Today’s Thought “Security Force Provided to Any” G. Ward

 

Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

Our prayers can encompass great supplication that seeks to inform Holy God about earthen realities and whereas our Lord Jesus would teach every follower of Himself. a rightful practice, worthy to embody at Matthew chapter 6, He’d first invite us to know “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Moreover, we must insist on greater trust by furthering, “Your will be done.”

The Almighty has proven to be the safest refuge and although troubles have potential to overwhelm our souls, to know of HIS continued presence, overwhelms our trials, extending greatest comfort to know HE remains present.

 

Father God, confidence in this reality is established by a daily pursuit of desired adherence to Your written Word. It’s there that we’ll find characters once horribly occupied in horrendous sin, to then call on Your Name through repentance and find grace. So, may we know a continued comfort exists for us, particularly that to which grants us peace, while trials persist, to know You won’t ever forsake us, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “All That I AM” G. Ward

 

Psalm 16:8, “I have set Yahweh continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

 

The study of man, anthropology, involves a holistic approach in assessing who we are and have been historically and whereas the psalmist acts as an anthropologist would, and thereafter never desire a repeat of living on his own whim and desire, he’d express an urgent need towards intimacy with his greatest Treasure, Holy God. Moreover, his recall of an old life, with all its ebbs and flows, that is, its pattern of coming and going, or rising and falling, more craved a life closer to God that brings true stability and peace; to then proclaim a spiritual, imaginative vision, fixated on the Almighty – standing there at his side.

We’d all do well to know as the psalmist portrayed at division 139, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

 

And Father God, we don’t ever want to imagine Your presence vacating ours; so, may we learn more of Your omnipresence and decide that every deed, along with our every word from this journey You proposed for in through Christ – rise to grace presented, that we’d be useful and productive enabling Heaven’s delight in each day granted, and never let go of Your unchanging hand, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Walking and Talking Zombies” G. Ward

1 John 5:12

He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have that life.

 

Believing in Jesus realizes HE is All-Wisdom and desiring HIS forgiveness for oversight in thinking I could rightly govern myself; after all, HE gave me a brain syndrome and although that epithet holds true, it’s contained in great limitation. Therefore, it’s incumbent on my limited ability to know what’s best for me; particularly since mankind is more taught by a hit and miss presumptive practice appearing to know, but is with comparability in playing roulette, to then lose considerably over and over again. Instead, to know HIM, trusts in His sacrifice, and welcomes Him into your heart, desiring to sin no more. If I come as I’ve been, there must be expectation in how He’ll change me and that change will come incrementally, when I investigate that Sacrifice made for me, despite my ongoing feud with flesh.

 

And Lord God, I’m so entirely thankful for this reflection point offered, knowing it’s not merely a great idea, but a lifestyle of depending on the Perfect One, who absolutely knows what’s best and whereas HE’S my Hero, my meditations rejoice for having HIM on my side. I know more than ever before, HE won’t leave me, creating in me a rightful spirit to remain in HIM. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “No Need to Explain” G. Ward

 

Proverbs 10:19 “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who holds back his lips has insight.”

 

It’s said “the squeaky wheel gets the grease,” meaning, people who complain the loudest or make the most noise are the ones who get attention, help, or what they want, while quiet people get ignored and whereas believers seek to follow Christ’s example, who embodied ensuring HIS words would draw attention to the Father’s regard, even modeling prayer early each morning, lending endurance to the many trials ahead (Mark 1:35) and thereafter compelling every learner to know we’re not made higher than HE (John 15:20), it’s become our charge towards a rightful perseverance through/in HIS example; avoiding every opportunity towards being defensive, even expectant to critical behaviors from others, prepared to pardon their indiscretions as HE did ours; remembering, HE told us, our war is not with others as we suppose (Eph.6:12).

We won’t convince others of this peaceable surrender by our many words, perceived so eloquent, but our love demonstrated may certainly persuade them to know HE desires their repentance also (Matt.5:16, John 13:34-35).

 

Father God, from the beginning You knew of our fragility, proposing Perfect guidance and whereas every generation of man sought relying on their insufficiency and landing in all sorts of troubles, You sent our Perfect Example- Jesus. Our desire is to never rebel against this Savior; by unfolding, daily so, along with praying HIS Spirit of endurance, the words of eternality – that disquiets our verbiage and relies on HIS presence to cheer and to guide, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “I’m Resembling My Savior More Each Day” G. Ward

 

Matthew 6: ¹⁶ “Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. ¹⁷ But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, ¹⁸ so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

 

A personal relationship with God through Christ never meant one should keep their strongest conviction to oneself, but that any would absolutely proclaim their complete dependence on the Lord Jesus. However, that trust, is with a spiritual ratio significantly more weighty on the front (which maintains an insistence to not be seen along with Christ, but ensures HE receives all the glory, as HE grants you and me life in earth to proclaim HIM), versus a wrongful back end, replete with religiosity with boasts in how I made it and whereas Christ knew HIS audience had some zealous members, eager to share with everyone how they were fasting, even with appearances so entirely skeletal, Jesus’ instruction insisted they do all they could to not be seen for what they do, but all grace and mercy would offer from the Almighty’s Throne.

May we disquiet all our accomplishments, to more exact – “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Gal.2:20).

 

Father God, may that desire, rise to the day’s occasion which includes Your imposed instruction for us to become Your teachers in accordance to all we know about this Wonderful Savior and may we never regard how little we know against who perceivably is a greater theologian, but teach every portion with eternal significance, for Your Word is great and You remain greatly to be praised, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “When One Sips at the Cup of Mediocrity” G. Ward

 

Revelation 3: ¹⁵ ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

 

The city of our Lord’s discourse would draw a contrast of their water supply which ran through conduits warm and nauseating, and whereas a nearby city enjoyed both refreshing cold streams or healing hot springs, this actuality would catch their attention to know their arrogance, self-reliance and complacency was known by HIM and to that end we must understand HE’S still the same God. Therefore, the day presented, with all its magnificent planning, even concerns itself unto a weekend, with all its selfish delight, should more ask, what can I render to You, Lord? Instead, too many will suggest, “this is my money – I worked hard for, so I’ll do as I please!” HIS answer is with the similitude of what it means to say, “I will vomit you out of My mouth.” As the unpleasant taste of water existed in Laodicea, causing its residents to immediately spit it up, our Lord has no part in self-preservation and whereas HIS patience with any is evidenced by the new day presented, perhaps some may not experience another day’s journey – for HE owns the air…

 

Father God, while those of us who’ve experienced Your forgiveness are so grateful, we’re not satisfied with those waddling in impure waters and whereas we desire taking them to Jesus, our Lord, where thirst unto any can be no more, we ask that our plans be significantly reverted to the best plan, as You direct us to them and our sharing would be ongoing, until they’re able to take another by the hand and become part of Your sweet fellowship. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Obscured Through My Savior’s Care” G. Ward

 

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

 

When a man is faced with an imminent death, he won’t hold to his value system pertinent to politics, social activism, or global unification, but he’ll either embody fear from what he’s never been exposed, or confidence and perhaps the lack of to know of an eternal destiny. If the latter exists, where no confidence or trust abides, perhaps those messages from childhood, then adolescence to manhood concerning the Way of the Lord may surface and as natural men begin to contemplate a few good things endeavored, or points of generosity unto others may rise to consciousness, he may consider that sufficient onto Heaven, but that WON’T QUALIFY ANY.

What any perceive about Holy God, must be verified in HIS Word and whereas a few of us undeserving of such mercy and grace from HIS throne has us contained in trusting HIM in every way, we seek to breathe HIS peace, intentionally so, to another that never imagined they too could have a love relationship, so intimate with God Almighty through Christ.

 

Father God, You’ve given us access to Your room no one could enter and whereas Your Only Righteous Son, Jesus gave that access necessary by giving HIS life in our stead, even rising in the glorious occasion, proclaiming ALL POWER is HIS in earth and Heaven, we welcome HIS assigning us and are comfortable with embodying HIS attitude, giving generously and compassionately because of all HE did and does, thanking You for Your Holy, Incomparable gift, Jesus, our Lord, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “They Got What THEY Deserved?” G. Ward

 

Obadiah 1

¹² Do not gloat over your brother’s day, The day of his misfortune. And do not rejoice over the sons of Judah on the day of their destruction; Yes, do not boast
On the day of their distress.

 

This verse highlights Edom's pride and lack of compassion, showing they profited from their kin's disaster instead of showing empathy, a sin for which God promises judgment, mirroring the principle that "as you have done, it shall be done to you". 

Each of us have squabbles with those we love, but if/when our desire is to see their emotional pain when the thing you may have said becomes true, or if nothing was said, but they despise you for just existing and give you grief each time you encounter them and your rejoicing when the same plight is given them – go to Holy God immediately and witness the price paid for your own sinfulness and how it still violates the Wonderful Savior, when you fail to observe HIS way in everything, yet HE keeps reaching for you.

 

Father God, our ways are corrupt and You’ve determined there is no righteousness found in us apart from Jesus having given us HIS very own. We have no excuse after confessing our sins unto HIM; because, we’ve been given HIS life to witness and whereby HE was opposite of our impractical way, we desire Your Makeover. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Artificial Intelligence Pursued” G. Ward

 

Hebrews 13:⁸ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. 

 

The moral principles of God’s Word are eternal and believers are HIS representatives in earth to significantly portray these mandates can be done with joy, assuring peace of HIS presence, as we remain steadfast followers amidst an ever-evolving society.

The prior verses to our theme signify a variety of spiritual institutions to consider a reasonable approach in sacrifice and that consideration (for you and me) should always culminate with imitating our Lord Jesus’ example. For HE never sought to merge the highest standard from the Truth of God’s Word with what appeared to be a progressive era, but was always found faithful. Moreover, HE determined that what was proposed for those created by the Almighty should submit to that reign and rule, because the presumption from man is gladly received but for a season and God’s Word is perfect and forever.

The moral code for mankind, established by Holy God is timeless, transcending every generation and we ought not think too highly of modern technology, along with information’s availability at a moment’s notice to suggest we’ve arrived; for soon we’ll all be faced with departure from this weary land, desiring an eternity with HIM, to have never practiced how we’ve placed our complete trust in this All-Wise Savior.

 

Father God, may our blessed assurance rise to the occasion of why today was granted. Redemption from sin given by Christ demanded that greatest sacrifice and now demands ours. So, may we be more intentional than yesterday and find another to instruct, so they also can journey to know what’s been provided them by our Gracious Lord, confidently standing on HIS promises onto an eternity with HIM, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Selflessness: An Uncommon Posture” G. Ward

 

1 Peter 4:1 “Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, ² so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God.”

 

The goal of the believer’s confession of his or her own sins forgiven was met by Christ, who suffered, enough so, that disallowed any effort from us through such reconciliation unto Holy God. With such a gift of grace, any should immediately and often ask the question, what shall I render to this Savior who has no need of anything (?) and whereas our Lord’s Truth records, “to obey is better than sacrifice,” it means that doing what God demands is far more important than offering religious gifts or rituals, especially when someone tries to use sacrifices to make up for disobeying God's direct commands. Obedience, is a silent, humbled partner and at the forefront of its compliance, will regard all Christ endured (i.e., including HIS dying), along with HIS generosity in merciful kindness; always putting others ahead of Himself. When that meditation becomes a daily, ongoing reflection, a believer’s life prepares not for more years in earth, void of sufferings, but welcomes them; in view of the home HE prepared for them – whereby the threat of death and troubles are non-existent.

 

Father God, Your plan from the beginning involved this Gift of Jesus and our praise won’t cease to know You had us in mind before the foundation of the world. This day, wishes You a great morning, along with delighting in wherever You take us and proclaiming Your tender mercy to whoever; praying that Your church be revived in the greatest spiritual reality that Christ paid it all, and rendered the perfect example in endurance; in HIS Name we pray, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “What You See, Is What You Get” G. Ward

 

Psalm 119:160, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments is everlasting.”

 

I must admit how troubled I’ve been for other’s consideration of perceived, co-equal manuscripts prioritized over God’s Word. I’m an avid reader of most anything, amazed even at qualitative authorship from many, but I’ve experienced the joy to know what our Lord supplied when HE said, “My peace I give you; not as the world gives” and that my friends is known solely through the Word of Truth. Moreover, we’ll need to more understand it as final authority, particularly as we unfold more of its reality that says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words are forever.”

If as believers, we’re people of eternity, dependent on our Lord’s sustenance in everything, the assurance of HIS presence as we journey in/through this strange and weary land, won’t happen mystically, but only through a daily consultation mandated by our Creator.

 

And Lord God, we pray for one another, that each of us “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that we may be filled to all the fullness of God” and become more prepared to proclaim HIS grace and mercy, as HIS words grant us security and comfort onto endurance. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “First Day of School with an Empty Backpack” G. Ward

John 15: ²⁰ Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they followed My word, they will follow yours also.

 

Televangelist Kenneth Copeland’s eldest son, is with a recent video expressive in how he doesn’t question God, but won’t understand why his parents are in a debilitative state of health although months away from being 90 years old. Moreover, that same son (in his 60’s) would proclaim “this ain’t right” for my parents to be in such pain. He then would state, “we still speak faith.” The grand-daughter then chimes in to suggest that her Pa-Pa was recently on her podcast to say her grandfather taught her that his healing already took place on the cross over 2000 years ago and he’s just waiting for his body to catch up and many don’t like such an answer. Both are begging for answers (cf. Jas.3:13-16).

Millions have ascribed to these kinds of ministries, very ill-prepared for life’s actualities (*1 Pe.4:12-13); even passing opportunity to carefully examine our Lord’s choosing those first disciples and whereas that listing at Matthew 10 were all killed for their faith, with the exception of Judas Iscariot, who died by suicide and John, traditionally believed to have died of old age, we must prepare (*Matt.16:24). By true faith in Christ, these who placed implicit trust in the Savior live eternally and weren’t taught an attachment to a strange land, but to more exist as a citizen of Heaven (Phil.3:20).

Follow-ship of shiny presentations with demand from charismatic leaders, nullifies “to God be the glory…”

 

Father God, those proposing to be teachers are certainly held to a stricter judgment that none should desire, but exorbitant lifestyles overwhelm spiritual sensibility. So, on today, we pray for the Copeland family, to absolutely witness Truth in their time of need, so as to identify with repentance unto Your lordship, so others may be significantly changed, not for mere popularity’s sake, but because You desire their repentance, through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “The Greatest Prayer: Thank YOU Lord!” G. Ward

 

Psalm 116: ⁵ Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is compassionate. ⁶ The Lord watches over the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

 

While this entire psalm celebrates a love relationship with Holy God, particularly as he’d cry our in utter distress, I want to pay attention to his ending remarks; for they embody desire to do the Father’s will. The psalmist asks, "What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits toward me?" His resolve was to lift the cup of salvation, and proclaim the Lord as One, even if things wouldn’t deliver a reprieve on his own terms, but to know that above all he was afforded a true refuge where ultimate comfort exists. His thanksgiving assured the Lord that never letting go of God’s unchanging hand, would prayerfully serve as a witness to others how living a godly life is easy when a soul has determined I’m a representative of the Holy ONE.

 So, although we know, God has need of nothing, may the service we offer, serve others sacrificially and faithfully, remembering to remain in the shelter HE provides. What a joy to call HIM, Father!

 

And Lord God, we first marvel in how many examples of fallen individuals like us, exists from Genesis to Revelation and whereas like us, rebellion was their middle name, many found their way to surrendering to Your care for them, despite their wavering souls. May we, before every word or deed becomes our demand, remember our Lord Jesus, how HE without hesitance offered Himself in our stead, although entirely innocent, that condemnation from You would never be ours and then determine our every proclamation would speak as though You were speaking, all because of Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Kitchen Table Talk” G. Ward

James 1:22

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.

 

We sang a song many years ago that asked a question, “Don’t You Want to Go to that Land, Where I’m Bound(?)” and whereas those lyrics were so entirely melodious, even compelling an audiences’ evaluation of an inevitable eternity with or without Almighty God it can mostly embody an inadequate substitute for sharing the gospel of Christ with its glorious implications. The Truth of God’s Word mandates believers to profoundly teach one lacking (daily) intimacy with Christ – that is, HIS commands (Matt.28:19). Moreover, our Lord would also compel every believer as HIS missionary, because a person cannot believe in Christ if they have never been told about who He is and what He has done and it’s our responsibility to offer that unmerited favor of HIS presentation (Ro.10:14). It however, has become more apparent that our commission by such a Gracious Savior has become the biggest violation for us; for our words are cheapened by great lack in activity. We’re blessed and highly favored, while neglecting to share that same reality with others, in how they too can be (Matt.7:13-14). This day presented won’t call for wearing “sackcloth and ashes” due to inactivity, just repentance; for HE remains our generous, merciful Lord – prepared to extend a second chance.

 

Father God, the Way of the Lord is greatly to be praised and so we ask that our godly sorrow rise to the occasion in all Christ offered, proclaiming HIS sufficiency to any, erasing speculations and presumption unto every mindset by teaching how Jesus correlated in the earth HE made and did so perfectly. May our yes be overshadowed by intentionality to put others interests ahead of our own. In Jesus Name, Amen.