Today’s Thought “Intentional” G. Ward

Acts 20

35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

I’ve found it impossible to uphold my great organizational skills at this time of year; I’m sure to convene with the marketplace “one more time.” No matter the season, or district – I’m sure to encounter another walking about in extreme temperatures while driving with just enough heat, along with soothing music to enable meditations in gratefulness to become manifest, until mine eyes view one without similar means. Could they stand sips of a warm beverage, perhaps a fibrous fruit for later, maybe even a pastry? What if I journey to purchase warm socks and gloves will this help? Finally, and upon such a delivery, what if I share this gift is from our Lord Jesus and HE desired they know HIS love for them continues? Could that help?

If you’re inclined with such a challenge and experience the joy in giving as aforementioned, share with others - that they too may know this joy...

 

Today’s Thought “Mission Accomplished?” G. Ward

Nehemiah 4

⁴ Hear, O our God, how we are an object of contempt! Return their taunting on their own heads, and turn them into plunder in a land of captivity. ⁵ Do not forgive their guilt and do not let their sin be wiped out before You, for they have demoralized the builders.

 

Nehemiah is a picture of perseverance onto the Almighty. He with many who were exiled from their homeland would return to see utter desecration of the holy things, along with a destroyed, magnificent Temple dedicated to our Lord - by an unruly people proud in obtaining false gods. These enemies sought to plot great evil against the rebuilders of what (perceivably) was far too monumental a task; considering the destruction/decimation was comparable to a modern wrecking ball upon a house; so, in essence the ridicule was seemingly just, but the devotion unto Holy God from the re-builders was greater.

Our lives can be likened to such rubble and next to impossible to re-construct (cf. Eph.2:10), but the same God for Nehemiah remains the Ultimate Builder (*Phil.1:6). As Jerusalem would soon flourish, respectful of the building process, we (believers), as temples of the Spirit, are called to lay brick by brick (i.e., indicative of every passage in God’s Word), to ensure a foundation incorruptible (*cf. Eph.6:24).

 

Today’s Thought “Forget You, Forgot You, Never Thought About You!” G. Ward

1 Peter 4

⁸ Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

 

“Joy to the world the Lord is come” is our seasonal sentimentality, but there remains a faction entirely bothered by our diversionary tactics in appeasing others with exorbitant spending; even disturbed by such rationalizations from what appears to be reasonable people, who on their loved one’s birthday – presents them with gifts, versus buying the kid next door a bicycle. Furthermore, theirs ask, “what does Jesus get from this?” Our hope is the joyous season (so anticipated) would prelude a great receptivity to believer’s service to our Lord, by extending the good news that embraces our Lord’s desire to have a love relationship with them and although that reality may be squashed by any proposed hearer, even a rude shutdown, threatening to some – our love for the Savior’s sacrifice for us – must increase over our being reactionary; because people need a witness (*Matt.5:16), not another villainous Christian …

 

Today’s Thought “Plights in Elevating Oneself” G. Ward

1 Peter 4:10

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

 

I’m somewhat perplexed at this time of year to hear of such accommodation in extravagance that seeks to demonstrate care upon exorbitant expense. Perhaps historical visitation of simple wares, along with baked goods, candy canes and assorted nuts – may witness abundant means for January. On the other hand, the superficial interactivity upon such a holy-day anticipated can be contradictory to celebrating Christ entry – particularly when/if we’ll forget our Lord came to serve and whereas HE bestows on each believer a particular giftedness (for HIS glory), we’ll look to extend ourselves onto another – that encourages their walk in HIM.

 

Today’s Thought “Bah Humbug” G. Ward

Proverbs 11:17

“A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.”

 

One great manuscript of old written by Charles Dickens (A Christmas Carol), features a fictional character, Ebenezer Scrooge, a seasoned man, having lent our modernity’s tag in what it means to be a grouch. He’s depicted as hating Christmas, even going to great lengths to sabotage its festivities, yet the ending unfolds his real problem was lacking a rightful sociability and whereas a very ill child is used in such magnanimous regard to present this mean guy a wonderful introspection via A Ghost of Christmas Present, Scrooge would be transformed. For many of us who many be of a certain autumn (i.e., old), we anticipated this on film every year at Christmas and were reminded of how necessary it is in being more intentional to look beyond faults and address real needs.

Some may say these values have greatly diminished and perhaps they could be correct, but I’m inclined to know that problematics re-introduced/re-gurgitated won’t solve much, but a preparation in the Truth of God’s Word (each day), lends generosity in Spirit; enough so, to not hold others hostage to their idiosyncrasies (*Eph.6:12).

 

Today’s Thought “Window of Eternality” G. Ward

Colossians 4

 ⁶ Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

 

Whereas believers in Christ Sufficiency are too granted a variety of outlets to express issues concerning oneself and whereas they’re owned by their Magnificent Savior; deciding to imitate HIM in every endeavor, what are we imposing on a populous; particularly social media? Hypocrisy, has become an unfortunate mentionable for the believer (often justifiable) and perpetuated, because that tag is prompted by a view from some as they’ve identified a sunken morality by the many who say they believe. Moreover, the exacerbation of such (from these who say they trust the Lord’s Way), lends credence from these castigators as their view of an unrecognized heavenly blend onto worldly permissiveness continues, even with shameful rationalizations – again, unrecognized by the HOLY ONE and whereas true believers mostly pervade responsible convictions, along with pleasantries on social media, we’re devalued, while praying our Lord’s penetration unto myriads of cultures; even asking our Lord to use us, despite criticisms.

 

Today’s Thought “Hierarchal Insensitivity” G. Ward

Matthew 23

⁵ And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. ⁶ And they love the place of honor at banquets, and the seats of honor in the synagogues, ⁷ and personal greetings in the marketplaces, and being called Rabbi by the people.

 

Religious leaders of old, spiritually un-trained in righteous pursuits, thought of themselves too highly. They’d dress in regalia indicative of a posture (i.e., self-designated), classifying themselves as higher than the commoner, while insistent you call them by their religious titles. *Things haven’t changed much and has served up a great deal more ruin than unity under the banner of the ONLY RIGHTEOUS ONE (*John 14:6) and whereas HE was available to any, allowing those in HIS presence to call HIM Jesus and touch HIM, and never needed a security force, HE chose a nomadic lifestyle and had no physical emblems of HIS royalty (*Isa.53:2). Who are you choosing to be your spiritual leader (cf. Eph.5:1-2)?

*For my friends who’ll perpetuate excuse to why they won’t attend worship services (because of clergymen pervading exorbitant lifestyles, while un-available); keep sitting at home while discipleship happens for the spiritually prudent, waiting for the end, so as to blame man for your disconnect!

 

Today’s Thought “Worth Waiting For…” G. Ward

Isaiah 43

¹⁸ “Do not call to mind the former things, Or consider things of the past. ¹⁹ Behold, I am going to do something new, now it will spring up; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.

 

While many of our era have sought using these passages as something to perceive selfishly, that bolsters their economic success; this was our LORD through HIS prophet - insistent that Israel (HIS people) celebrate all HE’D rescue their predecessors from (and yes it was many miraculous presentations of HIS might), while absolutely anticipating a future where the government would be upon the shoulders of the Blessed Redeemer (*Isa.9:6) and not exilic leaders, so unruly with terrorism, or unrighteous kings so foolishly imposing lack of peace.

Believers for this era should also rejoice. Our Redeemer’s work enables our view in how HE is building us (daily) unto a future hope with HIM (*cf. 1 Cor.6:2-3) and while we wait, HIS presence won’t forsake us. “A Mighty Fortress is our God!”

 

Today’s Thought “When Listening Becomes Dangerous” G. Ward

Galatians 4

⁸ At a time when you did not know God, you became slaves to things that by nature are not gods; ⁹ but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and destitute elemental powers? Do you want to be slaves to them all over again? 

 

“We wish you a Merry Christmas” may certainly be a song sung in this great season, yet remains a true sentiment from believers in Christ Sufficiency to all! We desire (for any) what’s been granted us, despite our having violated HIS commands, yet desirous to sin no more (Ro.7:17-20) and whereas we know how faith remains difficult – because of an incessant war with the flesh, we keep pressing. We know of a daily pursuit of God’s Word that allows our perseverance in HIM and how necessary it is to meditate on those actualities for every moment presented, that denies our reactionary responses, but seeks to be administrators of HIS peace (John 14:27), and we know that others may not reciprocate that same, yet, our driving force remembers, “such were some of us” (1 Cor.6:9-11). We know the essentiality in precluding no other message is worthy to acknowledge, for its comparability is similar to ingesting a little poison…

 

Today’s Thought “Situational Ethics; Disqualified!” G. Ward

Mark 1

¹⁵ And saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

 

The very foundational prerequisite for belief in Christ as LORD is repentance and whereas this godly sorrow is solely considerate of what the eternal script demands and not a current fad or cultural demand, daily consultation with God’s Word remains available. Many, who want the broad road theorizing (Matt.7:13-14), desire hearing it from others to substantiate their belonging and while theirs may be subjective, that issuance some offer may not be from love’s territory (*Eph.4:14-15). It’s therefore incumbent on any desiring the Truth of God’s Word to embrace (consistently), a local spiritual institution pervading the deity of Christ and HIS Righteousness (John 1:1-3,14).

Although sin’s definition is marginalized by the world, it’s clearly delineated in God’s Word (cf. 1 Cor.2:14), lending our repentance upon our failure to heed from its demand.

 

Today’s Thought “Wearing a Shoe Too Small” G. Ward

Hebrews 4

⁶ Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who previously had good news preached to them failed to enter because of disobedience, ⁷ He again sets a certain day, “Today,” saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts.”

 

Our society’s statistics, persist in sharing that most know God through Christ (keep in mind that most are on their way to celebrating Christmas in 16 days) and whereas it’s Holy God’s desire to have a love relationship with any (*cf. John 6:44), Truth says it only happens upon our repentance of sinfulness (2 Pe.3:9), along with greatest understanding that faith and follow-ship of HIS demands remain inextricably connected (Luke 6:46-49).

Those called as HIS very own won’t ever qualify on their own volition (Ro.3:10,23), or as they consider they’re “good enough” (*Mark 10:18), but upon absolute surrender to HIS Way (i.e., the Word of God) and that new life is void of un-holy considerations (cf. Ro.7:14-19). Do you hate the sin that exists in you? Put on new shoes (*Eph.6:10-14, *15)!

 

Today’s Thought “What’s the Use?” G. Ward

Matthew 18

^20 “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

 

While so many rationalize worshipping together with those desiring greater intimacy/dependence with Christ, the speculative avenue of the Almighty’s demand continues as subversive and whereas doing what HE says unfolds being HIS, many continue to miss this monumental mark. Moreover, that same rationalization points their finger at appearances of hypocrisy found within a particular spiritual institution, to then insist that’s why they neglect a systematic study of God’s Word and whereas the magnitude of love the Father has for those HE made, exists and whereas HIS Way is perfect – HE will never understand why HIS commands go violated, yet sent a Perfect Redeemer as the Lifeline some refuse on HIS terms (cf. Heb.10:24-25). See you Sunday?

 

Today’s Thought “The Finger Points Your Way” G. Ward

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

 

The holy critique administered by this prophet – courageously confronted God’s own with rhetorical questioning that asked was Holy God impressed with external elements of praise, while suffering with inward sin sickness and whereas our theme answers with a spiritual re-construct, we must never look upon this historical actuality in abstract (i.e., to celebrate our being more than a conqueror through Jesus, without imitating HIS character).

Our LORD’S great attribute in maintaining omnipresence is permanently connected with HIS omniscience (i.e., All-Knowing) and whereas other men must accept yours and mine own characterization in knowing God through Christ as superlative, what HE determines, particularly as HE alone is able to look at our hearts to determine our suitability for an eternity with HIM, may demand a return (to HIS reign and rule - 2 Pe.3:9)?

 

Today’s Thought “Cowering Amidst Un-Popularity” G. Ward

John 12

⁴² Nevertheless many, even of the rulers, believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, so that they would not be excommunicated from the synagogue; ⁴³ for they loved the approval of people rather than the approval of God.

 

Leadership’s compelling is in the ONE who calls any (Ro.10:13) to fulfill the mission set forth and since we’ve surrendered to the Savior, so gentle and caring, may we demand of ourselves a generous reciprocity, knowing that HE too is just (*1 Pe.4:3-5). A practice in a wrong focus will teach others diversionary methods that can subtract from a blessed assurance in Christ.

Tis the Season? Then correlate to the salvation offered you, by proclaiming HIS Sufficiency unashamedly and whereas they’re accustomed to the religious jargon so pervasive by many, share your gratefulness in having been chosen despite your unrighteousness (Ro.5:8) and insist they know HE desires a love relationship with them also (i.e., through repentance of course – 2 Pe.3:9).

 

Today’s Thought “Exempt from Troubles?” G. Ward

John 15

²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also.

 

While every disciple, including tumultuous deaths from the Apostles – culminated by our Lord Jesus’ greatest persecution unto death, would incur great trials from so many; even that to which included social degradation, political oppression, racism and monetary depletion, now witness a national culture found so prevalent for our society that says, avoid what every generation of man has been exposed, to now think on this as achievable is subverting Truth and delusional(!).

What our LORD would represent is stalwart character that would absolutely trust in the Father’s care beyond those adjectival descriptors aforementioned. Moreover, HIS Word demands we “count it joy” when these difficulties persist – because they’ll surely guide our consciences to run to HIS Shelter which will never relent (cf. Jas. 1:2-4). Believing these actualities means disallowing secular penetration of anything lacking eternal merit.

 

Today’s Thought “Who Made You Do It?” G. Ward

1 John 3

⁷ Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous; ⁸ the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 

 

To suggest no man is perfect is redundant and whereas it appears a challenge to perceive that any can be righteous, is immediate recognition from those redeemed, who truly understand that many who pervade such may not be studied (concerning the Truth of God’s Word). Moreover, those same un-surrendered to Christ rule, may even share foolish defense that lends excuse to why they tire of some who are religious in their spiritual efforts to be known by the highest standard given by our Maker and to that end, secretly assaults their spiritual disconnect. There is however a Way to which guilt and perceived condemnation (found in any) can experience a blessed assurance that forgiveness through Christ has been afforded them and whereas one redeemed is responsible to share that reality and won’t – they who say “I believe,” may not be HIS, but merely understand what is written (i.e., external religiosity), over absolute surrender to all it says and that habitual practice is also an incomplete disqualifier, along with no recognition in the heavenlies. Come to Jesus on HIS terms…