Today’s Thought “Fields of Dandelion” G. Ward

1 John 3

⁴ Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.

Districts of speculative behavior from the masses proclaim we know HIM also (1 John 2:6), although they insist on owning themselves, along with habitual practices unbecoming to the Almighty and whereas early springtime fields of sorts can appear to be flowers from a distant view, when any gain a closer look, they’ll discover all they were/are exists as weeds.

Genuine believers PRACTICE righteousness.

 

Today’s Thought “Message Unchanged” G. Ward

Revelation 21

⁵ And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Skeptics proclaim that this eternal document many adore was written by man and whereas its inerrancy is/remains our only hope, along with providing perfect reconciliation INDISCRIMINATELY (Ro.10:13), we, who believe, must always remember that many who had the Christ in their visual grasp doubted early, to then become devoted followers. We must see others in that potential (i.e., blessing them with the Truth of Holy God’s Word – Matt.28:19) with the kind of lovingkindness and patience given us; particularly since “such were some of us” …

 

Today’s Thought “True Advocacy” G. Ward

2 Chronicles 20

¹⁷ You need not fight in this battle; take your position, stand and watch the salvation of the Lord in your behalf, Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you.”

Being afraid is certainly natural for the whole of humanity and our era has witnessed spiritual encouragement given throughout Holy God’s Word unto HIS own to absolutely trust in the guidance our Lord provides - that fear would turn into the joy of presence and whereas Judah’s leader Jehoshaphat embodied great trepidation from potential invasion with enemy forces (so numerous), he’d lead all the inhabitants with fasting and praying, while believing that what the Almighty did for the many spiritual predecessors, could also be his victory. The immeasurable magnitude of our Lord’s response of such stalwart supplications (*review our thesis) is written, that we’d be guided accordingly and to that end – “The Lord is my Light and my salvation: whom shall I Fear?”

 

Today’s Thought “With A Goal in Mind” G. Ward

Philippians 4

⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

We’ll first have to understand – worry, can ultimately deliver lack of trust in our Lord’s Wisdom, but is in itself, a natural response to our humanity and whereas our prudence towards the Word of God is our calling to fulfill (*Ps.119:9-11), the many trials life produces happened (with our predecessors) similarly, or, even greater than our circumstances given and whereas those tests in misery are comparable to navigating wind (i.e., which direction it will flow), soon our time (as followers of Christ) will witness an eternity with our King – where trials and temptations are obliterated. Let’s not discount HIS presence now, as HE remains a Mighty Fortress, utilizing circumstances for HIS glory; particularly as our Savior exemplified in earth (*Ro.8:28).

 

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Invoice” G. Ward

1 Peter 1: ³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

For any to determine who we are in the Lord won’t ever compare to our Omniscient Lord knowing (cf. Matt.10:28). The individuality of faith is always best precedent, so when fellowship with both the like-minded, along with unbelievers happens, perseverance in all our Lord did (in earth) as Exemplary prevails in me and whereas grace provided from our Savior happened, may every thought and action be captive unto that actuality; particularly as I proclaim – it’s good to be owned by HIS lovingkindness…

 

Today’s Thought “Life’s Monotony” G. Ward

Ecclesiastes 1

⁹ What has been, it is what will be, and what has been done, it is what will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun.

Human efforts have/are lauded in periodic moments from the masses, yet will either be displaced, or witness earth’s departure from one or some inventive. Solomon’s beginnings never anticipated such blessings to rule Holy God’s people and whereas superior wisdom and riches were this king’s accompaniment, he’d soon embody a contemptuous attitude, whereby horrid works would follow. It’s truly the story of man in how familiarity with God breeds contempt and whereas earth remains for HIS purpose and certainly includes ingenuities of sorts – we’re called to a daily impression onto HIS Sufficiency – not things, nor people (*Eccl.12:13-14).

 

Today’s Thought “Remembered No More…” G. Ward

Ephesians 4

³² Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Whereas life is so entirely a short span and whereas few, if any, have problems with a dead man and whereas my sin (continued) disappoints, but is yet redeemed by our Lord and to then audaciously and arrogantly hold another hostage to their malfeasance to Life’s (John 14:6) demand, do I belong to the Savior on an unfounded conclusion that suggests – I can come as I am, to then continue as I’ve been (Jas.2:13)?

 

Today’s Thought “Arise – From Mediocrity” G. Ward

Psalm 118

²⁴ This is the day which the Lord has made; Let’s rejoice and be glad in it.

Whereas many awaken to what appears an ordinary day, along with thanksgiving unto its presentation, are any prepared unto servitude; even washing the feet of others deemed less than? Moreover, are we training so as to forgive our opposers, knowing we’ve opposed similarly? Are matters of sorts, disallowed in Heaven, worthy of earthen meditation?

The day given remembers all that’s been afforded, wasn’t because my worthiness, but celebrative that HE chose to know my name.

 

Today’s Thought “It Wasn’t Easy” G. Ward

Luke 22

⁴⁴ And being in agony, He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground.

Our Lord Jesus having condescended (Phil.2:6-7) to HIS manhood in distress, was phenomenally God (simultaneously) and whereas that human side struggled with the pain of knowing greatest discomfort was assuredly on its way (particularly since death on a Roman cross was the most tumultuous crucifixion; HE’D also understand that HIS portion would include other tortuous mechanisms – making it even greater). This physiological actuality of sweating blood (from our thesis) is rare and only occurs where the greatest case of extreme anguish is present and our Lord intros every case study thereafter. How can ONE entirely sinless endure such on behalf of sinners? HE did so because of unparalleled Love. We audaciously refer to this day as “Good Friday” in mindful calculation of the price none other would pay (*Ro.5:7-8) for wavering devotion by the whole of mankind. May this day cause remembrance onto revival that witnesses selflessness from every follower of HIS, while encouraging others to know there’s room at the cross (cf. *Matt.16:24).

 

Today’s Thought “Big Baby in the HIGH Chair” G. Ward

Psalm 82

⁶ I said, “You are gods, and all of you are sons of the Most High.

To be clear, God is One (Deut.6:4) and whereas our Lord used this term representative of leadership HE imposes, promoting earth’s stability, along with everything given for HIS glory, HE most certainly decides when leaders of sorts’ tenure expire. Moreover, Holy God’s “all” regarding HIS own is also most assuredly contingent on followship of HIS directives (we clarify, so as to lend no excuse unto subverting the Truth of HIS words).

Our Lord Jesus would quote this Psalm at John 10:34, in the same context of unjust judgment of HIMSELF as those religious zealots perceived HIM as blasphemous in declaring HIS deity. Our Lord’s imminent death understood the hearts of all who sought to stone HIM, to never expound on whether any of these would come to know HIM as Lord later.

We, in view of HIS mercies given any, must never (permanently) hold people hostage to their misgivings, but afford them Truth (*John 14:6) – for our actions before redemption, were part of gang warfare that too opposed Jesus (1 Cor.6:9-11).

 

Today’s Thought “Proper Deference” G. Ward

John 1

²⁸ These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing people.

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! ³⁰ This is He in behalf of whom I said, “After me is coming a Man who has proved to be my Superior, because He existed before me.”

 

John did not begin with such humility (cf. Mark 3:17), but walking alongside this Blessed Savior enabled being awestruck in/with great contemplative review in all our Lord would teach and exemplify; compelling John’s message to never relent on speaking to others about HIS lordship.

It’s established by Holy God, that every priest, prophet, apostle and disciple, to portray a comparable, noteworthy ambassadorship; a spiritual cease and desist order (*Ro.6:23) from our world’s highest court (cf. Luke 6:46). Therefore, our speech must encompass that which matters, that is, messages onto resolution; involving no speculation and absolutely conciliatory – and our Lord Jesus has also become our Passover Lamb, that we’d follow accordingly.

 

Today’s Thought “On the Wings of Love” G. Ward

Luke 19

¹¹ Now while they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem and they thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately.

 

All our Lord demonstrated in total dependence on the Father, would yet have those original disciples bordering unbelief – due to great oppression from Rome and whereas most would beg for reprieve (even with demands of revolt and mistakenly suggestive of our Lord leading this effort), they’d soon be dismayed. These (original disciples), most intimate with Christ, should have known better (cf.Matt.10:16-19); so, our Lord gives them a discourse to remember. His parable involved what continues as most important – love and trust for plans of eternal proportion, found solely in Holy God’s script (and those plans won’t be thwarted). Moreover, those disciples then and now, cannot rightfully presuppose an exemption from sufferings – but to keep their eyes on Jesus (e.g., taking nothing for their journey). For all have been given a stewardship – to compel others through spiritual steadfastness in/through the Blessed Hope imputed in us (*Ro.5:1-3).

 

Today’s Thought “Every Detailed Addressed in Truth” G. Ward

John 12

¹⁴ Jesus, finding a young donkey, sat on it; as it is written: ¹⁵ “Do not fear, daughter of Zion; behold, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

Our Lord Jesus’ preparation unto a perceived great celebration from many on their annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem (presenting their remembrance of The Lord’s Passover – Exod.12), would arrive and whereas their view was marred in lack of pageantry for what any proposed king would desire, in that-this ONE rode on a donkey’s colt (i.e., immature offspring) versus a seasoned donkey (e.g., *the colt’s mother had to be present, so that he’d follow), had the onlookers more insatiable desire with what this King could conquer (i.e., a tyrannical, oppressive government that didn’t regard God’s opinion of them). That expectancy failed to view our Lord’s humility; HE’D have no great thoroughbred horse, but arrived on a servant’s beast, no Sak’s Fifth Avenue fashion, but servant’s garments; yet, they’d yell to the top of their lungs, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” Four days later, the great crowd would trade a murdering insurrectionist for an innocent Savior when HE failed to lead them in a massive revolt against their Roman occupiers, to then holler, “crucify HIM!”

HE exists (for many of us) as King of kings, having arrived to die and saving some by conquering the hearts and minds of men.

 

Today’s Thought “Instigator of Catharsis” G. Ward

1 John 2

⁴ The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

While we’re upon a Springtime weekend and plans are being made and whereas each of us have been granted 168 hours to endeavor tasks of sorts, even portions of that time involving unattractive pursuits, we can often heavily rely on relief that Saturday and Sunday presents.

Hypocrisy, is a tag abhorrent to any who propose to be a follower of Christ, but those who allow HIS governance during the course of every week, even loving HIS guard – circumvent each day presented with worship; therefore, consistent fellowship is greatly anticipated (1 John 5:3) and always part of their plans…

 

Today’s Thought “Amalgamated Chaos” G. Ward

Micah 7: ⁵ Do not trust in a neighbor; Do not have confidence in a close friend. Guard your lips
From her who lies in your arms. ⁶ For son disavows father, Daughter rises up against her mother, Daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; A person’s enemies are the people of his own household.

The days of Micah, the Prophet, witnessed what appeared to be great prosperity in Judah, but was merely a façade that hid social degradation that forsook honoring the Only True God. Moreover, this era’s economic prowess enveloped the mindsets of men so much, that they became entirely too permissive onto the nuances of varied religions, versus what our LORD demands (cf. *2 Cor.6:14-17). The Prophet delivers an unabashed strong rebuke unto those who should have known better, yet followed their desperately wicked hearts.

Our era is also without excuse (*Ro.1:18-21). Our Maker created us to resemble HIS holiness and never to trust in things or princes. We’re exposed to numerous philosophies and must remain resolute in the directives from our Lord’s Word; HE is Alpha and Omega!

 

Today’s Thought “National Repentance” G. Ward

Isaiah 5

²⁰ Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!

 

The Prophet Isaiah was compelled by Holy God to exclaim (for Israel), that the Lords’ sight is far greater than foolish agenda’s forecast (*cf. Ps.139:3-5). Moreover, the Holy One would give HIS own a host of judgments that couldn’t be thwarted and whereas immoralities became ever-encompassing for these; particularly how they would justify with horrid rationalizing – that to which was opposite of the Lord’s demands, would soon be captive in a strange, unruly land; because of such lack in obedience.

Most in our era love to harp on great advancements for our world, while yet speaking to moral decline from ingrates as solely responsible; as if their contribution is so much greater. What perceivably is a moral climate to be proud of, will usually stem from what other men deem appropriate; causing more degeneration furthered. Instead, greatest compliance onto His testimonies remains the answer (Ps.119:2). We better run fast to that actuality.

 

Today’s Thought “On the Job Training” G. Ward

Psalm 119

³⁴ Give me understanding, so that I may comply with Your Law
And keep it with all my heart.

 

Societal difficulties have existed from the time of man and whereas every era offered trials of sorts, generations within its scope experience either denying or accepting the cultural nuances presented (cf. 1 John 2:15-17). For believers in Christ sole righteousness, we’re called to come alongside those struggling in weariness and to do so without compromising our greatest conviction of being owned by our Maker (Gal.2:20) and whereas our supplications unto Holy God understands HE presents Himself as Sufficient to guide us, along with never leaving, we consider HIS will over our presumptions, and only have success through a consistent examination of HIS words.

 

Today’s Thought “The Power of Tradition” G. Ward

Luke 2

²² And when the days for their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord.

Our Lord commanded these parents take the Savior (in HIS infancy) to the Temple and offer a sacrifice (Ge.17:12, Lev.12:3) and this included every parent who’d experience a child’s birth. *If Jesus’ parents forsook this purification rite, the reverberation of this negligence could have marred HIS exemplary standing with some.

There are sixteen days remaining for another Easter Sunday and the blame game marginalizes; particularly as any tag hypocritical church goers, along with proposed greedy preachers as the excuse so foolishly pervasive to their lack of church attendance. We too, are called to a daily purification; never contingent on Temple visitation – but with newest desire to be HIS temple (1 Cor.6:19-20) and whereas we’ve violated tradition that raised us in values (beyond socio-economic realities - *meaning that poor and rich planned ahead for the most meaningful, spectacular, worshipful opportunity at Easter, through clothing purchases, along with elaborate meal planning, it’s now been reduced, to remaining at home and consideration of eating out). Surely, as our Lord won’t change, because HE has no need for such and whereas all HE’D provide (*Ro.5:8) - demands our change to know HIM; let’s get started (cf. 2 Cor.6:1-4).

 

Today’s Thought “Uncommon Sacrifice” G. Ward

Romans 5

⁸ But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

If any could express to some deemed hopeless, that all Christ offers never waited on any of us to become good enough (Ro.3:10), yet sacrificed HIS life that we’d have perfect reconciliation with Holy God (John 14:6) through a tumultuous life in earth, that included HIS dying on our behalf, then rising from the dead – that we’d have eternal life with HIM, versus religious and arrogant expressions in how they would never involve themselves unto shortcomings from others so deplorably despicable, it’s no wonder many despise religion. The “us” from our theme is representative of our shortcomings (i.e., those seen and unseen) and the cross our Savior endured, would have been unnecessary if it weren’t your and mine sin that HE voluntarily occupied (now where is your boast?). Many believers are horribly audacious in reports entirely opinionated, feeling as representatives of God Himself, nullifying what it took for their own redemption (*Jas.2:13). May our meditations never forget – we too are violators.

 

Today’s Thought “Starting All Over Again…” G. Ward

Matthew 8: ²⁸ And when He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men confronted Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. ²⁹ And they cried out, saying, “What business do You have with us, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

These demons, having possessed two, offered a question unto One so clearly identifiable (by them) as the Son of God, to thereafter embody great timidity, as they’d be fully acquainted with their eminent and inevitable day of judgment (cf. Jas.2:19).

Howbeit, that such knowledge of Truth is known by such characters of disrepute, through a familiarity with our Lord’s terms, *yet denying its power, while the commoner remains contemptuous (i.e., believing yet, while also denying obedience thereunto)? One cannot insist they know HIM – solely through lip service (i.e., merely absorbed with words that declare how great HE is, while co-existing in/through leading themselves).

Another day is presented for an intended occupancy of HIS redemption unto you and me (Ps.118:24). Let’s not fit in, where mediocrity was established yesterday; for HIS love waits…

 

Today’s Thought “Follow the LEADER” G. Ward

John 10

⁴ When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.

 

Perhaps like you, I’ve noted numerous scenarios that included caregivers representing herds of animals and their usage of cattle prods and trained dogs to corral energies from these herds (i.e., keeping them from dangers of sorts) and whereas our Lord’s instruction to HIS disciples would utilize these familiar actualities to illustrate Himself as the Good Shepherd, who utterly cares for HIS own, needing no dogs, or prods – because HE allows us free will to follow (indicative of HIS desire to be supremely acknowledged, but never through compulsive behavior from us), we’ll know HIS voice - not audibly, but through an unrelenting desire to convene daily in HIS WORD (Ps.119:1) and no other will do.