Today’s Thought “Plans for the Weekend?” G. Ward

2 Peter 3:10-11

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be discovered. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness…”

 

The very term, the day of the Lord, indicates an intervention of God in human history for judgment and whereas HE knows those who belong to Him, may personal assessment be immediate. Moreover, He kept mankind limited; therefore, our perception of the proposed brethren won’t need to reach beyond their confession of Him as Sufficient, particularly when their lives portray desired humility to that end.

This climatic act in our theme is God’s way to vindicate His Name, along with destroying enemies of Himself (absolutely devastating to the unprepared, which includes those insistent on knowing Him, without adherence to what He says – cf. Matt.7:21-23, Luke 6:46). While this appears harsh, His patience continues, desiring their repentance (vs.9), yet the magnificence of planning life gets in the way, including a backwards approach in doing most anything first, to then ask blessings from God (and He won’t be mocked) …

 

Today’s Thought “Anticipation” G. Ward

Revelation 21:4

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

 

Pain in life cannot be averted due to man’s sinfulness and while most seek to pervade catchy phrases, deemed motivational, those who listen will often question what they did so wrong that disallows their sentiment in the same. The greatest construct given man doesn’t exist in vain philosophies (soon to be replaced by additional trials for refusal to acknowledge where true help is found – cf. Ro.10:14), but any must ask where peace exists (John 14:27) and whereas the so-called believer is anxious to get to another religious session to criticize today’s culture (considered void of absolutes), many forsake the sole objective in knowing HIM; to invite others not to their magnificent edifices, but to share the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6). *Mercy shown any, contradicts thanksgiving when praise usurps obedience (Luke 6:46). No one is deserving of grace and since Love found you, how about ensuring another receives the Blessed Hope – Jesus?

 

Today’s Thought “An Unordinary Preparation” G. Ward

James 4

¹⁴ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away.

 

Dysfunction, whether self-imposed, or circumstantial, perhaps plagues all men and while some count busyness as action that thwarts the pain of it all, it ultimately visits through activity unbecoming to a desired eternality with Holy God. Instead, and because the new day granted us exists, it’s far better to not rehearse things of yesterday (particularly when/if they’ve hindered our fellowship with the Holy One – on HIS terms). The precepts found in this chapter (James 4) are foundational to know defeatism in believer-ship is entirely opposite of spiritual governance that perfects us and prepares us for an inevitable journey and avoidance of this reality proposes a perpetuation in more dysfunction. Contemplate HIS love for you, but never forget HE’S just (vs.12) and whereas those who believe understand (preeminently and confidently), “there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Ro.8:1), we thank HIM for grace.

 

Today’s Thought “True Progression” G. Ward

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

As believers have encountered worship services on yesterday, that identifies their need for best direction (i.e., Christ rule), along with the joy of fellowship with like-minded recipients of grace (that grants hope with patience towards others). This gathering furthers commitment to the center-point of hope – God’s Word and hearing Truth, compels believers unto obedience and whereas periodic assessment in how well I’ve done with every moment presented asks, have my thoughts, words and deeds been governed by that to which I insist is precedent, become apparent to those who know me and am I intentional with sharing my undeserving, yet new found status of being known by Heaven made opportune for others’ hearing; because that’s become the believer’s daily objective (?)…

 

Today’s Thought “Just A Piece of Turkey?” 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. 

 

There’s a particular commitment to daily thanksgiving acceptable in the heavenlies and it must first involve – self-denial. That seems preposterous in a world insistent you love yourself first (cf. 2 Ti.3:1-5), yet our Lord exemplified this attitude, that we’d follow; knowing many awaken dispirited (some days) needing compassionate care from some who know Him.

There are some on this American Holiday who aren’t over-joyed with the idea of great celebration; they’re missing loved ones, or economically depleted and just plain dismayed. The Great Compassionate Savior desires they know He is near (Phil.4:5-7, 1 Pe.5:7) and for us who adore His Sufficiency, we’re called to assist them in rightful encouragement (*Ps.34:18).

 

Today’s Thought “The Clock Ticks for You” G. Ward

Luke 23

 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

 

Two other books would elaborate on the two criminals having been on the band wagon with the crowds (i.e., doubting Christ – Matt.27:44, Mark 15:32) and whereas this ugly scene wasn’t immediate, time that witnessed the Savior’s compassion towards His persecutors (23:34), along with apparent abuses given Jesus, whereby HIS silence was testament unprecedented, causing one criminal to relent.

Confinement, whether forced, or self-imposed can spark a good conscience. One criminal’s horrid regard in continual unproductivity was given eternal life; because a quiet time unfolded his sinfulness and he was afforded that confession unto our Lord (cf. Josh.1:8). All of this was the foreknowledge of the Almighty (*Eph.1:4-5), that mitigates our foolish opportunity to decide who qualifies (spiritually), so don’t (Ro.10:13).

 Today’s Thought “Crowded Antagonism” G. Ward

Luke 23

³⁵ And the people stood by, watching. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”

Opposition (so vitriolic), and predominantly perceived by any, must overcome hatred with well doing (i.e., not being quick in defense – Gal.6:9), via an absolute recall of ONE who endured greatest persecution and found praying their deliverance simultaneously (vs.34 – *A spiritual prelude to the holiday season).

 Today’s Thought “Without Study Notes?” G. Ward

1 John 4:1

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

The convenience of grace (expressly) from mankind was never convenient for Christ and whereas HE gave HIS life freely, research as to that cost (2 Ti.2:15), along with HIS commands, must be the embodiment for any who say they believe.

I’ve witnessed so many adjust too comfortably onto those who mention His name, but infuse their terms, along with His and this will always identify knowing Him versus understanding some facts about Him (and the latter isn’t enough – cf. 1 John 1:1-3). Moreover, our approach to many that include knowing Him, must listen for the kind of humility and compassion that embodies those who believe; for we know apart from Him, we can do nothing and most importantly are un-deserving of His un-merited favor.

 

Today’s Thought “Keep Shining” G. Ward

1 John 3:1

See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are. For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know Him.

 

I learned that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never harm me” in kindergarten. This expression rehearsed, sought to prepare many of us in both sensitivity training and bullying of sorts. Most can soon testify to years of degradation thereafter and no matter how thoroughly acquainted we were with such preparation, the pain of it all can overwhelm us (cf. John 15:20). Believers however, are fortunately blessed with a meditative process of their Leader having endured worse and seek to follow accordingly by never letting go of kindness, patience and love towards those adversarial (Matt.5:16, Eph.6:12); more consumed by an imminent departure of earth that witnessed their confession of Christ as Lord and while some persist in thinking of it as only shallow and whereas our heart’s desire is to more please the Savior, Heaven awaits…

 Today’s Thought “Genocidal: Intentional Attempt” G. Ward

Ephesians 4:31

All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice.

 

As many have become so frustrated with terrorist organizations, seemingly without aim and conscience, we must never forget our own behavior of times past, having once embodied a disorder similarly (vv.17-19) and whereas our rationalizations deemed it “righteous indignation,” it was more formatively revealed an arrogant mantra that proposed everyone should do/believe it my way. As believers, we’ve now become responsible unto a desired spiritual transformation that wars with a horrid posture (i.e., the flesh) once acceptable and this new responsibility seeks to imitate our Savior’s correlation in the world: He didn’t link Himself with vitriolic demand(s) of change from governmental improprieties and blatant oversight, and while He was the Chieftain of compassion (cf. Matt.9:35-37), His presence was promised to those who would believe (even after His ascension), guaranteeing an unfortunate reality, that to which plagued Him in earth (oppression and great degradation – John 15:20). We must decide that trust in Him, will more envelop meditation with thanksgiving because inside of me lives a Mighty Conqueror and “I’ve decided to follow Jesus, No Turning Back, No Turning Back!”

 Today’s Thought “Prepared for Battle?” G. Ward

Psalm 119:143

Trouble and anguish have come upon me, Yet Your commandments are my delight.

 

Ministry (i.e., Teaching) that solely encourages one to believe that dreams appearing godly can be approved by Holy God, apparently aren’t familiar with the ONE who they say is Lord, and how He denied every opportunity in self-preservation, echoing, “Not My will, but Thine be done” and whereas everyone thereafter is with preeminent contingency to know HIM on those same terms; DENIAL (Matt.16:24, Phil.2:1-8). That test will soon receive the grade and they’ll all graduate onto either a university with HIM eternally, or tumultuous torment without.

*No people of any generation have been able to thwart troubles, yet many obtained faith (objectively in/through Christ); that witnessed HIS unrelenting presence, whereby the fiery darts thrown didn’t penetrate, but were surface wounds that built character and perseverance.

 Today’s Thought “Choice: How Trials Begin” G. Ward

Proverbs 16:16

¹⁶ How much better it is to get wisdom than gold!
And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.

 

Contemplations of where any will spend eternity, can be a rightful demand, until one is more prone to religion, than relationship with Christ. If Holy God truly is the Most-High, with an unlimited insight as to who we are and is the Only Judge concerning whether any are authentically His, how can some who pursue a spiritual journey that includes (mostly) personal choice that satisfies (e.g., the vibrancy of service, along with great orators – presumed righteous, cf. 1 Cor.1:10-13) BE IN SUCH DISCONCERT with discipleship that grants them intimacy with their Maker? Moreover, a refusal in personal, daily exploration of GOD’S Word keeps them with pre-suppositional thoughts of what they’re owed, when altogether, mankind is due death and punishment, until His life is reconciled in Christ righteousness (*Ro.5:8, 6:23) and whereas some profess to know Him, their terminology thereunto is replete onto words without activity recognized by Heaven (Matt.7:21-23). My name is Gregory and my number is (678) 837-6599 – if you need a periodic, concise study of God’s Truth (5-6 minutes at a time) I’m here without regard of money, or locality.

 Today’s Thought “Loving Yourself?” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5

²¹ He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Christ as our Exemplar Leader would place everyone before Himself, while forsaking retribution against His persecutors for slapping and hitting Him, along with tolerating being hated, blatantly (including unjust lying on Him) and would mostly be looked upon with no less a figure of great stardom, equivalent to the greatest magician. Any that place their faith in Him as Lord, are called to imitate Him (Eph.5:1-2). If that’s so, is our awakening more excited to exist in such a fleshy, chaotic state (i.e., so inconsistent in walking in the Spirit of Christ – Gal.5:16-24), celebratory of existing in a strange land where there’s such lack in moral absolutes so pervasive (2 Cor.5:1-5)? Or, should we be encouraged through His example in earth, modeling compassion as our newest, spiritual view that even witnesses the non-compliant (as who we were before He washed us); believing that what He’s done for me, may certainly be deliverable unto them (*1 Cor.6:9-11)? Am I available to that (vs.20)?

 Today’s Thought “Kiss the Ground?” G. Ward

Deuteronomy 8

 ³ And He humbled you and let you go hungry, and fed you with the manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, in order to make you understand that man shall not live on bread alone, but man shall live on everything that comes out of the mouth of the Lord.

 

We must never forget that at the helm of democracy is an influencer who’s entirely subjective in evil (*2 Cor.4:4). The governmental order we enjoy, exists as close to perfect, inviting equality (economically and socially), yet there are some bucking to a philosophical interpretation demonstrated by autocrats of times past so entirely attractive, but forgetting their demise that questions where an eternity is spent (cf. Eph.6:12). Unfortunately, there’s no guard against such a pervasion, particularly as the whole of mankind can’t foresee another’s mindset that shrinks unto a horrid egoism (*Ps.139:1-7) and whereas we live in a “land flowing with milk and honey,” there’s often forgetfulness regarding penetration of evil taking over the strongest example (in the world) of a land “by the people and for the people.” Like God’s people (historically), we’re called to celebrate HIS perfect guidance; whether through a wilderness experience, or subject to a land fortified by its Owner (Ps.24:1) and while an autocrat (i.e., a ruler who has absolute power) is usually determined as a governmental official suffering in narcissism, each of us as we’ve determined to follow our perspectives and opinions (i.e., outside of God’s Word) may be autocratic.

 Today’s Thought “My Politics” G. Ward

Romans 16

¹⁷ Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. ¹⁸ For such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

 

Disagreement is now with activity of imminent disconnect (i.e., “Cancel Culture”) and can include anger that hoards embitterment and malice. This disagreement will not always know the person (very personally) to which such angst is directed, but presumes (even with spiritual tint) that they’re a violator of “natural order.” Altogether, these descriptors are most unholy to assume for any pursuant to eternal Truth; particularly if spiritual pardon was granted them. Moreover, that love factoring (given believers) is then called to ever hope and believe and that embodiment enables truest instruction to any suffering from spiritual malfeasance of their person. When earthly condemnation becomes the necklace to those who believe, what they’re really saying, is that even Holy God can’t deliver them (a picture of blasphemy)! It’s no wonder that local fellowships are greatly diminishing (numerically) – while many thought it was because preachers were long-winded and congregants weren’t welcoming (cf. *1 Thess.5:22).

 

Today’s Thought “Have You Heard?” G. Ward

Ephesians 1

He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He set forth in Him, regarding His plan of the fullness of the times, to bring all things together in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth.

 

Our days are filled with more religious disorder; not only from un-conventional factions, but also from churchgoers. It emanates from perspectives given so often by numerous sources with similitude in seeking short-cuts for certain recipes once tedious in preparation. Moreover, that same information at moment’s notice, highlights the many social disparities (ultimately relative to my pocketbook, than morally substantive) and whereas a less celebrated mode that honors the Savior’s attributes and seeks to follow Him, many more understand His life as having been tumultuous also; along with how HE witnessed a societal pace moving swiftly onto their own terms while saying they were in relationship with the Almighty (cf. John14:6). I want to challenge any on today to ask yourself, how has any fared (currently or historically) with ideologies produced (so quickly) that proved satisfying for a lifetime? Moreover, after this segment called life, what truly is the contingency for an eternity with Holy God (cf. *Luke 6:46, Ro.3:10,23)?  We all must be convinced that earth is the training ground for entry to Heaven and it begins and concludes with absolute faith in Christ Sufficiency, because there’s none found in us (John 15:5).

 Today’s Thought “Spiritual Inventory” G. Ward

Romans 10

¹⁶ However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” ¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

 

Prayers given by believers will reveal what is practiced and whereas we’ve been freed from a works righteousness theorizing onto governance from the Almighty (directly), producing intimate growth in Him, along with echoing His desire, (believing it’s best for me) and then knowing He lives in me (substantiating courage to my convictions). If/when the Sovereign Lord chooses to abide in me – what shall I need (Ps.23:1)? Humanity is so a visual specie, that Holy God’s presence will often appear unfathomable and compels the highest communication afforded some to beg for strength, courage, peace, direction, etc., but “slow to speak and quick to hear” more enables a practiced fortitude with believers to surface. If HE walks with me, what shall I fear? Moreover, He’s assured me that His presence won’t ever forsake me; therefore, directives should be clear (*cf. Eccl.5:1-2); yet, a lack in concert with HIS Word (where directives are found for ten thousand lifetimes) are often forsaken, so now I’m back to begging for what already exists…

 Today’s Thought “Don’t Leave Home Without HIM” G. Ward

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

 

Such tags are not given believers to bolster their esteem, nor to formulate recitations in allowing others to hear of your exclusivity, but to unfold His honor and glory. Moreover, this portrayal (in our new makeover) is never satisfied, so as to think we’ve attained unto a righteousness unfounded by any, outside of HIS gracious existence in us (that’s called intentional humility). To run on a tangent in such boastful acknowledgement in knowing HIM, particularly with the terms aforementioned, without seeing to it that others know HIM as the Only Change Agency granting peace in earth and eternity with HIM, is to utterly deny all the tumult HE freely gave that enabled such victory. *Your purpose is not pursuing what you may enjoy or be good at; not when it cost HIM His life and knowing HIM as Lord means your own living is prepared to even die for such a cause (Matt.16:24-26).

Today’s Thought “Cold Weather Heroes” G. Ward

Proverbs 11

²⁵ A generous person will be prosperous, and one who gives others plenty of water will himself be given plenty.

 

I didn’t grow up poor and our Dad was one who sought to keep us grounded in thanksgiving through incessant reminders of the children of Timbuktu (We assumed they lived in abject poverty). Moreover, our winters in Michigan were harsh, yet homelessness (then) wasn’t factored in for mankind of that era, so Dad would/could make you cry as he’d talk of all the stray dogs and cats. On this day (here in the South), we awakened to frigid temperatures and I’m wondering if any would contemplate those scurrying towards shelter of sorts, along with those without vehicles that dispense heat – walking to fulfill familial need. We’ve been told to never consider offering a ride to any, particularly in these dangerous times (as if to say you’re safe otherwise -Ps.127:1). Furthermore, could there be inquiry with our religious institutions, imposing on them to become warming stations, even offering soup and sandwiches that witnesses your volunteerism? Campaigns of great benevolence are so entirely wonderful and whereas they seemingly address the under-served the most, I’ve discovered our Lord’s words as foundational to our spiritual existence as transcendent to every generation that said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Ac.20:35b). While Timbuktu exists in Western Africa, poverty’s remnants are yet all around (*cf. Josh.24:15).