Today’s Thought “Deafening Silence” G. Ward

James 4

³ You ask and do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request on your pleasures. ⁴ You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

 

Faith is difficult, only because believers yet exist in the flesh, along with surrender to the Almighty’s will (found in His Word). Incessantly, there’s a conflict of two natures and best practice in the spiritual one desired, makes us less prone to selfish error. We however, cannot pursue Holy God with thankfulness upon rising, then at mealtime and bedtime, along with unfolding a meditative passage (chosen only for its inspirational value, purposely avoiding His chastening), to think we’re being perfected. The obstacles upon getting off our knees are far too great, that seeks to resist the shiny things of life. Nor can the illustrious struggle persist, that presumes a periodic visitation to worship and grow with fellow believers; portraying this as acceptable (*many have yet to attend midweek discipleship training, while more dedicated to their fraternal and civic affiliations), and whereas trials are an accompaniment to every life, those same (untrained) will soon cry out to Holy God for immediate reprieve, to hear crickets (*Prov.1:24-30).

 Today’s Thought “A Bubbling Stomach” G. Ward

Psalm 34

¹⁹ The afflictions of the righteous are many, but the Lord rescues him from them all. ²⁰ He protects all his bones, not one of them is broken.

 

No generation of believers have been exempt from periodic visitation in worldly pervasion of evil, miseries and distress and whereas these disciples are equipped with numerous examples of what it means to abide by faith’s measurement (Heb.11:8-40), no one will compare to the endurance our Savior exemplified (cf. Heb.12:1-2). Howbeit that our time as believers have allowed others (so very clearly un-studied, yet reliant on vain philosophy), tell us we must deny a varied affliction to permeate our lives through religious chants in being so victorious over difficulties portrayed scripturally as un-avoidable, while ensuring HIS presence as unwavering? May we be found awaiting HIS rescue versus moving on towards self-imposed miseries furthered (as we’re known for), thanking HIM for shelter that intervenes.

 Today’s Thought “Foundational Truth” G. Ward

Psalm 89

¹⁴ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before You.

 

There’s a choir to which each of us are exposed more often than we think. They love to sing about the greatness of the Almighty; particularly those attributes found beneficial to us; kindness, loving, merciful, patient, etc. The choir’s composition involves devout believers, along with those nominally attached to Holy God. All the members however, can/will forget HE is just; weighing the penalty for the sins of man indiscriminately and without categorization (cf. Ro.6:23) and if any neglect to voluntarily exist under the direction of His Son’s sacrifice for their transgressions, with a continual, diligent search in how they were delivered, along with adherence to His commands, including consistent fellowship, their songs sung are lovely, but superficially heard by Heaven and other men (Jas.1:22). How dare any of us presume on Holy God with such celebratory praise, leaving out His being judicial? When many of us describe our parents (to which many are deceased), in how we were raised in love and discipline, accolades thereunto, won’t solely encompass receiving dessert after supper, but also includes the “woodshed” experience – which now is appreciated more than ever.

 Today’s Thought “Stamp of Approval?” G. Ward

Hebrews 10

²⁶ For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.

 

To become resolute concerning all that Christ offered us, requires both corporate and personal pursuit (cf. Ac.17:11) and whereas the excitement may dwindle, particularly after such fervor of initial gratitude in being delivered from sin becomes too familiar, even more discipleship is required. We absolutely never pinnacle from being HIS student. Moreover, our limited abilities keep us regarded as children of God; dependent forever. Unfortunately, there exists a spiritual lethargy with some days for many, causing them a wrongful consideration towards cultural religiosity (i.e., sayings, seemingly spiritually acceptable, along with personal pursuits appearing godly, but lacking HIS directives) and an unfortunate practice thereunto can/will lead one, once so convinced, to straddle between two opinions (cf. Josh 24:15). Eternity with God is compromised every time we’ll settle for words and storylines with religious tint. Our lives, no matter the scholastic aptitude, calls for prudent investigation of God’s Word on His terms, and questions every writer and others pervading motivationalists’ theorizing that seeks to thwart sufferings (with absolute refusal to address such).

 Today’s Thought “Forgetting the Past?” G. Ward

Romans 4

¹⁷ (As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, that is, God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that do not exist.

 

A ridiculous promotion of heresy has become an acceptable expression; that is, believing that man is with ability to speak things into existence. This is solely attributable to Holy God’s justification, having called unworthy sinners (like you and me) unto surrender to Christ’s reign and rule for our lives, by imputing His righteousness to us. Moreover, God made or declared Jesus “sin” and punished Him, though He was not a sinner. Those whom He justifies, He will conform to the image of His Son. Howbeit, that any selfish human has reduced such preeminence to such absurdism that now absolutely can avoid sufferings of sorts and depletion (materially and emotionally)? While many seek to make Holy God solely an American God, HE won’t be contained by you or me (*John 4:24). Time here will soon be over and because our estimations as to when is unknown, we’d all do well to pursue a contextualized study of HIS Word (where true power exists – *Ro. 10:17); realizing that what was available to many of our predecessors (even while they were owned by unruly men) is the same just God now. I would imagine that if they could have spoken a word…

 Today’s Thought “Feelings: The Story of Many Troubles” G. Ward

Psalm 51:12

 “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and sustain me with a willing spirit.”

 

King David would experience great unrest as he’d identify with principles of self-gratification; leading him onto a murderous plot, particularly after victimizing himself in a heinous, adulterous affair. Strangely, his spiritual foundation would enable tremendous remorse with utter shame as he’d contemplate the Lord at watch (Ps.51:3-4). Every believer is plagued in similar disconnect and they too have been given the same avenue David insisted from himself (vv.6-13).

Repentance is often misunderstood; it’s largely due to the pervasive thought that has many pouncing on believers when indiscretion plagues them and whereas our excuses are lessened (daily), as submission to an everyday plan-o-gram endeavored (*2 Ti.2:15), teaches us how to walk as Christ did, the reasonable understand imperfections from mere men. Contrition, although an honorable virtue must decide that repeat of a violation, particularly, while an Omni-Present God is at watch, lives in the realm of one’s existential Savior and not for man’s castigations (cf. Matt.10:28). Are any prepared to trust and obey?

 Today’s Thought “A Blossom in the Wilderness” G. Ward

2 Peter 1

² Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, ³ for His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 

 

Information at a moment’s notice can/will disallow independent thought that asks who am I amidst so many others all around(?). Whether any ascribe to a spiritual destiny proposed or not, there’s Final Authority that unfolds every man’s limitation from the time he awakens to his slumbering and whereas his plans are great, even self-preserving notions in how he can be guarded from dangers (in other men, along with uneventful circumstances), yet prohibits him in laying claimants in whether there’s to be a next moment. Moreover, he motions so hurriedly to perceived success, along with desire to be recognized (favorably), that it compromises a meditative process offering safeguards and while he’s prone to exhaustion in a lifetime in great effort, surely he’ll question (if reasonable) his grandmother’s regard, particularly as she embodied peace, though difficulties plagued her, yet she trusted in that mid-sized black book, professing her God’s Word as resolute (i.e., the One she spent time with, the One who knew her name, the One she absolutely depended on, following HIS precepts) and counting on HIS promises, guaranteeing an eternity with HIM whereby troubles vanquish.

*To utilize scenarios from some in determining that those professing faith is mostly a farce (because what they do and say remains inexplicably theirs), won’t ever witness Holy God at fault in anything. His ways are to be investigated upon being heard by mouthpieces proclaiming Him and promotes “true knowledge.”

 Today’s Thought “Liturgical Unrest” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 11

³⁰ For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number are asleep (die). ³¹ But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. ³² But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

To be crystal clear, everyone deserves HELL (*Ro.3:10, 23). Good, is only relative to the Father. His sending the Son through the generations of mankind to become man, yet Divine (*John 1:1-3, 14) and happened because our sinfulness (from the beginning, cf. Ge.8:21, Jer.17:9) cannot enter such Holy presence the Almighty embodies. We have however, a Perfect Mediator in Christ; Who paid our sin debt, but only when our lives surrender (i.e., through confession of sins) to HIS lead in every step thereafter and whereas we’re imperfect in this, ours (as believers) hates the participation in sin’s reality that exists in us; going to our Savior often (*not just once daily, but as often as our committals are realized).

 Before addressing the Lord’s Supper (communion), we’re called to personal evaluation comparable. We know the seriousness in this sacrament; remembering our Savior’s sacrifice (an unprecedented actuality that redeems), then commitment to remain HIS, particularly as we deny ourselves of selfish pursuits (Matt.16:24).

Another author would elaborate, “Believers are kept from being consigned to hell, not only by divine decree, but by divine intervention. The Lord chastens to drive His people back to righteous behavior and even sends death to some in the church (v. 30) to remove them before they could fall away (Jude 24).”

 Today’s Thought “Affirming Dependence” G. Ward

Psalm 25

¹⁰ All the paths of the Lord are faithfulness and truth
To those who comply with His covenant and His testimonies.¹¹ For the sake of Your name, Lord, forgive my wrongdoing, for it is great.

 

Like many of you, I’m overwhelmed with how another day is presented me and whereas a more popular view celebrates similarly, it can/will often violate a total surrender in acknowledging HIM (i.e., Holy God) in every way. Our humanity reveals great inadequacy; from awakening to slumber. It mostly hopes in things going smoothly. Some deem this a sign of the optimist, yet it’s more denial; in that, there’s refusal to absolutely consult through an unwavering abiding to HIM (through HIS Word) who made us and can grant us peace while difficulties are present. I celebrate that although as a believer, my teeter-tottering in and out from selfishness to selflessness exists, that through my confession of HIM as LORD of my life, HE forgives my indiscretions; yet, solely through Christ’s presence found in me (Ro.8:1) and that grace provided must never escape my knowing that others need to hear and witness such in me. That’s what it means to appreciate another day’s journey…

 Today’s Thought “Best Doxology” G. Ward

1 John 5

¹⁴ This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. ¹⁵ And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

 

When a believer’s love for the perfect directives from the holy script (i.e., God’s Word) exists, through an insistence to do what HE says, confidence of HIS regard anticipates an answer; not according to one’s own limited knowledge, particularly instrumental of his prior woes, but that to which guarantees a best example of love that grants a peaceable life in a strange land. We cannot persist in dictating to God’s Supremacy what should be done in earth, to ever contemplate it shall be (cf. Isa.55:8-9), nor can declarations from mere men definitively confirm the mind of Holy God. Moreover, a persistence in ending our prayers with “In Jesus Name” really translates, according to HIS will. Are you satisfied with that?

 Today’s Thought “Call to Worship” G. Ward

Psalm 95

1 ”Come, let’s sing for joy to the Lord, Let’s shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. ² Let’s come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving, Let’s shout joyfully to Him in songs with instruments. ³ For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods,”

 

Worship’s contingency is to remember. David, the inspired writer would carefully construct this great song honoring those spiritual predecessors who endured travailing through a wilderness experience, living in booths (i.e., tents), along with anticipating a homeland. Moreover, theirs was a portrait in courage as they would be vulnerable subjects of the Lord providing, even recall in how a rock delivered water for the journey (e.g., Rock of Salvation). That same recall wouldn’t rely on any mechanisms or pseudo conveyances that sought fabulously to ensnare them unto a false hope; in the Living God, they would trust.

It's that heritage of faith that causes our gathering (Heb. 10:23-25) and whereas there’s an unfortunate anticipation in how most perceive they’ll rise above conditions, those before us were grateful in the common sense that exacted God loving the world and merely desired shelter, clean drinking water, food and an ability to provide for their families. Furthermore, the predominant view of Holy God creates supplication in accordance to appearances of wealth, with ideas that forbid every sickness, while many (even our own) are part of the working poor and die of some debilitating disease. It’s no wonder that places of worship are marginally representative of great crowds (cf. Matt.9:35-38)…

 Today’s Thought “Term Limits” G. Ward

John 10

^2 “But the one who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. ⁵ However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”

 

Rightful pursuit of the Almighty will always acknowledge His Word for direction (cf. Luke 6:46). The many times in hearing one echo (so casually and definitively even) as to what God said to them more suggests being entirely in tune with every command without violation and whereas the most significant, spiritual phenomenon offered believers upon Christ’s resurrection is the forgiveness of sins, along with the very first command thereafter (belonging to any professing HE is more than enough to redeem their soul), was/is to reproduce HIS gospel to any and teach them those commands; instead, many authoritative hearers more divert attention to praise, than obedience. Proclaimers of Truth mostly exercise in humility. They know how undeserving they are of such grace; remaining quick to hear and slow to speak (cf. 1 John 4:1-6).

Being deceived is a mark of the unregenerate: “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures” (Titus 3:3). After salvation, we may stray from the truth at times, but the Word of God makes it clear that the elect of God cannot be deceived to the extent others have succumbed, because as we’re developed by our Lord, He disallows our being impressed by the eloquence found in false teaching (i.e., *the thief – vv.1, 10).

 Today’s Thought “Hold My Peace?” G. Ward

James 1

²⁶ If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless. ²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

 

Every generation has had many to think of those perceivably unproductive (i.e., morally reprehensible) for their era as the worst in history and it causes their expression(s) to more embody great despair, synonymous with horrid doubt that really states, even God can’t remedy their hearts (*vv.5-8). Religion can really translate, devotion unto and whereas the object of such faith unequivocally will state, it’s Jesus Christ, we must live as being owned by HIM (v.1a); maintaining the kind of compassion HE had upon looking at the multitudes (i.e., thousands); seeing them as sheep without a Shepherd and whereas vs.37 of Matthew, chapter 9 is subsequent to such a phenomenal example, the workers remain unfortunately “few.”

 Today’s Thought “Unimaginative” G. Ward

Isaiah 55: ⁶ Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. ⁷ Let the wicked abandon his way, And the unrighteous person his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

 

Grace from Holy God is mostly thought of solely from a New Testament view, because it involves Christ in His appearing and whereas HE alone paid the sin debt from mankind that disabled true connection to the Almighty; His bridging the gap requires we turn from our sinfulness (through confession) and absolutely accept His lead in every way. Faith however, remains difficult; because there’s an incessant, natural inclination to lead ourselves, particularly in view of being given a brain that’s so creative, along with many perspectives witnessed and adopted (seemingly so righteous - Proverbs 14:12-16). On today, I want to express my praying for any who choose to read this (on today). My supplication involves a proposed hurriedness for any to run to the Shelter our Lord provides…

 Today’s Thought “Life’s Goal” G. Ward

Philippians 2

³ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; ⁴ do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. ⁵ Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 

 

This charge is perhaps the most literal and preeminent precept to living a new life in Christ and whereas the kind of introspection that should exist (daily) for believers can mostly identify wrongdoings in others (because of a common view), the earthen contrast of how I match the Savior’s sacrificial attitude is mandated to become the only one, promoting a merciful patience shown me. Devotion unto these commands will allow a perfect peace to overcome a plight common to man, inviting others’ inquiry in how they too can obtain such (cf. Ac.16:25-32).

 Today’s Thought “Unbelief, On Both Sides…” G. Ward

Romans 1

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.

 

While these times lacking moral absolutes witnesses the church with bombastic critique of systems more currently responsible for such passages more than ever before, Holy God had this settled unto every generation responsible for sin’s pervasiveness. While God’s wrath is varied (i.e., environmental and consequential), the worst includes abandonment (as HE allows our pursuits distant from His commands = free will), and shamefully, the church has become equally guilty with their hope for conformity through governmental legislation, social reform, etc., (as if to say they can thwart this act of God). Instead, we’re called to know that Christ remains the Sole Worker of spiritual transformation necessary for man; having exemplified Heaven’s standard (perfectly) and commissioning followers to share Truth (with any), so as to establish them to the great reality of a home without ungodliness and unrighteousness. Ultimately, any that think of other measures that can transform mankind’s consideration of perceived moralities (outside of the Spirit realm - *Ro.12:2) is guilty of suppressing Truth and whereas many will continue thereunto, I choose His lordship over me (Ps.23:1).

 Today’s Thought “Adopted Children” G. Ward

John 13

³⁴ I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”

 

At the cusp of His crucifixion, our Lord would compel a deepest contemplation unto His disciples regarding all He said and did. It embodied genuine servitude and the personal cost would include an imminent death and whereas HE alone is Redeemer, His requirement for any following thereafter would have that same implication (*Matt.16:24). Christ knew the road ahead for those same followers would entail a constant persecutorial agitation from the same oppositional forces He encountered, so as a doting mother, He sought to assure those closest to Him that it would be necessary to spread love among the brethren (this was a prefacing to attract outsiders unto a perfect message of reconciliation Christ provided, along with being masterful encouragement for believer’s perseverance to know HE never abandons – John 14:16-18).

This most excellent message remains a living word, promoting productivity in dispelling Truth as HE builds us for His purpose. Do any know you accordingly?

 Today’s Thought “Ruinous, and Satanic” G. Ward

1 John 2

¹⁵ Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. ¹⁷ The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever.

 

The ”abundant life” of Jesus’ discourse is indicative of spiritual attachment to Himself and not false teachers (John 10:10); never proposing a visual (i.e., material), or societal posture that includes an idea of there’s so much to inhabit in the earth, so get your inheritance now mentality. It’s furthers, that is - the lie given by some of a particular autumn suggesting to those younger, regarding their being privy to so much life ahead (as if to say departure from earth only occurs when one is old). Moreover, it’s (i.e., the world’s stance) antithetical to Truth to raise children to become academia zealots that ascertain tremendous credentials affording lifestyles substantiating perceived success without demanding “daily” bible regimen with insistence of followship onto its demand and whereas an eternity absolutely apart from Holy God to those lacking that spiritual pursuit feel they’re good enough for heaven, the Truth of God’s Word says no one is (*Ro.3:10).

The “world” is temporary and not a favorable term, but God’s will is permanent and unchangeable inviting any to assimilate immediately.

 Today’s Thought “Not a Source, But the ONLY…” G. Ward

Proverbs 3

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

 

Wind storms have produced currents ranging from mild breezes to hurricane wind (e.g., gale: sustained surface winds moving at a speed of between 34 and 47 knots (63–87 km/h.). Perhaps you’ve experienced, or have gained personal familiarity with such a storm experience? If so, were you able to walk a straight line while it was highly active? Probably not. The wind on today will be our corollary that seeks to establish what it means to know Holy God on His terms; not driven and tossed by the wind (Jas.1:6) and whereas many are greatly familiar with our scriptural emphases for today, it can mostly keep any contemptuous of its meaning. The demand is for every heart (i.e., comprehending mind, affections and will) under heaven to indicate in every portion of their life given by the Almighty, that HE absolutely leads and without HIM, I’m without direction (John 15:5). The gale force winds outside of His shelter, seeks to absolutely place me so very distant from His presence, yet I call out to Him while on Misery Ave., and HE restores my desired posture, to remain close to HIM (*1 John 1:8-9).