Today’s Thought “Blessed Insurance” G. Ward

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4

 

Children of my era shared great delusion in being trapped in a candy store for an extended period of time (particularly without restraint). When exposed to extreme amounts of sweets in our day parents were with great similarity in expressing that too much would promote sickness. Although a repetitive message of constraint is embedded in our subliminal mindset, self-centeredness can/will obscure proposed safeguards (cf. 2 Ti.3:1-5).

Day after day, pursuits in happiness obscure the brevity of man (cf. Ps.90:10-12). An unfortunate paradigm in modern culture more seeks a “candy store” scenario representative of American opportunity, than contemplations in sickness (i.e. eternal separation) that assumes my way has relationship (or Holy God accepts the blending of His salvation with my personality traits) with the complete transformation demanded (2 Cor. 5:17).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “This Is Jeopardy!” G. Ward

 “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5

The game show Jeopardy invites great intellect from viewers to compete alongside television’s contestants. Mostly, those participants viewing this telecast are without an answer until the question is proposed (the essence of the game first proposes the answer, and then the contestant responds with the question). There’s a great deal more post certainty when the proper response is given vs. when first challenged. The appeal for this show (and its lasting power) is largely due to man’s approbation of knowledge.

There’s such an unnecessary competiveness existent, and throughout the ages with mankind to more exhibit his aptitude vs. Holy God’s omnipotence through him. We must never forget that we are created beings and our MAKER never proposed a severing insistent of independence from HIM (cf. Jn.15:5). Humility is the best definer of brilliance because it boasts of INFINITE WISDOM…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Drudgery” G. Ward

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Think on these words: Ordinary, Routine, and Regimen. How do these terms invite a day promoting God rule? Certainly these words wouldn’t carry a great significance if I lived on an island all alone, but since I don’t my daily practice can/will impact another. While some of this can translate a discipline worth pursuing for others, ultimately it can also preclude total surrender unto our Great King as impractical. On the other hand if my contemplations more embrace the mercy of God shown me moment to moment, I’m far more intuitive to His plan for the life given. Worldly castigations regard this as robotic, violating ingenuity; I say that my implicit trust in our all wise Savior is my peace and besides that, “We don’t need another hero…”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “The Church Universal” G. Ward

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

The Apostle Paul penned a letter unto the Philippians to thank them for the generosity shown him when others refused. His encouragement sought to keep the gospel message progressive, even if at the expense of his personal welfare (Phil.1:13-14). As we celebrate another Resurrection Day today, I believe it’s incumbent on us to reflect on yesterday’s continuity shared in messaging from church house to church house. What is the most important celebratory, eventful day in believer-ship causes great invitation unto those who wouldn’t worship ordinarily. The after-party’s contingency for success (i.e. witnessing furtherance in worship from the infrequent) is follow-up through hospitality (cf. Mt.28:19) from believers. It’s fervent prayer vs. castigation that will help usher a proposed practice in fellowship (Heb. 10:25), vowed by the infrequent on yesterday, that will demand from all the actuality in 364 more Resurrection Days ahead…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Modern Day Kamikaze” G. Ward

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Do you know the name Andreas Lubitz? He was the co-pilot responsible for crashing Germanwings Flight 9525 in the French Alps, killing 150 others. Great speculations have led this into tremendous water cooler talk with the workplace. These speculations mostly translate a great fear as a lack in result from intensive investigation persists. Boarding a plane now invites many to interrogate (visually) the cockpit to the left ensuring that more than one navigator exists.

These occurrences drive fear and ultimately reveal unfaithfulness (cf. Mt.10:28). On the other hand, there’s a confidence that no matter who, what, or where, I’m personally prepared whether calamity or peace exists knowing that earth is not my home. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn.14:1-3).

Good Friday!

Today’s Thought “Insoluble” G. Ward

“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” Psalm 101:7

Oil and water won’t blend. Truth, against embellishment won’t either. Although Holy God is patient with us concerning His transforming power in those desiring Him as Lord; there must be earnest intentionality (cf. Gal.5:16) that would propose less carnality, leading to spiritual conformity. Every need to either defend oneself or glamorize one’s position becomes the unfortunate promoter of potential deceit. If any walks circumspect of their new ownership (cf. Ro.6:4, 2 Cor.5:17), regret can be obliterated. Ultimately, many understand your plight in masking the actuality of your personage; it’s become very dangerous however (as adults) to call another a blatant liar. Hey, you be careful out there…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Miranda Rights” G. Ward

“Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer.” Matthew 27:11-12

In 1966, The Supreme Court enacted a protective measure (or warning) that was to be administered by every police officer making an arrest. Over 2000 years ago our Savior, amidst government and religious leaders, was interrogated viciously and without advocacy, for what may have been offensive to some, but contextually innocent for Roman government.

I believe this to be monumentally symbolic to a plight of defense for us. Our lives must be a facsimile of our Savior – exemplary (cf. Mt.5:16, Eph.5:1-2). Living within the parameter of holiness, brokenness and absolute surrender unto Jesus may not guarantee one won’t be persecuted (cf. 2 Ti.3:12), but most certainly guarantees peace beyond the calamity presented (cf. Phil.1:21).  What will you say when/if it should happen?

Happy Wednesday!