Today’s Thought “Setting the Table” G. Ward

 

 Galatians 1: ¹³ For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it;

 

Whereas many have achieved an education replete with a varied subject matter, establishing depth of intellect, even receiving great accolades among men, our Lord’s selecting those for HIS kingdom onto Heaven won’t ever call on what we know, or where we’ve been to determine our usefulness. Moreover, it’s widely perceived that many exhaust themselves in efforts seemingly prone towards success, to then try the Almighty; and that presumption will many times finds a fellowship (to their liking) for a potential harvest, to what was dry ground (*cf. John 6:44).

Our theme addresses a group then and now; even using Paul’s personal, notorious past, as if to say he was the worst of sinners, yet, our Lord called him from darkness unto light; teaching us that our Lord will have mercy on whom HE chooses, because HIS Divine intervention remains a world apart from mankind’s devices. We bring nothing to the table set before us.

 

Father God, You remain the Host of every supper, even preparing the table, despite enemies all around and one such an enemy is our very own self, yet, You seat us, washing us beforehand, introducing the delicacies in Your Word and whereas that menu is overwhelmingly tasteful and rich onto endurance, may our running to You never witness our getting tired, as we find Your Shelter, entirely Sufficient, for every season; all because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Yesterday’s Mishap; Re-Visited” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 4:32

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

 

Wherever I go, getting there early is essential for a clown like me – seemingly suited and ready to exemplify our Lord’s attitude and whereas arrogance in a believer forgets the hefty price our Savior rendered and because I know I’m the most opinionated individual needing to walk in the Spirit versus assessing what’s wrong with everyone else, I’m so grateful to Jesus for granting mine own repentance (Ac.3:19). I’ve now more identified with what David meant in the first Psalm when he said, “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night” and whereas our theme on today concentrates on duties pertinent to believer-ship, I’m compelled in genuine kindness, not a conjured conciliatory attitude.

Father God, our lives can mostly exhibit a superficial attitude, entirely flippant, even through our greeting one another – to not really identify with listening to those in our presence, but more identifying with what we perceive we need and whereas You remain our Great Shepherd – we have need of nothing, while absolutely thanking You for another day’s journey to get it right – because of Jesus’ kindly consideration and pardon of our sins. May praise unto HIM be greater, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Preparing for Someday” G. Ward

 

Romans 14:1 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions.

The message of grace is perhaps the toughest to convey because it absolutely involves nothing we’ve done so well or can do outside of receiving its giftedness from our Savior. We, however, are with some throughout every audience who will place extra on it, that is grace. They’ll not eat certain foods; while denying consistent discipleship’s affiliation within a local fellowship. More than often, I’ve witnessed these can be disquieted by our peace with congeniality; enough so, even that affords us as believers to set the record straight and that’s why chapter 12 insists we try to live at peace with all and whereas perspectives change, the true meaning of God’s Word won’t. So, what you can do is arrange a short study with them to enable you both to become very solid in relationship with Christ; and news flash, it won’t begin with points of indifference, but hone in with Jesus’ work on behalf of man.

 

Father God, while we’ve all fallen short of Your glory, so, may our mercy towards one another increase, for no one desires to be shamed into greater belief, particularly by another as fallible as they are, yet want the conviction the Spirit offers. We ask that our spiritual meditations rise to understand that out war is not with people appearing cantankerous, but the forces of evil all around. May we present You as worthy to pursue by one standard, the Truth of Your Word and not vain arguments, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Loose Lips…” G. Ward

 

1 John 3:18

Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.

 

I would call this section of chapter 3 of 1 John a synopsis in empathy, that is an ability to understand another’s dilemma and compassionately so. Followers of Christ seek to practice righteousness, whereas others invent their own righteousness in accordance to what’s popular and because small portions of believers exist in a world filled with those un-surrendered to Christ, we appear odd, even self-righteous, particularly since we won’t involve ourselves with any appearance of unrighteousness. So, John invites every believer to know that regardless of what fellowship we frequent, the household of faith must prioritize one another; for to say I love you is cheapened when consolation from one is needed, along with material needs to thereafter witness our mouths echo, “I’ll be praying for you” to then move on to a pursuit in happiness, while misery victimizes your brother or sister.

Father God, Your Truth says that You’ll never leave us, nor forsake us and whereas Your Truth also insists that we, Your followers seek to imitate You, may we cease lip service and serve You by serving others; forgetting about ourselves and concentrating on all You’ve provided through sending Your Only Son – Jesus, whereby we praise You for such Perfect rescue. In HIS Name we pray, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Don’t Pass Go!” G. Ward

 

John 10: ²⁹ My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. ³⁰ I and the Father are one.”

 

The foundation of belief to know Jesus as Lord, understands that HE was/is the essence of God; meaning HE shares the exact same divine nature, being, and attributes as God the Father. He is not a separate being or a lesser creation, but the full, eternal expression of God existing in human form. Unapologetically, a believer’s proclamation of such must begin and end on that note; for there’s no connectivity to Holy God otherwise (John 14:6) and whereas some intellectuals have examined, then confirmed the historical proofs of HIS existence, that admittance can deny that actuality (i.e., that HE was God in the flesh – John 1:1-3,14).

King David’s expression, “The Lord is my Shepherd” transcends every generation (in believer-ship), that lends security in earth to Heaven, even unfolding a united front of our Triune Maker (The Father, Son and Spirit), having purposed even, our response concerning our Blessed Hope onto any, particularly in view of so many who deny such security with insistence that our Jesus was merely a good man. As believers, we know that HE remains the Only Good One who has redeemed us and shall forever proclaim HIM – Faithful!

 

Lord God, mankind, from the beginning have encountered opposing factions, denying Your power. May our steps cease moving towards these, more believing in our influence, than hearing their denial, particularly when the foundational matter resolved before the foundation of the world has been settled. We honor You with the monumental commission given us, remembering to never move away from the security to know You will never leave, nor forsake us, through Jesus, Amen.  

 

Today’s Thought “No Matter What the People Say” 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.

 

Whereas our exposure to statements that remind us that God makes no mistakes, along with HE may not come when you want HIM, our desperate hearts, particularly upon points of misery presented, begs HIS attention as if HE needs to awaken to these earthly realities (cf. Matt.6:10, John 4:24) and while many may exercise in a rightful pursuit of Holy God (i.e., a daily, diligent investigation HIS Word), all need to know HIS thoughts and ways remain incomparably highest.

The global climate however, furthers in divisiveness and witnesses political leaders dedicating themselves to a “Robin Hood” theorizing, whereby its citizenry suffers in great lack. Moreover, this era has become compassionately aware of the less fortunate by more exercising sentiment of “what a shame” and someone needs to do something about this syndrome.

We’ve more sought to embrace our earthen posture as something to behold, although so temporal; even allowing religionists of sorts to impose on us what they perceive the Almighty wants us to know, versus freely sharing how HE has need of nothing, while yet desirous of a love relationship with everyone who’ll repent of their sins through Christ (2 Pe.3:9-10). All of God’s Word presented is a call to reorient our focus from temporary, worldly concerns to eternal, Christ-centered realities.

 

And Father God, may all stand amazed in their re-orientation of the Spirit’s demand, then follow. We’ve often denied every era before ours, that’s included many who’ve doubted Your Sovereign Control; so, may this day provided endeavor praise unto You for allowing greater personal pursuit of Your rule of us onto Heaven where troubles vanquish; because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “From the Bottom to the Top” G. Ward

2 Peter 1:²⁰ But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture becomes a matter of someone’s own interpretation, ²¹ for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

 

Little Black children from the baby-boomer generation (b.1946-1964) and before took no issue with a picture of a White Jesus on their wall and it was explained who HE was, along with being mandated to reverence HIM. So, early indoctrination with that reality, would disallow our hatred of every person (even though great racial prejudice was vivid). It now appears that this era exercises oversight with a great song sung – “We Shall Overcome” forgetting the very next word “someday.” Those lyrics pervaded scriptural boundary to know our Lord won’t be governed by those HE made, moving on HIS time and for HIS glory. Moreover, it taught us managerial resilience in/through all HE provided, leaving complaint and not coming down from the wall (i.e., from Nehemiah 6:3, where Nehemiah is rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and refuses to be sidetracked by his enemies' plots). Generations now and to come (perhaps) have deemed those many beforehand irrelevant; for the pace of society is at a moment’s demand, seemingly met with comparability of a perceived disinterest of the wheel’s invention and whereas our Lord gave us HIS book, the eternal script, its relevancy continues, no matter the wheel’s invention, or the robot (AI driven) – for Truth remains. Finally, and whereby some Black Americans feel biblically disenfranchised and whereas “geography” is no longer a class (educationally) pursued, study of Truth witnesses’ verses replete with Africans. So, no – the White man didn’t give us his religion, we were on the ships taken from our homeland, understanding Jesus saves…

 

Father God, Your salvation is indiscriminate and mankind’s heart is desperately wicked, unfolding Your Way as Supreme, incomparably so. We rejoice that although sufferings persist, we can hide in Thee. May we all, who believe, trust, then do what our Lord Jesus commissioned us for and teach Your Word so as to extinguish doubt. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 Today’s Thought “Don’t Take It Personal” G. Ward

 

Matthew 10: ²¹ “Now brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. ²² And you will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved.

 

These passages in Matthew 10 are the beginning of our Lord commissioning every disciple HE chose and even those He’ll choose (like you and me) to know of a difficult road ahead. Moreover, our Savior foretells an intense persecution for HIS followers, where allegiance to Him causes deep family divide—even betrayal, leading to death—along with universal hatred. Jesus warns that this opposition arises because of His name, not because they don’t like you, but because of a message that seeks to change them dramatically. However, those who endure to the end will receive salvation. That endurance desired must significantly observe HIS entire script, for it’s replete with many examples (like us) who endured great sufferings and experienced great failures, yet grateful for HIS unrelenting, forgiving guidance. Like them, we must endeavor greatest intimacy with Christ – through fervent acknowledgement (i.e., study) of HIS Truth. We must tire of attaining all the information in all HE says, but love HIM back by more obedience to what we read, for the obstacles ahead are too great to go it alone. 

 

Father God, we know Your Word as absolute and a Mighty Shelter and whereas our neglect to do what it says consistently exists, we desire to turn it around and institute faithfulness. May each of us cease to think of Your salvation as easy – by applying diligence towards Your Holy script. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Climate Change” G. Ward

 

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your Law.

 

Whether we as believers will realize it or not, Christianity is under attack and here’s how: Many are inclined to more believe that a varied message can co-exist with the eternal script God provided, even believing that there are contradictions therein, along with suggesting man wrote it and whereas our Lord used many authors to pen all HE’D say, other manuscripts have some level of error, through intelligible, but educated guessing primarily. Moreover, anything historical for this era is considered antiquated/irrelevant and verbally incited as something they would have changed (as if people of old had no militance).

Our continual exposure to what perceivably is a world with many truths and our listening to these speculations at a continuum can/will disallow our Lord’s Final Say So from being heard. So, you and me must distance ourselves from messaging harmful to our destiny, and insist on being in it, but not of it.

 

And Lord God, Your Word has continued throughout every generation of man as precedent for living. Mankind’s rebellion cannot add a cubit to our lives, nor grant an eternity with You, so may we find Your Holy Script as more than enough and vital to our existence in this weary land with ever-evolving truths, that are not truth at all. May more of Your Holy Script become our demand in/through every spectrum of our journey to be more like Christ our Redeemer, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Anticipating Sunday Morning” G. Ward

Hebrews 3: ¹³ But encourage one another every day, as long as it is still called “today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

Our era is witness to great criticism of Christian institutions at large, namely because of gross spiritual malfeasance found with few among the other 400,000 worship halls. This unrightful critique is mostly responsible unto defensive mechanisms shared, in why they’re not involved in a local fellowship and besides that, they’re not going to give all these greedy preachers their money syndrome. The Word of God grants us many warnings with such attitudes. The fellowship of faith, seeks to mature in God’s Word together, enabling a desired holiness to manifest in all we’ll do; particularly in view of HIS mercies presented and when we’ll fall short of extending rightful honor to our King, another involved in that same fellowship - kindly and gratefully restores us to the Way we desired at what was the peak in belief. They do so, very gently, for they know their own time of needful restoration may be near (*Gal.6:1-3). That’s why I don’t miss…

 

Lord God, we thank You for building Your church and allowing us to be part of that original plan. Many castigations of hypocrisy have become the tag of Your church, so, we must remember to honor You with faithfulness, because the same was given our Savior who walked perfectly. May our perseverance in You be evidenced among many for Your glory, as we thank Thee for the fellowship. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

 

Today’s Thought “Life’s Balance Sheet” G. Ward

 

Philippians 3: ⁷ But whatever things were gain to me, these things I have counted as loss because of Christ. ⁸ More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ,

 

The Apostle Paul demonstrably signifies that an old life in religious superiority, including being esteemed by man and being deemed highest in greatest intellect for his era by his compatriots, along with birthed impeccably a Jew. His new life however, given him by Christ, unfolded a personal relationship with One he’d oppose; for his zeal for Holy God, never considered this Jesus as ultimate hope for divine redemption and whereas our Savior looked beyond his faults, his spiritual question of “what would Thou have me to do” re-birthed one of God’s greatest servants. Thereafter, all he’d be inspired by the Almighty to write for the churches would embody that all human effort and worldly accolades are absolutely worthless when placed side-by-side with the majesty and grace of knowing Jesus.

May we all assess what is profitable, that is our Savior knowing us, to then honor Himself in using us for HIS glory; for everything outside that reality is loss.

And Lord God, it’s truly good to know how You used bad characters to unfold that nothing is too difficult for You and because You called out our disobedience through all Christ offered, our new desire is an aim in blamelessness, that is to deny any portion of deceitfulness, by personal conveyance in how Your yoke remains easy, by casting all our cares towards Your unlimited capacity to forgive and restore us where every point of slippage may exist. For all we desire is to bless Your Holy Name, through Jesus, Amen.  

 

Today’s Thought “250 Years: Ageless Forgetfulness” G. Ward

Jeremiah 29

 ⁷ Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity.

 

Whereas the Prophet Jeremiah spoke on behalf of the Almighty and in no way meant for these exiled, to become so entirely enamored with any land (while away from their homeland), there was that elephant in the room that should have compelled their recall in what landed them in such a strange land(?). God sent HIS people into exile primarily as a punishment for their sins, particularly idolatry and disobedience. Surely, humility to know of a consequence of such reprehensible behavior surfaced in their mindsets? The Prophet Isaiah shared how Israel was chosen for no apparent reason, but solely through God’s Sovereignty, He’d demand HIS people invite other nations to also address HIM, their Creator rightfully (*Isa.49:6).

The Unchanging LORD, is yet calling HIS own; those of us who proclaim HIM – Lord, while existing in this temporary place, awaiting home. So, we must guard our citizenship in Heaven through obedience. May the beginning of this week be revived in you, so the embodiment of Christ righteousness would be the view from any of your encounters; for this is a reasonable endeavor in view of our Lord’s grace and mercy towards you and me.

And Lord God, may our humility rise to understand Your faithfulness calls us to be entirely sacrificial and selfless; for we cannot receive such a gift (through Christ) to then refuse to throw Your lifeline to another needing rescuing. Failure, Lord God, to do what was commanded directly following our Lord’s resurrection remains the chieftain of violations, so we seek Your forgiveness and restoration, thanking You for enabling our soul’s revival through Christ, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Bombastic Partying” G. Ward

 

Amos 5: ²¹ “I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your festive assemblies.

 

The Prophet Amos, God’s confrontational specialist, would even be less popular than ever as he’d reveal the Almighty’s perspective on religious festivals, along with what appeared to be great worship of sorts. HE Alone would see their hearts of disobedience, injustice and oppression towards their fellow man. America won’t go long without such celebratory regard in the same. We love to party, but forget Who’s at watch. It appears we’ve not improved much over the centuries. We can be equally contemptuous in how we correlate to Holy God, mostly as we’ll need HIM, forgetting the intensive price our Savior paid - so costly. I’d encourage each of you to not look at what others are doing wrong when hearing such, but to look within to see where you’re falling short and beg our Lord’s pardon and live accordingly.

 

Father God, Your patience with love is remarkable! May our awakening involve great reflection in how good You’ve been to us and leave out so much word service and offer internal exchange that witnesses Your will found in Your Word and make ourselves available to it, through peace with hospitality, even to those seemingly undeserving – particularly since our Lord Jesus gave His all, that we’d be HIS vessels, useful and productive. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Grandmother’s Hug” G. Ward

 

Psalm 46:10

“Stop striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted on the earth.”

 

This verse is part of a song that assures any to know that God’s plans won’t be thwarted and while many wait on explanation in why perfect environments don’t exist, neglect to investigate the chronicles of God, perhaps in their estimation would take far too long. Moreover, whatever any will say regarding troubles in my way, won’t ever satisfy – for we’ve been taught to not entertain pain of sorts, versus the spirit of endurance that trusts in the LORD.

The American way (in such estimation aforementioned), forgets HE is still loving the world and whereas many inhabitants, from numerous regions awakened to another day without clean drinking water, along with not having several breakfast choices, our perceptions in being blessed can certainly be happenstance over endowment from the Holy One; in that, believers are blessed to be a blessing (Ge.12:2, 22:18, Prov.11:25).

 

Father God, our review in Your Truth affords our new captivity to see others exposed in lesser conditions, to thereafter insist on being a partner of Your fellowship that ensures others know of Your care of them won’t depart. May every believer more adjust towards intentional contentment, whether abased or with abundance; particularly as we know You to be our Mighty Shelter in every storm of Life, all because of Jesus. Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “The Abundant Life” G. Ward

Luke 5: ⁴ Now when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” ⁵ Simon responded and said, “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.” ⁶ And when they had done this, they caught a great quantity of fish, and their nets began to tear; ⁷ so they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both of the boats, to the point that they were sinking. ⁸ But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!”

 

Whereas to be a fisherman was with comparability of a garbage collector’s perception and some who’ve portrayed both these vocations as less significant, until they desire fish to eat (which was very common to diets then and now), along with great expectation of pick-up for smelly trash accumulation at one’s residence – desperately needing to be retrieved and altogether proves a foolish estimation in who may be worthy to be deemed significant, is as wavering as mankind’s pursuit of happiness.

Simon Peter, prior to Jesus and dependent on such a catch (while perhaps never exposed to anything remotely as what he witnessed), could have paid his bills for a month, along with taking his wife out for fine dining, but was absolutely overwhelmed to have encountered his Perfect Redeemer and thereafter hang his head (without cognition), feeling so unworthy to be in the presence of the Holy One.

Question: Are we too familiar with King Jesus; approaching HIS throne as if we’re so deserving (*Eccl.5:1-2)?

 

Lord God, we’re confident of Your presence, yet reverently in tune to You as Holy and so recognize a need to repent because we’ve been indifferent to Your will that commands us and so we’re determining need for many pauses throughout this Your day provided, that enables knowledge of Your unrelenting presence, along with wisdom exercised to ensure Your will be done. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

 

Today’s Thought “The Grip of Grace” G. Ward

Colossians 1:9

For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

 

What was the reasoning for so much prayer? It was great commendation to never move away from the purpose of existing after salvation’s experience, that is the joy in being known by the Magnificent Savior-Jesus and knowing that because HE forgave me for my every indiscretion, He will/can do for any. Spiritual commendation in the Word of God is always established on obedience and when/if our desire is to please God and not man, we’re assuredly on the right track. It’s therefore incumbent on any who believe to obey and whereas our Lord has provided the way of escape from death and punishment, compelling us to testify to what HE can do for another, by teaching them HIS commands and not what you’ve done, may your day say yes; not in mouthy expression, but in availability to another in sharing the Truth of His Word?

Father God, we don’t live for the ceremonial award presentation, but in the meditation where You rescued us and we’re guilty of offering great praise without affording another that same expression. So, may we all find another to establish in the foundational fact of Jesus loving them also and give freely that to WHO can/will redeem them - indiscriminate to who they are, as the Spirit changes us into better vessels than days before, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “I Shall Not be Moved” G. Ward

 

Deuteronomy 9:1 “Hear, Israel! You are crossing the Jordan today, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than you, cities that are great and fortified to heaven, ² a people who are great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know and of whom you have heard it said, ‘Who can stand against the sons of Anak?’ 

 

These verses concerned Israel’s inheritance of a Promised Land so very threatening. They’d view (from afar) a people existent in that land with incredible size and strength (Nu.13:25-29) and would naturally doubt their ability to conquer these people; equating Moses’ instruction as insufficient as victims of homelessness against a settled and fortified people. Moreover, they would immediately adjourn to thoughts of lack in military might, versus what v.3 would say (“So be aware today that it is the Lord your God who is crossing over ahead of you as a consuming fire. He will destroy them and He will subdue them before you, so that you may drive them out and eliminate them quickly, just as the Lord has spoken to you.”).

Our Lord’s Sovereign Control remains and our following Christ is synonymous with our travailing in a wilderness experience as strangers in this land, not ours, and whereas it’ll appear so very threatening at times, the “sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Ro.8:18). Our Lord has prepared a Perfect Home for us.

 

Lord God, may our eyes continue to see dimly, for soon the brightest day, shall continue forever and ever and so, we live unto that blessed hope, consumed in Your goodness, and persuading others to persevere in Jesus – although trials persist. For HIS burden remains light. May HE forever be praised, Amen. 

 

Today’s Thought “The Snowball Effect” G. Ward

1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.

 

Leadership is compelling, in that it should set a tone for greatest character, perseverance in conviction, along with compassionate care for those we’re responsible unto and whereas King David (like others) experienced periodic lapse in these areas (common to humanity), he’d desire the Lord receive all the glory and honor in/through his every endeavor, although the Almighty disallowed him opportunity to build the Temple, but chose his son Solomon instead (*1 Chron.22:8). David’s sincerity to establish a house for Holy God was more realized, particularly as he’d give generously to such a project without limits (29:2-5) and his exemplary freewill giving, became causation for many (both leaders and commoners) to also embody great generosity.

While we’re compelled not to sound the trumpet when giving (Matt.6:1-4), a generous soul’s efforts will become evident, to prayerfully witness others to exemplify Jesus’ words, “it’s better to give than to receive.”

 

Father God, may we know that while You have no need of anything, sacrificial giving is worship of You. It’s Your generosity that first gave and whereas each of us have been given a kingdom that witnesses Jesus as Lord, may our stewardship increase that ensures others know how You alone are worthy of all praise. May we adjust immediately to our being Your temple in earth, extending every opportunity for others to carry the riches of Your grace wherever we go, In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “The Sheep Gate” G. Ward

Romans 9:15

¹⁵ For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whomever I have mercy, and I will show compassion to whomever I show compassion.”

 

The Almighty’s Way is significantly different from ours and we praise for that. Moreover, we’ve been chosen, not because we’ve offered anything (including talent, nor intellect), while assured that our own sins allowed Calvary’s cross; whereby the King of kings, our Savior, gave generously and completely and the Spirit having taught us how the foundation of such grace is marvelously sufficient and we’re feeding each day on that actuality. Each day granted compels us as followers to cease assessing what’s wrong with people made by our Creator, for HE’S shared that dilemma. Our hearts were/are the problem (Jer.17:9-10). HE said they’re desperately wicked and only HE can perform the surgery necessary that obliterates its contamination. Therefore, when we view such spiritual disconnect from any, we should see ourselves, to then share what’s been afforded us (2 Cor.5:16).

 

Father God, You keep us constrained, because our natural capacities lack consistent faithfulness that compels every disciple, Your vessels, to proclaim the portion giving us victory and that distribution must never determine another’s worthiness, for ALL fall short. So, may our gratefulness, more celebrate Your shelter from arrogance to mercy – through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Asleep and Missed the Bus” G. Ward

Revelation 21:2-4

And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

 

The imagery written for the believer’s joy, while in a strange land exists for our meditations that leads to gratefulness in activity. We must never cease striving to praise our Lord for HIS great preparation long ago that included you and me. To know of such a perfect, eternal abode where sorrows will be extinguished by permanent joy and peace, anticipates rightly – as a song of old exists that invites any, by asking, “Don’t You Want to go to that Land, Where I’m bound?”

 

Father God, Your orchestration of the final ceremony of redemption provided by Christ is with incredible splendor, while desirous of mankind’s surrender to King Jesus; even appointing us, Your church, as carriers of Truth and causing our heads to hang low through interrogative observation in not having been our best, yet understanding the day given is young and You keep providing breath. So, may we rise to witness Your will being done – ALL because of Jesus, Amen.