Today’s Thought “How Refreshing…” G. Ward

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Yesterday is truly more than a song The Beatles released in 1965. It’s indicative of a past with ability towards making amends via a newer, more productive determination. If there’s refusal in thorough, contemplative recompense (that is, realizing I’m not with a strength of my own, but exists only because I have a Savior), then it becomes the offense repeated in the near future (i.e. cyclical). My fight with yesterday’s inaccuracy primarily rests within, not with others (Eph.6:12). If or when others view my resistance to concede to fleshly war, perhaps it will become the virus worth catching (Mt.5:16).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Strength In Crisis” G. Ward

Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:20

The mirror reveals so much when approached in contrast to days of youth and if obscured by familiar view, getting out of bed involves deeper contemplation, with all of the initial muscular discomfort until many steps provide uprightness. “Momma said there’d be days like this!” Growing older lends a perspective difficult to convey unto the virile; their reliance is due to strength. We’re certainly not innovators through our many attempts in sharing how to better capture moments, but we can however perpetuate more disconnect with philosophical chants directed towards those youthful that promotes a readiness, along with preparedness. Our being teacher must humbly admit how expeditious this journey has become and how grateful we are for their upcoming opportunity to spiritually impact those soon to follow them (cf. Ps.90:10-12).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Child Prodigy” G. Ward

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7

 

Jesus’ parents more than likely didn’t incite Him towards winning the regional Bible Drill contest. Moreover, the Annual Oratorical Contest didn’t have Him reciting the Gettysburg Address or the “I Have a Dream” speech (if I hear another child do that one, I’ll puke). Under strict Judaism, parents understood the vitality in promoting absolute adherence to God’s commands for their young people; their conversations embraced perfect obeisance unto the Most High all the day long (i.e. each day presented). Immediately, many upon hearing such stringent behavior towards young people have some adults demanding, “Let kids be kids and have fun!” Holy God doesn’t deny His own in participating in extra-curricular events (it’s not either, or, it can be both, and), HE desires preeminence over everything. Raising children demands they not live vicariously through you (perhaps not a high achiever with great regret) but through promotion of a HIGHER example.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “In My Heart” G. Ward

Saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:28-29

Daily they sit at the break room with their bible open; while other workers consider their breaks everywhere else, even up to enduring inclement weather. The sentiment is the same within their workplace; they’ve tried enduring, but being preached to is not what lends peace in the workplace. This scenario is unfortunately something most are familiar with. I believe that the worse that can happen in the life of man is failure to see himself as distasteful (cf. Mt.5:16). Moreover, his zeal of personal circumstance can be driven in more defense and arrogance than invitation. Great intellectual circles can confer about many topics until an ethical subject is introduced, for fear of offending (i.e. no religion or politics). Better planning of prayer and hospitality prepares a presentation worthy of hearing vs. going in for the jugular vein…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Little Red Corvette” G. Ward

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

If at sixteen I received a Chevrolet Corvette, along with endless funds to pervade my frivolity unto my peers, what would be my struggle for my adult years? This concept imagined is the convoluted ideology that many take away from the ask God and He’ll give it to you principle. How many times have we heard this principle to extract from it superficial meaning (cf. Jas.1:5)? WISDOM to first discern and then to follow implicit Divine counsel is imminently achievable when we ask. HE, therefore, is not a genie in a bottle. When passages are perceived vs. interrogated, error won’t only impact oneself, but establish others in selfish pursuit.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “No Concession” G.Ward

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

The art of persuasion is assumed by many and seeks insistence from hearers unto one’s own theorizing or a philosophical stance of another. When/if a presentation is thorough or eloquent; it may produce inadequacy in momentary contest from the hearer, allowing potential adoption of messaging presented (i.e. allowing doubt from prior convictions). While prior conviction may have been argumentative, causing a soul to gravitate to a new way of thinking, it can more reveal a lack in foundation. Inarguably, the Truth in Holy God’s Word exists so that man would rise from the wreckage of wavering, insignificant, ever-evolving points to view. HIS eternal demands are timeless precepts lending peace and joy…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Indefensible” G. Ward

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

My youngest grandson has a biting problem. It appears that his terrible 2’s is 2 months premature. On Saturday, we enjoyed an outing that involved our two other grandsons, along with “The Biter.” So the budding 2 year old bites the 3 year old, causing a scream that could shatter an eardrum. As typical, discipline is then extended unto our little terrorist, admonishing him of how improper this is. I waited for what generally would accompany this kind of indiscretion that demands one to apologize for victimizing another. Under a guise of altruism, a little child will generally say, “I’m sorry,” while really saying I’m sorry I was exposed. Legislative process, along with expose’ won’t always change a heart, but acclimation unto a Wonderful Savior’s example will.

Happy Monday!