Today’s Thought “Time In a Bottle” G. Ward

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live.” John 11:25

Many have walked varied seashores anticipating more than seaweed to surface from the currents. Little boys and men from my era marveled at the idea of a genie’s bottle presented them at the shoreline (largely due to the television series I Dream of Jeannie). Most, no matter the contemplation and regardless of seashore or dry land, fail to fully engage on the intangibility that truly matters, that is spiritual reconciliation beyond every shore. While a genie’s intent may grant 3 wishes, inevitable departure won’t guarantee my experiencing all imagined. There is however a stroll to endeavor along a shoreline in futility; more than a genie in a bottle is the LORD, merciful and Mighty (Ro.6:23)…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Now What?” G. Ward

“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom…” 1 Corinthians 1:22

The things of Holy God shouldn’t have men driven in superficial terms, but needs to more marvel at the opportunity in intimacy with Christ as Head. Let’s face it, our fleshly (i.e. everything considered outside of God’s demand) make-up is the in-authenticity we’ve been warned against in the code most say they value beyond every scope (cf. 1 Cor.11:1). Time, if granted, will reveal necessary submission to slowing down; de-valuing egotistical demand from another who seeks to impress upon the masses how great they are over the GREAT I AM…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Adultery” G. Ward

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.” Matthew 12:38-39

Worship must never carry insistence from God, placing demands on the Most High, but should more delight in the refreshing of momentary mercy (Mt.6:25,34) and perpetual grace. Furthermore, what can be visualized is opposite of Holy God’s invisible attributes as Spirit (Jn.4:24).

The new-ness in every tangible experience seeks to glorify the Maker. Will it however become “what was” as what’s been obtained diminishes? In other words, the new car goes from being washed once a week to then becoming 10 years older anticipating a good rain (= insatiability)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Bereaved” G. Ward

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

It’s an October Monday afternoon and a house nearby has numerous cars parked, occupying a great parcel of their land. It’s become evident that someone has died and many seek to support the grievous family. Daily, many arrive carrying cakes, pastries, soft drinks and chicken. Look, here comes the religious zealot with proclamations of, “God hasn’t made any mistakes,” or “Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.” The family hears this nodding in affirmation, so as to not shame these carriers of meaningless statements. The day of the funeral happens and all that began is furthered, culminating with those immediate members being all alone that evening, grief stricken, even up to feeling great despair for an extended period. Moreover, they’re left with a house discombobulated and warring with what should be done with all the food remaining, while the spectators (disguised as concerned friends and extended family) return unto normalcy. I’m so glad Jesus said, “I’ll never leave nor forsake you!”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Walking the Mile” G. Ward

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:13-14

The latter of this passage more relies on “if God wills.” That contingency demands knowing HIM intimately; by considering HIM most important as HE guides our every footstep. The best foundational option given man is not taking steps to then insist HE bless them (that’s false worship); but absolute surrender to a peaceable directive disallowing recapitulation. Ultimately, if you live like the man on “death row” vigilance of every moment declares I’m next and governs one’s life accordingly…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Plans Extinguished” G. Ward

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” Psalm 51:12-13

Many have been disgraced as they endeavored self-seeking success, to then avoid the kind of reconciliation that heals when failure is the outcome. The actuality in un-reconciled behavior disallows witnesses’ oversight to forgive an imposed indiscretion committed, and when the one disgraced doesn’t hear of their foolish way publicly they feel many have forgotten, causing furthered craftiness that’s damaging.

Wisdom demands denial of offenses repeated. Its consideration of better follow-ship offers pre-meditative thoughts that deny future regret; understanding that true fulfillment is found solely in perfect surrender in everything unto its Maker.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Real Worship’s Preparation” G. Ward

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16

Worshipper’s anticipation for gathering to give great praise is the precedent for their existence. This gathering point (although filled with presumed like-mindedness from others) becomes oblivious to the worshipper because they become consumed with reverencing God and when service times are over, their delight is doing the Master’s will.

What’s wrong with the whole of mankind (Ro.3:10,23), and why do improper behaviors persist? Because the people that say they know HIM go from kneeling to rising tall, that ultimately keep them small; contained by inaccuracy (cf.1 Thess. 5:17).

Happy Thursday!