Today’s Thought “Undeniable” G. Ward

1 Timothy 3

¹⁶ Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, Was vindicated in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Proclaimed among the nations, Believed on in the world, Taken up in glory.

Many scholars have attempted to calculate the many prophecies of Christ’s first advent, to agree on as many as 500 (and more) existent in the Old Testament. Our Lord would fulfill as many as 300 during His earthly ministry (while many others await the Millennial Kingdom – cf. Rev.20:4-6) and whereas unbelief pervades to insist that mere men wrote such inerrant truth (*2 Pe.1:20-21), I stand perplexed, because every level of chronicling these passages involved historical facts implicating witnesses, along with literary agents (with great scholarship), not even surrendered to Holy God through Christ, who confirm these actualities. Faith, is still God’s measurement to us who believe and won’t depend on visuals or hypothesis from other men of finite mindsets, but just desires to be known by such a Magnificent, Caring Savior; saying “yes” to HIS will (solely found in the Holy Scriptures).

 

Today’s Thought “Earthen Treasures” G. Ward

Psalm 118

²⁴ This is the day which the Lord has made; Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.

Are you absolutely overwhelmed with joy in having been chosen by Holy God before HE established the earth (Eph.1:4)? If so, are you also aware of its contingency not being based on how well you’ve done with this life presented, nor your familiarity with what HE said in His Word (Isa.64:6, Eph.2:8-9); but more questions whether or not my living/attitude sought/seeks to imitate the Savior’s perfection (Phil.2:1-6). Faithfulness unto the entirety of precepts given (from Genesis to Revelation) identifies (primarily) with an unwavering (face to face) discipleship with other believers – is that you (Heb.10:24-25)? Moreover, it (the love relationship with Christ) absolutely loves HIS people (John 13:34-35). Have you greatly anticipated those at your fellowship? Do they even know you, or is your attendance more sporadic than intentional? Altogether, our insight means nothing regarding HIS actualities; so, every term endeavored must emanate from those directives written for HIS glory and our genuine compliance and whereas TODAY is given, let’s begin as if we’ve never failed.

 

Today’s Thought “Renewed Commitment” G. Ward

Habakkuk 3

² Lord, I have heard the report about You, and I was afraid.
Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, In the midst of the years make it known. In anger remember mercy.

 

This prophet’s early disillusionment in/with Holy God’s judgment was/is comparable to our own for today. Particularly when our ideas in how the Almighty works has enabled Christ’s redemption for our transgressions brought us joy and abundantly so. Habakkuk would lament, recalling a time whereby the moral climate was re-established among God’s own, by King Josiah and soon after he would die, believers would shrink back unto great reprobation and whenever there’s been that in predominance JUDGMENT is imminent. Habakkuk would hear of God’s proposed captivity for His own and plead for mercy. Ultimately and because chapter 3’s prayer was sincerely reverent, he would recognize that even if everything around him would capsize (due to such obstinance/rebellion from those knowing better, but not slowing down well enough to perceive God’s righteousness), he (the prophet) would still rejoice.

We must also remember, the same God then, still reigns and HIS report is still searchable (*John 12:35-36).

 

Today’s Thought “Grateful for the Trials” G. Ward

Matthew 6

⁸ So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

 

Our peculiarity as believers won’t understand the complicated journey in earth we’re exposed, but trusts our Omniscient God to carry us through and whereas the many pitfalls (either self-imposed, or circumstantial) can/will overwhelm our soul, our Almighty King knew of such (i.e., our sorrows, frustration, anxieties, calamities and pain) before the foundation of the world. Mistrust of that actuality, pervades informing HIM of the many woes in our experiences in earth through prayer, warranting a recapitulation of a proper prayerful stance by our Lord that we echo HIS sentimentality in a world HE chose to exist in while too enduring hardship – “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.”

Why did Holy God, knowing of your grief to bear, not stop it before it happened (*Jas.1:2-6)? Our dependence on HIM in everything remains the requirement.

 

Today’s Thought “The End Goal” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

 

I believe our trials, particularly for the American, certainly can be overwhelming, but is often exacerbated by/through a refusal to endeavor how God is still loving the world and whereas many beyond our borders are continually exposed to existential threat of starvation and clean drinking water, amidst governments embracing totalitarianism, many times our dilemma is generally associative to financial deficiencies. Moreover, these tribulations of ours, even discount the whole of history that witnessed our foreparents’ struggle to provide food for their family and while we’re disappointed when leftovers are served – it’s greatly indicative of what my friend (visiting and on missionary assignment from W. Africa) says, “Americans are spoiled”.

While my compassion onto any grievous remains, along with others enduring mental anguish of sorts continues, I certainly hope for many others to more contemplate the avenue given in this today, where spiritual recapitulation is offered (*Phil.4:4-7), even remembering how our merciful Savior’s rescue of us, calls for best stewardship of our earthly posture – whereby desires/pleasures must be weighed against HIS Word that guarantees our peace (although troubles persist).

 

Today’s Thought “Thwarting Misdeeds” G. Ward

James 4

⁷ Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Holy God’s diagnosis of mankind’s insistence to guide their own lives was/is HIS forecast from the beginning (Ge.8:21, Jer.17:9). Our human nature seeks to gratify ourselves with thoughts of deserving portions so vivid and perceivably permitted and whereas our theme on today addresses those of the church, its composition still embodies both believers and unbelievers. The verses prefacing our theme primarily deals with those unbelievers fascinated with the shiny things of the world, even discontented with ideas of being owned, constrained by a morality imposed by our Blessed Savior and while HIS desire is to throw them a lifeline, the unbeliever’s practice in seemingly having both (i.e., church fellowship and worldly affiliation of sorts), overwhelms their good judgment and is substantiated by so many proposing the same (Matt.7:13-14). A believer’s charge is to continue their pursuit in faith without relent and never serve a diluted elixir for sin sickness (outside the realm of gospel Truth – Matt.5:16, cf. 1 Cor.6:9-11). Moreover, our straining to emulate our Savior’s perseverance, must be as HE demonstrated – an unadulterated, consistent answer from what is written (*Matt.4:1-11).

 

Today’s Thought “What’s Your Sign?” G. Ward

Deuteronomy 18: ¹⁰ There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, a soothsayer, one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, ¹¹ or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who consults the dead. ¹² For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of these detestable things the Lord your God is going to drive them out before you.

 

God’s handiwork in having created twelve constellations of stars have unfortunately become relevant once again, to the zodiac; reducing HIS work to an unfounded anthropology that identifies with natural character traits in man, identifiable, according to one’s month of birth and whereas this pseudo phenomenon was seemingly at its peak in the 1960’s and 70’s, it’s shamefully resurfaced. Our Lord’s Way is for those created in the highest form (i.e., humanity), to become representatives of HIM, their Maker. Thereafter, HE alone would re-build them unto specimens entirely spiritual, even witnesses onto others concerning HIS perfect guidance in a world ever-evolving onto more rebellion (Ac.1:8, 2 Cor.5:17, Gal.2:20). Moreover, HIS new demand for the lives He’d present (again, for HIS glory) – would remain in HIS grip (where protection is found) and while HE continues as the Author of science, we, who believe, must never forget that explorations (for believers), although permitted, should always seek to represent its governance; it won’t be self-seeking, but proclaim that to which honors their eternality so graciously given by their Savior – even understanding their time in earth as entirely too short to place importance on silly matters (so insignificant).

*Holy God, alone is the only ONE who impacts your destiny; never needing our theorizing – that cannot even determine whether there’s a next moment…

 

Today’s Thought “Conviction: God’s Priests at Work” G. Ward

Acts 17

¹⁶ Now while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he observed that the city was full of idols.

 

The Apostle Paul finds himself in Greece, the religious and intellectual capital in the Roman Empire; yet, he’s not impressed as so many were (1 John 2:15-17), nor is he disillusioned concerning the magnitude of responsibility to remain full of grace while among such permissive behavior from its citizenry (cf. 1 Cor.10:23). Soon thereafter, he’d encounter their great philosophical giants. These giants (of philosophy) were intimidating to most, because their answers were overwhelmingly intelligent, even leaving most perplexed. However, Paul would embrace his weakness (not as men regard weak, but a fortitude to remember HE who is greater, lives on the inside of him; so, what should he fear (?). Ultimately, his convictions didn’t disappoint – but would introduce a cycle undesired by other courts mentioned by our Lord (*Matt.10:16-18). As believers are we paying attention?

May our lives never represent a confidence (entirely arrogant), suggesting an unsanctioned capability without the Lord’s leading (John 15:5) and whereas being bothered by actions (from the unredeemed) is permissible (Eph.4:26), our commandment to “wait on the Lord” remains…

 

Today’s Thought “Dutiful Response” G. Ward

Romans 13

⁸ Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for the one who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the Law.

 

Great sarcasm from some who borrow, has been allowed to express their depletion of resources that satisfies an account of sorts, even an unfortunate adoption by onlookers similarly, that allows others to hear and apply the saddest sentiment of, “they’ll get it, when I get it” and whereas when the initial agreement was established, allowing particular goods and services to be extended (via credit), foolish defense becomes a newest demand. Our Lord would have every believer to comply (through every endeavor) with a heavenly citizenry in mind; even that to which understands an inseparable spiritual mantra that insists, who/whose I am, is what I do.

Moreover, and because we’re called HIS own, every response must first emanate with love, distinguishable from a common culture – to never wait for some to meet the same code in perceived decency, but to give it (unhesitatingly), in view of what our Lord bestowed on us (particularly while we were unlovely); not an inventive morality, for all that we’ll ever need is written (for our compliance and for HIS glory) and opposite of our proposed value systems (that lack sustaining power, along with being arrogant at best.). The contingency to see our Savior face to face remains obedience (Luke 6:46).

 

Today’s Thought “To Be, Or Not to Be…” G. Ward

 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Brilliance, is a tag appropriated by man, generally indicative of one highly extraordinaire. It however, casts dispersion in becoming too impressed towards people so entirely temporal and will soon offer displacement onto even a greater demonstration by another, who will soon have their account shattered. Altogether, this may be a spiritual corollary in how many can be deemed (through self-proclamation) as spiritually superior, because they too have lent great practice of an articulated humility (i.e., outward appearances in having attained stalwart character – without recognizing their true and only contribution to the Cross of Calvary was sin in them), even that to which neglected to condescend to Holy God changing them (e.g., “It’s me oh Lord, standing in the need…”).

HIS working in us must never find one feeling accomplished, yet pressing (Phil.1:6, 3:7-10).

Today’s Thought “Praise Without Practice” G. Ward

Ezekiel 36

²⁶ Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 

 

While support of Israel for the church is understood as a reasonable response in view of all that Holy God proposes onto His own, we must understand that lack in the same, won’t ever thwart HIS plans (cf. Zech.14:4, Ac.1:1-9). A believer’s compliance unto the Almighty happens as one devotes himself to an intimacy intended; desiring to never let go of HIS precepts (1 John 5:3) and won’t settle for morning prayers of grant me safety, along with those they love (cf. Ro.5:7) to then count on an evening slumber that echoes, “now I lay me down to sleep…” Instead, believers are consumed with a servitude indifferent from all their prior experiences; they’ve been changed and that transformation enlarges their hearts unto great compassion, desiring eternal security (in Christ) for others (particularly before HIS return; to which they anticipate will be very soon - *Mark 16:15). 

 

Today’s Thought “Stinkin Thinkin” G. Ward

1 Peter 2

⁴ And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by people, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, ⁵ you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

 

Priests of old were prepared for service, cleansed from their sins, anointed and ordained, and sought only to administer that to which Holy God compelled. Believers are given over as synonymous with that priesthood and whereas Christ remains their Example, they seek to imitate HIS life.

After HIS resurrection, He’d compel every believer to address any (as we go) and teach HIS Way. The world remains apparent in how they address life, particularly as they co-depend on systems (namely politics) to disable perceived social ills – which epitomizes idolatry. Our LORD in earth would never submit to wrongful dependence on kings, governors, or emperors’ resolve (i.e., a governmental imposing of morality upon its citizenry) while yet insistent on our obedience unto his laws (Ro.13:1-7). The politics of Jesus’ day were oppressive, along with frivolous forbearance in accordance to their own speculations (entirely sectarian and seemingly righteous) and dare not submit to a reign and rule from the True King (cf. Ac.4:12).

Every time you consider pervading social media posts (for or against candidates) and distributing great, eloquent discourses (e.g., at the water cooler), that charges others’ involvement towards such temporal interactivity, you really decide that Christ governance lacks insight and cannot know what’s best for us. That stance subverts the Truth in what HE commands believers to do for any (including the vilest of sinners – *1 Cor.6:9-11) AND IS BLASPHEMY! Read it again.

 

Today’s Thought “Seemingly Alone” G. Ward

1 John 4

¹⁵ Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God remains in him, and he in God. ¹⁶ We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.

Assurance of being beheld by our Creator will always lack confidence when activity thereunto rests in who I’ve been (2 Cor.5:17, Gal.2:20); along with exercising in a spiritually unrecognizable retention of certain facts (pertinent to God’s Word) and a perpetuation of periodic visitation with other believers – denying discipleship (*Heb.10:24-25).

What stands out in our theme for today, besides a great contingency to know HIM, exists a most powerful, existential reality – “God is Love” which identifies HIS plan of escape unto those somewhat defiant (cf. Ro.1:18-21). Moreover, His Word proclaims Him as the Center-point of true love, but if/when those practitioners of self-love (2 Ti.3:2-5) fail to identify denying themselves (Matt.16:24) now, assuming there will be a tomorrow for such reconciliation – they ask for troubles, eternally long (*2 Thess.1:9).

 

Today’s Thought “Principle to Practice” G. Ward

Ephesians 4

^{14 “}As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of people, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; ¹⁵ but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”

 

The pace in our society has many dictates (ever-evolving) and while there exists a small segment (*followers of Christ) desiring abstinence from an adjustment thereunto – there’s even periodic lapse with them. The believer in Christ is given great admonishing to thwart unlawful submission towards things and people that promote spiritual dissonance and mandates our involvement in daily pursuit of the Holy journal (i.e., God’s Word), that washes away bad theorizing. When considerate of this deepest conviction is central to our being happens, we’re then able to instruct others accordingly. Unity, won’t involve the masses (Matt.7:13-14), particularly where believer-ship is concerned, but is possible with/unto God’s “few” when it’s established on the foundation of sound doctrine Christ administers (cf. Ac.17:11).

*Those who pervade knowledge from men (particularly through great art of public speaking), along with Holy God’s wisdom are as numerous now as it was in Christ’s day; so be careful (1 John 4:1-3). The Almighty won’t ever need impressive oratory from preachers to be proclaimed as Great…

 

Today’s Thought “Estranged?” G. Ward

Galatians 5

¹³ For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.

 

A believer’s freedom begins and ends on the righteousness of Christ; because, apart from our total subjection unto Him – none exists. Moreover, and because we’re all subject to move away from such a treasure, a return (i.e., the spiritual conduit of repentance – Ac.3:19) is warranted unto this Blessed Savior; so, we run to that great shelter, remembering the comfort HE has/will provide. It’s there/then – HE instructs further and how we love every lecture series (Heb.10:25), although commendation for our works is rare (Isa.64:6); yet we fight to become effectual, even joyous, because HE knows our name. Our departure from this strange land (HE shares - *Heb.13:14-15) is imminent, so HIS assigning us to another (in lack of sorts), is urgently/intentionally perceived and whereas every journey provided, encounters many, we offer HIS fondest regard of them also. Please come…

 

Today’s Thought “Electoral Fraudulence” G. Ward

Matthew 22: ²⁰ And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” ²¹ They *said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He *said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.” ²² And hearing this, they were amazed; and they left Him and went away.

 

Even the coinage used by Jesus to illustrate devotion to Holy God was super offensive to Jews of that era; in that its inscription was perceivably idolatrous (cf. Ex.20:4). Moreover, it was the wage for a day’s work for the Roman soldier – so despised for an intentional brutality towards these same. Altogether, Christ’s usage of such a despised thing, even that to which was fundamentally useful at the same time, was given to illustrate a compliance unto government for HIS followers (Ro.13:1-7), regardless as to what inscription was utilized on a monetary note; because the believer is always cognizant of the Holy One inscribed in their hearts (indicative of HIS supremacy over things and man).

*I’m particularly bothered by believer’s insistence to impose on systems, terms of morality perceived, before introducing gospel Truth (Jas.2:13). Our Lord in earth never relied on government to help an All-Wise, Omnipotent God to straighten a rebellious people (like you and me - *Jer.17:9, Ro.3:23). To discount our historical predecessor’s fortitude to stand in spiritual conviction is arrogance at its worse; but, to imitate our Lord Jesus is precedent (Eph.5:1-2)! HE demanded we teach HIS way and whereas HE alone conforms souls – social ills and illicit behaviors diminish…

 

Today’s Thought “A Tall Structure, Without Windows” G. Ward

Luke 14

²⁸ For which one of you, when he wants to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?

 

The term “give and take” is perhaps the most grotesque and opposite analogy to Jesus’ highest demand for the multitudes who would follow Him. Instead, our Lord’s issuance for any who’d follow Him meant they’d be willing to absolutely die for the cause HE would present. The term earlier (i.e., “give and take”) embodies compromise and Jesus would have none of that. To follow, was synonymous with departure from every previous value statement(s) life offered that appeared sensible to endeavor; but our Lord would compel a great number of those presumably following to either go the distance with Him (where troubles ahead would increase, but trust HIS sufficiency, or leave and cease the shenanigans).

Contrary to our era’s stance on many subject matters, believers are still faced with a similar decision as those followers. To follow HIM will always imply a desire to have HIS installment of new guidance to overwhelm the old and allow HIS building us (through HIS Word – Phil.1:6). Many will say they’re not quite ready for such adventure, but I’d say to them, I hope HE will still be available when you decide on either an eternity with HIM versus the doom when HE closes the door.

 

Today’s Thought “Born Free…” G. Ward

1 John 5

¹⁸ We know that no one who has been born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. 

 

While this verse represents the certainty unto every believer of victory over sin and Satan, claimants in the same from those insistent in guiding their own lives reveal differently. Further studies even unfold such security with/in the term “God keeps him” (i.e., those confessing Holy God as sufficient to forgive them and ask HIS lead) to mean an ongoing guard provided, disallowing escape and while that shelter constrains us – we marvel at His unrelenting presence.

Believers must never assume a posture of deserving such grace. Instead, we must laud the Beholder, for enabling our beings to testify onto those feeling they’re caught in a snare in immoral practice of many things and people they enjoy, but truly desire to pull away from (particularly before it’s too late). Criticism of these at a continuum (without throwing an intentional spiritual lifeline – Jas.2:13), may reveal you don’t understand your own guiltiness (*1 Cor.6:9-11).

 

Today’s Thought “Knowing What It Says…” G. Ward

James 4

¹⁷ So for one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, for him it is sin.

 

A disciple is merely a learner. A disciple of Christ is one who endeavors to be made over by their new Owner, in accordance to what’s written and whereas consultation with additional manuscripts is regarded as sub-standard, they’ll (i.e., disciples of Christ) absolutely long for the Truth of the unadulterated Word of God (cf. Jas.4:1-3). Therefore, to know sin for the believer (i.e., disciple) isn’t a conjuring effect, but a pursuit void of being burdensome (1 John 5:3) and whereas unbelievers determine with an evolving, pre-suppositional estimating – believer’s criticism must be disquieted (Jas.2:13), by an intentional introduction in where absolutes are found – just as it found them (*John 6:44).

 

Today’s Thought “Unbreakable?” 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.

 

While sinning willfully (for believers) won’t include violating God’s commands without conscious, but can/will exist, yet with hatred for their indiscretions (Ro.7:14-20), along with an insistence unto repentance – even denying ungodly repetition thereunto, we welcome HIS changing us (*cf. Heb.10:39).

Apostasy, however, cheapens the grace of God; they’ve heard the gospel, understand its implications and reside often on the cusp of surrendering to the Way of the Lord, subverting Truth via a natural rebellion, to then turn away.

To persist in hearing, even that to which can pass a test on Bible phenomena, won’t quantify any belonging to HIM (Matt.7:21-23). It must be on HIS terms, or nothing at all and yes, HE knows your heart and it’s not/nor will ever be good enough (*Jer.17:9-10).

 

Today’s Thought “Hokey-Pokey” G. Ward

Matthew 5

¹⁶ Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

 

Believing in Christ Sufficiency will involve a bravery, that will undergird great challenges to not soften our convictions (concerning HIS Word) and because there’s slippage and while our contemplations then hope for another chance to expound on the Truth, there’s no guarantee of a next meeting (we must pray – Ac.3:19). Moreover, that praying won’t assume an automatic, imposed fortitude will exist upon our supplication, but more view this temporary presence on earth, along with identifying my sole purpose in this spiritual makeover granted by our Creator is to be HIS ambassador (cf. Matt.10:28) and whereas one may perceive our potential messaging as condemning, every believer is a carrier of the gospel (the good news). It represents a mercy unbeknownst to the world. Furthermore, it’s foundational truth calls for a dependence on ONE who redeems, along with having paid the full penalty for our sins and while nothing can be added to that actuality – outside of total faith in HIM, to lead us until we share an eternity with this Blessed Savior, we proclaim His Majesty to any, both in character and words that encourage.