Today’s Thought “Inside Tip” G. Ward

Genesis 35

¹⁸ And it came about, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she named him Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin.

 

Jacob would labor for seven years to attain such a beautiful wife (Rachel) to witness her death immediately after giving birth to a son. Surely Rachel’s obituary (hypothetically speaking) would have listed all her accolades, even including the cultural posture widely promoted that says she accepted the Lord at an early age at some church she last attended when there was a funeral there a few years prior(?). The passage aforementioned is certainly indicative of mankind’s significant portion; his soul. It continues to exist after death. It’s that portion consistent with our conscious; even witness to subliminal thought unto proposed activity and whereas its construct was intended to absolutely belong to our Maker’s demand, it’s often more contained in the world’s theorizing than the eternal script granting our confidence in HIS presence, along with Perfect guidance and assurance of an eternity with HIM.

This certainty (in our theme that assures departure) is written, that we’d best contemplate this actuality in knowing the soul is who we are. Any day presented, is our Creator’s merciful patience unto us; HE desires our repentance (2 Pe.3:9). We all must decide to not place importance on things seen, yet with soul cognizance, fill our vessels provided with the message of eternality and live accordingly.

 

Today’s Thought “Time, In A Bottle…” G. Ward

Psalm 24

1 The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who live in it. ² For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. ³ Who may ascend onto the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place?

 

Persuading the unchurched onto spiritual order (solely) from God’s Word should be precedent unto every believer’s desire. Moreover, that order presented must undeniably portray Holy God as the Only Sufficient One and all others (considerably) less than (cf. Ro.10:14).

Unfortunately, our era is witness to a cultural pervasion of an unscripted allowance of having the Creator on terms of man - practiced by the church and unchurched (e.g., worship styles, including musical genre entirely secular, lack of expositional preaching with numerous contrasts so worldly, even comedic, promises extended unto every listener that assures there’s imminent blessings with your name on it, absolutely precluding mention of sin and God’s judgment – including HELL as unnecessary for such a discourse, etc.).

May we all more understand as Job would upon saying, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21), and whereas Job would be exposed to significant challenges in grief, he’d never let go of knowing that he was merely passing through God’s world.

 

Today’s Thought “Crown Achievement” G. Ward

Matthew 4:18

“Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon, who was called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.”

 

While the Apostle Peter would receive great acclaim, even listed as the chief Apostle, there was his inconspicuous brother Andrew, who’d first insist Peter come along, as he would introduce him to the Messiah hoped for (John 1:40-42). Not much is said about Andrew and perhaps he was equally inconspicuous in every realm of life; but what we know is his zeal for righteousness culminated in the Savior knowing his name.

While many follow those who seemingly occupy mountaintop experiences contiguously, it perhaps could be more beneficial in following the one walking with a limp; for his struggle is evident and presents life’s actualities, causing a dependence on ONE who won’t slumber (*Ps.121:1).

 

Today’s Thought “Just Got Paid…” G. Ward

James 4

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.

 

Our Creator is not an anti-pleasure God (cf. Eccl.9:7-9); but from the beginning and considering our design as frail, HE would allow a susceptibility for us (i.e., free will) unto visuals appearing shiny, yet without benefit; along with a deceiver’s rant that questions “did God really mean it that way(?).” Our rebellion would soon thereafter, eat the forbidden fruit. While we sup, our contemplation of potential digestive issues carrying a horrid reverberation, even comparable to an ongoing, embarrassing belching that persists and should serve as a reminder in how I agonized when consuming such presumed delicacies; I’d witness a false reprieve thereafter and whereas I seemingly cured of such distressful pain, I would then journey to another kind of tree and pick its fruit and the same would happen again and whereas ONE who created me (in All Wisdom) sought to share HIS intent for my every step, to help thwart my insatiable drive towards such agonizing, self-imposed misery (cf.*Psalm 119:114) …

 

Today’s Thought “Bear Trap, Covered by Leaves” G. Ward

James 1

¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. ¹⁵ Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. ¹⁶ Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters.

 

Our era is witness to great troubles among men no different than generations before. There is however, more claimants today from so many, with vehement expression in knowing God so well, that the very ordeal (appearing so complex) is merely a test HE administered (cf. Jas.1:13) and whereas most we’ll endeavor from trials expected are self-imposed, God’s become the bandit(?). NO! His greatest provision in this era remains the Lord Jesus. HIS Word is the escape and practice thereunto diminishes acts so foolishly impetuous that can even deliver death (v.15). Knowing God and doing what HE says is inextricably connected (Luke 6:46, Jas.1:22). Waiting and relying on some additional resource that seemingly soothes my wounds, will soon deliver even greater chaos; instead, run to the shelter HE provides …

 

Today’s Thought “Unprecedented” G. Ward

Matthew 27: ²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. ²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. ²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” ²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” ²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

Justice exercised by the hand of man can be mostly subjective and whereas systems’ opinion, no matter the consensus (either written or stated) that governs and must be followed (Ro.13:1-3), even appearing objective and without inequality intended towards its citizenry is also wavering, many can/will suffer.

There is however, ONE who endured continual, wrongful visitation of where justice should have prevailed; yet, HIS seeking rescue of sinfulness in many, by offering Himself to be crucified in their stead (*even including those antagonists so viciously perturbed by His presence), along with generations thereafter whose hearts are “desperately sick and deceitful” (Jer.17:9).

Key Point – When we fail to imitate HIS attitude in oversight of faults found in others (even some vitriolic in expression), we may be part of the crowd yelling “crucify Him!” May it never be.

 

Today’s Thought “Hypothesis, Won’t Do!” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 2

⁶ Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; ⁷ but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; ⁸ the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

 

Believers in Christ won’t allow for a mouth provided to echo our Lord is great, along with consistent attendance at their perspective place of worship to suffice as an acquired personal relationship with HIM; they’re determined in a daily pursuit of HIS Word (both studied and applied). Moreover, they understand this journeying in HIM allows their quest to become fortified against every whim that creeps up, furthering both speculation(s) from themselves and what other false purveyors of Truth demand.

While so many continue in a common plight (i.e., un-converted by our Lord) and seek to understand God on their terms, and whereas the proverbial expression that says, “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” is indicative of fear that greatly mis-applies something so invaluable (cf. Ps.119:10-15), the words from Holy God won’t be deciphered naturally (1 Cor.2:14).

 

Today’s Thought “Professionally, Unprofessional…” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 2

¹⁷ For we are not like the many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.

 

The Truth of God’s Word, unfolds this era as no different than thousands of years ago when false teachers (imposing on facts presented in God’s Word) sought to pervade their eloquence onto a people needing answers, to then witness their finding more idol worship through another seemingly so impressive. The “few factor” of our Lord’s discourse (Matt.7:13-14), will assuredly pay attention to always present Christ as Sufficient, and every man thereafter - completely subordinate to HIM and whereas their determinations won’t ever deter from proclamations’ conveyance found in HIS Holy Script, they won’t add or subtract to make it palatable.

*Key Point: Whenever you encounter what appears to be contradictory of another passage (particularly as you seek to verify one of your points), know that’s the beginning of heresy. God is incapable of error, but WE’RE always prone to it (*Ro.3:4).

 

Today’s Thought “WHEN the Storms of Life…” G. Ward

Psalm 46

1 God is our refuge and strength, A very ready help in trouble. ² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth shakes and the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; ³ Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah

A universalist approach to life demands we embrace their philosophy that insists the whole of humanity will ultimately be reconciled to God (cf. Rev.22:14-15). However, ageless proofs remain identifiable from the Creator’s Script and it will stand forever and whereas today is essentially belonging to any with breath, it was established that mankind could be (?), reconciled to the Almighty through Jesus (*John 14:6). Soon, the indecision from some will become gloom and doom; particularly as time unfolds a proposed departure from earth and whereas those last moments may cry out “Lord, help me please,” HIS objective was to hear that through their great remorse unto Jesus and my hope is it happened that way (Romans 2:4-5).

 

Today’s Thought “Activity Speaks Volumes” G. Ward

Galatians 5

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

 

As believers in Christ Sufficiency, our lives placed in His hand, suffers periodic lapse in what’s most comfortable – existing in the grip of His grace and every encounter upon those moments in slippage should assess who may have viewed this unspiritual anarchy. Could it have been instrumental in perpetuations from the unconverted that insists greatest hypocrisy exists in the church (which truly conveys they’re not feeling included, with desire to remain distant to worship facilities)?

Instead, we’re called to be spiritual lights unto those searching for resolute answers (Matt.5:14-16) and the “elephant in the room” remains believer’s subversion of “all men falling short” and absolutely insisting everyone know of the Savior’s Perfection, while seeking each day to mimic His attitude and whereas some will shout God help us – He already has (2 Ti.3:16-17).

 

Today’s Thought “A Crowded Room” G. Ward

Philippians 2:14-16

Do all things without complaining or arguments; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain.

 

There’s great necessitation in devoting oneself to a daily time(s) where devices are shutdown and contemplations of spiritual goals are assessed according to God’s Word and whereas many adjourn to the implications of the Truth therein (i.e., by what the people say), and even allow for religious heroes’ writings as the source for their motivation, may soon realize their lives are empty and spent in never believing HE can speak to them directly (cf. Heb.1:1-2).

Moreover, controversies are more pronounced/perceived whenever one says they’re owned by the Savior, yet are inconsistent in a periodic quiet time. The beauty in such devotion from us to our Lord, is the magnificence of His lovingkindness to receive us back upon our straying away from what’s best, warranting a return onto spiritual productivity, to witness a new determination that throws a lifeline of highest reconciliation (from the Only God whose desire is for others’ repentance also – 2 Pe.3:9), bringing glory and honor that celebrates His faithfulness, compelling ours ...

 

Today’s Thought “No Passengers” G. Ward

Ephesians 5

¹¹ Do not participate in the useless deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; ¹² for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. ¹³ But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. 

 

There’s evidence for the many who objectively now live for Christ as Lord; it’s a hunger for holy living, along with adoption of those pure things emanating from God’s Word. Moreover, our associations are most assuredly and always under review and whereas many a constituent is unavoidable, we’re careful to correlate with them in/through a tremendous heavenly hospitality; and through merciful consideration, prepared to share unadulterated Truth with great love (understanding our slippage may be near - *Ro.7:17-20).

Some embrace a religiosity, entirely unavailable to a few that may suffer in surrender to bouts in cultural permissiveness (e.g., licentiousness – a unholy lack in spiritual restraint). The Almighty’s availability must be ours (Eph.5:1-2), forbidding a communal living kind of theorizing, but an intentional preparation that won’t compromise (even when the “shiny things” appear so attractive).

 

Today’s Thought “When Class Is Adjourned” G. Ward

John 8:31-32

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

Perhaps it all began with Grandmother’s great preparation that included the illustrious hat, so fanciful, along with all she did that circumvented that great day with such an elaborate meal anticipated when you departed in what seemed to be the longest discourse by a preacher who thought too highly of himself, neglecting to see the exasperated looks on faces in the audience? Is that what keeps you from being found consistently in worship services, including mid-week discipleship courses? Have any through what’s deemed an unnecessary process deduced great tolerance from an All-Wise Creator, who doubted Himself when He insisted intimacy with Him is the determinant of faith and is solidified via a consistent gathering with other worshippers (*Heb.10:25)?

It appears Grandmother was correct is devoting the equivalency of 3.5 hours (weekly) to corporate worship, while enjoining herself to 164.5 hours (each week) to individualized pursuit in holy living, while endeavoring additional study at home (*Ac.17:11, 2 Ti.2:15, Heb.4:16).

 

Today’s Thought “Dear Abby” G. Ward

Jeremiah 23:16

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.

 

Many a “girlfriend talk” speak to others in distress so authoritatively, yet with a refusal in similar ideology. In other terms, it’s said that the mechanic’s car is too barely running. While so many may genuinely mean well, particularly as they unknowingly meet a code of today, appearing harmless, they ultimately violate spiritual character.

The whole of mankind is weak (cf. Jer.17:5) and only Holy God is strong and whereas Christ came to earth to embody what it means to resolutely depend on His Father (i.e., Infinite Wisdom), even through consistent convening with Him while trouble was all around, He endured the greatest task for our victory, insisting we’re no greater than He and if life had greatest obstructions for Him, it would too be difficult for us. Many will share that because you stomp your toe, give it to Jesus and He'll fix it (and HE will). It will however hurt badly as He’s allowed a period in mending.

Run, but do so on His terms found from Genesis to Revelation; there’s answers in eternality there; blessing today and for tomorrow.

 

Today’s Thought “Walk of Fame” G. Ward

Romans 3

²² But it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, ²³ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.

 

Is there someone more significantly better than the next? Have wavering words so philosophically perceived become its determinant? Am I known for switching partners as my esteem for some is perceived by external success?

Upon careful examination of Holy God’s Word, we’ll see generations of mankind have (and perpetuate) rebellion against their Maker (Ro.3:2-4); primarily through self-governance (*and we thought an “own your own power” theorizing was new – cf. 2 Ti.3:1-5). For any sensible, proper interrogation of God’s Word furthered, will prayerfully observe a “no righteous activity” from man, prompting entry of the Savior unto a world so entirely disconnected, and witness HIS perfect living, along with tumultuous assault from those violators in righteousness instrumental in His death, whereby words from His (i.e., Jesus’) lips would echo, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” and thereafter He hung His head and died and whereas 3 days later HE’D rise from the dead on our behalf, His work having stood in our stead (so amazing) allowed our communion with the Father via the great deposit of Himself in those who’d submit to HIM as Sufficient to deliver them from their sinfulness.

The older I become in HIM, the less impressed I am in another.

 

Today’s Thought “God’s Great Joy!” G. Ward

Romans 8: ³⁷ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Many goals are set for lives personally and professionally and while some are met and others diminish over time, the wholeness of planning, just desired things go better than had been.

Success, however, is with guarantee; when any who will recognize to exist wholeheartedly in Christ as Lord (i.e., Owner) grants HIM supremacy over all I can think as best.  Our Savior graciously re-orchestrates a life once consumed with presumable desire, to then witness a new life that marvels in His continued presence, through an unrelenting search in the Truth of God’s Word and despite me, realizes HE chose to love me. What shall I render (? – Ro.12:1-2) …

 

Today’s Thought “Brace Yourself!” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 10

¹³ No temptation has overtaken you except something common to mankind; and God is faithful, so He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

 

While the Word of God clearly states, “He Himself does not tempt anyone” (Jas.1:13c), He allows the many trials of life and they will establish greater perseverance in HIM for those who believe. On the other hand, if one adjusts to modern thought, he may believe that God more seeks to thwart one from every difficulty; particularly as he’ll witness those religious absolutely prepared to pray everything perceivably bad away. Reasonable mindsets however, understands that difficulties imposed (either circumstantial, or self-imposed), serve as a reminder in why a road sought must first calculate its toll and whereas anyone’s estimation thereafter remains sketchy (still), the demand of eternality states, “Return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Malachi 3:7).

 

Today’s Thought “Future Fruitfulness” G. Ward

Isaiah 54

¹⁷ No weapon that is formed against you will succeed;
And you will condemn every tongue that accuses you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord.

 

God’s Word is without error and while any are subject to read it, proper contextualization is limited (unto the un-studied and unrepentant), both in/by the Spirit realm and presuppositional thinking found in man (1 Cor.2:14).

The Prophet Isaiah, spokesman on behalf of Holy God for Israel; would prophesy about events of that time and the distant future (as pertinent to our theme). His life while doing so, would encounter great unrest (cf. Isa.6:9-11), particularly as he’d be compelled to portray Holy God as just (i.e., His standards of righteousness are opposite of ours – Isa.55:8-9 and HE won’t settle for shaded areas found in us.). Isaiah’s popularity was a negative (inasmuch as Isaiah’s words were not his own, but was God’s imposition unto His own for their blatant disregard of HIS reign and rule over their lives.) and would eventually cost him (Isaiah) life in earth under King Manasseh; even while God’s people would incur severe threat from enemy armies all around (perpetuating dangers and desolation), that even delivered them to captivity in Babylon.

“No weapon succeeding” theology is pertinent to the Millennial Kingdom, indicative of Isaiah 9:6 (the government is solely under Christ rule and Satan is bound for 1000 years). Believers (those who’ve died to self, having confessed Christ as Owner of their lives) would have already been raptured to live with Jesus (1 Thess.4:13-18).

Question: Are we more faithful than Christ (John 15:20)? How about Isaiah, perhaps Paul, Peter, John? The many weapons opposing them (seemingly – Ro.8:18) succeeded (according to an un-sanctioned “living my best life” syndrome so prevalently perceived, cf. *Heb.11:8-40) …  

 

Today’s Thought “Assessing Miseries” G. Ward

Psalm 90

⁸ You have placed our guilty deeds before You,
Our hidden sins in the light of Your presence.
⁹ For all our days have dwindled away in Your fury;
We have finished our years like a sigh.

Moses, an old man, would view his 120 years granted indifferent from some who count victories in a life that even assumes an eternal rest for a job well done. Instead, his would without deeper contemplation, think on mankind’s misdeeds; particularly against and while a Perfect God, their Maker was at watch, having provided HIS plan for lives through commands that’d render peace, but went violated. The contrast of his contemplations didn’t find him exempt from such contemptuous behavior found in man, but would marvel that he knew HIM, face to face (Ezek.33:11). Moreover, he would understand that trials are common to man because of our sinfulness, causing the Almighty’s anger’s visitation upon us and then we witness Moses’ great spiritual plea; that our LORD would teach us how to live in view of such a short life, that preeminently includes honoring our King rightfully (Ps.90:12). May we never presume on Life (John 14:6) to believe we have more years to decide such…

 

 

 

Today’s Thought “The Gambler” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 13:5

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?

Is faithful attendance, along with efforts in living righteously the reasoning for participating at Sunday morning worship services (Eph.2:8)? Moreover, are you convinced that righteous efforts to live a moral life, that is follow-through with perceived commands solidifies your estimation of what it means to know God (Ro.3:10, 23)?

Salvation, through Christ as Lord understands, no righteousness was found in any man, but only is resolved when whomever will confess their sins involving every moment prior to asking HIS forgiveness, for the many times they made decisions, plans, confrontations, etc., outside the realm of Holy God’s Word and then activate in a systematic study with other believers to ensure their personal relationship desired remains the absolute, most important, daily endeavor, before  this earthen journey is complete and replete with confidence that HE knows my name (*Heb.4:16). One cannot journey to think there is heavenly permissiveness in a continuation where speculative behaviors are presumably acceptable and grants eternity with the Most High? Grace and mercy pursued (ON HIS TERMS) remains the growth agency (*2 Ti.2:15), anything less is with similitude of blackjack or roulette (Luke 6:46) …

 

Today’s Thought “Supreme Purpose” G. Ward

Titus 2:11-12

For God has revealed his grace for the salvation of all people. That grace instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world.

 

Grace, perhaps is the most widely misunderstood spiritual phenomenon; until the pursuit unfolds Christ as grace personified. It’s HIS example that demonstrates life in earth for the believer is to be sacrificial, even towards those undeserving (i.e., the whole of mankind) and whereas social media’s adherents are propelling through this New Year with ideas of removing all negative influences, have you forgotten His own forsook Him, along with rebellion found in each of us and how we’re called as emissaries of His to proclaim ONE who will/can forgive them, change them and make them useful in the same (*cf. Matt.18:21-22)? Holy God is entirely antithetical to man’s vain philosophy and while HIS pursuit of us didn’t waver because we were entirely unlovely (i.e., a negative influence – Ro.5:8); cease on today in efforts of dismissal and trust, “such were some of you” (1 Cor.6:8-11) …