Today’s Thought “Rise from Mediocrity” G. Ward

 Zechariah 14:9

And the Lord will be King over all the earth; on that day the Lord will be the only one, and His name the only one.

 

While much is given concerning the end times and seeking to identify who may be the Antichrist, many antichrists (false teachers) exist (*1 John 2:18) and whereas this prophet (thousands of years beforehand) would forecast God’s Word, he would never understand its impact, yet trust ALL prescribed. This future set of events will witness God’s own subject to inaccuracies furthered by making a pact with the Antichrist because of a zealousness to perceive him as Messiah, whereby he will break that agreement, insisting they worship him alone. Israel will refuse and the illustrious Battle of Armageddon will begin. Our LORD will be victorious as the ONLY governance and Israel restored (cf. Rev.19:15).

God’s plan cannot be thwarted; so, observe, by doing, before it’s too late (Your potential portion = 1 Thess.4:13-18).

 

Today’s Thought “Amidst a Rocky Road” G. Ward

Exodus 20

¹² “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be prolonged on the land which the Lord your God gives you.

 

While sickness unto death can overtake a child so compliant in their parent’s demands, this passage is relative to inheriting a new land for the Israelites; even that to which exercises Heavenly concern for great respect from a child to parent relationship and whereas there are some who absolutely rebel, enough so, that can deliver a dire consequence, instructions were/are provided (2 Ti.3:16-17).

Moreover, the parent-child relationship, if pursued correctly (i.e., in accordance to what’s written – Deut.6:4-6) is/can be a marvelous introduction in how adults find it easy to submit to the Almighty’s authority; but if not taught from the home environment and relegated to systems, may witness horrid, selfish plans bound for implosion (cf. Ge.4:1-8).

Perhaps like most, you’ve not been perfect in this realm? Imparting the Truth of God’s Word is an ongoing necessity; so, take another (although lacking biological relativity) by the hand and teach them our Lord’s commands and perhaps you’ll witness their safe passage from earth to heaven, or vice versa and thereafter generations would be convinced that the Way of the Lord is Perfect!

 

Today’s Thought “Inconspicuously Cured” G. Ward

Luke 7

⁴ When they came to Jesus, they strongly urged Him, saying, “He is worthy for You to grant this to him; ⁵ for he loves our nation, and it was he who built us our synagogue.”

The slave, seemingly the center-point in this storyline needed healing and whereas Jesus healed HIM, it was the slave’s owner, the Roman Centurion who by supreme authority and great compassion summoned Jewish Elders to compel this Jesus to have mercy on his slave. Jesus would acquiesce and endeavor to follow these elders. Upon getting close to the house the Roman Centurion would stop Christ, admitting he wasn’t worthy to have such Supremacy enter his house. Jesus would use this opportunity (with a great crowd following) to commend such faith with humility from one so unsuspecting, whereby a different healing would soon take place.

This day presented thanks our Lord God for HIS salvation, although unworthiness persists.

 

Today’s Thought “Apart from HIM = Nothing” G. Ward

Luke 19

¹⁰ For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

 

For any lacking confidence in the Lord recognizing them, there’s a great elixir – the Word of God. It enables any to witness the Almighty’s pursuit of idolatrous murderers, liars, cheats, over-zealous persecutors of HIS church, adulterers, and the like. So many may perceive they came to Jesus, a kind of finding HIM (*John 6:44), but HE’S never been unavailable; however, we have. Moreover, we’ve allowed for defense mechanisms in the form of castigations against church leaders and its member’s non-compliance to God’s moral code to penetrate our souls for too long, even that to which violates discipleship intended.

Practiced quietness through/in the Truth of HIS Word unfolds perfect resolve; it’s where I began and continue. I yet marvel in why HE chose me, but grateful HE did.

 

Today’s Thought “HE Isn’t an American God” G. Ward

2 Peter 2

1 But false prophets also appeared among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. ² Many will follow their indecent behavior, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; ³ and in their greed, they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

 

Foolish prognosticators are pervading fear onto earth’s citizenry beyond the scope of this era and portion of the world and whereas our safety more emanates from lack of invasion (at a continuum), many countries’ rest is hindered by groups of uncivilized militias, along with tyrannical government leaders’ arrogance.

America is with global recognition that appeals to most countries and whereas democracy is our proud necklace of choice, may we be reminded that foolish pride misappropriated, credits and misunderstands what the psalmist was given – “Unless the Lord builds a house, they who build it labor in vain; unless the Lord guards a city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Ps.127:1).

*You don’t wait on someone self-appointed to insist on what Holy God is doing, HIS Word has been there all along, and you’re still running to eloquent men to scare you onto spiritual cognizance (1 Cor.2:1-5)? THAT’S NOT FAITH!  

 

Today’s Thought “When COMPANY Is Coming” G. Ward

Isaiah 40

³ The voice of one calling out, “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

 

While some know this as prophetically representative of a coming Savior who saves people from their sins, along with addressing a sinfulness among captives of Holy God exiled to a far and weary land, this would call for a spiritual pageantry in preparation.

 For generations relative to HIS magnificence – they’re called to obey HIS commands and seek to live as HE did (while in earth), and for those inhabitants then (concerned with their progeny who’d follow and hopefully thwart the pain of disobedience that can perpetuate great troubles), a true repentance from rebellion that landed them in a strange, cruel land.

 

Today’s Thought “Bible Scholarship” G. Ward

Mark 8

¹¹ And the Pharisees came out and began to argue with Him, demanding from Him a sign from heaven, to test Him. ¹² Sighing deeply in His spirit, He *said, “Why does this generation demand a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation!”

 

Some, propose to live in the realm of the Spirit, but are yet defensive, divisive and vitriolic – due to their religious views as something they’ve conquered entirely, without propensity to slip backwards and whereas Jesus Christ remains the Only One who wouldn’t slip, we’re grateful for HIS example; seeking closeness onto every day provided. However, there will always be opposing factions that interpret the message through us as judgmental and antiquated, even hating our presence (*John 15:19-20). Moreover, they’ll propose questions that appear impossible to decipher (e.g., Ex.14:26-29), along with what they deem - deep theology, yet for the believer – bent on discipleship continued, versus attending services solely to extract motivational messaging, we (followers of Christ), have answers, but many times see wrong motives from questioners and must keep it moving… 

 

Today’s Thought “Family Expansion” G. Ward

Ephesians 5:25-26

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,

 

Holy matrimony honors the Holy One and it was HIS intent (from the beginning) for that union to grow mankind through spiritual adherence in what’s written. Our era is replete with a theorizing of anything goes, with a presumable no judgment zone and whereas young, impressionable minds are at watch, that makes it next to impossible to glean greatest morality thereunto, the future may be bleak. Whereas the month of June was known as the wedding month, chapels and social halls are now greatly available, but with less inquiries.

My charge for those “few” courageous husbands - is to first recognize how loving your wife, carries a generational blessing onto any viewing, so as to ensure an oldest paradigm of favorable and joyous, becomes a common anticipation of marriage that nullifies promiscuity of sorts and builds family values and ultimately brings Honor to our Creator (cf. Judg. 2:10).

 

Today’s Thought “On Bended Knees” G. Ward

Psalm 103:1

Bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.

 

The posture (i.e., attitude) assumed by man when praying may certainly confirm one’s conviction of the Lord’s Mighty Power, along with admittance from any created of a proposed limitation causing reliance on his Maker (cf. Ps.23:1) and whereas our days should increase in the intimacy intended with Holy God(through a daily pursuit in HIS Word) and whereas HE is Lead in this magnificent relationship, our meditations should cause our adoration of HIM to boast unto others in how HIS MERCIFUL KINDNESS is available to them and lead any to HIS glorious throne.

 

Today’s Thought “Blessed or Gluttonous?” G. Ward

1 Kings 17: ⁷ But it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land. ⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ⁹ “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and stay there; behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide food for you.”

The Prophet Elijah was significantly available to Holy God’s calling and has become every follower of Christ’s example in the same – even when resources seem scarce. Instead, many followers are with an unfortunate paradigm of many blessings as being closest to Holy God. For example, when we hear our Lord affirming Paul’s neglect in having basic provision by insisting, the Almighty will provide our needs, according to HIS riches, has to some meant an exorbitant amount; yet, we can often diminish context for our personal satisfaction.

 Elijah’s journey would encompass a soon visitation of great trust in Holy God by this widow who’d offer what appeared to be her last meal for she and her son (who would barely have enough for themselves). The cupboards thereafter would never go bare again – because of such trust and primarily for our Lord’s glory (*Col.3:17).

 

Today’s Thought “Disobedient Me?” G. Ward

Psalm 19:1-2

The heavens tell of the glory of God; And their expanse declares the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.

 

Our Heavenly Father remains the Most Excellent Artist; having constructed a divine canvas of hills, valleys, streams, land occupying such bountiful plant life, to then masterfully create mankind, allowing our authority that ensures HIS portrait is unstained. Our Creator sustains HIS desire through mankind by furthering HIS artistry via an incomparable prose, involving words entirely true – full of admonishing and edification, leading us in earth onto Heaven and whereas a quiet, contemptuous lack of proper investigation of this Word knows many facts therein, sincere willingness to follow is mostly denied. Moreover, chants of Lord, help us, is with this reply given us over and over again, “Return to Me, and I will return to you…”

 

Today’s Thought “Moving on Up…” G. Ward

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

 

Life is certainly better with companionship; but walking with those of opposite regard builds greater contention, comparable to journeying while having a rock in one’s shoe. Moreover, if my need for better exists, the companion(s) chosen should have my best interests at heart (cf. Phil.2:3-4). Altogether, this is not suggestive of affirming a dismissive culture, relative to when another won’t embody the qualities necessary for my improvement, particularly since our Lord’s compassion embraced sinners of sorts, who certainly failed to aid HIS journey; but merely understands that because vulnerabilities unto things insignificant exists for mankind, I’ll need periodic encouragement to endeavor denying myself and taking up my cross, to follow my Lords’ example (Matt.16:24). 

 

Today’s Thought “Zombie Alert” G. Ward

Colossians 3

² Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

 

There’s an unfortunate presumption from many on being qualified onto Heaven and whereas no one does (Ro.3:10), all are called to first recognize the ONE who enables that as a certainty (John 14:6). Trust in HIM - grants that assurance and that won’t look like what the populous demands we know (Ro.7:21-23), but is solely found in an unadulterated pursuit of Holy God’s Word. Thereafter, and because our hearts are so contaminated (Jer.17:9-10), are thoughts should circumvent only those heavenly realities found in God’s Word and when they don’t, immediate, desired restoration thereunto becomes the believer’s demand (*Ro.7:21-25) and it appears “today” is all you have – so let’s begin.

 

Today’s Thought “Pomp and Circumstance” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5:20

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

 

This charge given believers won’t wait for the hierarchal posture of man. The correct spiritual posture is availability to what one has received from Christ, proclaiming HIS sole sufficiency and whereas Paul was Paul and Peter, Peter and most supremely – Jesus is/was, spiritual leaders’ insistent on special titles, remain pharisaic at best (*Matt.23:1-7). There’s a “common salvation” (Jude 1:3) for any who call on the Name of the Lord and whereas there are some called HIS leaders very exclusively, pastor-teacher, their humility imitates how Jesus walked. Altogether, every follower of Christ should be urging unbelievers towards repentance of their sins (which is exactly what was given us) and believe on Jesus.

*Holy God called Jesus, HIS Son to whom HE was well pleased.

 

Today’s Thought “Prayer Hopes” G. Ward

Ephesians 3:17-19

So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to all the fullness of God.

 

We’ve prayed for people in such a way to almost guarantee reprieve from trials – though our Lord insisted those same trials keep us reliant on HIS grip of grace. We’ve even exacerbated an unsanctioned familiarity with Holy God - so as to grant us long life in earth although HE prepared eternity for us. We’ve promoted blessings upon some, diminishing the truer substance of having Christ presence (unrelenting), to more contemplate tangibles as evidence of Heaven’s abundance; but nothing compares to extending our theme’s blessing upon those devoted followers of Christ; particularly since such persistent troubles from the world attacks God’s own (incessantly) and whereas these hopes and blessings are written for our compliance, some will continue to make it optional.

 

Today’s Thought “Diversionary Rebellion” G. Ward

Romans 10

¹⁴ How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 

 

Christians groups of sorts are seemingly convinced in their approach for legislation’s process to utterly aid Holy God’s campaign unto mankind’s repentance and whereas I stand perplexed in how followers of Christ were/are compelled to imitate HIS ways and whereas we won’t witness how HE insisted from Caesar, Nero, Pontius Pilate to issue decrees reflective of Holy God’s demand, along with instructing those HE chose to utilize government as a conduit onto moral absolutism; and we know HE didn’t, so, why should we? Moreover, were illicit behaviors unheard of for HIS time in earth and if so, how did HE address it (*Luke 14:23, Matt.9:36-38)? Howbeit that our expectations have now become – insistence from unbelievers to embody spiritual compliance (*1 Cor.6:9-11)?

 

Today’s Thought “Chainsaw Massacre” G. Ward

Matthew 5

³⁰ And if your right hand is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.

Because each of us are reminiscent of desire unbecoming of our Lord’s holiness, HE compels our being new in HIM (and that development is HIS to orchestrate) and whereas this transformation granted won’t witness the kind of graduation ceremony whereby a student then endeavors career objectives to never return to the enabling institution, the believer remains the student; doing so, because of an continual, unfortunate regard in selfish plights opposite of newest spiritual desire (Ro.7:21-25).

Our theme on today won’t condone self-mutilation, because this is more an issue of heart; but a holy, heavenly insight of the seriousness of sin and its potential unto habit, whereby the same heart overrules best personal judgment and whatever it takes to obliterate the train wreck ahead, should include turning around (Acts 3:19).

 

Today’s Thought “History; A City Vacated” G. Ward

Lamentations 1:1 How lonely sits the city that once had many people! She has become like a widow Who was once great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a forced laborer!

On the next two-days, Jewish people will commemorate their holy-day – Shavuot. It recalls Moses’ receiving of the Torah (the first five books of the OT). The Megillah of Ruth (The Book of Esther) is read, and all-night Torah study is customary, along with dairy food dishes, honey, and floral decorations are traditional.

Absolute recall of such (*for any – Ro.10:13) is most assuredly become more necessary than any time in history; particularly since an unfortunate, pervasive twist of Holy God’s permissiveness is highly distorted among men (cf. Ro.10:8) and whereas the chieftain in opportunity unto a personal, dependent and sacrificial surrender to Moses’ God has become ours, the need to observe HIS commandments must be pursued with greatest diligence (Heb.11:6).