Today’s Thought “Secret Agent Man” G. Ward

Revelation 12

¹¹ And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.

 

Great lengths in what was the most tumultuous death was given by Christ for the sinful idiocy of mankind and whereas our Lord personally proclaimed HE would be dead for three days and then rise (Matt.12:40, 16:21, 27:63, John 2:19), finds our celebratory praise on another Good Friday, for HIS mighty victory over death. Jesus would die on a Friday (Nisan 14) and His resurrection on the third day would occur on the first day of the week (Sunday) and while it appears argumentative by some seeking error (*where none is found), it truly unfolds unbelief (*cf. Matt.12:39). Hebrew reckoning (particularly of that era) calendarized days differently (sundown to sunset = not by hours / e.g., even the term “forty days and forty nights” was euphemistically indicating 40 days, or more than one month).

Our thankfulness for this Holy Week must transcend our praise, through a preparation that answers (authoritatively) what it means to know HIM (1 Pe.3:15); doing so for Love’s sake (1 John 4:8). Moreover, having a personal relationship with our Lord, won’t ever adopt an avoidance of talking of religion and to do so unashamedly (*while absolutely needful of disquieting discussion of politics – Matt.24:35) and that testimony must be altered from a traditional perception of how He took my sickness away, or how monies were provided in my time of need, but must circumvent how HE’S still loving the world, even them who feel not so worthy (Ro.5:8) and how HE desires a love relationship with them …

 

Today’s Thought “Will We Remember?” 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.”

 

Whereas our Lord Jesus was soon to face a horrific crucifixion, while absolutely guiltless and entirely considerate of our sins, this message isn’t to be equated as a bon voyage bidding, nor is it synonymous with an elderly grandmother’s dying wish unto those she loves, that insists on family unity; but its comparability was/is a challenge to every disciple of Christ, even so monumentally afforded Israel – to know they were chosen because of a proposed spiritual expansion onto other nations (cf. Isa.49:6), indicative of unparalleled love from our Magnificent Savior.

The bidding our Lord proposed for HIS own, particularly after such a heinous, brutal crucifixion, burial and resurrection, regards us as HIS fabric (as though HE Himself is the Master Weaver) and while we’re provided unrelenting shelter (because of our confession of Him as Sufficient as Lord), we have all we need – believers are to cover HIS world (as that spiritual fabric) – before the storms of life absolutely overwhelm them.

 

Today’s Thought “Information Overload?” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 15

³ For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴ and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.

 

Argumentative behaviors are most prevalent at Easter and Christmas, due to a wrongful infusion of false religion’s symbolisms (i.e., the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus), lending doubt and criticisms of those participants in consistent worship gatherings and whereas some believers are confounded through a lack in proper response (cf.1 Pe.3:15), I’ll remind believers everywhere (as the Apostle admonishes) to not lose focus as to one’s own salvation. Moreover, avoid those controversies, absolutely inarguable and only consider what is currently and historically inerrant (*2 Ti.2:16) – God’s Word. Furthermore, while trusting, one must remember – these diversionary tactics will ultimately find those castigators deficient of earth’s oxygen supplied by the ONE demanding acknowledgement NOW, before an eternity occupied by gloom and doom becomes home.

See you at the Easter Egg Hunt…

 

Today’s Thought “Six Minutes…” 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. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

 

Holy God remains the Only Righteous Judge (*Ro.3:10) and whereas HIS Word has determined how those created are to function in the earth, many absolutely rebel. He, however, enabled the rebellion from some to be reconciled (Ro.5:8), while blessing the whole of mankind with inherent consciousness of HIS presence – though there may not be prudent investigation of His guidance mandated (1 John 2:3-4); so, HE authoritatively proclaims all/any “without excuse.”

Both the religious and irreligious need not compare their perceived morality against other men, for it will keep them lofty and aloof (Heb.12:2). Instead, all eyes must maintain the only perfect view – the Creator, HIS Exemplar Leader and the Spirit; who purposes those willing to identify HE alone is the only Truth, while men purport deceit (Jer.17:9).

Only, along with urgently RUN to HIM…

 

Today’s Thought “Humanitarianism 101” G. Ward

Genesis 9

¹⁸ Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. ¹⁹ These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

 

While culture of sorts is with many dictates (arts, social affiliation, customs, intellectual achievements, etc.), they remain permissible, but perhaps not altogether beneficial.

Just a few days ago in Moscow (Russia), an innocent group attended a concert hall to enjoy their favorite music, whereby terrorists’ attack witnessed 130 lives massacred. It was those terrorist’s response to perceived injustice. Moreover, over 31,000 innocent lives have been taken regarding the Israel- Hamas Conflict, along with great displacement from victims having homes, including rampant starvation. What’s more, is an ongoing war (Russia vs. Ukraine), where the death count borders a half-million.

I’ve had indifference with my siblings, but never to the degree in desiring their demise. While that statement appears digressive, it’s exactly that to which our Heavenly Father would propose for HIS creation (i.e., best thoughts in continuity). *We’re different colors, consuming a varied food, with unique customs and while these remain argumentative, the SPIRITUAL DENOMINATOR insists we’re one blood (read our Bible theme again). Live and pray accordingly.

 

Today’s Thought “Look At Me…” G. Ward

1 Peter 3

³ Your adornment must not be merely the external—braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry, or putting on apparel; ⁴ but it should be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.

 

Peter’s admonishing understood a covert movement rising in the mindsets of some elitist women in the church contained by fashion attempts, entirely unachievable by the commoner. Moreover, these same aristocratic women would become disruptive to what should have been a worshipful gathering, embodying devotion to dying to sin and self from every proposed believer.

When there are attempts to be known along with our Lord (even beyond external adornments of sorts), that even insist all would recognize credentials substantiating leadership capabilities and prefacing surnames with clergy titles – there’s a violating, diminishing of Holy God’s superiority, like HIS appointment of plain, old Peter, the poor unlearned fisherman.

 

Today’s Thought “Broken Toy” G. Ward

Matthew 5

⁴ “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”

 

Great misrepresentation of scripture will assume this mourning as pertinent to general sorrows of sorts, but this pertains to a godly sorrow after spiritual disconnect (i.e., disobedience) and while we need to experience HIS unrelenting care for us (1 Pe.5:7), the perfect restoration onto peace happens when we’re entirely uncomfortable (i.e., truly remorseful) with personal depravity.

Our Lord’s understanding of temptation unbecoming of holiness also plagued Him while in earth and only HE walked circumspect of a perfect, consecrated, holy life (*Heb.4:15). Altogether, HIS example, along with such sacrifice, bought the portion in us so entirely imperfect (i.e., our humanity) allowing such uninhibited intimacy with Holy God (Heb.1:1-2).

May our desire to never grow up and move out of the Father’s House remain.

 

Today’s Thought “The Air I Breathe” G. Ward

Hosea 11

1 When Israel was a youth I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. ² The more they called them, the more they went away from them; they kept sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. ³ Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in My arms; but they did not know that I healed them.

 

No matter the multitudes of man with all their philosophical rhetoric, even so eloquent, with theorizing proven in numerous cases (cf. 1 Cor. 2:1-5), there’s that portion of life where eternality is central to my cerebral being; questioning will/can I live after departing earth (?).

As Holy God loved His own, even sending various mouthpieces to thwart their continued spiritual disconnect, He’s doing so in this era and whereas the free will of His allowance towards men yet exists and witnesses their unsettled behavior still, along with continued rebellion – HE awaits our surrender; but soon the door will be closed (*Rev.3:20) …

 

Today’s Thought “Got Mine, Get Yours” G. Ward

1 John 3

 ¹ Look at how great a love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children. And we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him.

 

While believers ought to be amazed at such love demonstrated by their Savior, they also must recognize HIS generosity unto all men with spiritual proactivity in seeking to win those presumably satisfied in leading their own lives apart from Christ rule. Moreover, to “know” HIM, won’t desire to become a recluse in their every endeavor, but will pursue (daily) such intimacy with Christ through acknowledgement of His Word by following all He presented in earth (and we know His consideration for even the vilest of sinners most assuredly declared His Father’s sufficiency to guide those He created).

Praise must never become so celebratory – that leaves others to themselves (*Prov.11:30) …

 Today's Thought "Meditative Pause" G. Ward

John 11

3 So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness is not meant for death, but is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.”

As believers, we'll greatly anticipate our calendar's markings that indicate the events of Christ's resurrection and whereas HE rose from a voluntary dying for our sins, our imminent departure from earth forcasts an eternity with HIM. The sorrow however, Christ would incur (particular to having lost a close friend), illustrates His humanity (for the short season) - relative to a voluntary posture (*only HE could assume) that lent fortitude to all our griefs to bear (as it remains incessant) that allows an implicit follow-ship of His exemplary way (*Heb.4:14-16) and signifies, trouble isn't lasting.

May your days encompass understanding that you have a SAVIOR that absolutely loves you similarly...

 Today’s Thought “Missing Assignment?” G. Ward 

Joshua 24 

15 But if it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served, which were beyond the Euphrates River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

While good parenting may include a promotion of social integrity and an educational prowess that grants a great career, all won’t compare to the process of spiritual integration of God’s Word unto a child’s daily routine (Deut.6:4-7, Prov.22:6); and whereas great acclamations from many parents suggest how theirs was raised in the church – to then witness a presumed back-slidden condition (of years in the same) from those now grown, it wasn’t necessarily due to a failure to model moral behaviors, but a wrongful acclimation that insisted Susie and Johnny be diligent in home and school work (up to assisting them in projects and assignments), while hardly simulating that effort with the scriptures that grants life and it eternally. TODAY is provided, not to rehearse spiritual malfeasance, but to enact that to which remains MOST SIGNIFICANT. 

 Today’s Thought “Send Help” G. Ward 

Colossians 3 

2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 

 

I must tell you of a joy I never thought would be. It’s called compassion and it now involves that familial consideration of those I barely know (*Ro.12:15) and whereas many times upon encountering them, I’ve resolved myself to immediate praying – so as to identify with my Lords’ appointment, realizing His objective through me must take place, while every desire to be recognized personally diminishes. Moreover, when I’m compelled to offer aid (of sorts), I expect nothing in return (Matt.6:2-4); because my offering more declared I have all I’ve needed (Ps.23:1). One cannot persist in saying “I know the Lord” to only seek those monetarily productive to become part of a local fellowship; we must see all, in view of HIS sacrifice unto all.  

 

Today’s Thought “Do You Remember?” G. Ward

Ephesians 4

²⁶ Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and do not give the devil an opportunity.

 

For any who believe in the way of the Lord, being angry comes with great responsibility (cf. Heb.5:12). Moreover, to realize the periodic fault and sinfulness in man will assuredly stem from his own heart; which continues as a contriving, maniacal personage (Ge.8:21, Jer.17:9), and whereas the circus can feature a lion tamer so appreciated, our Lord builds us (Phil.1:6).

Furthermore, a righteous indignation from a believer won’t criticize without a proposed hope for better onto those exhibiting spiritual lapse, but offers himself, with careful, patient instruction, even portraying love – because “such were some of us…”

 Today’s Thought “Independent Thought” G. Ward

Judges 21

25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Our spirituality is mostly governed through gauging the attitude and actions of other men. It’s often accompanied by wrongful assessment of mine own character (spiritually) that pompously states – inasmuch as morality is seemingly so perceivable, they (societal degenerates) won’t ever ascend toward its code (*cf. Jas.2:10-13).

Our mindsets are/can be like a clock that failed to be turned back at a time where they were to be set forward; particularly when our personal governance fails to be considerate of Holy God’s rule and reign for this life given that pardoned our every indiscretion so mercifully, to then forget what HE’S done for us, may too consider another; and that my friends is the portion for this era in perceiving we’re “right in our own eyes,” particularly while KING JESUS is at watch. Will we do better(?)…

 

Today’s Thought “I Believe the Children Are the Future…” G. Ward

Deuteronomy 7

⁹ Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments; ¹⁰ but He repays those who hate Him to their faces, to eliminate them; He will not hesitate toward him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face.

The term “for HIS Glory” is attributable (solely) to Holy God and His choosing Israel to represent that glory wouldn’t regard their worthiness, but His sovereign choice. As what typifies the whole of mankind – a deceitful heart (Jer.17:9), they would soon disappoint (cf. Ge.8:21); via an abandonment of perfect guidance (i.e., consistently and faithfully), whereby generations thereafter would emulate wrongful compromise similarly (cf. Judg.21:25).

While many of us (particularly those who believe) would love to criticize a people chosen, yet with periodic, blatant disregard of God’s commands, we too have been chosen (Eph.1:4-5) and if we’re not careful (in obeisance), our greatest grandchildren will suffer. *Incidentally, hate’s definition is a lack of full devotion to God.

 

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

Proverbs 24

¹⁶ For a righteous person falls seven times and rises again,
But the wicked stumble in time of disaster.

 

Failure is overwhelming when an escape desired - relies on another plan entirely temporal; but when one observes an attempt to life as godly (initially), to then seek to recapitulate onto the ONE whose plan for the lives (i.e., those who experience periodic lapse in good judgment, to thereafter insist on personal demand in allowing their Savior’s lead – cf. Ro.7:14-20) is perceived as perfect and faithful, success will be the end result (*Ps.34:8)!

 

Today’s Thought “The Filled Auditorium” G. Ward

Ezekiel 2: ³ Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have revolted against Me to this very day. ⁴ So I am sending you to those who are impudent and obstinate children, and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says:’ ⁵ As for them, whether they listen or not—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Could this commissioning, along with current visuals of masses gathered to hear great orators, be indicative in how Christ unfolds a rebellion continued in man; to then compel every disciple to choose a perceived smallest avenue of blessed hope, particularly not the loudest, but with guaranteed joy and peace (as any would follow), versus the path meticulously decorated whereby many participants are impressed with the leader of the pack, who is profoundly charismatic and eloquently promotes no less a messaging comparable to fields of pretty flowers, with a refusal to prepare those adherents unto the many trials ahead (*Matt.7:13-14)?

Our demands will soon witness judgment (cf. 2 Ti.4:3-4) …

 

Today’s Thought “Quiet Anarchy” G. Ward

Romans 5

¹⁰ For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 

 

There’s continued spiritual disconnect with us when our mindset obtains Christ in measurement convenient to our sorrows, along with points of moral congeniality expressed in group exchange (cf. Matt.23:4-7). A genuine dependence on Him as Owner of my life is profoundly aware of what’s been provided (i.e., forgiveness of sins, through my repentance unto HIM – without categorization and revocation). It allows every directive to first observe that to which is supremely significant – His Word and believing those precepts contain points of adherence unto every particularism I’m given to perceive and then agree it’s not burdensome to pursue, yet comfortable in knowing His care for me won’t relent.

 

Today’s Thought “Masquerade Party” G. Ward

Psalm 32

⁶ Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; certainly in a flood of great waters, they will not reach him. ⁷ You are my hiding place; You keep me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. 

Mankind’s sinfulness has become marginalized by the rhetoric of many who seek to impose a “get it while you can” mentality; along with pervading an insistence unto those vulnerable onto philosophies of sorts, to be known by personal pursuits (i.e., to be happy) and don’t allow anything or anyone to block this chase.

Have any sought observance of the lives of Christ, along with His apostles and disciples (John 15:18-20, Matt.16:21-23,*24)? Will any chase after Supremacy’s demand; particularly before it’s too late? Are some counting on the thief at the cross kind of redemption, discounting sudden death? Joy and peace obtained, truly emanates from an assurance that mine own sins are reconciled through Christ death, burial and resurrection (John 14:6); admitting, I’ve done nothing right; outside of confessing HIS Sufficiency…

 

Today’s Thought “Big Baby” G. Ward

Philippians 4

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

 

Periodic anxiety is the unfortunate visitor onto the believer, requiring a meditation of HIS unrelenting presence that guides us into Truth and when that reality is then mostly desired, peace ensues; knowing the road ahead may contain pot holes, but I’m contained in slow-down mode, so as to thwart my vehicle’s suspension from damage, rendering me inoperable (John 15:5).

I’m discovering how lonely worry truly is, particularly as I grow in our Lord; that is, until I enter HIS sanctuary (i.e., the soul HE provides); it then enables my adulthood’s regression unto the child who’s secure with such Perfect, Supreme Care (cf. Mark 14:36).

I pray that your today is as good…