Today’s Thought Without Interference?” G. Ward

Proverbs 18:1

One who separates himself seeks his own desire; he quarrels against all sound wisdom.

 

While many agendas exist in people, there are some who (upon hearing this agenda) counter these plans, questioning every particular involved and rather than receive these offerings so as to build consensus that yields a best choice, the planner (many times) will dismiss those, even tagging them contentious, while separating themselves (permanently) from what once existed.

It highlights that withdrawing from community—family, friends, or the church—is a self-centered act that results in a rebellion against godly counsel and wise advice. This behavior creates an "echo chamber" where the individual only listens to their own opinions, leading to arrogance furthered and antithetical to the expression that says, “no man is an island” theorizing.

 

Today’s Thought “Soon, Some Will See the KING!” G. Ward

Hebrews 4

¹⁶ Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.

Almost daily, astonishment circumvents the lives of Americans as they hear the demise of some so celebrated and whereas we’re all extending great comfort to those closest to those lauded, the shock of it all quickly subsides. Great expressions through artful canvases flood the internet that includes many esteemed for their craft who are presumed in Heaven – to then see a welcoming committee (of famous ones departed), receiving another deemed as successful. It perpetuates a notion that positive earthly contribution from humanity is rewarded by the Savior (Jesus Christ) who had/has no favorites and paid a price for anyone’s sinfulness, insisting on one way to exist with HIM eternally; via deepest, personal conviction that Jesus is that person’s Owner, which includes repenting from sin and placing sole trust in HIS will (i.e., Word) for their lives. *For Believing in God is not enough (Jas.2:19 says, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.”).

 

Today’s Thought “That’s Not Motivational!” G. Ward

Luke 16: ²² Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s arms; and the rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. ²⁴ And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’

 

Very “few” ascribe to Truth and many author scripts encouraging mediocrity and whereas the “few” portraying Christ Sufficiency - genuinely desire our Lord receive the glory, the others build prominence.

Life is ultimately this way: One aspiring to live sumptuously (i.e., at the expense of others remaining depleted), can mostly be selfish and if that practice empties onto habit, only our Lord can change that; but that same beholder of (emotional) self-preservation must first recognize need for change and whereas that egocentric one may feel as if they have time to reconcile themselves to the Highest, Righteous standard that grants eternity – their plans are non-authoritative. May this serve as warning that a next moment isn’t guaranteed and eternity waits – for both the REDEEMED and unredeemed.

 

Today’s Thought “The Externals of Religion” G. Ward

Isaiah 66:1 This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is My throne and the earth is the footstool for My feet. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?

Certainly, Holy God is not contained in temples built, that we’d become so enamored with these institutions, but to know through all our Redeemer offered and saying yes to HIS will, through repentance of sins – makes any HIS temple in earth. Therefore, we’re now called to embody a humble, obedient heart (through whatever we do or say as representative of our LORD - *Col.3:16-17). Our theme challenges the idea that God is impressed by external, magnificent, or religious displays, if they’re not accompanied by genuine, humble, and reverent devotion. 

We cannot buy into this spiritual institution, for the poor are yet unable, but still called HIS very own, while blessed. Moreover, we’re not good enough; for everything we are in HIM, was administered by/through HIM (i.e., faith, forgiveness and righteousness) and apart from HIM, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

 

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.