Today’s Thought “Throwing the First Stone” G. Ward

 

1 John 3: ¹¹ For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we are to love one another.

 

Genuine love for fellow believers acts as proof that a person has moved from spiritual death into eternal life and whereas we know what our Savior endeavored to forgive our sins, including being hated while innocently proclaiming HIS Father’s plan from the beginning, our commissioning would be similar (John 15:20). Therefore, our clinging to that rugged cross (given us) involves an uneasy road ahead, requiring interdependence from other like-minded believers (Eccl.4:9-12) for periodic encouragement is needed (Heb.10:25). Soon, and because few are involved with the Truth of this spiritual quest, love for the brethren increases and believers exact our Lord’s demand, “By this (love) all people will know that you are My disciples.”

 

Father God, we’re here temporarily to reflect Your character as Holy and whereas You’ve granted us every spiritual blessing to do so, we seek Your blessing as we endeavor all it shall mean to thrive as representatives of Your commands while in a weary land, preparing each day in accordance to how our Lord Jesus endured and following HIS perfect example, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Simple Math” G. Ward

Revelation 21: ¹⁸ I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; ¹⁹ and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

 

Complete honesty and respect for God's message is the eternal demand given mankind. Here’s what that’ll mean; One must not invent new prophecies, or twist the text to fit personal agendas, or falsely claim God said something He did not and whereas the airwaves are filled with religious zealots invading Holy space by seeking fame and fortune; true missionaries maintain the words in Jesus’ preparation that says, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you…”

Pursuing Truth without sensationalism lends great joy and peace, even establishing greatest confidence in HIS abiding with us wherever we venture, assuring that the HOME HE prepared for us, assuredly includes us.

 

So, Father God, whereas we know You as All-Wise and All-Power, our trust is established by the daily pursuit in Your Word where absolute Truth lives. May that faith grow exponentially so, as we proclaim to all the excellence You’ve allowed in our approach to Your Mighty Throne, through Jesus our Lord, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Mama Said, Eat Your Liver” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 10: ²³ All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. 

 

Legalism in a biblical context is the mistaken belief that people can earn or keep God's favor, salvation, or attain towards spiritual maturity by strict adherence through having read perceived Truth from Holy God’s script and whereas to know Jesus was/is the fulfillment of the Law, means to know the Almighty’s standard won’t accept futile efforts of man, so inconsistent in compliance, Christ, would follow those precepts perfectly, allowing our sweet communion with the Father (John 14:6). The apostle, having penned this letter through Divine inspiration, would share liberty in Christ, but not that which violates another’s potential to follow our Lord’s perfect way. For example, many won’t eat pork, because all their lives they were told it was absolutely forbidden and whereas they affirm the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, confessing their sins through repentance, but maintain some dietary constraint, perhaps our Lord will open the door for you and me to aid their inaccuracy(?), but if I insist on eating smothered pork chops in their presence, it’s become abhorrently offensive to them and may ruin a witness.

 

Father God, the attitude of Christ was intentionally compassionate and sacrificial and whereas we’re called to follow HIS example and lead, we’re deciding to trust in all HE administered. Our light within was given by the Savior to point others to HIM and disquiet the darkness having consumed those lost. So, may our every word and action, live in the standard You determined as absolute, as we joyously say, it’s more than enough and give freely Your highest standard to any deficient in knowing – our Lord Jesus paid it all (*Col.2:13-14)! Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Artificial Intelligence: The Hoax” G. Ward

 

Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” What will HE do? Verse 7 says, “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not get upset because of one who is successful in his way, because of the person who carries out wicked schemes.”

Both verses compel those who’ve placed their trust in the Lord’s redemption to surrender our life choices and worries completely to God, trusting Him to handle the results, and remain still and patient instead of being reactionary. The demand for new and improved by the populous on most anything is the culprit for this recent and actual warning from A.I.’s best corporate visionaries. There’s a presumption – suggestive in their witness to the pace of this ingenuity moving far too swiftly and whereas most systems are/have become reliant on this artificial intelligence, even anticipating its ability to draw from all information ever recorded that may inevitably witness cancer’s cure, society, at large have crowned Mr. A.I., KING (cf.1 Sa.8:4-20).

From the beginning, the Almighty sanctioned mankind’s exploration of things helpful for this earthen journey, for HE is the Inventor; but as the only constraint from the forbidden tree scenario exists, with its enticing fruit as a clear warning, dependence on devices is the same that may soon witness - lights out!

 

Father God, from the beginning, You made the light and darkness, so, may we enlarge our spiritual perception of You as our Great Shepherd, who won’t leave us and may that mighty shelter You provide more understand how trials aren’t lasting and teach that surrender to another overcome in anxiety and fear, that enables trust in Jesus now and forevermore, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Opposite of Worldly Standards” G. Ward

 

Philippians 2:1-2

“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”

 

Whereas to differentiate between a Christian against another un-surrendered, can be difficult because many are very kind, compassionate people with, or without surrender to Christ. That kind of contrasting is insignificant to believers, because we know our light must shine brightly because of Jesus in us and therefore compels us towards a practice of an attitude like our Selfless Savior’s – no matter the pace of society or indiscretions of man. Moreover, our focus as believers is to absolutely recall how Christ experienced greatest oppression, yet never embodied a mindset of retribution that despised those persecutors, but meditations on how He’d soon give HIS life for them along with you and me and whereas Christ set the high bar in putting others ahead of Himself, that demand is now ours.

 

Father God, it’s difficult to conceptualize how Great a Savior we have until we adjourn to the sanctuary of our mindset and whereas that mystery for us is unfolded and we know of HIS love towards us wasn’t contingent on our correcting the many transgressions of Your Holy script, but placing implicit trust in Jesus, who satisfied every requirement. So, we say thank You for being so much more than we ever thought could exist; a day-to-day privilege to call You, Father. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Recruiting Sharpshooters” G. Ward

 

Deuteronomy 18: ²⁰ But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name, a word which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.

 

While many presume to speak for Holy God, their words, many times, fail to echo what’s found from Genesis to Revelation and even when there’s quoting of such, context can be violated, that absolutely distorts its impact in Truth. Moreover, the sayer’s knowledge of so many impressed with their perceived eloquence, works vigorously to keep the masses confounded by intentionally finding passages befitting to their greed. Throughout Holy God’s compilation of Truth, great warning is given regarding trust of man; so much so, that true prophets’ prefacing would most always begin with the Lord says, inviting those listeners to potential judgment when compliance to HIS demands were violated; yet, many times, these warnings offered a proposed return to the Lord’s way. If/when a presumed minister of Truth is always sharing great things ahead (particularly when an auditorium may contain 50 or more), against God’s “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven,” the demand for these may not be as what’s given them from the Old Testament – to be stoned to death, but an imminent eternity in torment may be.

 

Father God, whereas more discernment is needed than before, many have to first decide that the Truth of Your Word is Life. May we who know the journey You provide for us depends on that Truth as any parched desires water. May our intentional witness more gather those vulnerable to trickery of the false prophet than ever before and then teach all Your commands, giving You all the glory and honor, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Straight Talk” G. Ward

 

2 Peter 2:1, “But false prophets also appeared among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.”

 

Whereas it’s said that “many are called, but few are chosen,” we’ve now become witnesses to that reality. It’s given in such measurement because of a demand from so many to be entertained by eloquence over substance, along with masses being embittered with so many struggles of times past – entirely unresolved and seemingly without answers so contrary to today’s jargon that says don’t claim miseries of sorts, instead, just speak your demands. Moreover, spiritual, historical realities from God’s Word are/have become the sole responsibility of the pulpiteers’ explanation and whereas those who’ve placed their trust in the Lord Jesus are told to weigh everything heard (Ac.17:11, 1 John 4:1), so many rather trust in these princes. Our Lord Jesus insisted we know that none are to be exempt from great sufferings of sorts (John 15:20), but more consider an assurance of HIS unrelenting presence. Therefore, we’re called to disallow every false teacher’s penetration of fanciful distortions of biblical truth, that lead people away from genuine faith in Christ and keep the vulnerable depending on them.

 

And Lord God, we need the Truth of Your Word to reign supreme in every mindset that unfolds a personal determination to build confidence in all You instruct and whereas we’re to extend honor to Your teachers of Truth, implicit trust belongs to YOU. We ask that You bless our pursuit in Your Word for Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Lending Inspiration” G. Ward

 

Titus 2:2, “Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.”

 

In faith through Christ, there’s an ongoing, daily pursuit in HIS Word that allows a dignified approach to all we’ll say and do; after all, we’re significantly owned by this Savior, who exemplified every moral attribute HE requires from us, so HE’S not insisting on these attitudinal demands pretentiously; for HE knows the difficult road ahead. Remember, how upon HIS appointment of the first disciples, He’d admonish them/us accordingly (Matt.10:16-23). The pace of society, along with wrongful adherence to cultural trends, now witnesses older Americans’ insistence to maintain both youthful appearances, along with acquiescing to genres our parents and grandparents would never consider for themselves. I love sports cars and whereas getting in may not be consistently problematic, getting out will be. Instead, I’m understanding how necessary it’s become to more set a tone of joy and peace as any would anticipate senior-hood and wherever you are chronologically, you should assess all our Lord Jesus delivered us from, that should always ask thereafter, what shall I render to HIM, not my selfish will…

 

Father God, the plight of man, so selfish, is yet without ability to forecast whether there’s a next moment and whereas YOU knew from the beginning, we ask that You teach us how to correlate to each day, so as to significantly honor You. May our pursuit, keep our eyes on Jesus, who struggled not to be the Self-less King, as we Objectively desire to be like HIM, leaving child-like behaviors to the young and being HIS example in earth to Heaven, in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Highest Regard” G. Ward

Proverbs 28:13

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”

The swiftness of days presented invites many towards a hurried pace and even opens an unfortunate critique with any who’ll fail to seize moments that will exercise in decision the way they would. A more appropriate stance will absolutely slow down to recall the pain in such hurried decisiveness, to perhaps contemplate where a hopeful resolute surety exists. Faith in Christ, more than confession, allows HIS lead and during the course of each day insists on numerous spiritual pauses that will contrast how my desires matter against an eternity proposed(?) and that quiet time, even though noise may be all around, will allow a newest spiritual posture that yields to HIS lovingkindness that absolutely displaces things and people so temporary. I bow onto this Great King’s unrelenting presence with great humility, knowing I’ve missed the mark set on so many occasions, yet, HE always seeks to restore me (1 John 1:9). It’s (i.e., my surrender to HIM) the best thing I’ve ever done…

 

Father God, Your mercies are astoundingly here for now; so, may those who’ll listen identify with the deer who pants after the water from the nearby brook, longing to have their thirst quenched by Heaven, as we look to the Author of our faith – Jesus. We’re determining there’s no greater joy than to be intimately acquainted with the grace HE provided – through obedience. May Heaven smile upon the many who’ll say yes to Your will; in Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “A Throne for ONE” G. Ward

 

Isaiah 42: ⁸ I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, Nor My praise to idols.

 

To know God as Creator and Sustainer of the earth HE made, that includes everything and everyone is clearly the preeminent mandate. Moreover, HE will ultimately be recognized by all in regards to sole worship of Himself and whereas there’s dire consequence for any who’ll neglect to bow unto the splendor and beauty of HIS holiness by agreeing with everything He says, through obedience and rehearsing HIS attributes. Listen, while all are guaranteed an eternal life, please know, all won’t be eternally exposed to HIS grace and mercy, but doom and torment – because they failed to know HIS Name. Some may ask, “how can such a gracious God send any to hell?” HE doesn’t. One can’t propose to live so entirely on their own volition, making every objective theirs - to then arrive at what’s most important to consider and then question something they failed to do within the scope of their consciousness.

Today is provided to consider a rest HE provides and that reliance on HIM – now, absolutely guarantees peace and joy. Who’d forsake such?

 

Father God, we, Your disciples are/have failed to more understand our role to proclaim and teach Your mandates, causing other thrones to thrive in the mindsets of those You made and whereas You desire their repentance no different than afforded us, we’re busy praising You, without perfect submission. Change us O God, that others may benefit in/through the Savior’s work on their behalf. Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “Looking Through the Window…” G. Ward

 

Psalm 119:64

The earth is full of Your goodness, Lord; Teach me Your statutes.

 

I’m recalling a time when electronic devices were minimal and how when any obtained a pocket-sized transistor radio, they became the envy of those all around and whereas that reflection may insist on that era as being the good old days, troubles and trials were numerous, but the information shared didn’t arrive at a moment’s notice. Yet, it was a time when communication was a must. Inquiry, about the well being of another focused in so as to offer great aid to a dilemma and if you said you’d help, one would endeavor that which embodied best care. Generations thereafter, have been exposed more to a hurried society, prioritizing oneself and too busy for genuine inquiry in how one can be helpful unto another.

Those of us who’ve placed our trust in the Lord’s lead, more understand a need for fellowship with like-minded individuals; for our focus remains on the Author and Finisher of where our faith exists. Therefore, our accountability understands that HE won’t leave us, along with knowing HIS peace is indicative of eternal presence. So, we call HIM – Faithful; seeking to be like HIM as we grow up.

 

Father God, what marvelous access You’ve provided; particularly in view of our meditations’ recall of Christ’s redemption of all our indiscretions. May our recall in perceived better days, understand today is given as the best day to proclaim how great You are, no matter the chaos all around and find another who needs to identify Your unrelenting love is now, that leads to forevermore, in/through Jesus, Amen.

 

Today’s Thought “The Road Appears Long” G. Ward

 

Ezekiel 33:11, “Say to them, ‘As I live!’ declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure at all in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then should you die, house of Israel?”

 

Whereas God’s mercy is great, along with HIS patience being available for this day exists, the day is young and all are called to stand vigilant of HIS term limit and whereas no one knows of that day, to observe HIS criterion for an eternity with HIM, remains the most significant pursuit for man. That pursuit won’t just know all HE commands, but lovingly adjust to doing them. Moreover, and because HIS commands are not burdensome, the one pursuant won’t undermine the Almighty’s highest standard by rebelling against being changed, so as to reflect the Lord Jesus’ attitude; absolutely placing other’s interests ahead of one’s own.

 

And Lord God, the magnitude of spiritual responsibility rests in all the Savior exemplified. Our imitating HIM must be top priority for every life – who insists, “I know Him.” We’re so thankful on this day for a blessed assurance that Jesus is ours personally and corporately. May HE shine through our every struggle and honor HIMSELF, even using us for HIS glory that grants our joy. In Jesus Name, Amen.