Today’s Thought “Tossing and Turning” G. Ward

Psalm 28:2 “Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary.”

While many may seek to unfold some spectacular television show or enjoyment with a great novel of sorts, my insomnia (of times past) desired to fill my soul with something far more substantive, God’s word. *I want to be clear; I’ve suffered with insomnia many times before and like so many surfed more than eight hundred channels looking for the perfect movie, whereas there have been numerous times the quiet room was so very noisy with an inexactness as to what could be the problem and knowing, I just needed rest.

A real dependence on Who we regard as LORD must condescend from self-determinations onto a spiritual posture that grants peace and when that level of worship becomes the insistence for any that will endure affliction’s (i.e., anxieties of sorts) visitation (cf. Jas.1:2-4), it won’t conjure up an elixir seemingly sufficient, but enjoin themself unto Who is Omniscient and offers Himself in/through our moments of unrest.

 

Today’s Thought “Mercy: God’s Conduit Unto Us” G. Ward

Psalm 34:1

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

The pain of indecision, along with impetuous choosing can have a devastating effect and certainly has plagued me (many times) and if my motioning thereafter remains too busy, the unfortunate cycle continues, while unfolding faith in the Almighty as momentarily weak. Moreover, and because egoism fears failure, devising additional planning remains an unfortunate desperation (cf. Prov.16:18).

Instead, when my steps involve a spiritual plan each day that consults with Holy God’s plan (which allows employment and some enjoyment), devastations of sorts are minimized and desired intimacy increases understanding that when/if I fall again, an immediate return onto our Redeemer is warranted. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness!

 

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Endurance” G. Ward

Job 31:4

Does He not see my ways, and count all my steps?

All the misery Job would encounter kept him perplexed and equally bothered, particularly in view of his not conceding to patterns of sin. He would begin chapter 31 unto Holy God with how he found the way of the Lord non-burdensome, more pursuing holiness; even with his eyes towards women. He would then highlight the dangerous plight of man to lead himself and understanding completely how our Lord rightly punishes those so unfaithful; but he, on the other hand sought righteousness; why then, so many assaults on his spiritual integrity (*Job 1:8-12)?

This account is relative to a proposed daily interrogation of our own soul provided by our Lord and rather pursue a contrast with Job’s effort, ours should only view the life of Christ, in how HE correlated to this world. Can we admit to having fallen miserably short of HIS glory? Moreover, could we do as well as Job, after suffering a litany of tragedies? Most feel as though they should be exempt from calamity of sorts, but that’s the world’s vain philosophy. Instead, and particularly as any can consult with mankind’s document of life (God’s Word), they’ll unfold a presence (indicative of HIS abiding with us) as believers that won’t relent; but it cannot prevail as one is with a pattern of sinfulness (*Titus 2:11-14) …

 

Today’s Thought “Letter Writing Campaign” G. Ward

1 John 2:1

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

 

I’m recalling many years ago having heard that a friend suffered through a lack in moral consciousness that cost him freedom. I immediately sought an address of the institution where he was held and began writing words that could spur spiritual endurance, enabling freedom, while in chains.

As it’s incumbent on believers to portray a Gracious Savior, mercy must be our centerpiece; remembering “such were some of us.” Our Lord however, allowed us (as surrendered believers) many days to consort with HIM; particularly as we’d view HIS faithfulness amidst trials to never concede to sin’s eventuality (Ro.6:23) and our encouragement to others must never offer conciliatory devices that appease via statements entirely unauthoritative, sending some on quests of euphoria, while keeping them dependent on expressions (untrue) and anywhere they can find them (cf. *Ps.33:18).

 

Today’s Thought “Shaded Areas?” G. Ward

1 John 5:19

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.”

 

To believe is never enough, it must have the truest accompaniment; activity/works (cf. Eph.2:10). For any that believe in Holy God through Christ, that assessment begins with absolute surrender to HIS Word and whereas that practiced pursuit is daily, living in that spiritual realm becomes easier (each day presented – 1 John 5:3). Many others are aspirational at best, more believing they have time, or believing they’ll grow away from indiscretions unbecoming to our Lord. It’s opposite of trusting our Lord and while HIS patience may run out 5 minutes from, now, it’s a posture entirely dangerous – because repentance at the end, more thinks about avoidance of an eternal doom versus how Almighty God should get the honor and glory from our lives through denying ourselves - now (Matt.16:24). Why the many castigations are flourishing that yell hypocrisy, concerning the church, to insist their reasoning for unexcused discipleship and corporate gathering as acceptable, Holy God has designated a tag for them – children of Satan (NO SHADED AREA – 1 John 3:7-9, *10).

 

Today’s Thought “Red Shoes Worthy for the Journey” G. Ward

Hebrews 13:14

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

 

There perhaps are not many given over to a strange land, residing for sixty, seventy, eighty years therein, and not anticipate a return; particularly when that city is free of sufferings (*Rev.21:1-4). Moreover, if a promise of that return came from an Authoritative One – demanding implicit trust from the one exiled, a daily contemplation of home will witness the stranger compliant to the Landowner’s contingency plan (Luke 6:46).

The Landowner of Jesus’ discourse is God (cf. Matt.13:27, 20:1, 11, 21:33) and HE most assuredly is with All Authority in whether eternity includes you and me. We cannot however, celebrate this land’s practices, calling all blessings; especially when our Lord refuses association with darkness (cf. 2 Cor.6:14) – and calling (through insistence) our lives to reflect HIS (Eph.5:1).

 

Today’s Thought “Belief: Not Enough” G. Ward

Hebrews 2:1 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 

 

As this great writer sought to pervade on some Hebrews (devout in commitment to all they were exposed in Judaism) the reality of Christ’s supremacy over the angels, then reasoning with them, found them seriously acknowledging all the scripture given by the prophets of old substantiating this, yet negligent in surrender to Christ. Comparably, many exist in our day that also agree with what’s been written; even that to which witnesses their ability to quote passages and whereas educational pursuits then and now rely on passing a test upon information ingested, proving proficiency, the Truth of God’s classroom won’t involve a certification of completeness, but more unfolds an ongoing discipleship (John 8:31).

Faith is activity, not head knowledge. Moreover, faith must have an object to place trust in. Therefore, and because it is written, acknowledgement of Christ supremacy, must absolutely believe HE alone (Ac.4:12) can/will forgive sin found in you (particularly upon your repentance unto HIM) and then submit to HIM (with all that is written – Luke 6:46). To do, declares belief.

 

Today’s Thought “Far from the Peaceful Shore…” G. Ward

Psalm 40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and He reached down to me and heard my cry. ² He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud; and He set my feet on a rock, making my footsteps firm.

 

One of my favorite hymns is Love Lifted Me. It has a magnificent chorus that causes reflection in wonderment, concerning having been trapped in self-imposed calamity, to personally witness our Lord’s rescue: “Love lifted me! Love lifted me! When nothing else could help, Love lifted me!”

The Apostle John would record that “God is Love” (1 John 4:8) and whereas the psalmist would certainly elaborate similarly (in our theme), our meditations should circumvent the many trials prescribed us, and whereas HIS rescue may not include an obliteration of that to which is overwhelming for our souls, HIS presence (John 14:27) speaks volumes, satisfying our inadequacy.

May our gratefulness radiate in the marketplace on this day provided, even remembering HIS preparation for the trials ahead most assuredly calls us HIS own – so our endurance will rest (solely) upon HIS rule.

 

Today’s Thought “Without Anesthesia?” G. Ward

Mark 9

⁴³ And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire.

 

To be clear, this is not sanctioning self-mutilation, so, put the knife up. Instead, this portrays the seriousness of ridding sin in one’s life and while further defining of what that truly represents may be the million-dollar question for some, they’ll need to know it equals a speculating posture in where morality emanates (cf. Judg.21:25). This was/is never meant to be a guessing game. Moreover, we were never meant to govern ourselves; particularly in a world where nothing belongs to us (Ps.24:1) and whereas God’s sovereign superiority remains the only truth, HIS intent is that all created would follow and failure thereunto is sin. Believers, through confessing their sins to Christ, have been given a new nature and that spiritual gauging imposed in us, absolutely hates the old nature, denying its habitual practice of lawlessness (1 John 3:4) and while many practitioners of doing their own thing persists, an eternal doom awaits. May their change be urgent (*2 Pe.3:9).

 

Today’s Thought “Even Me Lord?” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 9

²⁶ Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; ²⁷ but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

 

While perfection is the world’s expectation unto believers (in Christ) that keeps criticisms flowing from the unchurched, lending foolish defense in why they won’t devote themselves to corporate worship, we’ve been called so as to be perfected by a sinless Savior’s regard for us (Matt.5:16) and whereas existing in a world so alien to us, includes so many shiny objects (i.e., a distorted view, not to be touched), many hands are in the cookie jar. Instead, believers are to utterly eliminate such an attraction and can do so through admittance to Holy God how weak they are; desiring a spiritual displacement with the Truth of HIS Word. Our position in Christ, can never think of ourselves as suited well enough to overcome sin’s captivity without HIS presence (John 15:5b). We can do nothing for our Lord, until the record in spiritual disconnect is repaired (*Ps.51:10-13).

 

 

Today’s Thought “We’ve Only Just Begun” G. Ward

Psalm 103

⁶ The Lord performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. ⁷ He made known His ways to Moses, His deeds to the sons of Israel.

While this psalm may be construed as a commendation of man, this glorious elaboration seeks our praise of an assurance of Holy God’s presence through allowing His own to recall His Mighty work and whereas what was granted these predecessors of old can be ours also and whereas HE won’t change (because perfection in HIM continues) and whereas David ascribed such adoration solely onto the Almighty – what shall we render?

We’ve been privileged in viewing mighty acts from our Savior’s journey; that to which is recorded, along with HIS mercy towards us (*Matt.5:45). As you invite Holy God’s reign in your life this week, more meditation (as you go), remains the elixir for continuance in joy amidst trials.

 

Today’s Thought “Mundane?” G. Ward

Luke 16:10

“The one who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and the one who is unrighteous in a very little thing is also unrighteous in much.”

 

As we approach the weekend, mindsets, so unsettled in routine matters, along with fiscal uncertainties, are seeking a conjure that will promote excitement, that introduces the upcoming week, so entirely filled with drudgery and whereas they’re fifty-two weeks relevant to one’s search and whereas they’ve endeavored such a road travelled (many times), the deception of it all remains. At the same time, if any would render an interview, regarding (those unsettled in routine matters) that asks, who they are in the Lord, you and I (as interviewer) would be vulnerable to physical attack if we’d share the magnificence in being owned by the Only Savior and HIS demand, that all would know “the harvest is plenteous, but the workers are few.” *The believer’s work is most assuredly most satisfying, serving as a “Win-Win” for the giver and the gifted.

 

Today’s Thought “Rightful Contribution” G. Ward

Philippians 4

⁵ Let your gentle spirit be known to all people. The Lord is near. 

 

I’m amazed at some with strong claimants in knowing our Lord with expectations of moral fiber from the populous (cf. Matt.7:13-*14). Our Lord’s example in earth is the preeminent example in correlation to people groups; showing contentment with generosity towards all, while easily abstaining from discussions that failed to embrace eternality. Moreover, HIS convening with the Father (daily and often therein), understood the urgency in compliance to exemplify Holy God’s demands (found in HIS Word) and whereas opinions and perspectives were as common then, as exists now, our Savior was masterfully incorrigible at portraying hope beyond the world’s measurement (Eph.4:29-32).

My prayer for you (on today) is for a same embodiment (Col.1:9-10).

 

Today’s Thought “Caught in A Spiritual Web” G. Ward

Romans 13:11 “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.”

 

This passage compels the believer’s contemplations of living out the creed of holiness in Christ, particularly as we’d understand our soon departure guaranteed from earth. It challenges us to consider the things of eternality, while moving away from temporal, argumentative and preferential ways of man, where no continuity exists for long and whereas folly from men won’t escape HIS knowing, even demanding an urgent compliance unto HIS Way (John 14:6) yet remains.

If you believe HE knows all, your hope in HIM knowing you, can become assurance – when/if today’s surrender involves wanting the Redeemer’s ownership of who you are, to become HIS workmanship in who He'd have you to be (2 Cor.5:17).

 

Today’s Thought “Insane Plotting” G. Ward

2 Samuel 11

²⁶ Now when Uriah’s wife heard that her husband Uriah was dead, she mourned for her husband. ²⁷ When the time of mourning was over, David sent servants and had her brought to his house and she became his wife; then she bore him a son. But the thing that David had done was evil in the sight of the Lord.

 

King David’s forgetfulness lasted far too long, causing heinous sins’ spread to appear absolutely irreconcilable and whereas our Creator enabled HIS mouthpiece, the Prophet Nathan, to challenge David’s escapades with a fantastic story (2 Sa. 12:1-7), this expose’ brought recovery to David’s spiritual commitment/consciousness (*Ps.51).

Like David, forsakenness of spiritual righteousness imposed on us (via HIS Word), may too come under great lapse and while our Lord may have chosen us before the foundation of the world, our actions say differently. So, HE provides great escape (1 Cor. 10:13). Moreover, there are many Nathans’ (for our era also) that actualize the Lord’s demands. Our hearts however, must be as David’s was – quietly grievous over our sin capacity, along with disquieting a repetitiveness, in view of such mercy from the Almighty; otherwise, we nullify HIS grace towards us.

 

Today’s Thought “Coat and Hat Check” G. Ward

Galatians 6:4 “But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but to himself alone, and not to another.”

While there are numerous and unfortunate occasions whereby believers have slipped into dark spaces of a past life now redeemed, and whereas it’s given over to embarrassment upon such a victim caught in foolish indiscretion of such, there’s a conversation necessary from one having viewed blatant sinfulness (unchecked). That conversation must first listen attentively for godly sorrow from the violator’s discourse, enough so to re-introduce spiritual restoration (without gestures involving empathetic compromise, but solely compassionate, remembering one’s own fallenness).

For any that will consider such confrontation, there’s a slowdown warranted that checks personal motive, opinion and potential arrogance, against all our Savior offered and whereas HE will have mercy on whom HE chooses and because there’s a daily repentance for every believer – walk according to HIS love…

 

Today’s Thought “I Did It My Way?” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 8:1 Now concerning food sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes one conceited, but love edifies people. ² If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he has not yet known as he ought to know; ³ but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.

 

This issue of some abstaining from foods sacrificed to idol worship, to then be sole in the marketplace, was vehemently abhorrent to many believers then and the Apostle Paul would pervade how love unto new and seasoned believers must be the centerpiece of faith’s journey. Paul’s discourse would be consumed perhaps with the words from our Lord when HE said, “there is nothing outside the person which can defile him if it goes into him; but the things which come out of the person are what defile the person” (Mark 7:15).

When the consciences of fellow believers – speculates on issues they feel can violate their standing in the Lord, there’s a carefulness some more fundamentally exposed (in HIS Word) must exercise and whereas that patience should never compromise the Truth of our salvation, it may be the call onto discipleship furthered (particularly with new converts) and facilitated by us, that makes ourselves available to these uncertain (cf. *Acts 18:24-26).

 

Today’s Thought “If I, When I?” G. Ward

Psalm 127:1 Unless the Lord builds a house, they who build it labor in vain; Unless the Lord guards a city, The watchman stays awake in vain.

 

Some may not know it, but our Creator doesn’t awaken from a slumber as you and I do/will to determine task measures for each day (Isa.55:8-9), but pre-determined what today would unfold for earth’s inhabitants long ago and now. Moreover, HE doesn’t draw a consensus with another comparable to Himself, because none can be found. HE alone determined at the beginning (when HE decided), to make mankind in His image (referring to the immaterial portion of who we are, so as to be dedicated in every soul matter – that more determines to imitate HIM, i.e., Holy – 1 Pe.1:16, Eph.5:1).

May today’s determination from us – resemble HIS perfect plan for our lives, ACCORDING TO WHAT IS WRITTEN, through perfect submission (cf. Phil.1:6).

 

Today’s Thought “Romper Room and One Cookie” G. Ward

Matthew 8

²³ When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. ²⁴ And behold, a violent storm developed on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. 

 

Our Lord is known as the Exemplar Leader; for all He’d endeavor remains worthy to follow and whereas HIS dutiful response to Holy God witnessed a perfect submission, it would involve relentless attempts to portray HIS sufficiency to lead the lives of men. This endeavoring witnessed His deity, while embodying flesh (*Heb.4:15). Therefore, HE required rest and our theme unfolds Him taking a nap. Moreover, as we study the Truth of God’s Word, we’ll see on many occasions Him being instrumental in feedings of sorts and be assured HE didn’t have a local McDonald’s to adjourn towards; instead, these were meals involving natural foods (promoting healthy eating). Altogether, if mankind would follow their Creator (John 1:3), through proper rest and diet, theirs would experience greatest proficiency in every endeavor to make HIS Name great among men (Col.3:17).