Today’s Thought “Remembering the Music and Not the Message” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 

Unity was/is the intent for Christ church; not an energy for HIS universal church as we suppose for this verse, but meant for the local fellowship concerning clear Truth, that is, the doctrine presented by Holy God unto mankind that says and does the same. For most fellowships and because so many are enamored with achieving more members than more Truth partial doctrine purported, delivers unbelief. The many self-appointed shepherds for God’s house fail to equip congregants for the work of ministry – by allowing programming to usurp what’s written. Instead, a proposed redemption of sin through Christ should encompass every message presented and disallow false motivations to eclipse repentant hearts that admit to godly sorrow. Moreover, there’s no need to travel onto a convenience store for participating in a lottery, just wait until Sunday morning; because the dividend is greater there and stated eloquently as absolute from pulpits (i.e., give generously and watch it multiply hundred-fold theorizing). *Without sound doctrine, beliefs and practices can drift into what is right in a person's own eyes rather than what is aligned with God's will.

And Lord God the chieftain of responsibility for every believer is to know Truth and we’ve witnessed Your command to be discipled as absolute, yet, many reduce Your will to words from their mouths that echo how Great You are and even that’s limited to a presumed favorability that denies anything negative. Father God, we pray spiritual endurance for every congregation embracing Your entire script, taught without manipulation; while keeping Jesus, our Lord, as the Sole Object of our faith. To HIM be ALL the glory! Amen.

 

 

Today’s Thought “They’re All A Bunch of Hypocrites!” G. Ward

 

Proverbs 27: ¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

 

Contrary to popular belief insisting on “opposites attract,” truly they ultimately repel. However, when common belief enters conversation, it craves more presence from the other side of dialogue and whereas our Lord’s illustrations of such is numerous, commanding any who’ve placed their faith in Christ to only link oneself (intimately and with vulnerable behavior) with those of like faith, it squashes indifference, so argumentative.

The joy of belonging to a spiritual fellowship is what I crave, because I’m then amidst many suffering by imperfection plaguing them (yet know it), even daily so, compelling encouragement not found in the marketplace by mere, polite salutations among many, who don’t desire walking alongside me when/if I share my trials and if they’ll answer, the hope given can be so profoundly temporal, even allowing a short escape from my miseries, and while that help was appreciated, my prior grief will surface once again, and appearing to then embody a multiplied misery.

 

And Lord God, You’ve demanded, we who believe, gather together on the premise of Your Word as a Perfect Guide; and when we encounter another believer weak, that we’d encourage the disheartened towards knowing of Your ongoing presence as inescapable. So, we run to You, for You created fellowship, indicative of Your loving us to the end. We pray that any praying would adjust immediately, by paying attention to other’s vulnerabilities and decide by patience and love to restore them unto the salvation You began in them, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Playground Bully” G. Ward

 

1 Chronicles 4:10

¹⁰ Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would greatly bless me and extend my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm so that it would not hurt me!” And God brought about what he requested.

 

Nothing has changed much in thousands of years past regarding the heart of man. Our Father in Heaven has determined our hearts as “desperately wicked” (Jer.17:9), meaning, at its core, our hearts are incurably diseased and beyond human repair and whereas Jeremiah was given additional words from the Almighty after such a verse to impose on every reader to know – HE Alone is that Great Physician with the ONLY cure – followers of Christ for this generation praise HIM.

Our theme on today, concerns understanding very little about this young man said to be more honorable than his siblings. He wasn’t perfect, but devoted to praying. His mother bore him in pain and his name given indicates just that. Can you imagine his mother calling him in for supper at 6 o’clock – “PAIN, come inside for dinner!” (?) Now if hearts have been contaminated with great sinfulness, even from Jabez’s time, do you think there was incessant teasing in the same way as our day? Of course there was. Jabez praying would ask that God would “enlarge his territory” and that may have meant moving away from the usual, to be most effective a warrior for the Almighty in places and spaces whereby others didn’t know him so well and whereas this is now received as an opportunity in making this relative to material blessings, our desperate hearts prevail in missing the mark.

 

Our Father in Heaven, best reverence is due Your Name and many times and, in many ways, we’ve been guilty in misunderstanding how our Savior would say, we as servants are no greater than our Maker and if HE endured greatest persecution while in earth for our deliverance, we should offer ourselves more sacrificially. Thank You for slowing us down each day, as we pursue Your Word that leads us in every territory, so as to proclaim YOU Wonderful! In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Pageant; Where All Win” G. Ward

 

Hebrews 6:10

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, by having served and by still serving the saints.

 

While many like me, are chosen of God like you (Eph.1:4-6), for no apparent reason and having made unproductivity our necklace for years before placing our faith in Christ, we now work in ensuring others – they too may have a love relationship with the Almighty through all our Savior provided. It’s clear, particularly as we engage God’s Word appropriately, that who HE’S used as carriers of HIS Truth experienced tremendous, periodic, moral lapse; signifying our Father will have mercy on whom HE chooses, for HIS glory and whereas mankind (in a predominant sense), can be insistent on categorizing who may be useful, in accordance to a presumable, nearly perfect background, coming to Jesus is very opposite; and will soon witness a complete makeover, internally (2 Cor.5:17) – designating the old as ineffectual. We now are able to rejoice in this day, knowing our Savior’s work through us, began from HIS drawing us to such a magnificent presence from the only Throne able to completely reconcile our sins and keep us from an old life in futility.

 

Lord God, our thankfulness as dispensers of Your Truth is the ultimate, ongoing honorarium worthy of our highest praise. We pray that the many who’ve identified with all Christ exemplified in earth onto Heaven, imitates that life and are inspired with great intentionality to find another doubting and then allow Your breath in us, to assure them of Your love as incomparable to any other. For Your mercy is truly from everlasting! We pray through/in Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “A Believer’s Lethargy” G. Ward

 

1 John 5: ¹⁰ The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son.

 

A continued reliance on matters of faith in Christ is more needed than ever before. Dispensationalists from everywhere are being heard through podcasts and social media outlets at a moment’s notice, dispelling inaccuracies of God’s Word, primarily based on divisive setbacks from some, and rather than cling to the Old Rugged Cross – so entirely indiscriminate, many are passionately desirous for social and political reform, so much so to question if God Himself really cares(?). Moreover, if you ask the one frustrated with the ways of man (even while they blame God), they’ll share how they believe in the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus and whereas the testimony spoken of in our theme is an unwavering, internal assurance, it’s many times missing the element of passionate love to witness another knowing HIM as we do.

 

Father God, we need to be revived in the Truth of Your Word, well enough to be Your ambassadors that remembers the spiritual blessings You provide, should be intentionally seeking out others with a campaign of our Greatest Hero – Jesus. May every follower’s silence be ashamed in view of all our Redeemer provided, to now loudly proclaim HE is LORD, squashing every device, outside HIS reign and rule. Amen.

 

 

Today’s Thought “Ain’t Understanding Mellow?” 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.

 

While the giraffe was/is created extremely tall and from the beginning eats from the treetops and apple trees continue bearing apples versus oranges. Humankind however, God’s highest creation, blessed with higher intelligence and familiar with the first two created, particularly how they forsook perfect governance from their Maker and caused a reverberate mess unto generations to follow. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”  Therefore, every man, regardless of devout faith, or little to no faith, can fail in perfect acknowledgement of the Almighty’s wonder-working power, but need to know – ALL are being held responsible for such lack to honor HIS Supremacy.

 

Father God, those of us regarded as Your very own, maintain confidence that You selected us, not because we’ve been good, but because of some whose faith rested on Your Omnipotence. May we on this day, re-examine our being awesomely and wonderfully made by You - our Great King, and carry forth in the generosity of Your guidance, that absolutely leaves the old life behind, proclaiming YOU as Sufficient, needing no other works, rituals or philosophies from mere men – All because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Now and Later: Not Just a Candy” G. Ward

 

Matthew 6: ¹² And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

 

Our Lord Jesus would teach HIS every follower the objectivity of prayer - portrays real faith in HIS Sufficiency (meaning, HE alone will meet our needs in accordance to HIS will being done). Our theme’s significant point is forgiveness and followers are compelled to do so in light of their being forgiven; not once, or twice, but through a Perfect Reconciler, Jesus (now, and forevermore – Ro.8:33-35) and whereas every life HE gave (John 1:1-3) falls short of HIS example, along with being a recipient of HIS patient, lovingkindness, we must cease to exercise in foolish categorization on who deserves pardon – because if/when we persist in such, we deny HIS Sufficiency; and thereafter, can forsake an eternal Home with HIM, for failure to believe (Eph.2:8-9).

 

Father God, while we never desire to affirm anything we’re able to do for such an eternal inheritance with You, we know that wrongful supplications and requests at a continuum reveal whether we know You. We’re taught by our Redeemer, how best to deny ourselves, praying Your will be done, leaving no room for flawed perspectives that deny others pardon. So, we’re deciding to let the Light within shine to include any who can/will call You Lord. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “The Wilderness; Fending for Oneself” G. Ward

 

Numbers 20: ⁸ “Take the staff; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it shall yield its water. So you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and have the congregation and their livestock drink.” ⁹ So Moses took the staff from before the Lord, just as He had commanded him; ¹⁰ and Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly in front of the rock. And he said to them, “Listen now, you rebels; shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” ¹¹ Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their livestock drank.

 

My own spiritual life has proposed to strike the rock twice (on many occasions). Every time like Moses, we propose to be or do something we’re not, versus attributing breath provided to our Lord’s demand, along with exercising in such frustration with those who seemingly should know better, to then pompously state that one’s action in wrongful committal is something we’re above, strikes the rock twice. Instead, our Lord’s presentation of today, desires that HIS work through us be made manifest and that we’d stand amazed in how HE uses us, despite our contaminated hearts (*Jer.17:9-10); because our listening to others spiritual malfeasance of a life given them by Holy God for HIS purpose, should more understand by looking beyond their indiscretion; for, “mercy triumphs over judgment” (Jas.2:13).

 

Father God, we thank You for correction that leads us to recall how You rescued our souls, so many times and how those allowances should always seek to restore another to Your salvation. May we realize our dutiful response to each, or any day given, insists we’d place courage to rest in Jesus, particularly because all remain vulnerable to selfish priority, knowing that we’re all prone to strike the rock, versus speaking to it – giving All praise to our Lord Jesus for bearing our iniquities, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “The Ugly Duckling” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 4:32

 Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

 

The exercising of the descriptors at the prior verse included, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander and malice are entirely unsanctioned by our Lord and are mostly arrogant and hypocritical; particularly when one expresses an unchanged heart so quickly (in these actualities), versus portraying spiritual maturity as a follower of Christ; even awakening to tender mercies each day that HE provides (despite our failings). Furthermore, it questions have I really been changed?

Moreover, when we concede to views insignificant to eternity (cf. Phil.3:20), it’s shamefully indicative of a cover-up to our deficiency to absolutely review our un-spiritual, anxious thoughts (so divisive), even denying usefulness unto the message that redeems (having found me at my worst, while thinking some are case studies, even Holy God may have difficulty with and we know that’s blasphemous).

 

So, Almighty God, we gather on the premise of the Savior giving us access when we were determining to lead ourselves and whereas HE stepped in at the nick of time, throwing us a lifeline so unfailing; may, we now approach Your throne with willingness unto the Spirit’s transformation of our lives from old to new; celebrating how every evaluation of others and things – remember how our Lord Jesus correlated with opposition from people and institutions, to only see the message provided us is dutifully ours to dispense, while trusting You to draw any unto Yourself, because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Treasure Hunt” G. Ward

 

Psalm 32: ⁸ I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will advise you with My eye upon you.

 

While many will go off on a tangent upon hearing this, so let’s understand the context of David’s heart song of deliverance:

 

He began at v. 1} How blessed is he whose wrongdoing is forgiven, whose sin is covered! ² How blessed is a person whose guilt the Lord does not take into account, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! ³ When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. ⁴ For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality failed as with the dry heat of summer. Selah ⁵ I acknowledged my sin to You,
And I did not hide my guilt; I said, “I will confess my wrongdoings to the Lord”; and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah ⁶ Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; certainly in a flood of great waters, they will not reach him. ⁷ You are my hiding place; You keep me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. 

 

So, Lord God, we’re encouraged to know the vitality to exist in You, must include a concerted effort to know You are Holy, so, our regard in desire to hear from Heaven must first crave to Bless Your Name at all times, by confessing our wrongdoings and thoughts; to then absolutely want no part in our past, foolish committal of sinfulness and then pray for one another where they too may have been vulnerable similarly and then praise You for the great refreshing we have when You restore us onto the salvation our Lord Jesus provides, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “My Obituary” G. Ward

 

1 Thessalonians 5:1 Now as to the periods and times, brothers and sisters, you have no need of anything to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord is coming just like a thief in the night.

 

These passages emanate from a prior chapter of blessings to believer’s hope of Jesus’ return for them (1 Thess.4:13-18), to then transition to grave judgment for the many un-surrendered to HIS reign. The preaching of such was thorough and convincing; prompting believer’s mindset that asked, what happened to those we loved who died and also gratefully received Jesus as Lord and whereas that answer blessed their hearts (1 Thess. 4:14), they would desire our Lord’s return in those moments, as a child anticipates Christmas.

The day of judgment however, is with great oversight, because it’s marred by so many great things, places and people unto any’s consumption. Moreover, it leaves Christ as secondary to their whims and desires; even while claimants of knowing HIM exists, while quoting a misappropriated passage that says, you better not judge me and whereas that estimation is entirely wrong, we’re (followers of Christ) called HIS very own, to ensure that these compromising what Truth demands, know the Almighty is yet loving them also and desires their repentance (but soon time will run out).

 

Almighty God, our desire is to echo the joy of John’s last statement in Your holy script, “Come, Lord Jesus.” So, may the joy in knowing You as Sufficient to guide us from earth to Heaven, increase our soul’s mobility towards spiritual courage in sharing Your gospel, along with clarifying how Your commands are not burdensome to those we love and with many we may not know; because to be like Jesus, places everyone ahead of who we are. May Your will be done. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Go Sit in the Corner!” G. Ward

 

1 Peter 2: ¹² Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God on the day of visitation.

 

A follower of Christ is with dual citizenship; the primary reality in knowing earth is not my home, but a short term; until we get to Heaven. We understand that the alternative presented to eternal life with Jesus, is an eternity in utter torment and whereas many assume they’ll be with Jesus, there’s great failure to pursue HIM on HIS terms (Matt.7:21-23). You’ll know them by the fruit they bear; for to be owned by the Savior – walks as HE walked (1 John 2:6). Our knowing best, identifies how Christ mingled in the marketplace with purpose, hearing false accusations, experiencing physical assault, vicious political divisiveness and social unrest; yet HE exemplified HIS citizenry from Heaven, not a reactionary, vengeful regard in defending Himself, but prayed HIS oppressors would recognize HIS impending crucifixion He’d provide on an old rugged cross for their sins also.

 

Almighty God, when our meditations recall that best example in Jesus, our compliance rests on assurance of Home, setting aside oppositional forces so divisive, while deciding to forgive, in efforts to live at peace with all men. So, we pray for believers’ proactivity in greater surrender to the King of kings, where true rest is found. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “In the Eye of A Hurricane” G. Ward

 

Philippians 4: ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

 

Every believer is under spiritual constraint given by the Almighty. Moreover, we are called God’s very own, to think on HIS standard of holiness and follow. Therefore, our view towards any person or thing must see it for its potential productivity unto HIS purpose (cf. Ro.10:14); but never presume we’re better than some; for our redemption happened without our pursuit of a Perfect Savior (John 6:44); in that, while we deserved death and punishment, HIS love, with pardon rescued us (Ro.5:7-8) and whereas the Holy Spirit’s transformation made us new, although the old tends to surface, causing need to repent. We do so as ambassadors, declaring our Lord’s desire for any’s repentance (2 Pe.3:9) – so we all can be refreshed in knowing HE alone is greatly to be praised (Ac.3:19)!

 

Lord God, we thank You for being the King of Eternity and allowing our meditations to assess how we match our Savior’s attitude and immediately adjust accordingly. Our desire is to never turn back to mindsets that seek to be regarded by mere men, but to look towards Your Holy hill and represent Home, where its value system remains eternal. We pray on today, for every follower’s re-adjustment, where Your will being done resurfaces with joy. It’s then that others will experience You; for Your shelter is greatest, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Avoiding the Woodshed Experience” 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.

 

Obedience to our Lord’s commands is primary for knowing Christ. It proves whether we love HIM or not. It demonstrates our faithfulness to HIS lead. It glorifies HIM in what we say and do (i.e., which merely means to imitate/reflect His greatness). The faith HE imposed for us to operate in HIS highest standard knows, we cannot please HIM by teetering on self-control, that is, operating on whims and desires that presumptively asks God to bless them, when HE never ordered those steps; for genuine and true faith, endeavors to live a lifestyle characterized by righteousness, modeling the example set for us by Jesus Christ. We are enabled to obey because, once we believe in Christ and are saved, we are remade (We are not the same people we were.). At 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Our Lord has no need for anything; including your and my old talents; for when newness is afforded us as followers, Holy God’s power through us, won’t be contained in what we’ve done best in for times past, but significantly allows greater praise in affording us opportunity to witness (personally) HIS mighty hand, no different than HIM parting the sea.

 

Lord God, we thank You, for tremendous reminders in Your Word, that shares apart from You, our spiritual journey now, along with eternal productivity is impossible; particularly because Jesus paid it all. So, as we marvel on this day, as we’re given perfect guidance once again, to echo, “Your will be done.” May You receive all the glory and may we Your “few,” more implicate our dutiful response to every portion of grace given – to ensure others know, “there’s room at the inn,” All because of Jesus! Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Running Without Credentials” 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.

 

The proactive prayer our Lord offers here, is a plea to fully understand HIS plans, not a genie in a bottle solicitation.  The beautiful, emphatic language however – “great and mighty things,” befits this era’s unfair religious usage and because many will pull one expression of God’s provision out, they’ll neglect the surrounding ones that shares how God’s own disobedient children were at this time captive in a strange land -  Babylonia and Holy God wreaked havoc on theirs – Jerusalem, placing them with an unruly leader. In New Testament times, “the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro.6:23) and whereas God was gracious to HIS own in the Old Testament, offering a future hope and restoration, we honorably proclaim, HE’S the same in the entire Truth of HIS Word; yet, the spiritual conduit of repentance remains. Repentance is the sincere act of recognizing wrongdoing, feeling deep sorrow, and committing to a change in direction or behavior. Hearing from Holy God however, won’t treat HIM with contempt, because HE alone knows if we’re being genuinely sorry in violating HIS commands. So, to that end, I’ll see you Sunday (Heb.10:24-25)!

 

Father God, we’re given many examples, both good and bad, from ordinary actors just like us and whereas the Spirit teaches us how to correlate to striving to be Heaven’s representative in earth, that absolutely overcomes the world, we thank You for making us effective. The pace of time Lord, remains the same, yet seemingly comparable to the speed of light and for some it’s conviction to cling to the old rugged cross and for others, it’s being on the gerbil wheel, exercising in whim and desire. So, we thank You for the gospel, which remains the perfect resolution – through Jesus, Amen.