Today’s Thought “Sports Fanatics” G. Ward

Psalm 146

³ Do not trust in noblemen, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. ⁴ His spirit departs; he returns to the earth;
On that very day his plans perish.

 

While I’ve witnessed card games that turned into vitriolic arguments, along with little boys’ feuding on which may be the fastest car, our disagreements are with an immature similitude; particularly when our support of those so impersonal to us invade good thinking and whereas a particular autumn of life may find any depleted of energies (due to sickness, or financial woes, etc.), my favorite sports team losing or winning won’t mean much.

I’m privileged to come from a generation where some sought to pervade on their children a notion of biblical proportion - that insisted we not trust in man. I believe it stemmed from a two-fold admonishing: 1. Every man’s philosophical stance is/will be displaced by another appearing more plausible to adopt and to be insatiably driven (i.e., awaiting eloquence’s dictates of what success looks like…) lacks spiritual accountability to the ONE who made us and won’t change (Heb.13:8). 2. Re-inventing the wheel can most assuredly indicate points of inaccuracy found in any(thing). Moreover, because error is the necklace named among every human and therefore calls for testing against the Truth of Final Authority’s Word (1 John 4:1), further interrogation of that plan is a must (2 Ti.3:16-17).

 

Today’s Thought “Mouse Trap” G. Ward

Psalm 46

¹⁰ “Stop striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.”

 

Intuitions are celebrated only when guessing appears correct; but how many keep tabs with times to which they’ve misapplied theories? Sadly, it’s continuation in wrongful assessment is comparable to the odds of winning a lottery jackpot and while a few are with boasts in how their estimations have accurately portrayed matters and people – failure is their necklace to wear.

Instead, comfort remains – and emanates from ONE not requiring slumber, nor limited in wisdom and insightfulness and whereas our knowledge to this can mostly be limited to echoes from one’s mouth, that soon unfolds to activity unsanctioned by ONE who demands we trust HIM, faith remains difficult, but more necessary than the day before…

 Today’s Thought “My Best Friend Forever (B.F.F.?)” 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.

 

Claimants of knowing Christ most certainly include an understanding the facts of HIS death, burial and resurrection; the precedent however, is hearing, then doing what HE says (Luke 6:46, Jas.1:22). A presumptive view that allows many to insist that HE also is their Lord is more pronounced than ever before - because of spiritual lethargy from a few believers (who don’t miss church) but fail to take such a one ( who feels as though their earthen citizenry carries a moral fortitude as much as any devout in spiritual fellowship) by the hand and present Christ as the Dispenser of HIS righteousness (Ro.10:14) and whereas appearances of both factions call on HIM as “friend,” He’s often reduced (through attitude and activity) as an acquaintance. HIS love for all awaits… 

 

Today’s Thought “When I Grow Up…” G. Ward

Colossians 1

¹³ For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

 

While so many remain captivated (in every season of life) by perceiving a perfect avenue to where they’ll be fulfilled in career, social and civic standing, it can more reveal their lack to understand the brevity of living in earth in contrast to an eternity with Holy God hoped for and whereas there’s a pathway in discipleship where hope delivers assurance – they aspire to know their purpose. There are great allowances unto every life in earth (1 Cor.10:23), but believers are called to an intimacy with their Maker and it absolutely trusts in His proven guidance unto those He loves. Moreover, His mercies towards them and even others who fail to absolutely observe His commandments (*Ro.9:15) - keeps giving and causes believers to assess every fraternal affiliation; in that, it must never outweigh time spent onto spiritual development, so as to please their Lord, along with every believer’s purpose to make HIM known.

 

Today’s Thought “King of the Mountain?” G. Ward

Philippians 3

¹² Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

 

Salvation’s grip onto believers truly won’t let go and to that end we thank our Lord who holds us so tightly (cf. Ro.8:38-39); but humanity, although surrendered to Holy God through Christ, can be compared to a curious teenager whose bedroom is on the first floor; he’s been told that he can’t attend the night event (where everyone is going in his estimation), so, he crawls out of the window, oblivious to dire consequence for his rebellion.

The chieftain of sin’s journey generally begins with selfish priority and for the believer must be displaced with the Truth of God’s commands (*2 Cor.6:14) and whereas some walk about as if the commencement exercise of their salvation allows a presumptive surety of no regression unto sinful practices for me theorizing – Holy God knew your heart (Jer.17:9), while insisting you know, no one except the Lord Jesus mastered, then conquered sin (*1 John 1:8). Keep Climbing…

 

Today’s Thought “Best Planning” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 2

² For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 

 

While questioning articles (e.g., who, what, why, when, where and how) found in scripture enables a demanded preparation onto others, arguments remain futile (*2 Ti.2:16). Every hearer desiring redemption from the Holy One is vulnerable unto those presenters of such Truth; making it spiritually incumbent unto every teacher to never deviate from presenting the Savior gloriously, along with HIS unwavering availability towards them, by never seeking to impress those potential scholars (“for all have sinned” and have need of this Perfect Redeemer).

If/when desire from teachers of Truth becomes overwhelmingly interested in the student exceeding their own intimacy with our Lord, we’ll ultimately rest assured future generations may know HIM (cf. Gal.2:20).

 

Today’s Thought “God’s Silence” G. Ward

Psalm 85: ⁶ Will You not revive us again, so that Your people may rejoice in You? ⁷ Show us Your mercy, Lord, and grant us Your salvation.

 

These Sons of Korah were like many of us, in that their predecessors didn’t always embody faithfulness onto their Maker (Num.16:28-35) and whereas generations would continue and decide on an unwavering reliance on the Holy One, their regard has become our opportunity.

The land of their assignment would also lack soldiers of God’s will (comparable to current societal trends); so, they would make supplication unto His Majesty for patience furthered, but with more devotion to their King than before (cf. Ps.118:24). We’ve become the new Korahites (euphemistically speaking), and our dutiful response should be the same. Ours shouldn’t anticipate a land becoming more fortified in man’s achievements, but insist on personal availability onto HIS Blessed Way, Truth and Life – Jesus (John 14:6).

 

Today’s Thought “Reasonable Reciprocity” G. Ward

Revelation 1

¹⁰ I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, ¹¹ saying, “Write on a scroll what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.”

 

John, the last living Apostle and the “disciple Jesus loved” (John 13:23), is ultimately commissioned to a very small, remote island (Patmos) where criminals dangerously would roam about looking for food and shelter; while his only crime was evangelism. He was called by the Almighty onto a usefulness; but to ensure nothing was lost in such a Holy narrative provided, he’d be compelled to write all he would hear. I believe there’s a quiet significance hear, in that the passage’s prefacing records his commission on the Lord’s Day (Lord = adjectival) vs. Day of the Lord (indicating judgments) and whereas context pervades on every disciple to know it’d reveal that as Sunday (indicative of our Savior’s resurrection), I’m wondering how many having attended worship services on yesterday and took notes similarly (?). Have we diminished God’s Word to a theatrical presentation that keeps any on a receiving end, versus a spiritual preparation for what’s ahead (Matt.10:16-19)?

 

Today’s Thought “Don’t Forget the Babies!” G. Ward

James 1

²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

 

Many of James’ day were bombarded with great persecution, even that to which resulted in death of some who placed their trust in the Savior and whereas families experienced a wrongful disruption in their household, so sorrowful given them in the loss of loved ones massacred (for unadulterated faith in Jesus), these would need comfort and encouragement to stand. James would compel them (who remained), to uphold their belief in an All-Wise Savior who taught, “a servant is not greater than their Master” (i.e., we’re not exempt from sufferings of sorts, HE too was exposed). His words would prepare every believer then and now – not to a road paved smoothly, but one with tremendous divots and entirely rocky (cf. Matt.10:16-19).

Altogether, any who believe (and have surrendered their lives through repentance to Christ) are called to authenticate their love for HIM, via an availability onto those HE loves and to do so with great, sacrificial compassion (cf. *Heb.4:16).

 

Today’s Thought “When All Alone?” G. Ward

2 Samuel 6

¹⁴ And David was dancing before the Lord with all his strength, and David was wearing a linen ephod.

 

Depending on how long you’ve been involved in church fellowship, may determine if you’ve heard exacerbations stating King David danced until he was naked(?). Not so. Simply, he and others were overwhelmed with joy upon receiving the Ark of God back in Jerusalem. His wife, daughter of the first King of Israel was disgusted with her husband for having removed his royal robe while dancing like a commoner, yet as scripture says, “wearing a linen ephod” (a long garment covering some essentials).

Our spiritual compelling, particularly among gathering with others, must be orderly and seek to edify (improve another unto the Spirit realm – (cf. 1 Cor.14:2-4, *26); the Word of God proclaimed however, can bless any. David’s ecstatic praise unto Holy God (very deliberate), wasn’t amidst great crowds, but expressive of an intimacy with his Mighty Deliverer.

When any belonging to our Lord is with meditation regarding HIS mighty work, praise is most certainly the by-product and many times won’t resemble a common expression, but is with heavenly authenticity of thanksgiving onto HIM who alone is worthy (Ps.139:1-3) and not for the determinations of others.

 

Today’s Thought “The Foundational Church” G. Ward

Matthew 10

⁵ These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them, saying, “Do not go on a road to Gentiles, and do not enter a city of Samaritans; ⁶ but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. ⁷ And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’

 

Some have made attempts to complicate God’s message, while those of us pursuant to the actuality of it – unfolds its perfect cadence (2 Cor.5:20). These first 12, selected by Christ were primarily assigned to God’s covenant people (cf. *Ex.20:3, *Deut.6:4), however, upon encountering any inquiring of such a magnanimous assignment given, they would also provide God’s Kingdom reality of a promised Savior’s arrival.

Today’s era of believers is with a heavenly compelling no different. The lost sheep however, has become transcendent to a prior lineage (Matt.28:19) and whereas the term “lost” is esoteric to any exposed to false teaching and given over to deciphering such holy truths on their own (1 Cor.2:14), even that to which jeopardizes their eternal posture in/through the Only Redeemer, WE’RE CALLED. Other commissions ultimately won’t matter; because the Savior doesn’t need your help – HE PROVIDES, and that’s more than enough (cf. John 6:44).

 

Today’s Thought “Room for A Proper View” G. Ward

Mark 6:34

When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

 

I’m utterly exhausted with criticisms concerning perceived societal ills. The fat kid knows of such and won’t need constant reminders to lose weight, but would perhaps need another to aid him in meal prep and an exercise regimen; indicative of our many, wrongful castigations. Our Lord’s calling to fulfill would never embrace mankind’s sinfulness, but would offer what’s best (through teaching HIS Father’s Way), while being very aware that not everyone would adjust (Matt.7:13-14). Altogether, this wouldn’t deter HIS compassion for them, as He’d be resolute in His mission. Christ however, would have no repentance to give (like you and me) because many evils were offered Him, but His incessant convening with the Almighty stayed that course (Mark 1:35) and whereas Mark’s presentation offered what appeared to be our Lord looking out at multitudes more consumed with these than they’d observe for themselves (equally), Luke’s account of a similar time when our Savior viewed many in the same, witnessed magnificent love that made Him cry; desiring their spiritual adherence (Luke 19:41). Are we really called to imitate Him (Eph.5:1-2, Phil.2:1-5)?

 

Today’s Thought “Finding A Church Home?” G. Ward

Romans 12

¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.

 

While being owned by the Savior demands kindly consideration towards any (Matt.5:16). However, there’s a particular prioritization of the Spirit realm that ought to be recognizable throughout every local assembly, indicating what was received by Christ is genuine – through loving HIS fellowship of believers (*1 John 2:9-11). We laud our Blessed Redeemer for such guidance that enables the family of believers’ availability one to another. I’m yet perplexed on so many with demands of knowing HIM, while neglecting such an association (Heb.10:24-25). How long will such blatant defiance of HIS command continue and then to think these same, actually search out a fellowship according to their choice; most assuredly emptying unto imminent danger (1 Cor.2:14). Moreover, when this choice is perceived, what’s the criterion and does it match HIS (cf. Matt.16:24-27)? See you at church (which one?)?

 

Today’s Thought “Homegoing?” G. Ward

John 11

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, ²⁶ and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” 

 

The key word here is resurrection and the Object is the Savior and whereas HE had to die for our redemption from sin to life in HIM, introducing its contingency (that is, regarding this by surrendering opinions and speculations via a daily examination from HIS script that guides a regenerative soul onto HIS changing us), must we too die and are we more captivated through a pervasive assumption that demands entry inside the “pearly gates” is everyone’s destiny (Matt.7:21-23)? Can we be good enough; particularly since we’ve exercised in proper citizenry in earth (i.e., feeding the hungry, speaking well of most anyone, etc. – Isa.64:6, Ro.3:10, Eph.2:8-9)?

Good, as it concerns every man, is oxymoronic (Jer.17:9). It’s therefore incumbent on every man’s submission to ONE who was/is and then, seek an inoculation of righteousness from HIM, since none is found in them (Ro.5:6-10). So, line up (today – cf. Matt.6:34) and get your shot – so as to live!

 

Today’s Thought “Vulnerability Misinterpreted” G. Ward

Luke 22

⁴⁴ And being in agony, He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground]. 

 

Pursuit (daily) of God’s Word absolutely will witness understanding its construct knows who we are in earth and that compels our weak state to gain momentum in reliability in ONE found faithful in earth and heaven, then follow (Matt.16:24). Our Savior’s anxieties set precedence for mankind’s pre-supposed exemption similarly. Not one of us walks in earth without contemplations of a future loss of sorts. We’re more taught an assurance of next moments and whereas to speak on something I’ve never visited, but can be acquainted with – can often block prudent preparation. Our Lord’s convening with the Father instructs a continual abiding in HIS shelter that thwarts the pain of indecision and trepidation, understanding that the Great “I AM” won’t leave me and to that end – I persevere…

 

Today’s Thought “Apology; Long Overdue” G. Ward

Psalm 138

1 I will give You thanks with all my heart;
I will sing Your praises before the gods.
² I will bow down toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your mercy and Your truth;
For You have made Your word great according to all Your name.

 

While I’ve been stupid most of my life, God Almighty allowed my pursuit of this wife of mine for 40 years on next month and whereas she’s more beautiful than ever before, I must say her loveliness towards me is/has been my greatest example in earth, regarding reconciliation unto endurance.

That appreciation on this day happened upon my anticipating our Lord’s guidance (i.e., via HIS Word) and to know HIS leading administers tremendous discipline that allows my collapse of who I’ve been (entirely brutish) to gratefully accept HIS change.

As we’d welcome our loved ones back from eternity one more time, our True Love, Christ remains; satisfying our endeavoring to ascent to HIS highest standard and admit how much we’ll need HIM, so as to guide us onto matters of eternality, along with rightfully being able to share personal lack that keeps identifying with truest restoration in spiritual health. Thank You Lord.

 

Today’s Thought “Travelling Mercies” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 10

⁵ Nevertheless, with most of them God was not pleased; for their dead bodies were spread out in the wilderness.

 

The passages before our theme was/is concerning ancient Israel’s 40-year wilderness experience from Egypt to Canaan; from slaves to freedom, but lacking self-control.

Miseries from our lives can soon become forgotten when allegiance from the One who cut the chains is forsaken. That choice is ultimately a trade that covertly decides our Maker has turned a blind eye and whereas mouths echo (unhesitatingly) HIM as All-Knowing, unbelief becomes the horrible necklace that can soon identify a wicked ploy of man, similar to the ones of Ancient Israel; who would die in that same wilderness experience and whereby two remained (Joshua and Caleb - to enter the Promised Land). Is God the same (Heb.13:8)? Did HE love them differently (1 Ti.2:3-5, 2 Pe.3:9)? Our wilderness experience asks (cf. Phil.3:20-21), “where is our allegiance” and is there a promised land comparable for us (cf. *Matt.7:13-14)?

 

Today’s Thought “Awe-Struck!” G. Ward

Romans 3: ¹¹ There is no one who understands, There is no one who seeks out God; ¹² They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, There is not even one.”

 

While many Jews and Greeks of the apostle’s day more relied on a birthright that believed they knew God Almighty, they too would fail to reverence HIM alone as the Sovereign Maker of heaven and earth (Matt.6:9). Moreover, those predecessors of great religious inconsistencies, would experience thoughts reflective in what they could offer their Creator to mitigate their blatant bouts of mistrust (i.e., sinfulness) and as it is now – a return unto HIM is HIS requirement, through genuine repentance that could witness HIS forgiveness (2 Chron.7:14, Ac.3:19). Genuine, may be a key descriptor, in that HE alone knows one’s heart (including intentions stemming from one’s desire that exercises authority over their being - *Jer.17:9). This in no way implicates Holy God as accepting of such frivolities, for HE is HOLY and the Beholder of righteousness (0% is found in man) and HE dispenses it without granting insight of who may be a potential newest citizen of Heaven (John 6:44) and just demands our delivery of such authoritative messaging (Matt.28:19).

HIS highest Conduit in reaching HIM remains Christ and our unrighteousness allowed Calvary’s cross. Don’t ever feel worthy enough to bring something to the King’s table – outside of genuine servanthood (Eph.2:8-10).

 

Today’s Thought “Unabashed” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 10

⁵ We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

 

The opposition that Paul, the Apostle of Christ would face is remarkably familiar to most pastors today. Great disdain for preachers of Truth exists, because unadulterated doctrine divides. Many in Corinth would challenge Paul’s fortitude to speak publicly as with similitude of his courageous, confrontational letters. It would appear as if he were two distinct individuals (*he would correct them at vv.2-4). Moreover, he would never embellish the gospel’s effectiveness, but cut it straight; even doing so by insisting all would know its Author, Christ – as the Only Sufficient One.

Like those believers before our era, we too must cut it straight (i.e., not through persuasive tactics entirely theatrical – i.e., cut the circus tent’s rope), remembering our promulgations must derive solely from the Author’s script (2 Ti.3:16-17).