Today’s Thought “Too Many Words?” G. Ward

Matthew 15: ⁸ ‘This people honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me.
⁹ And in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”

I’m very amazed to witness retail outlets at Christmas to see Valentine’s Day trinkets for sale and whereas it appears commendably preparatory, it’s really indicative in knowing American’s appetite for partying and while celebrations of sorts can be good, there can be unsanctioned mixture considered that lends greater distance with Holy God’s standard for those HE made.

God rejects worship where people draw near with their mouth but have hearts far from Him. If more practice of internal desire to live as Christ did – happens, others may be inclined to inquire about our peace and thereafter witness our mouths echoing HIS love for them exists in the same.

 

Today’s Thought “The Family Bible on the Coffee Table” G. Ward

Romans 1:18

 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

 

Those proposing to have at some point been mad at Holy God, have existed in a bubble far too long. There were others before us and perhaps after our departure and whereas difficulties visited them (far too frequently), many of them sought HIS comfort by faith, knowing troubles weren’t lasting (cf. Heb.12:1-3). To delude oneself is perhaps the greatest error existent; particularly when one is quick in perspectives given on Holy God without personal interrogation in what HE says, to become inventive/presuming on HIS mercy (Ro.10:8).

Unfortunately, many actively "push down," ignore, or hide the truth about God that is evident in nature and conscience, choosing to live in defiance and that kind of failure to honor the Almighty may soon experience no recourse permitted, for many are with a similitude of being on “death row” and whereas believers are prudently investigating, then seeking to do what HE says will live eternally, we beg some others to get on board.

 

Today’s Thought “Determined in Spiritual Fortitude” G. Ward

John 17: ¹⁵ I am not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them away from the evil one. ¹⁶ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

Like any, I’m with periodic bouts in spiritual regression, and that I hate and more determined than before, to eliminate these indiscretions from the journey imposed. I’m yet very grateful for the deposit within (*John 14:26) and all HE reminds me of concerning all our Savior endeavored for me, even desiring others know of HIS magnificence; whether in the marketplace or workplace – I desire one attitude (Phil.2:3-4). No matter the vile conditions and language unbecoming of civility all around, I’ll hold my position, particularly since HE’S been mercifully patient with me. I must endure, although confident of my eternal destination with HIM, proving my availability as HIS vessel in this strange land; never conforming to a multi-faceted, perspective soon to become displaced by another eloquent one. For HE alone is good and HIS mercy endures forever.

 

Today’s Thought “Intentionally Yours…” G. Ward

2 Timothy 2:1-2

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also.

 

Many are treasure seekers at best, seeking to employ Holy God for the immediacy of an answer suited for their expansive egos and not for HIS glory – concerning PURPOSE and whereas every believer should cease from nuances to being reproducers of HIS gospel and deal with mankind as they’ve been dealt with and granting hope beyond anyone’s wildest dreams of being loved and forgiven beyond measure, many proposing to believe, have instead become synonymous with sponges – soaking up all the Almighty offers and not sharing.

There are seemingly many (some will insist, even enough) gospel teachers; but if that were true, our districts would pervade more peace than chaos. Truth of old, is Truth today and whereas visuals of exponential growth (numerically) was never the spiritual barometer, but continues as a pre-ordained, one-to-one availability (*Heb 5:12), can our LORD count on you?

 

Today’s Thought “A Rightful Crutch” G. Ward

James 4: ⁸ Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

 

Perhaps in faith, you’ve more understood how people need people? Ecclesiastes records partnership’s effort to remain faithful to Holy God can/will often involve such because one may be prone to frequent dry spells – insisting we know “for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” and whereas our love for the brethren desires their individual pursuit of God through Christ, via affirmations that proclaim HIM, the Great Shepherd, whereby those who’ve placed their faith in HIS guidance won’t want for anything, we say “use us.” However, if one is a practiced believer, and objectively keeps another dependent on their words and promptings, it more disallows a required repentance (genuine to one gaining presence unto the Holy One) with greatest, personal devotion, when me, nor you can be found.

 

Today’s Thought “Because HE Lives” G. Ward

1 Peter 3: ⁹ not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you would inherit a blessing.

To "not render evil for evil" means refusing to seek revenge or retaliate when someone has wronged you. It is a call to break the cycle of harm by choosing a higher moral response. The Word of God is replete with admonishing people of God unto any consideration of thinking we own portions of our existence in this strange land, but compels us to live as citizens of Heaven (Phil.3:20-21). Our every endeavor should be prefaced with prayer and thereafter slower movement; for our Lord positioned us here as light carriers in a dark world and whereas so much anger with divisiveness is rampant, those highly contentious can/will be surprised, if one counters their disgruntled behavior with non-provocative well wishes (and to really mean it – praying their peace that includes the Savior’s presence).

 

Today’s Thought “What If (?)…” G. Ward

Exodus 21

¹⁶ “Now one who kidnaps someone, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall certainly be put to death.

 

Idealism, can be selfishly consuming, even responsible for adjectival regard in arrogance with denial and such were the beginnings to a plight in America, whereby many of the “Founders” (*seemingly proficient theologians) arrived with a wrongful purported notion of an uncivilized people existent and whereas one cannot discover what was already established, while with an unfortunate, emphatic thesis - stating that there was failure to appear like their king’s land (they ran from – due to lack of civilities), to then exacerbate more ungodliness, even giving Jamestown, VA., a permanent ugly name from the year 1619’s oversight of human beings brought on to build this nation from a rickety cruise ship and riding on the bottom, with no room to maneuver and seated in human excrement; the antithesis of what the “Love Boat” represented and to now hear some legislators and philosophical giants insist that enslaved Black people acquired skills that provided a "personal benefit" proves how important it is to attack greatest spiritual ineptness from some, with LOVE and HOPE, even onto those deemed impossible, with the true and only Gospel of Christ. Many atrocities could have been avoided, if the LORD’S WAY was endeavored.

Happy Black History Month!

 

Today’s Thought “Black History is Everyone’s History” G. Ward

Genesis 9

¹⁸ Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. ¹⁹ These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.

 

Whereas Holy God created mankind without consideration to our external physicality, we’ve lived opposite of that actuality. Intelligence, should understand the unfortunate divide perpetuated by many, while witnessing many infer their children marry according to the social construct resembling themselves – even that to which never think of themselves as racist.

How can Holy God err (*Nu.23:19)? HE CANNOT!  Would HE make certain shades of people more prone to criminality, less intelligent, or morally reprehensible, while saying from the Truth of HIS Word, that HE made man in HIS image (*so as to reflect HIS Divine attributes, not a physical appearance); so, the fall of man thereafter witnessed – ALL having come from the 3 sons with the same Mother and Father? Gregory, you appear guilty of perpetuating the problem also, in that you’re highlighting racist tactics as you celebrate Black History Month. No, friends, we do so in the same vein of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish have too been great earthly participants, but Blacks in America have been marginalized in/through horrid descriptors entirely inaccurate, along with history erased and denied, even losing our names – and forced to carry surnames of a brutal ownership in what was/is a free land unto others with different pigmentations (*1 Cor.7:23); along with being the brunt of a monolithic regard in all matters of being Black in America. May we all celebrate accomplishments beneficial to the many segments of society, but preeminently GLORIFY our Almighty God for HIS Perfect Resolution to foolish divide found in us.

 

Today’s Thought “A Charge to Keep” G. Ward

Psalm 18:3

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

David (upon constructing this song) was perhaps an older fellow, contemplating how the Lord rescued him from many enemies, very particularly a foolish King Saul’s vindictive, jealous pursuit that sought denying David a kingship and whereas praise remembers who brought us, it should become worship that absolutely obeys. Following God’s commands rather than ritualistic behavior should be the goal for the believer; it authenticates how completely fulfilled I am with Christ leading me, even circumventing every meditation and so satisfied with what HE’S done despite my efforts, to say that if no other rescue is afforded me, I’ll yet serve HIM until I die (*cf.1 Cor.2:9).

 

Today’s Thought “Religious Impracticality” G. Ward

2 Timothy 1

⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

The Word of the Living God is to be studied and whereas many ascribe to it as though they’re reading an ordinary book, they’ll fail to observe its significance, because their observation depends on intellect, disallowing the Spirit’s teaching (John 14:26, 1 Cor.2:14).

The spirit of timidity aforementioned equals a cowardice that Timothy would be guilty of. He was a young man being urged to preach “in season and out of season,” which meant to proclaim the Gospel consistently and faithfully, regardless of whether it is convenient, popular, or well-received. We’ve listened to improper usage of such a slogan, even that to which demands “fear” as unacceptable and whereas we’re all afraid of something, many have imposed upon us a castigating, super-believer posture unfounded and whereas Jesus Himself, experienced intense fear, dread, and anguish when praying in the Garden of Gethsemane to have "this cup" (His impending Passion) removed. Are you greater than HE?

 

Today’s Thought “Running on A Path Unending” G. Ward

 1 Corinthians 2:9

But just as it is written: “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the human heart, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.”

We need the encouragement (from God’s Word) written for our fortitude in Christ, now more significantly than yesterday (cf. Ro.8:18). Each day offers more consideration to exist in wrongful contribution to the affairs of this world, than trust of our Lord’s Sovereign Control; particularly since what we’ve been given to perceive is soon to change. No matter the generation of man, the Word of God remains relevant and is given us as believers, to train others accordingly.

Whereas eyes light up comparable to a young child at his birthday party to then be exposed to a big gift box wrapped anticipating all he ever wanted; yet, this promise is specific to those who love God (*1 John 2:6) and are called according to His purpose. Moreover, this verse is entirely relevant to matters of eternity; reassuring believers that Holy God is the Sole Preparer of unparalleled spiritual blessings and truths that transcend earthly experiences.

Study the Truth of God’s Word versus motivation onto mediocrity furthered. 

 

Today’s Thought “Got-ta Give It Up!” G. Ward

2 Corinthians 5

¹⁵ And He died for all, so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.

Whereas a majority of Americans profess to knowing our Lord, the biblical definition “to know” indicates greatest intimacy with HIM that absolutely depends on HIM in everything; along with walking as HE walked (1 John 2:6) and whereas a believer’s hypocrisy is to know how to properly decipher HIS Word, while not missing discipleship opportunities, yet, many times forsaking the intentional, spiritual duty to personally teach others HIS commands (*Heb.5:12), ensuring all/any would know HE loves them also. May every believer endeavor correcting such lethargy.

 

Today’s Thought “You Go Every Sunday?” G. Ward

Proverbs 22:2

The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all.

 

The fellowship of believers welcomes all financial classes of people, even insisting on an interdependence; particularly as all acknowledge the Almighty in every regard (cf. Ac.2:41-47). It’s difficult for believers - no matter what economic class, when/if a fellow believer undergirds fiscal struggle to not desire helping and whereas the defensive may lend a perceived, rightful assessment to say, those depleted exercised in mis-management could be true, it won’t address a needful mercy presented each of us by our Savior – who witnessed our spiritual malfeasance, yet gave anyhow and whereas that should always be in the conscious of every believer, we unify on that magnificent premise versus castigations furthered (Eph.4:1-6), longing to see one another at meeting times (*Heb.10:23-25), considering it vital to our spiritual well-beings.

 

Today’s Thought “Are We Saying, It’s Too Difficult for God?” G. Ward

Matthew 5: ⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

It’s more apparent than any other time how mankind, even those who profess to know Christ, lack pursuit of HIS attitude (Phil.2:1-5). Our Savior was unwaveringly decisive in portraying eternal pursuits while living in a temporal land and whereas the difficulties of HIS exposure involved scenarios appearing attractive – He’d resist with a goal in mind, involving you.

The love our Savior speaks about is synonymous to all HIS enemies would offer HIM – a horrible crucifixion and upon such a tumultuous death in view, He prayed for them to be forgiven. For any now (*particularly believers) to persist in such anger that dismisses others for their every opposing view, even issuing tags so offensive unto their perceived selfish plights – truly misrepresent belonging to Christ. I don’t have to like anything the world presents, but while wrongful assessment occurs periodically, I must adjust to realize HE died for me when I was entirely disagreeable (Ro.5:8), giving me His blessed Hope, despite who I’ve been. Can anymore be changed?

 

Today’s Thought “UNITY” G. Ward

Ephesians 4:1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, ² with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, ³ being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ⁴ There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism, ⁶ one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

The song that states, “when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be” greatly signifies that until then, a preparation given us, cannot thwart sufferings (John 16:33). Our role as believers shouldn’t perpetuate notions that divisiveness is acceptable either (*Ro.16:17), even that to which seeks to substantiate moral fortitude through boasting of a political affiliation appearing more righteous than a lesser side; for Jesus, our Exemplar Leader – gave taxes to Caesar, along with compliance unto his laws, but absolutely/preeminently observed HIS Father’s reign and rule. I’m always perplexed on the unholy attempt to proclaim righteousness on a few things achieved from any (*Ro.3:10,23), to then forget the many failures of the flesh, entirely unbecoming of the Spirit realm(?).

 

Today’s Thought “Bordering Idolatry” G. Ward

1 Samuel 8

⁷ And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people regarding all that they say to you, because they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being King over them.

 

Predecessors to every nation endured great injustice, hardship of sorts and sufferings and much existed at the hands of those unruly and whereas this era is called to a similar endurance and whereas anger is spiritually permissible (Eph.4:26), it was never meant to teeter-totter on efforts guided by one’s own volition (Prov.16:18), but utter dependence on Who any say is their LORD (cf. Jas.4:1-10).

Every Empire from the beginning, sought peaceable resolve on their own terms - versus the Almighty’s demand and then there were many proposing surrender to the Holy One, while equally dependent on a leader for reprieve (*Ex.20:2-5). As Solomon would pray to Holy God to abide in the Temple meticulously built for HIM, our Lord’s answer remains – humble yourself, pray, seek and turn from wicked behavior and Divine healing and restoration happens (2 Chron.7:14).

 

Today’s Thought “Snowy Days” G. Ward

Matthew 6:²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

This treasure listed involves things valued most – leading to the activity of desire thereafter, defining our hearts.

Most of our nation is very soon to be overcome by Winter conditions and whereas living in the South involves complete shutdown unto every district (even when there’s one inch of white precipitation). We all, no matter where you live, can/should plan ahead and yes, that certainly includes supplies for eating, batteries, generators, etc., but for any who understand the Lord’s love for us and because “being trapped” within home boundaries may be inevitable, why not plan a concise study with family on the sixth chapter of Matthew (before devouring all the snacks and watching several movies)? I’m certain that it’ll set a rightful tone of thanksgiving, enabling peace and joy (?).

Father God, we pray their success, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Inventing A New Manual” 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! ²¹ Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight!

Moral confusion and spiritual arrogance is/was the issue here and whereas thousands of years have passed since the Prophet’s message was written, unfortunately, it’s still relevant. Man is still estimating that his personal wisdom efforts matter, along with his vain philosophy - never to be displaced.

Any presumed value system imposed on earthlings (outside of God’s Truth – Matt.24:35), never was mentioned by any at their time of departure; yet, an eternity with, or without Holy God was paramount (?). My desire for any is that they’d be confident (Heb.4:16) in both the journey here onto Heaven, while remembering no one has ever been good enough (Ro.3:10) for such inheritance (*John 8:31-32).

 

Today’s Thought “Why Don’t They Do Something?” G. Ward

Matthew 22

 ²¹ They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Then pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s.”

 

While civic responsibility is mandated (Ro.13:1-2), the believer is ultimately owned by Holy God, not government, and whereas our Lord demonstrated how any should correlate in this strange land, HIS preparation unto us insisted we live as citizens of Heaven – for ETERNITY awaits.

HE’S KING of any/every king and whether they acknowledge it or not, our compliance is demanded. Instead, the presumed believer of this era discounts all their predecessors endured (i.e., great sufferings), feeling a need to awaken the Almighty (who never slumbers) to earthen realities; but HE won’t be your genie in a bottle, even disgusted by such mistrust of HIS Sovereign Control of everything and whereas those HE loved (the Israelites) were rescued from Egypt, their travailing through dessert regions insisted on “milk and honey” before their arrival to the Promised Land, to be denied; for their grumbling was indicative of their hearts (Jer.17:9-10). HE loves us in the same, yet HIS justice demanded from finite beings is believably desired, until failure in recognizing HIS sacrifice is/can be mostly overshadowed in bouts with euphoria in a temporary space and time.

 

Today’s Thought “A Horrid Cycle of Unbelief” G. Ward

Judges 2:10

All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and another generation rose up after them who did not know the Lord, nor even the work which He had done for Israel.

To apply Old Testament realities to current actualities is certainly spiritually permissible. However, to hand pick these realities unto spreading what’s perceived as encouragement for this era may lack prudence (*cf. Ac.20:18-21).

Our theme witnesses Joshua’s death. He and Caleb were the only two from the original group (believably 2 to 3 million people) and they’d be instrumental in leading others birthed in that experience to the Promised Land. When/if we’ll leave out how blatant mistrust (i.e., doubting God’s Sovereign Control) would disallow many originals from entering, even causing a dire consequence, it can be synonymous to promoting grace without repentance kind of theorizing. Ultimately, new generations of Israelites, after the time of Joshua, "did not know the LORD or what He had done for Israel," signifying a failure to pass down faith and knowledge of God's works, leading to a cycle of disobedience and idolatry, serving as a stark warning about spiritual inheritance not being automatic (Matt.7:21-23).

 

Today’s Thought “A Believer’s Calling to Fulfill” G. Ward

Galatians 3

²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

 

Whereas the entire context of this passage (aforementioned) hinges on the subject matter (cf. vv.8-9) – salvation unto any who will/would call upon the Name of the Lord, idiocy from mankind feels intelligent enough to decipher this on their own terms, seeking to justify “who” may be called to pastor God’s church (an erroneous approach) and whereas every believer is given a priesthood that proclaims the Savior as “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” may all understand - we’re all commanded as ministers of HIS to proclaim HIS grace. If you wait on a pulpit as a dutiful response, whereby your voice changes and your soliloquies are so captivating that the Word of God is marginalized (i.e., proportionately lessened), because your theatrics remain synonymous with any Broadway performance – LEAVE while you can (*James 3:1)!!!  

 

Today’s Thought “Limited Exploration” G. Ward

Psalm 104

⁵ He established the earth upon its foundations, so that it will not totter forever and ever.

 

Our LORD established HIS earth as absolutely foundational; a construct unparalleled and with an order unmatched and then mankind was awakened to his own arrogance, to then experience consequences in misery thereafter – crying out, “Why?” And whereas our God is Sovereign, exercising in supreme authority and power over all creation, history, and individual lives and whereas lives given are not happenstance, but given for HIS purpose, HE uses both the compliant and those who rebel; for - it’s HIS, so He’ll do what HE desires, but we’re HIS created ones, made to comply unto HIS order and failure to search out those orders (daily) is rebellion personified (*cf. Heb.10:25).

 

Today’s Thought “Even Lassie Went Home” G. Ward

Ephesians 5

⁴ And there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

 

Presumed spiritual leadership for this era can more testify to issues so temporal than observing our Lord’s practical approach to life as more than enough and transcendent to every generation of man and whereas this pervasion from leaders of sorts seeks relevance over duty and thereafter receive accolades from audiences that compels their popularity, few listeners are compelled in holy living.

If you’re owned by the Holy One, that includes your mind and mouth.

 

Today’s Thought “Blindness Preferred” G. Ward

1 John 2:16

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

 

Holy God knowing your heart is why HE sent Jesus (*Jer.17:9-10). The very prefacing of “God knows my heart” is certainly defensive, deserving no heavenly commendation, but insists on genuine repentance onto the effectual calling (i.e., the effective summons that regenerates the spiritually dead heart, opening it to understand and embrace Christ). That regeneration (or inner transformation) happens upon the love relationship realized/intended, to then insist on HIS daily feedings from HIS Word. Bon Appetit!

 

Today’s Thought “A Proper View” G. Ward

Matthew 7:12

“So, whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”

While many perpetuate the notion of not having a book that instructs them in foundational endeavors, consideration of the greatest compilation continues, more available than any and whereas disagreements lends anger unsanctioned by the Author of this eternal document (Eph.4:26), those desirous to capitulate to its governance, are called to look beyond every point of contention – because it will not last and whereas accountability to all our Creator instructed will (*Matt.24:35), may our newest demeanor exercise accordingly (2 Cor.5:17).

 

Today’s Thought “What Are We to Do?” G. Ward  

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

 

Whereas believers in Christ have a dual citizenship (earth and Heaven), we live as citizens unto the eternal Home given (John 14:1-3), no matter the temporary land we’re in; absolutely relying on the Almighty, Owner of both. The spiritual posture we’re to maintain submits to laws of this temporary home, along with greatest hospitality, kindness and patience towards any, because our Father desires their repentance as HE’S received ours (2 Pe.3:9). There’s certainly enough room in Heaven for any. Therefore, HE compels us to share the avenue in how any can have an eternity with HIM (John 14:6), along with expressing how urgent and genuine one must be as they confess their sins to HIM, along with maintaining an ongoing faithfulness in observing the guidance HE offers from Genesis to Revelation.

This actuality most assuredly won’t leave room for other perspectives and considerations of earthen anarchy; particularly since many don’t regard HIS Sovereign Control. Moreover, and whereas empires have come and gone, along with its leadership having been like the grass withering in the field – may every believer cease mingling therein (1 John 2:15-17), trusting solely in the ONE Maker of Heaven and earth.

 

Today’s Thought “We Shall Behold HIM!” G. Ward

Luke 2: ²⁸ then he took Him in his arms, and blessed God, and said, ²⁹ “Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace, According to Your word; ³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation,

Simeon was devout in believing our Lord’s promise of the Messiah and so wanted to live long enough to witness HIS entry (cf. John 1:1-3, 14) and whereas Holy God allowed such an example to exist for our today, many predecessors of ours also read of such and so shall others beyond our years.

A friend’s Mother passed to eternal life on last evening at 9:50 p.m., and encamped around her were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Perhaps like some of us and prior to her lack in mobility she’d think, how could such a loving God be so merciful towards me? Yet, the period so debilitatingly unrestful and painful, given her – insisted, “no more treatments” and whereas her few days assured – happened and whereas her meditations (during that culminating process) didn’t embrace stock portfolios and banking information, but embraced thoughts of an eternal home promised – she saw Jesus at 9:50 ½ p.m.

 

Today’s Thought “Exploration Onto Quicksand” G. Ward

Hebrews 13

 ⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. ⁹ Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

 

External rules, as it pertains to the things of Holy God is/was never the objective for mankind, but that each would convey how being owned by their Creator granted security and greatest peace, even while amidst ever-changing “strange teachings” seemingly worthy to follow; particularly because portions of what these eloquent presenters pervade stem from Truth, along with presumptive nuances that ultimately subvert the Truth of all Christ offered (*Col.2:13-14). Unfortunately, we’re growing comfortably dependent on most everything our liberal arts education pervades concerning historical accounts promoting sectarianism, including that system’s tolerance of an exploration from many proposed philosophical twists, even that to which denies Christ.

Truth: The doctrine of our LORD given your Great-Grandmother – remains; for there’s no need for HIS Word to change, because we have computers, cell phones and AI…

 

Today’s Thought “Avid Reader” G. Ward

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

 

Whereas intelligence is with a wide range, involving pursuit of information available, our daily exposure to life in earth grants more consumption of good and bad data. Therefore, and while believers in Christ sufficiency, subjugate all information against the eternal message (Matt.24:35) HE (i.e., our LORD) presents, we’re grateful for our reasoning imposed (*1 Cor.2:14), that keeps giving perfect guidance; not so as to be showy, but to ensure others are not with attempts through intellect that seeks to crack the spiritual code – onto more foolish speculation, but more identify its inclusivity (Ro.10:13) – because its AUTHOR desires a love relationship with them also.

 

Today’s Thought “New Year, New Self?” G. Ward

Colossians 3

1 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 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.

 

Life in earth (for the predominance of humanity), can be compared to an exotic vacation, where many significant sights exist and whereas a priority list that asks what shall be first is permitted – we’re (all) with a propensity to forget, that if our Creator won’t grant another breath, our plans are meaningless. More sooner, than later, an eternity awaits and whereas some will experience a great blissful forever – because they allowed the lordship Christ offered in earth to govern their steps, others, enamored with choices, trusting intellect and building on their own temporary dwelling, unknowingly say yes to an eternal doom. Instead, a new day prays that doom be thwarted through Christ and the spiritual proactivity of HIS church reaches any.