Today’s Thought “Spiritual Networking” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 8: ¹² For if the willingness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. ¹³ For this is not for the relief of others and for your hardship, but by way of equality— ¹⁴ at this present time your abundance will serve as assistance for their need, so that their abundance also may serve as assistance for your need, so that there may be equality; ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who had gathered much did not have too much, and the one who had gathered little did not have too little.”

 

There’s an old song I so love, that says, “When all God’s people get together, What a Time, What a Time, What a time! We’re going to sit down, by the bank of the river! What a time, what a time, what a time.”

While this refers to Heaven, the believer’s Home, the training ground is now – even calling for interdependence realized (Eccles.4:9-12), and whereas there’s equality no matter if one has less to give than their brother – for together and particularly because God is Owner (Ps.24:1), we rejoice as though no individual pocket-book exists.

The season for giving won’t culminate after the 25^th, but continues unto every season presented. So, let’s be intentional with partnering (not grudgingly, but gratefully) and whereas our morsels together will soon witness a loaf, we’ll bless the LORD and feed many (*Matthew 14:13-21). What A Time…

 

 

Today’s Thought “Activity Speaks Volumes” G. Ward

Galatians 2

¹⁰ They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.

 

This apostolic age and its leaders, were very familiar with Jesus’ words, “the poor you will always have with you.” It was a call to ongoing charity and a commentary on humanity's persistent need and whereas religiosity of that day wasn’t consumed in aiding Gentiles, but only “their kind” our Lord exemplified an indiscriminate care worthy of our adoption and transcendent to every generation of man; ultimately conveying great admonishing that insists we all know, to serve God – means to serve others and that commissioning responds with urgent intentionality.

 

Today’s Thought “Innate Care Rendered” G. Ward

Luke 2

⁷ And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

 

Mary is presumed to have been anywhere from 12-16 years of age and chosen by the Almighty to bear such highest honor, along with a husband determined to embody a holy matrimonial demand (*unto death) and whereas I recall generations ago being so much more mature than young people of today, not because of greater intellectual capacity then, but mostly having parents who sought to prepare their progeny for a crude world, even establishing more don’t than do’s; deciding we’ll be friends sometime later and upon your departing my house syndrome. That syndrome many decades ago, was surely stronger for Mary’s generation than mine and allowed a readiness for marriage and children at an earlier age (vs. let them wait until they become older as if they’ll greatly mature and even throwing them to the wolves and perpetuating a promiscuity - spiritually unfounded). Mary’s chores would most likely match her mother’s and whereas a parent’s dutiful regard would train a child in faith matters at home (primarily), Mary would find favor from our Heavenly Father, based on daily, spiritual exercising, leading to grateful progression. Could we be responsible for our children’s failure that delivers spiritual disconnect, even purportedly to our grandchildren; because we neglected to purport a spiritual heritage (*Deut.6:4-7)?

 

Today’s Thought “Proclaiming HIS Lordship” G. Ward

Luke 1:46-47

And Mary said: “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

 

Mary’s condescension as she was such an honoree of Heaven’s regard to bear the Maker of heaven and earth – coming in the flesh (*John 1:1-3,14), imploring every generation to observe her praise, making it their own and even to delight further in the current Pope Leo’s confident interrogation of Truth (whereby Catholicism has fallen short), cancels every notion of a single soul’s capability of co-existing as Intercessor for mankind – outside of this Jesus (*Ac.4:12), we pray will witness Divinely so to many more – for there’s room at the INN for another. Unlike Mary’s pregnancy, we behold HIM as King of kings, grateful for her exemplary willingness, with the comparability of Abraham’s leaving home without knowing of instructions furthered (and regarded as the father of faith). May our spiritual antennas remain as a pillar’s regard to a dwelling place, standing in Truth (John 14:6) and upholding HIS righteous banner of where true forgiveness exists in this – HIS day provided.

 

Today’s Thought “No Diamonds for Christmas This Year” G. Ward

Psalm73:² But as for me, my feet came close to stumbling, my steps had almost slipped. ³ For I was envious of the arrogant, As I saw the prosperity of the wicked. ⁴ For there are no pains in their death, and their belly is fat.

 

I love how the news on Friday after Thanksgiving highlights thousands lining up to catch what perceivably is incredible sales throughout the marketplace and whereas there’s presumption on my part that knows many who watch cannot participate similarly, this may certainly be a great set of passages for your consultation. Asaph, the author, would orchestrate great frustration that marvels at the spiritually disconnected receiving so much prosperity in their lives, including health, despite their ways unbecoming of Holy God’s demands. His discourse would soon understand that our God rains on the just and unjust and at verse 17, turns self-pity to a perspective to know of an imminent fate for those refusing the Almighty’s reign and rule as forever.

For any unable to buy chocolate diamonds and garments (and accessories) from Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor, please know - you can plan a very nice meal in what’s a meager home, along with purchasing things from the $5 and below store and be as celebrative for our Lord’s entry as any. Remembering, our grandparents were overjoyed with giant peppermint sticks and giant oranges (with seeds).

 

Today’s Thought “Serving God, Means Serving Others” G. Ward

1 Peter 4:10

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:

 

Father God, in a season where mankind celebrates the Savior’s entry, ours, as belonging to You, regards this day as opportunistic in exercising Your will being done and whereas yesterday came with violations contrary to Your Truth, our heads hang low, desiring You to be the Lifter of our heads; for we desire to bless You at all times. Our praying to You is in itself refreshing, for we know our usefulness continues, particularly in view of the Savior’s sacrifice as worthy to imitate and whereas HE prepared us for a journey indicative of so many denying HIM, even hating HIM, we thank You for the peace HE gave - that endurance would be ours – thankful even, for HIS example. On this day, we seek to glorify Thy Name, via more availability to live in accordance to the righteousness implanted and disquiet the world’s promptings, that seeks to penetrate our souls and absolutely portray HIM as the Only Hope for each day presented, along with an eternity granted; not because we’ve been good, but because HE remains the Only Good ONE. May HE be praised among any saying yes to HIS will. Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Christmas: Fifteen Days Away?” G. Ward

James 4

¹³ Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” ¹⁴ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. For you are just a vapor that appears for a little while, and then vanishes away. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.” 

 

How can any prepare for very sorrowful disruptions to their lives on their own volition (cf. John 14:27)? Have any been created for a life in self-sufficiency; particularly when no one can determine on whether there’s to be a next moment? Moreover, how can any witness some - so devout in their faith through Christ; to then decide they also know HIM because they’re familiar with numerous passages (in HIS Word) and are basically good people (cf. *Ro.3:10,23) and besides that, didn’t God give us a brain to figure things out for ourselves (cf. Prov.3:5-6)?

Just asking for a friend – who need not rely on any answer outside of where Truth exists (Prov.2:3-6). Seek SHELTER, while HE can be found (He’s not lost, but…)!

 

Today’s Thought “Affliction’s Treatment” G. Ward

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

 

Only our Great Shepherd’s rod and staff, more than any earthen force, can assure safe passage of/from trouble’s devouring our souls and whereas the valley in trials - appears so very deep and dismal, our meditations of HIS unrelenting presence is sunshine on a cloudy day. I’m more prepared with/onto spiritual perseverance in my Lord’s omnipotence, to never again walk in despair.

That to which has been afforded me, never involved consideration of mine own worthiness; for I’ve determined I’m nothing outside HIS grip of grace provided (cf. John 6:44-45).

 

Today’s Thought “Stairway to Heaven” G. Ward

John 10:7

So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

 

Sheep are defense-less animals, prone to sup in poisonous fields and therefore – needs a Shepherd. Sheep also lack discernment of the big-bad wolf’s potential devouring efforts and whereas our Lord remains the Great, Good Shepherd, the believer’s sentiment insists in/through HIM, we shall not want; for we’re the sheep of HIS pasture (Ps.100:3). Our Lord Jesus would pervade a predominately, unwelcomed series of “I AM” statements indicative of HIM fulfilling the messianic role of the Great Shepherd, making the claim of being God in the flesh (*John 1:1-3,14) and whereas HE’D insist that HE alone is the Only Gateway to eternal life, we, as HIS sheep follow.

It appears an undeniable message (1 Cor.2:14), until one studies religion – whereby mankind is/has been persistently argumentative concerning their god, along with being indignant towards some artful depictions drawn, that calculates the Savior, born Middle-Eastern, really looks Anglo. Remember, you’re the sheep of HIS pasture – called, no matter what others say and regardless of what complexion HE was; while singing, “I know my Redeemer Lives!”

 

Today’s Thought “Reactionary v. Confident in Truth” G. Ward

Matthew 7:6

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

 

While a dog in the days of Jesus were wild scavengers and pigs for descendants of Israel were dietetically unclean, this admonishing would enable disciples of Christ (for every generation) to resist a furtherance to persuade men, blatantly rebellious of Truth and competing with more words so indifferent to a predominant theorizing of a works righteousness attitude – so common to perceive (Isa.64:6, Eph.2:8-9, Jas.2:10). We must remember the gospel implies how ONE (SINLESS) endeavored all the work and how our sins enabled “the cross” of HIS crucifixion and whereas then and now, many estimate an unfounded goodness in them exists – particularly in view of so many visually sinful, the message mandated by disciples of Christ that insists all are sinning is deemed foolish (*1 Cor.1:18) because the populous desires commendation.

 

Today’s Thought “Give More Love at Christmas” G. Ward

1 John 2: ⁸ On the other hand, I am writing a new commandment to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true Light is already shining. ⁹ The one who says that he is in the Light and yet hates his brother or sister is in the darkness until now.

 

Ronald Reagan, our 40th President (at his final address as President), would echo a sentiment of true Americanism - as he’d delineate the vitality of the immigrant’s significance to this land; particularly since most are. He would elaborate on different segments of the world and their regard for their indigenous peoples, insisting all would know that inasmuch as some would be welcome in that new land, they’d fail in achieving the same tag (e.g., Those born in France are Frenchman, while others birthed elsewhere are merely accessible to citizenry.). Reagan would culminate excellently and with greatest hospitality – eliminating social constructs of racial disparity and say, “But anyone coming to live in America, can become an American.”

The Word of God is entirely unique, insisting we all know that Holy God made this world and is loving it enough to provide redemption through ONE. We, who say we love the LORD, regardless of geographical barriers, are commissioned carriers of Truth (John 14:6); doing so indiscriminate of where anyone derives, or considerate of exterior appearances and to know “Love” is adjectival to our God (*1 John 4:8) and compels us to give what we’ve received and if/when we won’t, our words and deeds are frivolous.

 

Today’s Thought “Pride: A Silent Killer” G. Ward

Jonah 1

¹² And he said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into the sea. Then the sea will become calm for you, because I know that on account of me this great storm has come upon you.” 

 

The segment of society Holy God had in mind for Jonah to preach unto, was Nineveh (a major city, under the Assyrian Empire, a longtime enemy of Israel and known for worshipping a multitude of gods, along with being known for their wickedness – cf. Jer.17:9), but Jonah decides to run the other way by boarding a ship.

When such disdain for a segment of people occurs by any who say they believe and are called under the Name of the Lord, yet consumed by national pride (*cf. Ge.9:18-19), failure is imminent and proves unbelief. One cannot teeter-totter in a social construct of race while saying they know the Almighty, but must embrace the blessed Hope-Jesus and HIS command to reach the nations (Matt.28:19).

 

Today’s Thought “Overwhelmed by HIS Presence” G. Ward

Psalm 51

⁴ Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge.

 

Tis the season for many holiday bloopers and coarse jesting at the expense of another and whereas in the name of fun, it lent one or some to become dispirited (particularly since your confession in needing Christ – appeared your holy mantra) and while there was personal acknowledgement of failure unto the offended (occurred) and whereas that restitution granted you (*from them) sincerely expressed how guilty you were, Holy God, the Just - remains and desires to hear from you. Why? Because HE purchased you with incorruptibility through Christ and made you HIS representative in earth onto a proposed Heaven (1 Cor.6:19-20).