Today’s Thought “Conjoined Twins” G. Ward

Isaiah 6: ⁵ Then I said, “Woe to me, for I am ruined! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of armies.”

 

Contrary to popular belief – our words spoken, truly are indicative of what’s in the heart and whereas many will ask of our Lord’s forgiveness upon premeditative consideration in saying something lacking quality, even demeaning, Holy God won’t understand (1 John 1:5). The Prophet Isaiah would immediately be overwhelmed in great introspection of his own humanity, feeling entirely sinful and undeserving of our Lord’s presence (cf. Matt.6:9). We’re given great admonishing from his experience and while visuals of Holy God’s greatness won’t exist for us, we who believe, must understand (as temples of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor.6:19-20), God chose to live inside us and therefore mandates HIS governance maintains a spiritual cognizance in us wherever we go and weighing all we say and administer righteousness in accordance with HIS directives found in scripture (Jas.1:21-22).

 

Today’s Thought “New Sports Car” G. Ward

Proverbs 23:13-14

Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

 

A great friend on many years ago shared something entirely amazing with me, and it still resonates in my subliminal thinking as I also counsel with many. He said, “Greg, be sure to remember, children are invited guests.” He was an elder statesman (cf. Titus 2:1-2), reminding me of my very own father (I miss both of them terribly). Like many of you, I’ve witnessed believers in our Lord’s sufficiency become more overwhelmed with their children’s prospects before teaching absolute reliance on their Creator (DEut.6:4-7); e.g., high marks in school, with great accolades from man, and whereas personal Bible Study should be precedent, it’s with a similitude of boy or girl scouts (altogether indicative in establishing a great portfolio, so as to attend the best college).

If spiritual aim for us, or our progeny is relative to the world’s standard (1 John 2:15-17), success accordingly, may be rewarding, particularly as other men regard your greatness, while a current ability to thwart the pain of eternal punishment is forsaken (as a result of spiritual disconnect, even while not missing worship services – Matt.7:21-23), Little Johnny and Little Sister Mary will soon grow so fast, allowing having been more studious through academia than Truth (John 14:6) and thereafter cry out for relief and we hope it’s not too late (*Prov.1:24-29).

 

Today’s Thought “Interdependence” G. Ward

Acts 1:14

All these were continually devoting themselves with one mind to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

 

There appears a necessitation for consolation’s sake when any are faced with miseries and uncertainties and whereas these disciples experienced incessant, instructional encouragement from our Savior of a soon departure from the earth (John 14:1-3,16:5 –10), even HIS ascension to Heaven after a 40-day visitation from the dead, their grief was overwhelming due to such dependence on HIS care and guidance for their every desired moment with HIM.

Our war is similar. As believers, we too desire a pinnacle experience amidst so many times of self-imposed detachment from HIS presence (cf. *Ro.7:15-20), indicative of our desire in the greatest moment of intimacy with the Savior; particularly HIS unrelenting care for us. Altogether, this serves as the most excellent corollary to the need for fellowship with other believers (*Heb.10:25). It’s that convening where reminders are given – first, by the Spirit of Christ (John 14:26) and confirmed by/in other saints (cf. 1 Cor.1:2) – who may appear more strengthened (in God) for the moment presented…

 

Today’s Thought “My Coin Purse” G. Ward

1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

It’s very apparent that the church at Ephesus had a problem identifying care (i.e., financial) for widows and whereas there wasn’t social security, or privy to an explosive retirement savings module, that care became first responsibility unto the family of that widow for support thereunto. When however, the church would view such depletion it became their problem/opportunity to meet the widow’s need.

These passages that guide heart matters, are generally esoteric to the church and while it’s apparent they too need instruction along the way; particularly, that to which reminds us of a foundational dutiful response, a rightful stewardship (i.e., sacrificial sightings) that builds others and can certainly involve the whole of any congregation (whether there’s financial struggle or not), we must remain vigilant. Moreover, we owe others in this realm (Gal.6:10). We’re members of the Savior’s new construct in us – even declared as HIS family and no one should be begging bread, but demonstrating to a spiritually degenerated world that there’s continuity with our belonging and it’s established on LOVE (1 John 4:8).

 

Today’s Thought “Flight from Danger” G. Ward

2 Peter 1

⁴ Through these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world on account of lust.

 

While missionaries for Christ are known for their visitation to undeveloped countries, many have ventured to magnificent cities throughout Europe and whereas seeing Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower may be on the menu of most, these choose to pervade Christ’s righteousness as comparable to an enthusiastic Maitre d’ so exquisitely presenting the  pie’ce de re’sistance onto patrons (*French for the main dish for a meal). Moreover, these believers/emissaries, seek to present our Lord as most favorable to follow. Many young people throughout Europe have proudly expressed they absolutely are without any religious affiliation, while perceivably enjoining themselves unto a morality unfounded; denying a blessed Hope onto generations to follow (Judg.2:10).

Question – Are there any missionaries here in America prepared to present HIM glorious, similarly? We too are quickly diminishing and spiritually lethargic, while many profess knowing HIM and mostly unavailable to HIS commands, while praising HIM for another day in mediocrity (*Matt.28:19).

 

Today’s Thought “The Rabbit’s Foot” G. Ward

Amos 5: ²¹ “I hate, I reject your festivals, nor do I delight in your festive assemblies. ²² Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; and I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fattened oxen. ²³ Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps.

 

The corruption and moral decay of the Prophet Amos’ Day would mimic America now and while we’ve been given a charge as believers – to reproduce the message of Christ (the only assurance of peace while chaos persists), we, like Israel rely on political resolve to create an environment the Lord Jesus Himself, nor His apostles would witness under Caesar Augustus or Nero. While political science is most interesting – it lacks cohesion and whereas believer’s identification exists in Christ as Proven Leader of their lives – divisions and quarrels shouldn’t be named among us (*1 Cor.1:10).

Our being convinced onto postures/perspectives that lack eternal implication (and are ever-evolving), violates faith in God. Moreover, Idolatry is more thought of as one purports graven images as miraculous to perceive (including implicit trust of systems and people – cf.*Col.3:5-8) and while some of my generation and before carried a “rabbit’s foot” for luck, the carrier may be convinced, but the rabbit is prone to miseries – while limping.

 

Today’s Thought “A House in Order” G. Ward

 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

 

Catastrophes/calamities of sorts, can often be the attention getter for humanity’s conformity unto Holy God’s intent (Prov.1:24-29). His Word has always been the guidepost necessary in achieving peace for all of mankind (*not necessarily a peace that sheds safety, or governmental continuity, but HIS presence to persevere). How then has such avoidance (from man) in what should be our first regard for all HE says - that guards desired endurance, be forsaken (cf.Gal.5:17)? Very often, it’s largely due to the pervasiveness from our world’s demand for answers to life, at a moment’s notice and whereas our Creator’s objectivity for those HE created, involves a total reliance on HIS lead in every way, our sufferings persist by a reliance comparable to the pseudo tire in one’s trunk – that enables you to drive until a suitable exchange can happen. Moreover, the portrayal of wrongful perpetuation that more adopts an unsanctioned, spiritual concept of self-preservation (Phil.2:3-4, 2 Ti.3:1-2), obscures a total dependence on the Only proven source (Ac.4:12). You and I are without an ability towards living correctly apart from Holy God’s transforming power (Ro.3:10). Stop trying and give up, by honoring HIS faithfulness – so worthy to model.

 

Today’s Thought “New Car, Old Tires?” G. Ward

Colossians 3

¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; ¹³ bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. 

 

Many are suggestive of their spiritual growth as progressive, yet lend incessant opinion to earthen circumstance with despair and to be known for such, furthers other’s perception in how no one truly gets close to the Father – even those devoted to discipleship (i.e., they’re not known for their love, but more perspectives antithetical to a forgiving God). Instead, mankind is solely legitimized by/through the Only Savior who forgave/forgives our sins and upon true surrender to that most excellent phenomenon – HIS makeover onto us, imposes a new, righteous code emanating from HIS Holy script and whereas more of it ingested – realizes how wrong I’ve been concerning so much, it disquiets my complaint and makes me spiritually available to the vilest of sinners – to which I was, while being afforded a love from Heaven that won’t relent (Ro.8:30-35).

 

Today’s Thought “Hospital Waiting Room” G. Ward

Ephesians 3: ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸ may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, ¹⁹ and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.

 

Spiritual maturity is key to understanding the magnitude of responsibility we, as believers in Christ sufficiency to lead (perfectly) the lives HE created (John 1:2-3) and while misunderstanding of this phenomenal Savior is pervasively a subverted notion of existing in HIM, as any won’t regard a necessary pursuit of HIS Word (daily) – confidence in their time of need will go lacking (Heb.4:16).

My wish for all, echoes the Apostle’s sentimentality (i.e., comprehension of the love of Christ). Moreover, to alleviate redundant criticism/defense mechanisms (e.g., “no one is perfect” nonsense and “church people are the worse” etc.) that stifles the reality of Christ’s desire to have a real, personal relationship with them; particularly in view of our less than status – against HIS holiness (cf. Eph.3:7-8).

 

Today’s Thought “Happy People” G. Ward

 Job 2: ⁹ Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold firm your integrity? Curse God and die!” ¹⁰ But he said to her, “You are speaking as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we actually accept good from God but not accept adversity?” Despite all this, Job did not sin with his lips.

 

Spiritual integrity is synonymous with self-honesty and Job was a picture of both. His example – authentically desired a love relationship with Holy God. There was absolutely no pretense in awakening each day and allowing his feet to hit the floor to say “Thank You Lord for awakening me this morning” (as if to say it’s so much better in earth, than Heaven), to then adjourn to yesterday’s mediocrity (i.e., to do what I want, to think as I’ve thought and then govern myself according to a presumed morality that seeks to be good amidst many who are not). Job would hear of devastating loss of so much (particularly in view of his own wealth), but his agony upon hearing everything was gone – culminated in horrific news of his children’s demise (1:20); he then worshipped the Lord’s presence as greatest (1:21-22).

While our Lord sought a preparation for any who’d follow, HE never intended our lives to more perceive a wrongful assessment of the many points of admonishing in HIS Word (cf.*1 Pe.4:7); but that’d we be named among those found “faithful” both during suffering and then to know more of the same is ahead (John 15:18-20); HE’S yet a present help (Psalm 46:1)…

 

Today’s Thought “God’s Few…” G. Ward

Matthew 7:13-14

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it.”

“Cause and effect,” “Reaping, then sowing” and “Hard work pays off” is given mankind to perceive, even introducing causation to why life remains challenging and while this certainly holds true in just about every realm of life, there’s spiritual adherence (considerate by few) to Holy God’s command that surrenders to HIS being our Shepherd – whereby we’ll have our needs met (entirely).

Trust for the Almighty’s direction, however, is the elephant in the room – squashing spiritual desire to be owned by this Magnificent Savior and largely due to an intimacy denied by a preponderance of HIS creation and whereas many deem themselves as good citizens (i.e., productive and exemplary), it’s mostly contrasted against those unproductive agents. Instead, to know, then obey God’s standard (His Word) is and shall always be HIS evaluation of us and while no one is good enough – Christ offered Himself (*Ro.5:6-9). May your soul’s recognition of such love available this day, pursue every implication of His perfect care (Ps.119:2).

 

Today’s Thought “Conciliatory” G. Ward

John 14

“Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.”

 

While comfort exists for the believer who genuinely pursues follow-ship of Christ righteousness, he or she will always be subject to HIS great warnings regarding life’s difficulties (Matt.10:16-20, Luke 14:26-33, John 15:18-20) and whereas those who claim to know HIM while governing themselves believe HE’S tolerant thereunto, their lack of interrogating Holy God’s Word – leads them to chaos furthered; whereby we pray for the proactiveness from believers to correct this (*Ro.10:14 - particularly since patience was given them also).

Our lives are filled with many divots and while some appear unaffected by such a bumpy ride, theirs refuse a contemplative review of every endeavor, but moves quickly onto another and then when exhaustion from such superficiality from these same empties unto a vulnerability, there’s a predominant quick response (emanating from popularism), where reconciliation is non-existent from a worldly standard (review our theme); versus a great hug that offers oneself, until troubles vanquish…

 

Today’s Thought “80^th Anniversary of D-Day” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

 

“Indivisible” is/remains a personal mantra so adored and exists in this nation’s pledge, but now has become utter vitriol from our nation’s citizenry. Selfishly, many pervade an arrogance to say, their own compliance towards our Creator’s rule and reign has been met and therefore others need to get in line. Objectively, the framers of this nation had great intention with documents (so remarkably demonstrative of a continued freedom), but neglected a crystal ball theorizing that could view such a disdain for additional viewpoints in a land given for religious freedom in this year of our Lord and whereas HE would synopsize the chieftain of mankind’s rebellion (“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” Jer.17:9), HE would then answer – “I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, to give to each person according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.”

Here’s Truth furthered; The sinner you suppose is destroying the fabric of our society, is too your own guiltiness, when your expectations of them insists on immediate conformity to presumed rules you refuse to teach (i.e., with merciful love – Jas.2:13), including that to which you also fall short of …

Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory! I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower – June 6, 1944

 

Today’s Thought “Inaccuracy in Word” G. Ward

James 5

¹² But above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath; but your yes is to be yes, and your no, no, so that you do not fall under judgment.

 

Understanding our humanity will encounter periodic crossroad scenarios that determines what’s best for me and can be the beginning of many woes ahead. Moreover, that decision’s contingency (i.e., that determines what’s best for me), can often be marred by ulterior motives, whereby an underlying exhaustion grants an answer to which they know is difficult to fulfill and in such a matter – exhaustion wins over a vow violated.

Believers however, are governed according to their Savior’s example (cf. Mark 1:35) and whereas HIS steps were ordered by the Most High, HIS yes was so and HIS no, was no. That courage in perfect submission happens when a solitude with our Lord is most important to anything or anyone (Ps.1:1-3). May you be encouraged in rightful pursuits.

 

Today’s Thought “All Tucked In?” 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.

 

Forgetfulness, regarding Holy God’s rescue of us has become our greatest sin (1 John 1:8-9) and whereas history reveals the same would plague our predecessors, it should never lend license that minimizes its implication as lack in belief. Moreover, it’s become incumbent on everyone abhorrent of such a tag to correct this posture of guilt, via an unrelenting, daily pursuit of God’s Word.

Hosea’s writing remains eternally compelling, in that it indicts our soul and when conformity onto righteousness becomes our newest determination – it grants us presence in the heavenlies. We’re yet called HIS children for perfect submission to HIS caregiving, so as to witness perfect delight and to that end – “Now I lay me down to sleep” (cf. Matt.16:24), yet mine eyes are opened to the greatest reality of HIS love towards you and me…

 

Today’s Thought “Foundational Structure” G. Ward

Matthew 1:17

So, all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the deportation to Babylon, fourteen generations; and from the deportation to Babylon to the Messiah, fourteen generations.

Many would die before seeing the Promised One (Heb.11:13-16), but yet believed an eternity consumed with rest existed and whereas prophet’s proclamations would write about this Blessed Redeemer in proportions unbeknownst to them via a Holy Inspiration, they too found obedience, better than sacrifice.

His Majesty exists for our generation similarly, and there’s no need for another script, or eloquent dissertations, just faith that never lets go of His directives. The proof of faith is never consumed with the facts given (for the test will always be returned with an “F” grade), but delights in his Beholder of Truth as his Lord; ultimately safe in HIS arms.