Today’s Thought “A Living Reversionary Clause” G. Ward

Matthew 6

²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The Conscience: Guilty (many times) in defense mechanisms, because of personal lack to identify that Holy God desires a love relationship with them, but rather talk, than walk as Christ did.

I’ll presume on the conscience of man. It’s the center-point of desire (*Jas.1:14-16) and whereas most want to be perceived as morally conscious (i.e., void of thievery, killing, etc.), they’ll establish a presumed goodness found in them (*Ro.3:10), while pervading on any who will listen, how this world is bankrupt in heavenly virtue, to then invite another to an unending castigation against rich preachers – guilty of lavish lifestyles as the culprit; even that to which produces congregants seeking more health and wealth than winning souls for Christ; even with foolish, repetitious speech concerning  shortcomings found in man, while our Innocent Lord only seeks to become their Patient, Loving Caregiver.

 

Today’s Thought “Ventriloquist Hand Up My Back” G. Ward

1 John 3:18

Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

Great expressions of sorts are lent in believer-ship upon hearing of grievous circumstances found in some, along with celebrative ones and while many are sincerely attentive in their regard, care for others is existent for as long as one is in their view and thereafter, the less sympathetic, will move onto other encounters, hoping one won’t approach them with sad actualities, because it makes them uncomfortable. Instead, knowing the Lord, more prepares to walk alongside the dispirited, even hopeful for additional jubilant times; not so much as a dutiful response (even though it’s owed), but spiritual consciousness in being granted a new heart that genuinely cares (cf. Heb.4:16).

 

Today’s Thought “Lifeguard on Duty…” G. Ward

1 John 4:9

By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him.

While I don’t remember, I’m sure that as an infant I cried many times for no apparent reason, but what’s shameful is when 60+ years are afforded me to then perpetuate the same (cf. 1 Pe.5:7). While that may be somewhat amusing – it’s unfortunately an accurate tag. A believer’s view must have Christ Sufficiency in mind in every way. HE alone is our Great Shepherd and whereas our being tagged the sheep of HIS pasture exists, we’re unnecessarily prone unto a wrongful exploration (*1 John 2:15-17), to then sup in poisonous fields, amidst wolves and blatantly distant from our Shepherd (cf. Ps.139:7).

Our complaints sound similar to a baby crying every time perspectives (so temporarily perceived), flow from our mouths without hope; particularly since our LORD endured the greatest persecution, to then give HIS life for a big baby like me. Thank You Lord – in Your forever regard to make me Your child.

 

Today’s Thought “Walking and Chewing Gum” G. Ward

Psalm 137

¹ By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and wept when we remembered Zion.
² There we hung up our lyres on the poplar trees, ³ for our captors there asked us for songs,
and our tormentors, for rejoicing: “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

Although we’re challenged to imagine being absolutely owned by an ungodly society, along with being transported to their strange land, it truly has become a real corollary to our existence for this era. Whenever we seek resolution to any proposed endeavor without heavenly prompting (i.e., from God’s Truth), we’re owned in ungodliness. Moreover, and as we’re believers in/of Christ (sole) Sufficiency, our true citizenry exists in Heaven (Phil.3:20).

The psalmist gives us insight of this imposed dilemma Israel incurred; a slavery so mindfully brutal and while their weeping was profuse, their captors lack of empathy demanded they render a “tap dance” selfishly desiring to be entertained.

I'd rather have Jesus than worldly applause
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame
Yes, I'd rather be true to His holy name…

 

Today’s Thought “A Believing Remnant” G. Ward

John 1

¹² But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God,
to those who believe in His name,

A great chorus to a notable, spiritual hymn records, “To be happy in Jesus, is to trust and obey.” This word happy (for this song) is not that to which seeks euphoric moments, so temporary, but delights in HIM having chosen them before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4, *John 6:44) and whereas this choosing appears practically automatic (*Matt.7:21), may we always defer to HIS passage that states emphatically, to believe in HIM, WILL place one’s absolute trust in HIS sovereignty, according to what is written from HIS Holy script, while determining allegiance to HIS leadership in everything (regardless of social and political unrest). I’m praying for you…

 

Today’s Thought “Self-Seeking Request” G. Ward

Matthew 20

²⁶ It is not this way among you, but whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant, ²⁷ and whoever desires to be first among you shall be your slave; ²⁸ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

There were two, chosen by God to represent HIS gospel and whereas the others would look on these as disgusting, particularly as there was a covert demand (from their mother and themselves – vv.20-23) that they’d be recognized as more trustworthy than the other ten chosen and while that disgust from the others would empty into a horrid witness of similar self-seeking desire, even up to the point of our Lord’s crucifixion (Matt.18:1, Mark.9:34), caused them to absolutely miss the Savior’s directives.

When/if we deny HIS preeminent directives, via a quest to be regarded by men (cf. Matt.10:28), insistent on never being de-valued, the end may witness such a practice in a short life as ultimately find one overlooked by Holy God allowing eternity with HIM (Matt.16:24).

 

Today’s Thought “Access Denied” G. Ward

Jeremiah 31

³³ “For this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord: “I will put My law within them and write it on their heart; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

Witnessing Holy God’s Truth is the purpose of every believer (Matt.28:19) and whereas many run on tangents of great religiosity (e.g., known for singing about HIM and benevolent acts), our Lord’s demand was insistent on a patient instruction of HIS commands that makes a disciple (i.e., followers of Jesus and not man). What’s astounding is a common evasiveness to this commission by many who propose to believe (i.e., to place one’s trust in the Savior) – without activity of HIS precedent, while loving to praise HIM (*Amos 5:18-23). Truly, and as Jeremiah proposed, our Lord has written HIS code on the hearts of every man (*Ro.10:8), to enable our journey with fortitude to prevail and whereas some cynical will still insist, they won’t listen – neither would I, because the responses from many believers are more replete with foolish rhetoric (i.e., social and political jargon) than Truth.

 

Today’s Thought “Mission Trip Planning” G. Ward

John 17

¹⁴ I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. ¹⁵ I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one.

Upon Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer (shortly before HIS crucifixion), HE prays for every disciple’s success, as any would endeavor to represent the message of the gospel. This intercessory commissioning didn’t/wouldn’t involve any dependence on the “world” indicative of Satan’s rule, but maintain assurance of an unrelenting, Holy God presence – greater than any objective widely acceptable.

While doubt has been an unfortunate consumption from some regarding their own prayers (cf. *Jas.4:3), our LORD is with a “no failure” rate and whereas HE prayed for us (regarding our missionary status), our being created as HIS workmanship, can also deliver similarly. Never forget – we’re in this strange land to serve.

 

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Adultery” G. Ward

Matthew 12

³⁸ Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” ³⁹ But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves a sign; and so, no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.

Jonah was swallowed by a big fish after he’d board a ship in avoidance of the Lord’s command to go to a village ghetto land perceived as hopeless, along with what perceivably was a lesser people (*cf. Jonah 4:1-11) and whereas believers still pick and choose who can be in the family of God, although they’ve undergirded a spiritual adoption (Ro.8:15) and are questionably redeemed by many naysayers, the sign given Jonah may, or may not witness their giant fish vomiting them up on a shore unto second chances (see Jonah 1:1-17, 2:1-10).

 

Today’s Thought “Valentine’s Day Cards” G. Ward

1 John 4

⁷ Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. ⁸ The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.

I’m recalling the days of old, having looked forward to every February 14^th; it included exchange of innocent little cards kids would exchange at classroom time, along with sweets given that even encouraged some mostly found dispirited and aloof. Parents would buy these cards at the local 5 and dime (i.e., a store comparable to the Dollar Store for that era) and would help their young people sign these cards, ensuring every class member received one. Those days witnessed our intellects so needful, selfishly so, even limited in empathetic insight of potential troubles at home for fellow peers (e.g., abusive family life, economic woes, etc.) and how this day made them feel so regarded.

Three score and more years of life – now wonders how many in convalescence, who were once in a classroom, having received trinkets of love when young, are craving something so small that would let them know of a care, once so common? The day provided can put forth a concerted effort to ensure others experience a touch from Holy God, particularly since (as believers), HE lives in some…

 

Today’s Thought “Praying Before Mealtime” G. Ward

Proverbs 17:1

Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it Than a house full of feasting with strife.

Tough economic times can cause great challenge in meal planning; particularly for the steak lover, because he may be forced to adjust to periodic meals without meat. This proverbial expression lends itself to advice unto a financial struggle some will face, including a forced reconciliation towards less food, while great appreciation onto something, v. nothing exists. Moreover, and while many are considerate of great social interactivity, subject to potential encounters with numerous ingrates (known and unknown), even that/who may carry an undesired volatility, my eating alone, or with the immediacy of my family witnesses peace – amidst tasty morsels. Keep Pressing.  

 

Today’s Thought “How I Got Over…” G. Ward

Psalm 44

³ For by their own sword they did not possess the land,
And their own arm did not save them, But Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence,
For You favored them.

Gospel Truth is a most delicate phenomenon. It presents the Almighty as complete, along with able in every way. Moreover, it compels our knowing that we’re absolutely weak, while HE alone is the Only Strong One. It’s therefore incumbent on us to ask HIS lead – as we are expressive of genuine sorrow for all unbecoming activity, opposite of HIS Word and whereas HE delights in our faith’s posture that turns to HIM in everything, we’re dutifully required to ensure others know HE will forgive them also.

Our souls thereafter, will look back and wonder, “How I made it Over?”

 

 Today’s Thought “When Belief Goes Challenged” G. Ward

Ephesians 4

²⁶ Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and do not give the devil an opportunity.

I’m very reminded of a song we’d sing so repetitively, even that to which indoctrinated my soul onto a proposed practice (particularly as I grew up Catholic and attended their school). The chorus embraced every stanza echoed by any who’d sing – “And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love, yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love” (John 13:35).

While anger is permitted, activity that can follow may not. Our unity demanded as believers is with highest consideration unto Who the object of our faith is and whereas Christ was mostly hated (John 15:20), even brutally assaulted and exposed to harassment at a continuum, social degradation, racial hostility, along with witnessing lies and deception given HIM, despite HIS innocence, HE exemplified what peaceable represents.

If you think you can endure – imitating the Only Savior who persevered through every trial given HIM (*Eph.5:1), OUTSIDE HIS PREEMINENT COMMANDS, remember – those trials of old cost HIM HIS life and whereas HE commanded every learner of HIMSELF to also prepare accordingly (Matt.16:24-26) …

 

Today’s Thought “Prayer Time” G. Ward

Romans 8: ⁶ For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, ⁷ because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, ⁸ and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

 

This incessant war existent in my soul - hates how contrary to my greatest desire, that is, intimacy/dependence on Holy God is most assuredly at war with my Savior’s example (cf. Ro.7:14-20). My daily journey in HIM as a learner of HIS magnificent Way, grants my confidence to know this ongoing battle was given every human; yet, I’m not ever satisfied; not in a competitive sense or pride, but a reciprocal order so inconsistently embodying unfaithfulness onto the ONE who redeemed me, despite me (*Ro.5:8).

 

Today’s Thought “Used Car Salesman” G. Ward

1 Corinthians 2:14

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

My early days, surrendered to the Lord, maintained an unrelenting, over-sensitive posture concerning the grace of Holy God’s redemption unto man, ignorantly, believing no one could reject such a message (cf. John 6:63-67). Doing so, witnessed many sensing my anger and so many replied with usual callousness, expressive in why they don’t attend any fellowship. It increased my curiosity to why any would deny such a Magnificent Savior, to now know they merely rejected a knuckle-headed new convert, overly zealous.

Although my tenacity to such a witness is unchanged, I now do so to more contemplate our Lord’s Truth that mandates “Love” as the center-point. The over-zealous, along with post-modern fellowships who can subvert God’s Truth are/have been instrumental at lending credence to an unbeliever’s skepticism; but the chieftain of spiritual disconnect (actualized) is to know that not everyone will come to know our Lord on HIS terms (John 6:44) and whereas HE never shared who would, we maintain dependence on HIS Word (2 Pe.3:9), presenting HIM as solely worthy of their highest expression of praise (i.e., to do HIS will) and not elevate mere humans who talk too much.

 

Today’s Thought “Still Waters Run Deep” G. Ward

Proverbs 18:4

The words of a person’s mouth are deep waters;
The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.

Whereas living in this world is subjectively perceived through a varied experience and leads us to converse in terms so ever-evolving (even lacking resolve), those listening can be compared to one being thrown into an ocean at nightfall whereby the darkness in such depth may soon witness a drowning.

There’s however, a more excellent advisement from those understanding our Lord’s Faithfulness and seek to testify to all HE has done and will do – that ensures peace onto those desperately seeking solace; even while great trials persist and can be compared to the “bubbling brook” where fresh, clear and cool water runs off the rocks that keeps it purified and begs our drinking from that fountain, to never thirst again (*John 4:7-14).

O How HE Loves You and Me…

 

Today’s Thought “Planning a Funeral” G. Ward

John 12

²⁵ The one who loves his life loses it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. ²⁶ If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also; if anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Our Lord’s criterion for what life in earth should represent remains entirely opposite of what we hear (generally). As HE would teach HIS disciples then, that same message demanded no subversion be offered any who’d follow HIM; but theirs must portray what denial of self represents (i.e., to lose sight of oneself, along with personal interests – Matt.16:24). *This is the spiritual precedent from our Lord Jesus and if any say they know HIM without establishing a practice thereunto…

So-called spiritual leaders have sought to mitigate our Lord’s demand by insisting you hand pick passages befitting to your victorious days ahead, while those early disciples maintained “victory in Jesus” even while trials of sorts were all around (*Matt.10:16-25).

 

Today’s Thought “Sun Expected Made Plans Accordingly, But it Rained” G. Ward

Deuteronomy 7

¹⁰ But He repays those who hate Him to their faces, to eliminate them; He will not hesitate toward him who hates Him, He will repay him to his face. ¹¹ Therefore, you shall keep the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments which I am commanding you today, to do them.

Hate has been determined as one of the worst words in the English language and it’s primarily due to lack of investigation. The word is with great category. I can hate rutabagas, but not other humans and whereas our LORD’S definition merely proclaims this hatred as one who insists (through an unrelenting practice) on being an opponent to HIS commands – as if their own leading has any component of sufficiency; particularly when any are absolutely unable to guarantee whether there’s to be a next moment, is futility (cf. Eccl.1:1-8).

 

Today’s Thought “Evangelism Forsaken” G. Ward

John 2

¹⁶ And to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away from here; stop making My Father’s house a place of business!”

Churches throughout Europe have greatly diminished to become entertainment venues of sorts, along with reconstruction to make them hotels, and the like and whereas these efforts quickly adjourn to what’s perceivably a “having done all we could do” syndrome, evangelism was forsaken by the predominance of those attendees; who if interviewed currently, would still suggest, “In God we trust.”

Our Lord would establish how HE will build HIS church; eliminating our efforts (i.e., tactics) beyond proclaiming HIS gospel and whereas sidebars thereunto have become a wrongful accompaniment (e.g., doing so, while insisting – all things for HIS glory).

 Stay tuned for America’s fellowships’ turn towards a pervasion of additional entertainment venues.