Today’s Thought Loose Lips, Sink Ships…” G. Ward

Ephesians 5: ¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 

 

There’s Great justification from man concerning ingesting alcoholic beverages and whereas James 4:17 exists as Truth for believers by insisting we know, “whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin,” and whereas we profess Christ lives on the inside of us, do you think HE wants to sip on your martini? Well Gregory, HE turned the water into wine via HIS first miracle at a wedding! You’re correct; but considering the Jewish wedding lasted for as much as seven days, our LORD would have been complicit in having fermented the grape juice causing potential drunkenness of those attendees (*2 Cor.5:21) and whereas some immediately adjourn to doubting the inerrant script, you’re called unto diligence as you interrogate the passages without pre-supposition. Where inaccuracy appears to exist, context desired - can/will unfold (*1 Cor.2:14).

Believers are to live each moment onto best desire; to be owned by this Magnificent King and not influenced by worldly, unsanctioned devices. To call HIM Lord, means to experience a soul makeover (i.e., “old things are gone and all things are new) and whereas the Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside/out, so as to embody the character of Christ (*John 16:8-10), we pray that many are on their way.

 

Today’s Thought “One-Sided Relationship?” G. Ward

James 1

¹³ No one is to say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. ¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 

The Almighty as Holy, is incapable of error and therefore has nothing to do with mankind’s improprieties. Moreover, where uncertainties exist, along with/when any level of failure occurs, our Lord was never in the mix. His guidance however, remains available (Ro.10:13), but should never pre-suppose our purposes be made manifest; for we’re in HIS earth unto HIS plan. Great religiosity for our era, assumes, even that to which proclaims frivolously, “God said this/that to me” and whereas theirs may be with a tint of self-gratification, how can it be? Moses would record those presumptions as worthy of death, particularly if/when the full scope of such presumed communication failed to happen (*Deut. 18:18-20). Instead, we’re called to immediacy in compliance towards what is written (even through the many trials of life), that furthers more dependence on HIM, than yesterday.

 

Today’s Thought “Pre-K Scribble-Scrabble” G. Ward

Matthew 6

⁹ “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ¹⁰ Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

 

Jesus provided a tremendous model regarding praying to the Almighty. It would first observe HIM as Creator of all, with an approach that would immediately compel our inadequacies to surface, then to absolutely offer oneself to such Majesty through an insistence echoed by the Savior’s trust in Holy God’s directives be pursued. His hindsight and foresight is remarkably unparalleled; and that plan cannot be thwarted, particularly because HIS omniscience involved plans for HIS creation before He’d establish the seas. It’s therefore incumbent on every man to search for that plan in accordance to the script provided (Matt.4:4) and whereas “it is written” our finite mindset won’t lend perspectives/preferences that matter. Every plan for any who’ve placed their trust in the Almighty, cries out for HIS desire and confidently assert HIS Truth protects, along with providing incessant regard for an eternity as our considerations embrace that to which brings glory to His Name (*Prov. 16:17-18).

 

Today’s Thought “HE – Lives in Me!” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 9

²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.

 

Sports euphemisms were a favorite to the Apostle Paul. The Roman Empire’s fascination with sports was comparable to ours and because many ascribed to it for entertainment, such contrast is merited and whereas running is the feature of our theme, the objective is winning the prize. These athletes would train vigorously, knowing of a complicated demand from their competitors (similarly).

We’re placed in this world, almost as an athlete in a foreign country (cf. Heb.11:9) and soon we’ll line up to hear a starting gun, but our race won’t necessarily have a competitor in view, but more a time to beat. Our Lord’s return is imminent (1 Cor. 15:51-54) and each day presents a vigorous, DAILY training regimen (*Matt.4:4) and failure to show up for practice can disqualify your chances (Luke 6:46, Heb.4:16).

 Hurry onto the Source of your supply (Isa.48:9, “For the sake of My name I delay My wrath, and for My praise I restrain it for you, in order not to cut you off.”).

 

Today’s Thought “Watch While Crossing the Street” G. Ward

Deuteronomy 32

²⁸ “For they are a nation destitute of counsel, and there is no understanding in them.

 

Our God is said to be a God of second chances and while we can certainly testify to this, are we as consumed with HIS patience towards us (like Israel), enough so to have become contemptuous(?).

Many times, because of my foolish concession towards embodying a self-serving attitude, my contemplations aren’t pleased with the Almighty’s distribution of “free will” unto us. I, like many of you, desire to consistently, live unto HIS Way (cf. Ro.7:15-20), while at the same time rejoicing – because this spiritual desire grows daily. Moreover, this progression won’t happen in mystical proportion, but intentionally seeks to love HIM more, via an incessant investigation of HIS mighty acts and directives for our lives; thwarting the pain of an awful reverberating of sin’s consequence (Ro.6:23) and whereas it is written, I’ll adjourn to the ROCK (*Deut. 32:4)!

 

Today’s Thought “Too Familiar?” G. Ward

Psalm 2

¹¹ Serve the Lord with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
¹² Kiss the Son, that He not be angry and you perish on the way,
For His wrath may be kindled quickly.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!

 

While it appears political and philosophical hyperbole, there’s a mutiny of mankind against Holy God and whereas our vitriol may impetuously rise up to find the culprit, we’d first do well in examining our own hearts (Jer.17:9).

To subvert Truth, is to undermine the Almighty’s Authority and whereas each of us who say we’ve surrendered our lives unto HIS absolute rule, we’re yet involving ourselves onto magnificent planning (daily), to then invite our Lord to bless them. This is the Devil’s plight onto the first two when he would perpetuate spiritual fraudulence through denying the Lord’s command to not eat from the tree by telling Eve, “You certainly will not die! For God knows that on the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will become like God, knowing good and evil” and while you may confidently assert, “I would never do such,” you do so daily (*1 John 1:8), but, thank God for Jesus (Ro.5:6-8).

Practiced disconnect becomes habit, unfolding unbelief (Matt.7:21-23) …

 

Today’s Thought “Climbing A Slippery Slope” G. Ward

Matthew 5

¹⁷ “Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. 

 

The term “the Law and the Prophets” are an indicator of the Old Testament and our Lord Jesus (while in earth) would share with His disciples that He didn’t desire to build on its highest standard, but to model absolute perfection towards it. Throughout history and in what perceivably was the best in man, there were none perfect and whereas the Almighty required animal sacrifices to provide a temporary covering of sins and to foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Leviticus 4:35, 5:10), it has now become entirely Sufficient unto believer’s submission to that ONE, Perfect Lamb of God.

The believer’s society has long been ridiculed in what appears to be spiritual disconnect regarding the day of worshipping together (Col.2:16-17) and what we’ll eat afterwards (*James 2:10) and while this remains (for the studious – 2 Ti.2:15-16) inarguable, others proclaiming HIM as LORD, maintain avoidance of religion and politics; whereby our Jesus discussed, while confounding unbeliever’s interrogations (1 Pe.3:15). Are you HIS? Then, gain some answers…

 

Today’s Thought “Hypocritical Oath” G. Ward

John 1

²⁹ The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Let the church say, “All the Glory” and “All the Honor” is due to our Lord! While our great proclamations of HIS wonder exists, it primarily happens within a three-hour frame in our attendance at our perspective place of worship (inclusive of mid-week discipleship training) and whereas the inspirational music stops, what are our promulgations saying onto the remaining 165 hours?

John’s faith was clear, particularly in view of a pre-determined (cf. *Mal.3:1, Eph.1:4) journey the Almighty proposed, that pointed everyone to HIS Magnificent Savior, while making himself “unworthy” in such a monumental task (John 1:26-27).

Holy God won’t ever need us to laud HIM without compliance to the assignment (Amos 5:21-24); you can make your mouth say anything…

 

Today’s Thought “Cataclysmic Inevitability” G. Ward

Matthew 24

³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.

How many have heard “when God says it, pay attention?” The opportunities we’re offered in HIS words are numerous cover to cover. In that wonderful script, we see both contrasts found in people, devoted individuals, consumed with bringing honor to their Great King and those consumed with other plans, unfolding unbelief. These actualities continue and we’re blessed with the entirety, in all they’d anticipate, but wouldn’t witness (Heb.11:13-15), along with some who’d hold the King of kings in their arms (Luke 2:25-29) and whereas believers now are with distinct privilege in identifying HIM on their insides (1 Cor. 6:19-20), we rejoice in our spiritual predecessor’s inaccuracies that can thwart our pain to neglect making HIM, Lord of our lives. Moreover, we anticipate His return for us (daily – 1 Thess.4:13-18); and thereafter, entirely cognizant of “that day” when HE will destroy the earth (HE made – John 1:2-5) and every consideration for any lacking the practiced faith of existing for/in HIM will be no more (and the eulogist at any funeral can echo “absent in the body, present with the Lord” all they want, but he better more identify whether he’ll make it!).

 

Today’s Thought “Who Do They Say I Am? “ G. Ward

3 John 1: ⁵ Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brothers and sisters, and especially when they are strangers; ⁶ and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 

Some have commended my tolerance as one seemingly accepting of behaviors lacking moral fiber, particularly as I’ve interacted so congenially with those outside of Truth (i.e., salutations, genuinely concerned for their welfare); but what some may not know is, there’s great refusal from me to commend any for an unholy approach to life - whether they’re believers or not. My being owned by the only Gracious Redeemer, seeks to convey HIS righteousness, with a clear dutiful and reasonable interaction to any, that allows a potential conveyance of our Lord’s gospel. I cannot however, subvert Truth by chants in how HIS love pardons, along with how merciful HE is – without sharing HIM as Just (“Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.” Col.3:25).

Believers must prepare new believers onto a rough road ahead (*Matt.10:16-23). Moreover, many will perceive a social tolerance from you, but your spiritual posture has to be separate from worldly ideas soon forgotten (Matt.24:35, 1 John 2:15-17).

 

Today’s Thought “Sugar at the Bottom of the Kool-Aid Jar” G. Ward

Colossians 2

⁹ For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over every ruler and authority;

Our fascination unto obtaining a favorite preacher is with comparability to desired entertainment and whereas they will soon pass away, the adoption of another adds to a wrongful pursuit in insatiability. Moreover, and while preachers place as much or more in charismatic presentation of Holy God’s Word, listeners fail to be persuaded towards best intimacy with the Savior. Instead, and because every point of eternal measure from the Almighty is creation’s highest regard in earth onto a proposed Heaven, compliance now is the test and it won’t rely on secondhand, watered-down, entertaining confirmation to substantiate a spiritual journey intended.

 

Today’s Thought “Labor Cheapened…” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 3

¹⁷ Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

 

Every article, noun and verb (including modifiers) in both Old Testament and New, are entirely the construct from Holy God for our edification onto servanthood (2 Ti.3:16-17) and whereas the scholarship from some (in their futile estimation) places them above many, have they not read how a majority of the first 12 our Lord would choose to dispel HIS Truth were unlearned (?). Moreover, if those seeking to be compliant to HIS demands, understands HE alone is our All-Knowing, Sovereign Creator, what has HE need of? Will/has HE ever depended on what man can bring to the table, so that accolades from others would marvel at such temporal ability – so incomplete (cf. John 15:5)?

The kind of spiritual regression so prevalent in the world that attributes working alongside the Almighty forgets the greatest component of grace; our Lord provided ALL we need for life now and forevermore (*Prov.3:5-6).

Happy Monday!

 

Today’s Thought “Unsanctioned Rhetoric” G. Ward

2 Timothy 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. ² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, slanderers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,

 

Submission to the Truth of God’s Word most assuredly is opposite of mankind’s vain philosophy and always considerate in building others in view of the Savior’s pardon of sins for one’s own life. Moreover, this philosophical demand to love yourself is clearly anti-thetical to the Almighty’s commands and whereas HE delineates numerous adjectival pursuits from man, substantiating how our foolish ways perpetuate societal decay, we’ve become witnesses to this sad reality. Self-love is synonymous with selfishness, and cause to evil furthered. If ever any desire what should be their aim (in a spiritual sense) – study the life of the Magnificent Savior, then follow. Some are with immediate defense upon such a statement to proclaim, “No one is perfect” (as if that’s an epiphanizing reality), while comfortable with the cliché “strive for perfection.” Our Holy Father is never found with demand unto those HE created that furthers mediocrity, but dispels the highest standard that keeps us dependent (John 16:7-10).

Happy Friday!

 

Today’s Thought “At the Expense of One Another” G. Ward

Proverbs 18:2

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

 

There’s great stigma associated with the “single mother.” The view’s immediate assumption from some declares social reprobation without question. Moreover, compassion won’t enter the mindsets from some that extends hospitality so that encouragement lent helps this mother to know – where there’s trouble, it won’t last.

While it’s expected that those detached from intimacy with God through Christ is unfortunately plagued in greater condemnation, shamefully, castigation from the believer confounds me. We should know through intimate, daily pursuit of the price paid by our Savior unto us occurred through “unmerited favor” and whereas every man deserves eternal punishment, HE bore our transgressions – despite us.

I’ll encourage any, particularly those believing in devices promoting moral fortitude as perfect resolve to know – there’s only ONE Conduit who can administer hope beyond selfish desire, our Lord Jesus (Ac.4:12) and to say “I know HIM” without the spiritual embodiment HE personified is worthy of HIS condemnation…

Happy Thursday!

 

Today’s Thought “Darkness; Demanding Refuge” G. Ward

“So, whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17

Technological advances throughout the generations have been greatly beneficial, giving access (transcendent of day or night) to first responders for health and safety issues. While lights imposed on vehicles and unlimited electricity remains altogether commonplace, it serves equally as a promoter in self-serving determination of desire over necessity. Moreover, there’s authoritative inferences to darkness as the guarantor of rest (cf. Ps.127:2, Isa.5:11), devices are available across socio-economics, instrumental to blocking slumber and although technology may enable night’s passage unto perceived joy, the proposed visuals daylight provides (that can recognize our Savior’s Sufficiency in providing contentment – as HE leads), many are blinded by selfish whims (cf. 2 Cor.4:4), keeping them dependent on things and people, even violating their eternal hopes…

Happy Wednesday (?)!

 

Today’s Thought “Sailing Disturbed by Dangerous Currents” G. Ward

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

 

While we’ll read scripture and adopt principles therein, we can quickly lose context due to the many circumstances of life and whereas that may circumvent troubles of sorts – those words of vitality become reduced to personal demand over the Almighty’s charge towards an immediate compliance.

Power from God remains contingent on perfect submission of guidance needed in every realm of life – even solely considerate of His Holiness as Director. Persistent thoughts in co-existing measures that determines me as captain, must decide HE never needed my navigation…

 

Today’s Thought “Over-Complicated” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 9: ⁶ Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

Agriculture, is perhaps the oldest consideration for understanding our Creator’s plan(s) for HIS creation and here the Apostle Paul elaborates on a harvest principle and whereas many have sought false perpetuation - via manipulation of holy scripture for their benefit, this spiritual contingency involves real trust of an All-Wise Savior who won’t ever need our money (Ps.24:1), but obedience to HIS commands. For some proposing to believe in generous giving to their fellowship’s continuation of gospel promotion (particularly in view of the Almighty’s sustaining that ability – Mal.3:11), there’s great commendation; but, for others doing the same, so as to gain substantially more (equating this holy principle to a heavenly lottery), further investigation (i.e., discipleship) is most necessary…

 

Today’s Thought “Longest Dream” G. Ward

Matthew 11: ²⁸ “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

 

Meditation, concerning the work of Christ that demanded our obedience and not a presumable accompaniment from us (Eph.2:8-9) is astounding. Most scenarios presented mankind that may contain any element of success, generally is due to our efforts, but the highest achievement for man (i.e., absolute forgiveness of sins and restoration onto being received in the eternal realm), has become the sole precedent of Christ’s righteousness towards us (John 6:44). Moreover, it keeps us amazed, in how a Perfect Redeemer desires a relationship with us; particularly upon our distant, unholy acts in wrongful attitude, along with blatant committal of selfish activity (that’s not worthy of presentation unto any man) – to which all have been guilty (*1 John 1:8).

The rest offered from such violating acts, most assuredly remains available; but is easily discernable by the Omniscient Savior (Ps.139:1-3) and whereas our sincerity desires change, like the early disciples, we’re called to follow HIM (Luke 6:46) …