengers of truth for this era. Selfish prioritization for mankind is the culprit (cf. 2 Ti.3:1-5). Claimants of blessings from most insists that one’s plans supersede its Maker’s, when Holy God has left the building (1 Jn.1:6) and the cursing pronounced unto those who lack compliance even ruin their children’s future joy while blaming evil forces, failing to see that the false prophet is not someone else, it may be them (cf. Deut. 28:1-14, *15-68).

Today’s Thought “Towering Inferno” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.”

Preachers unfortunately are with entertainment value for most and largely the blame for the divisiveness, along with refusal unto gospel’s conformity. Seeking charisma over the gospel’s transforming power unto those needing rest denies appointment from Holy God (cf. Ro.2:21-22). We’ve landed on the end result of such disconnect; people choose to criticize the disunity in fellowships, the eccentric lifestyles of their leaders, along with the hypocrisy found in their members to dignify their response from the MOST HIGH (Matt.11:28-30 “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”) WHO DID NOTHING WRONG BUT LOVE YOU DESPITE YOU.

Today’s Thought “Before the Axe Grinds…” G. Ward

Matthew 14:3-5 “For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip.  For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet.”

Seeking intimacy with Holy God must not only consider highly popular expressions that encourage (only seemingly) without true exploration in sacrificial, patriarchal obedience found in many who were ostracized from the populous, then killed (even up to being beheaded for truthful confrontation) for a stance by faith (cf. Heb. 11:8-40).

How long will any settle for selective grasp in what’s deemed motivational, while excluding those storylines perceived as sad, without relevancy (as it concerns this era of grace), denying the whole script which shares a victory desired for any who will remain faithful? Moreover, that same contribution (i.e. motivational) limits the spiritual transformation necessary that denies opportunity to live as I’ve lived; I’m compelled to absolutely die so that Christ may be exalted among men and it may cost me being ostracized along with assassination (cf. Matt.16:24, *2 Ti.3:12).

Today’s Thought “When the Judge Is Disqualified” G. Ward

Ephesians 2:4-5

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

It’s not them, it’s us. Quiet time allows introspection and options enable escape. These realities presented yet allow defense mechanisms to rise because the whole of society teaches that any “not guilty” of the most heinous crime are on their way to righteous pursuits (cf. Ro.3:10). Moreover, “Breaking News” on our varied devices keeps us with horrid bouts in categorization of the supposed worst society offers, subtracting from Final Authority’s description of every man as sinful (Ge.8:21, Jer.17:9, Ro.1:24,26,28, 3:23).

The essence of being made whole (via the redemption only Christ allows) remains available to the vilest this world offers and the refusal for any considerate of their religious standing without throwing a lifeline (Matt.28:19) unto another seemingly hope-less is the vilest contribution (*cf. Ro.1:16).

Today’s Thought “Born to Reproduce” G. Ward

John 14:12

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”

If one seemingly poor in materialism extended all they had to gift you, any reasonable would be graciously compelled to reciprocate in some way. Christ’s presentation unto mankind is more than anything (cf. Ac.4:12). Whereas mankind seeks acceptance at a continuum, perpetuating a striving against the wind, the Savior offers solace, re-establishing focus via a regenerated spirit only found in the grace HE provides. When our pursuit authentically regards His way (i.e. through prudent study of flawless, exemplar leadership He embodied), we’ll then recognize that reciprocity from any/all is with one demand – obedience (Lk.6:46). Moreover, the joy of being known by Heaven is not actual until one’s proprietorship becomes opportunity for another, whereby “Greater Works” enables peace for future generations.

Today’s Thought “True Governance” G. Ward

Romans 16:17-18

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

America with all its freedom remains celebratory; particularly in view of limited speech and capitalism in other nations. The wholeness this liberty offers is often stifled by insistence from varied people groups to be recognized in their participating acts vs. who they are inalienably and if your comments arise that appear derogatory it’s newly deemed unlawful or worthy of permanent tags that equate evil. Altogether, the posturing from varied groups (for lawful acceptance) invites even newer ideologies credence in the same and the beat goes on and on…

So the document that’s without change, never evolving, all inclusive, merciful and just, the Word of God, why is it so forsaken? While Americans enjoin themselves to “free speech,” believers are compelled to only speak those things of eternal proportion (cf. Eph.4:25-30, *Gal.2:20) and another embrace proves disconnect, or lack of trust in its LEADER…

Today’s Thought “Fool’s Gold” G. Ward

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.

Each of us has become a journalist of sorts; social networking allows this, revealing politics, biases and entertainment sources. It’s also become the chalkboard in disquieting personal offense given by other postings (as if compassion is the long-suit of most). Moreover, these portrayals (in the way of posts, screenshots, etc.) only allow moments of euphoric proportion to be visualized (i.e. “Say Cheese!”), then a return to mundane thereafter. Our vain imaginations (engrained in selfish desire – cf. 2 Ti.3:1-5)) view these great photo opts, mesmerized with insistence to soon endeavor the same. The quest for love, acceptance and wealth obscures gratefulness for perspectives in simplicity. Had Ted Bundy (American serial killer, rapist, etc.) lived, escaping all the heinous crime committed, perhaps he would have been involved in social networking with appealing photos to eventually win many unto early deaths? There are numerous family photos of the Bundy’s whereby many viewers wanted to be just like them.

When Holy God through Christ is King, His redemption is paramount to any wise saying and visual – Share that.

Today’s Thought “When I’m Alone” G. Ward

1 Peter 1:13-17

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;  because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.

The message of Christ is never to be contrasted with insufficiency found in man. The hope that it (the gospel) extends, grants rest and those hurriedly including plans in pleasure (cf. Eph.5:3-5) are generally agents of avoidance unbeknownst (due to very few sharing Truth). What are they avoiding? The greatest Love of all realized, is the original intent for man. It cannot maintain ideas of knowing HIM without absolute reliance/trust HIS perfect guidance offers.

It appears that the magnitude of this task that necessitates a consistent, interrogative journey, requires accompaniment (*Heb. 10:25). Refuse the journey offered by the religious, opting instead for those practitioners of faith’s requirement and live…

Today’s Thought “When No One Will Lead” G. Ward

Ezra 1:1-2

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying:“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.”

Amazingly we’ve become witnesses to the Almighty’s Sovereignty with His selection of this pagan King 150 years before his birth (Isa.44:28). While the chieftain of knowing Holy God remains obedience, the Old Testament’s designation for Israel to be a separate people desired they’d be priests to every nation thereafter – to then experience unfortunate captivity then leadership by “strange fruit” (cf. Deut.28:32-34).

We’re now required to submit to authorities (*Ro.13:1-5) and our submission therein is contingent on whether we like the imposed leader. As Cyrus was used to bring a people belonging to God into a future hope, will all our analyzing and rebellion determine bondage as best? Furthermore, have we in our finite beings lied by mandating Holy God get the glory (in all things) even if it means our own destruction (cf. Ro.8:18)? He wouldn’t do that to us Greg! Did HE not love Israel?

Today’s Thought “What About the Children?” G. Ward

Genesis 1:26-27

 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

There’s a simple solution to racial disparities perceived, it’s called faith in Holy God’s standard; Who made one race that precludes no inferiority or superiority for any ethnic group to perceive. America’s contention with race is indicative of her heart (Jer. 17:9) mandating one’s own divisive tactics over God’s reign. It cannot infer to varied sociological and political ills found in ethnicities to ever determine some are with a genetic predisposition towards unrighteousness (**cf. Ge.9:18-19). It must determine that grandiose malfeasance of a life given, begins with me (cf. Lk.6:46); I’ve neglected to lead others (indiscriminately) to the Way, Truth and Life (Matt.28:18-20); particularly in view of all that HE’s done for me. Awakening on today has become the opportunity to demonstrate gratefulness unto the peace offered man. A concise presentation of truth and the adoption therein, will soon squash what’s deemed as “inter-racial marriage” along with foolish talking points concerning a “bi-racial child.” Both are analogous of why the term oxymoronic exists. Finally, a giraffe still is without ability to procreate with an elephant, while humankind continues…

Today’s Thought “They’re Coming to Take You Away…” G. Ward

Psalm 17:4-6 “As for the deeds of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept from the paths of the violent. My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not slipped. I have called upon You, for You will answer me, O God; Incline Your ear to me, hear my speech.”

Our approach to oppression’s impact for our lives will soon determine who we’ll trust. Will we forget that our struggles enable future days granted, an avoidance of prior pitfalls (even so, whereas my current celebrations rejoice in having survived another storm)? Or, shall I wallow in misery’s pit, looking for a different manuscript written from another (just like me) who endeavored a similar plight, experiencing some success, but will soon have splashes of vomit from another circumstance visit my being (and who’s to say whether or not these typhoon winds will overtake me)?

The contingency for a life of peace is absolute reliance on the Only One who can grant the kind of solace the world’s inhabitants need to get off the ferris wheel that won’t stop.

Today’s Thought “You’ve Got A Friend…” G. Ward

Ephesians 6:18-20

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

There’s an exercise in traditionalism that observes difficulty in the lives of others, assuming the role of “Mother Hen” desiring to eliminate the troubles of the affected. I believe this stance is nobility that is quickly becoming uncommon for our era. At the same time, many are horribly misguided when peace for the victims of suffering is predominately that of prayer with forgetfulness in walking alongside the disenchanted. Advocacy from heaven, in the way of Jesus our Lord, must consider the interdependence HE mandates for His people (i.e. we have become the body of Christ), whereby HE alone is the Captain who  never leaves the vessel HE’s prepared for the earth, desiring that no one would perish.