Today’s Thought “Timidity: Unavailable to God’s Demand” G. Ward

Psalm 56:4

In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Whereas it’s written on our money, perhaps even on a bumper sticker, even found in our mouths – it won’t actualize faith in God and while many are aspirational believers at best (*Luke 6:46), there’s an impractical gamble unto today’s mercy presented from On High, even that to which only hopes for an eternity with God through Christ, and that’s entirely too scarry for me (1 John 3:19-20).

 

Today’s Thought “I Truly Own Nothing” G. Ward

Luke 6

³⁰ Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. ³¹ Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. 

The Sermon on the Mount, is our Lord’s training for every follower in a world of disconcert (cf.1 John 2:15-17). HE sought to prepare every generation to remain HIS sheep (i.e., those needing HIM as Shepherd); compelling those followers to know they’d be subjects of ravenous wolves (Matt.10:16). These precepts written, are very opposite of who we are naturally and therefore requires HIS transformation onto best participation. This sector of instruction from our theme - calls for a full surrender of personal rights (cf. *Phil.2:3-4), establishing every follower to know everything is on loan from Christ (cf. Ps.90:10-12); so, give accordingly…

 

Today’s Thought “Legacy Building” G. Ward

Proverbs 17

² A servant who acts wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully,
And will share in the inheritance among brothers.

So many render definitive responses concerning an imminent departure from earth, along with its responsibility to leave money to their progeny and while this is with a particular practicality, do any count those millions (now and from generations of old) who are/have lived in abject poverty? The words of eternality remain the substance of life and can/will produce greatest spiritual character – so much more than 100 years in earth, but involves an eternity where troubles of every kind ceases.

The exorbitant cost of dying has become our insistence and is more relative to our soothing; because life continued thereafter in God’s abode, rests solely in/through our faithfulness onto HIS Way now and that will prayerfully breed unto our children’s children…

 

Today’s Thought “Barbeque Ribs and Things…” G. Ward

Romans 15:2

Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.

Many families are plagued in grief as recalling a loved one who so graciously died while in the armed forces and whereby this holiday (upcoming) lends great reflection thereunto (i.e., unfortunately short-lived, along with festive and contemplative), will ultimately become a three-day party of sorts (concentrative of personal pleasure). If reflection as such is so short-lived, may each of us who believe address our neighbor righteously; introducing any onto the Blessed Hope (our Lord Jesus).

Some may ask, who then is our neighbor? According to Christ’s teaching (irrespective of race or religion), it’s any with whom we exist (either knowingly, or through our encounters – *Ro.10:13), and they should be afforded a witness of HIS grace intended for them (cf. Ro. 10:14). May we all rise to that occasion.

 

Today’s Thought “More than Imagined” G. Ward

Matthew 12

⁴² The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

 

The pageantry of Solomon’s kingdom was known globally for that era and the Wealthy Queen of Sheba would also come to investigate Solomon’s wisdom and possessions. She would soon encounter Solomon’s Great and Sufficient God, as this earthly king would extend full accolades to HIS MAJESTY (1 Kings 10:1-13). The religious leaders of Jesus’ day in earth were threatened by the Christ and HIS superior wisdom, challenging HIS credentials and their defiance in all HE demonstrated forecasted imminent judgment for them by taking them back to what they knew well (the Old Testament); Jonah’s defiance (Jonah 1), along with a Queen’s visitation of Solomon. Our Lord demanded they know that at their judgment, the intended audience of the Prophet Jonah and the Queen herself will testify to God’s Glory.

Your testimonial of the same is DUE NOW (Matt.6:33-34)!

 

Today’s Thought “HIS Will Be Done?” G. Ward

Jeremiah 33:3

“Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”

Spiritual misuse of scripture is commonplace with man. He wants so much and rarely is satisfied and whereas it – the insatiable appetite of man appears very adolescent, our Lord’s referral to us as children of HIS - befits our needing greatest spiritual directives from ON HIGH. Jeremiah would know something of obstinance found in man, but would be compelled to only share what our Lord said, without ambivalence and while highly unpopular.

 Prayer answered is certainly the issue then and now; knowing Holy God as resolute in receiving true glory as HE maneuvers mindsets and conditions and whereas reprieve from sufferings is immediately captive for some, Christ remains the culminating factoring for our meditations; for HE volunteered Himself for greatest sufferings given HIM, despite HIS innocence and for our guiltiness. Holy God is not a genie in a bottle…

 

Today’s Thought “Commanding an Unmovable Mountain” G. Ward

Mark 6:34

“When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.”

Whereas believers are interrogated by Truth that asks, “though by this time you ought to be teachers” (Heb.5:12a) - many won’t see as Christ saw because they’re subjects of entertainment vices given by spiritual leaders’ compelling them in false motivations, than imitating the Lord Jesus and whereas those with defensive mindsets suggest how bad the world is, along with great, visible moral decay so prevalent – many forget that when Jesus witnessed the multitudes, the same existed in HIS sight, yet HE taught them – HIS highest standard (*Eph.5:1-2). Are we better than Christ?

 

Today’s Thought “Exclusivity Realized” G. Ward

Romans 10

² For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. ³ For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Whereas Holy God initially called Israel HIS own (Isa. 49:6), to ultimately promote HIS deliverance for our sinfulness - making it abundantly clear - via their faithfulness to HIS commands, they’d fail (Ro.3:10, 23). There was ONE however, deriving from that lineage, who’d complete this challenge (*cf. Heb. 4:15), to then offer HIMSELF as the Ultimate, sacrificial, unblemished Lamb of God (our Great Savior Jesus – Eph.1:7).

When/if we fail to recognize our deeds as never good enough against all provided by the Only Good ONE (Mark 10:18), we objectively don’t know HIM.

 

Today’s Thought “Never Too Busy” G. Ward

Matthew 22

^14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

Worldly and hostile pursuits from man, along with a belief that any can co-exist in owning their lives with equivalency of knowing (i.e., through intimate dependence in everything) our Lord. The parable our Lord Jesus would offer concerns what the kingdom of Heaven will be like when the end of the age comes. Our Lord gives us a king to perceive as commanding his servants to go into the marketplace to gather many for a particular wedding with all its festivities. Many, would be too busy, caught up in a world they were told to hate (1 John 2:15-17), along with being skeptical about this king’s invite; their efforts in personal gain afforded them fine dining, so where’s the benefit(?).

Our Lord is that KING. He compels us to go indiscriminately (Matt.28:19). Many are still too busy, along with skeptical; but, those of us devoted to HIS righteousness, identify more with the missional cause of Christ, knowing that HE draws those called unto HIMSELF (John 6:44), insisting that we know – there’s only few identifying with HIS invitation (*Matt.7:13-14) …

 

Today’s Thought “Reasonable Response” G. Ward

Psalm 139:13-14

For You created my innermost parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, because I am awesomely and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well.

 

Widely quoted, but often without personal accountability unto its demand is irresponsible. This psalm’s prefacing understands an Awesome and Holy God’s knowledge as overwhelmingly SUPREME and ONLY HE understands us thoroughly (Jer.17:9-*10); even compelling our souls to allow HIS lead; for HIS ways are perfect. Our mindsets are with comparability to the illustrious movie “Frankenstein” whereby a young scientist makes what appears to be a superior replica of man, to then become a monster, wreaking havoc wherever he'd go and whereas our Lord made us in HIS image (i.e., to be holy), we’ve many times have run from our Inventor, deciding what’s best for us; as if to say we’re more wise (*Prov.16:5, 17-18).

 

Today’s Thought “Houston, We Have a Problem!” G. Ward

1 John 5

² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and follow His commandments. ³ For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.

A genuine believer greatly anticipates fellowship with others of like faith because of continuous exposure to speculative behaviors found in the marketplace. We however, understand that not everyone involved in fellowship efforts are committed to Holy God resolve. At our fellowship we have some very intentional on their every planning to miss Sunday (and they’re known for such). Has it become that cumbersome (i.e., meeting together less than 2 hours weekly)?

Our Heavenly Father has instructed our affections’ prioritization be consumed by fellowship’s opportunity for perseverance furthered (cf. Gal.6:10, Heb.10:25); considering our being sent as sheep before wolves (Matt.10:16) is an unfortunate reality. We need the LORD on HIS terms…

 

Today’s Thought “Sacrifice of Praise?” 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?

Diminishing values have been the condition of mankind. Humankind, made in the image of Holy God, have been given life to resemble our Maker’s attributes (1 Pe.1:16), not a free will to run amok onto ideologies so ever-evolving; that’s opposite of HIS faithfulness (cf. Eph.5:1-2).

To embrace hypocrisy in living on our own, while religious insistence of knowing HIM is a boastful accompaniment, unfolds – sinfulness furthered. Instead, devotion (daily), to magnifying HIS Word beyond rhetoric remains the fundamental answer (Ps.119:2-6).

 

Today’s Thought “Notetaking” G. Ward

Jeremiah 30

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. For behold, days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will restore the fortunes of My people Israel and Judah. The Lord says, I will also bring them back to the land that I gave to their forefathers, and they shall take possession of it.”

Educational excellence will witness graduations of sorts happening – both in May or June and whereas great commencement exercises laud the recipients having completed course work relative to their journey, it didn’t occur without a script or more rehearsed and largely due to scholarly prowess from some having recorded theories, along with facts, enabling others to become credentialed.

Had some prophets forsook such penning that forecasted both challenges and reprieve for Israel, faith, for us in this era would be marginalized; yet, since it is written, we’re with both fortitude and endurance to identify our Lord’s will be done. Does your worship experience involve notetaking, or are you more brilliantly inclined like no other in past generations?

 

Today’s Thought “Grown Man Living in the Basement at Grandma’s” G. Ward

Acts 8:1

Now Saul approved of putting Stephen to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

The unjust murder sanctioned by an overly zealous Pharisee (Saul), would soon thereafter encounter a Gracious Savior, destroying doubt from the same one, whereby on that day, Saul would submit to Christ as Lord of his life; even offering genuine repentance, along with availability to our Lord’s demands (*Ac.9:3-6). Saul would become the Apostle Paul, illustrative of God having mercy on whom HE chooses (Ro.9:15), compelling us to absolutely follow our Leader; always looking to another’s potential (cf. 1 Cor.6:9-11).

 

Today’s Thought “All the Lonely People…” G. Ward

Micah 7

Woe to me! For I am Like harvests of summer fruit, like gleanings of grapes. There is not a cluster of grapes left to eat, nor an early fig, which I crave. ² The godly person has perished from the land, and there is no upright person among mankind. All of them lie in wait for bloodshed; Each of them hunts the other with a net.

I’m very versed on many musical genres and one favorite era involved one favorite group, The Beatles. They employed one song that stands out relative to our theme, “Eleanor Rigby” - it’s a song about loneliness and depression and its composer Paul McCartney said about the song: “I wrote Eleanor Rigby when I was living in London and had a piano in the basement and began to play chords and hum a melody to then think of a verse involving someone picking up rice after a wedding; taking it in that poignant direction, into a “lonely people” direction.

Here's what may be the spiritual corollary: As believers, we’ve been regarded as the bride of Christ (symbolizing a consummation, i.e., an intimate relationship) and while many are with refusal to allow HIS leading them similarly, sinfulness is more pronounced in this world (i.e., a kind of redundant behavior expressed by the picking up rice after our wedding with the KING). We’re certainly no greater than any (*Ro.3:10,23), but our mere hatred of who we were is preeminently perceived and that posture can be “lonely” – in that we desire others (indiscriminately) to come along (cf. Matt.9:36-37).

 

Today’s Thought “Honesty, Is Such a Lonely Word…” G. Ward

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much.

 

As believers, transparency is a virtue that substantiates our weakness in contrast to Almighty God, along with HIS availability to our prayers, particularly as we agree upon hearing trials existent in one another’s life, as that to which can overwhelm our souls, to then witness comfort – first through heavenly assurance that HE hears our supplication(s) and then, rejoicing in the fellowship of knowing another chose to walk alongside me with great compassion.

Loved, by Holy God and loving HIS church, remains a more excellent pursuit (cf. Matt.6:18-19, 2 Cor.13:14).

 

Today’s Thought “Motivated by Ministry” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5

⁷ for we walk by faith, not by sight—

While many seek to propose this verse to mean tangible pursuits in Holy God can subtract from ministry objectives that overwhelms our better sensibility, this is merely given to identify every spiritual opportunity for a believer’s day(s) in earth to faithfully proclaim HIM as All Sufficiency, before we adjourn to a life without end, where every burden ceases.

Psalm 90:12(a) is with similar plea that says, “teach us to number our days” indicative of scriptural duplicity’s desire to do the Lord’s will while we can in this short life here in earth and whereas believers can many times more mingle unto this world’s rebellion, through too careful an observance of “shiny things” – all will soon pass away (*Matt.24:35).

 

Today’s Thought “Dutiful Response” G. Ward

Colossians 1

¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

To proclaim HIM is the absolute prerequisite of belief and that involves a daily determination to live the life HE gave in accordance to how HE walked in earth and thanking HIM for the most excellent spiritual conduit of genuine repentance when we fail to live up to HIS highest standards.

Our faith enables a soon resurrection (as HE was the first resurrected) for many to our daily encounters; particularly as we proclaim our Savior’s sufficiency to guide their lives also (*Matt.28:19) and whereas they (like us) were dead in their trespasses – in Christ they’ll be made alive (forever).