Today’s Thought “Three Wishes?” G. Ward

Psalm 86:5

For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all who call upon You.

 

May the whole of mankind who insist on our Holy God as soft, warm and cushy – understand HIS Way as indifferent to any man’s and do so through a prudent investigation, along with being part of HIS fellowship - where all increase in knowing how to be a learner that does what HE demands and whereas that’s the contingency in knowing HIM as LORD remains, we cannot expect “abundant” mercy or grace through practiced, unrelenting acts of sinfulness, that counts on HIS regard/desire to forgive us, particularly in view of that to which HE won’t be part of (because HE is HOLY – cf. John 14:6).

See you at the Fellowship this weekend?

Today’s Thought “Hard Drive Crash” G. Ward

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

The term “bully pulpit” can mostly include/allow one with scholastic regard to be perceived, then adopted by many to speak on issues freely and whereas it’s much to do with educated guessing, its conveyances can mostly be deemed acceptable by the masses depending on the eloquence of the presenter. Moreover, all who ingest these speculations should ready themselves for a soon “new and improved” version, because we’re in a world where intellect rules (*seemingly), along with ever-evolving views.

Instead, those transformed by our Lord’s Way, are convinced of a timeless set of directives that administer “greater grace” with peace and the older we become to that spiritual reality, the less impressed we are with other men (cf. Deut.6:4-6). 

 

Today’s Thought “Torrential Rain” G. Ward

Deuteronomy 6

⁴ “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! ⁵ And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 

Echoes of being wonderfully made are most assuredly captivating, but is not given that we’d run on tangents of egoism. Instead, there’s a rightful reciprocity, that offers oneself completely to HIM, our Maker (cf. Eph.1:3). Moreover, and because our journey is short – to proclaim our implicit worship belongs to HIM must give rise to greatest desire in learning how to lessen mine own carnality; to then decide, there’s no greater joy than the shelter HE provides and rest underneath; for the elements all around are dangerously seeking to overwhelm my soul (*Psalm 91:1-4).

 

Today’s Thought “Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree” G. Ward

James 1

² Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 

Our religious era pervades idealism, more than actualities of life. We’re critical on many seeking to erase historical facts, while doing the same each time we deny the hardships of our predecessors; that included great sufferings much of their lives. Was God different then? Were they more rebellious, that caused HIS extreme wrath? Or, has our educational prowess afforded us better insights (cf. 1 Cor.1:21)? NO, to each of these remains (*Ro.8:28)!

We’ve become what has been - a society of ingrates the more; teeter-tottering with owning ourselves, while saying HE is LORD and whereas HIS Word won’t allow such, along with having no need to change exists, trials (i.e., sufferings of sorts, grief, geopolitical unrest) advance – that absolutely compels those chosen to fall on their knees – asking for endurance to run HIS race (*Eccl.9:11).

 

Today’s Thought “Before the Clock Strikes…” G. Ward

Ezekiel 34

1 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ² “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should the shepherds not feed the flock?

While this spoke to a people belonging to the Great Shepherd desiring to care for them, they’d demand a “give me my inheritance now” messaging from their (greatly inferior) selected leaders, who’d subvert such definitive rule from the Creator, along with selfishly making their own name great and seemingly gaining - both materially and greater popularity.

Our era is unfortunately exacerbating what took place many thousands of years ago (i.e., overwhelmed with charisma over Truth – 1 Cor.2:1-5) and while it afforded God’s people an exilic position, even warranted their return to HIS reign (because HE’S a Mighty Good Leader), the same exists for us (*Ac.3:17-19).

 

Today’s Thought “Changing A Recipe” G. Ward

Philippians 4

¹³ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

 

The Philippian churches would consider the Apostle Paul as he’d venture to make Christ known by sending monetary support as he’d journey. They however had lapsed (not in regard, but in money) for ten years and whereas help arrived, Paul was thankful. If/when you’ll stir fry onions long enough in a pan, you’ll inevitably create an excellent reduction (i.e., gravy) and this corollary is with a similitude of what many do when they expressly take a singular passage as a personal mantra – to neglect its context; and whereas this apostle admitted to not having enough to eat many days, his writing conveyed to any follower with ears to hear, the essentiality in unfolding our LORD’S faithfulness, along with being amazed in how our Lord strengthened him as he'd proclaim HIS excellencies – with or without.

Is your trust similar?

 

Today’s Thought “Brahms’ Lullaby” G. Ward

Mark 6

³⁰ The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. ³¹ And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a little while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 

Whereas these first disciples would be called to a great work involving those both genuinely interested in intimacy with our Lord, along with those disingenuously seeking what they could get out this deal, along with being disturbed by what appeared to be spiritual hyperbole, would compel these disciples to endeavor retreat from every case presented and we know the significance of rest also, yet the activity in what is known is often a marginalized outcome.

Believers are prone to administer/speak the Truth with love; patiently equipping others equally so, when good rest with meditation becomes a central tenet. The objective however, is not self-preservation, but honoring our Lord in HIS directives; particularly since we also are HIS disciples (Gal.2:20).

 

Today’s Thought “Quiet Time with My Lord” G. Ward

1 Peter 2

¹⁶ Act as free people, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bond-servants of God. ¹⁷ Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

Our words/confession of Christ as Lord must undergird a practice of HIS commands unto spiritual transformation. Many however, embark on a liberal arts approach to knowing God. In other words, they can pass a test regarding all HE did in earth, even impressing many with their eloquent reciting, while believing Holy God is pleased because their contribution in society won’t compare to the vilest of sinners (cf. Luke 18:11). Instead, believers’ conversion should be recognized by a consistent, inward change that “honors all men” even when it appears they’re not worthy of such regard; remembering, our days’ refusal to walk (faithfully) in the Spirit (Gal.5:16-23), remains a work in progress.

 

Today’s Thought “Celebrating Hope” G. Ward

John 4:13-14

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Mama said, “trust not in man” and whereas I had no idea her scholarly approach emanated from scripture (Ps.118:8), I’m grateful for spiritual maturity. When/if those who propose to believe in things seen is resolute, it unfolds the heart and if practiced so vigorously, it conveys unbelief. Instead, our lives are said to be synonymous to a vapor (i.e., here today and gone tomorrow – *Jas.4:14); therefore, our proclaiming our Lord’s Sufficiency, Sovereignty and Omnipotence, must circumvent the days remaining.

 

Today’s Thought “Driving; Low on Gas and Money” G. Ward

Hebrews 13

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, that is, Jesus our Lord, ²¹ equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Our Lord’s preparation onto those first disciples (*Matt.10:14-23) is perceivably a dismal equipping, until any prudent in the scriptures examine the ways of the world as entirely contrary to Holy God’s. Hebrews 13 is a tremendous elaboration of Jesus’ words, calling for interdependence with/for believers’ attention, through understanding - the road ahead remains equally as rough. The prayer aforementioned is unfortunately rare (for our era) as this kind of preparation is marginalized by pre-suppositional leaders - neglect of our Lord’s current disciple. Our churches are allowed speeches that more motivate hearers onto an acceptable cutting an umbilical cord from the Father’s directives, with periodic surgical attachment when any are under collapse (again unfortunately sanctioned by misguided spiritual leadership – Prov.1:24-30).

What are your plans for Sunday Morning (cf. Heb.10:25)? If your preparation resides at home, why haven’t you begun?

 

Today’s Thought “Hey! That’s My Church Seat!” G. Ward

1 Samuel 15:22

Samuel said,

“Does the Lord have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices
As in obeying the voice of the Lord?
Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice,
And to pay attention is better than the fat of rams.

Ritualistic acts of the Old Testament were certainly/mostly honorable; particularly since those participants desired to be a pleasing aroma in the nostril of Holy God; but those sacrifices were temporal supplications that postponed judgment until a Most Excellent and Perfect sacrifice could be offered for mankind’s sinfulness (Heb.10:1-4).

If/when a mindset to live holy is precedent and exists among believers, they’ll celebrate the Holy One so entirely sacrificial, along with HIS righteousness through a determined compliance (i.e., obedience), that guards a spiritual and ongoing war of flesh v. Spirit (*cf. Ro.4:1-6), while yet pressing on to meet the higher calling to fulfill.

 

Today’s Thought “Pessimism, A Silent Killer” G. Ward

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Whereas I as well, suffer with bouts in opinion/perspective concerning mankind’s refusal to cooperate under the guidelines of our Creator, I must first bow my head in godly sorrow; as I’ve been committal in such arrogance that thinks of myself too highly. This actuality - I pray, will become the introspection from many, that questions their own heavenly usefulness before they’ll lose hope; even that to which disallows one’s personal commitment onto any who will listen to the greatest message of reconciliation, perceivably unfavorable (*particularly since mine own guilt in un-loveliness is an unfortunate visitor).

Spiritual transformation is ongoing for every man and free will provided by our Lord opens the door. Let’s love HIM back, but solely on HIS terms.

 

Today’s Thought “One Last Bathroom Break” G. Ward

John 12

 ⁴⁶ I have come as Light into the world, so that no one who believes in Me will remain in darkness. ⁴⁷ If anyone hears My teachings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 

 

Spurious (i.e., disingenuous), would be the tag of Jesus’ inference to the so-called spiritual leaders attending HIS discourse to them; yet, there were others present, who were willing to commit to HIS way. Moreover, these leaders (present) would promote (previously) their impractical and lengthy words to more impress a people and whereas our Lord’s words brought freedom from sin and a peace that assured any of a ministry of presence HE’D provide and whereas those spiritual professors listening would stand confounded, while others would be convinced that HE is/was the Lord, all were offered a chance by our Lord who would soon move on (cf. 1 Cor.2:1-5).

The true test for a believer’s perception of Truth will never listen to great prognosticating from leaders solely pervading good things for all, along with impressive/theatrical discourses from some entirely unavailable to their audiences, but honor spiritual leadership who insist God is Great and we are far less than.

 

Today’s Thought “Open Book Test” G. Ward

Hebrews 11

⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.

 

Faith most assuredly has an object in mind to exercise proficiently (through a directive given) and whereas a believer’s regard for the gift of faith solely rests in Christ, our confidence is witness to HIS Mighty hand and proven-ness throughout the generations (cf. John 1:2-3). Therefore, our faith persists and is placed in HIM, while trusting in HIS presence; even when our wavering souls diminish towards self-preservation (i.e., fulfilling a lust of the flesh ideology – so foolishly temporal).

Objectively, our greatest war in humanity is not against flesh and blood (Eph.6:12), but wrongful submission to the world’s theorizing (2 Cor.4:3-5, 1 John 2:15-17), and spiritually deemed so entirely temporal. So, let’s open the book, where all the answers that counter ridiculous behaviors exist and pass the test.

 

Today’s Thought “Snowy Day Reflections” G. Ward

Matthew 6

²⁴ “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Our Lord’s words carry a great indictment on some who more teeter-totter on implicit belief of God’s Word, while adoring their futile mindsets. Moreover, our Lord introduces how impractical dependence on oneself (an owning one’s power theorizing – cf. Jas.4:14) is the most unspiritual thing humanity can embody (Prov.16:18).

There’s superficiality furthered when we elevate things and people equally as temporal and comparable to our short lives in earth. Therefore, and because there’s no middle ground (surrender) acceptable by Holy God from us – that insists we have a love relationship with HIM, along with detestable practices so distant from HIS moral code proposed for those HE created, remains unrecognizable by HIM (*Ps.139:1-7) …

Let’s begin a rightful pursuit of HIS Way on today as if we’ve never failed (*Lam.3:22-23).

 

Today’s Thought “I Need Thee…” G. Ward

James 4

⁶ But He gives a greater grace. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

All our Lord Jesus would demonstrate (Ro.5:8), an unparalleled love – through enduring greatest persecution from men onto death (while innocent), establishes any/every believer unto courage to live as HE lived - by never forgetting the price paid (on our behalf and despite our sinfulness) and striving daily to be a fragrant aroma, as we offer ourselves sacrificially and similarly (Eph.5:2).

The New Year presented cannot persist to say redemption from the Savior is most important, to exist on personal terms of the prior year; but acknowledge greater necessity to do HIS will.

 

Today’s Thought “Trapped by Opinion” G. Ward

Titus 1

⁵ For this reason I left you in Crete, that you would set in order what remains and appoint elders in every city as I directed you,

 

The magnitude of falsehoods increases daily in our world, even subverting the Truth of God’s Word. Many propose to believe, while questioning our proposed belief in the inerrancy of the entire script that governs us from Genesis to Revelation and we know to serve this present age – won’t mean that our criticisms can/should exist alongside our dispelling Truth, but our willingness to disciple any onto the reality of our blessed conviction that Christ is LORD remains precedent. If you’re appointed, you’ll serve. Moreover, if you’re appointed, you’ll do so in love – anticipating HIS changing them and us (for HIS Glory)!

 

Today’s Thought “Watch Night?” G. Ward

Jeremiah 6

¹⁴ They have healed the brokenness of My people superficially, Saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace.

While it’s great to see worship gatherings before the New Year, whereby worshippers seek the peaceable dependence on their Maker, even with a resolute determination to please HIM in all they’ll do and whereas many spiritual leaders compel audiences’ excitement by pervading many blessings ahead – what exactly will that mean for the hearer(?). Moreover, where’s the preparation for potential grievous days ahead? Could that teaching exacerbate a notion of being able to absolutely thwart the pain ahead?

The vulnerability of man can/will often regard spiritual leadership to absolutely offer a discernment unbeknownst to some lacking scholarship and if that discourse offered insists on flattery, no confidence in one’s time in need exists (Heb.4:16).