Today’s Thought “Our Maker” G. Ward

Read the following passages - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” Matthew 16:24

“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church.” Ephesians 5:29

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy…” 2 Timothy 3:1-2

If I hear this expression that’s entirely un-defined one more time I’m going to throw up! What is it? So glad you asked; it’s “you must love yourself before loving others.” Some philosophical giant pervaded this on man to never identify that great care for every individual begins with oneself from birth till death. The perpetuation of such is antithetical to the life the Savior provided and when sought by the whole of creation, fails to extol the Most High. Any practice of such egocentric behavior denies real love (1 Jn.4:7-8), allowing the world’s terminology’s usurp of Holy God’s word. While a many expression begun by man appears proprietary, it remains unconscionable for some to not bless the Lord at all times.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Untrustworthy” G. Ward

 

“All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor.”  Ecclesiastes 2:10

 

King Solomon is more/less the subliminal mindset with the whole of mankind revealing his superficial attack in materialism and recognition of accomplishment. Most interviewed of the prospect in riches share elaborate plans to forget the ease of greater consultation (available 24/7) from Proven Consultation that guarantees peace. Superficial (anything that lends itself to temporal existence) pursuits has become synonymous with the worse drug addiction known to man (cf. 1 Ti.6:10), causing a stupor that’s hypnotic, leading to ungodliness.

While there’s nothing wrong with riches, the common denominator for man will ultimately be faced with knowing that things, along with his own life never belonged to him (Jas.4:14). LIVE ACCORDINGLY…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Frustrated In America” G. Ward

 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

 

More than several years ago I visited the country of Haiti, taking for granted every accommodation sought earlier that would be as it had been (considering my many visits there). To my disappointment, our team was absolutely stranded for more than 6 hours and calling home became impossible, so our team relied on those of you who strongly ascribe to email vigil. Reprieve soon happened, but was very costly for me (in that I was captain to that team).

Reliance on great plans endeavored, without total consideration of the Source to one’s supply, will leave you stranded and six hours in contrast to an eternity in despair is not worthy of visitation (cf. Pr.1:24-29).

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Northern Lights” G. Ward

 

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs 19:17

 

Palm trees from an initial perspective for a northerner (as I am) were/are captivating for me. It signifies arrival at a most posh resort, where ocean breeze exists and the sound of steel drums has the least in dance an accomplished choreographer. Those capable of such visitation rarely contemplate the inhabitants of the land. The comparability is synonymous with a reversal in visitation that marvels at your neighborhood’s oak tree. Most however that reside in these posh resort towns if granted visitation to your region, do think on the inhabitants; in a way that questions the wealth therein.

We would do well to consider the less fortunate, transcendent to wealth opportunity. There’s poverty existent in every region that denies the riches of grace and mercy found solely in the Savior; to which we hold the code (i.e. the gospel) that unlocks the room where palm trees may exist.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “If I Die Today…” G. Ward

 

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 136:1

 

My awakening each day recalls my absolute unworthiness, yet seeks to thank Holy God for mercy. The forgiveness of sins given me then becomes ever encompassing for the remainder of the day; my actions, words, and then the chieftain in spiritual absolution, desire denied. The struggle is real.

If/when consistent conformity unto the Spirit realm seems impossible, even up to offering defense that insists on a message in futility that pervades, “no one is perfect,” we’ll need to first look to the work ethic of the Savior (Mk.1:35), then unto the patriarchs of the faith (Heb.11:3-40) who while faced with great sufferings chose obedience unto their Maker. Thank YOU LORD for loving me.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Mother Goose” G. Ward

 

“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.” Galatians 2:20

 

Living what you may suppose as being YOUR life to live while calling Jesus, Lord is synonymous with ingesting nursery rhymes before bedtime at sixty. The actuality of our spiritual existence seeks to deny every opportunity for any/every portion of who I was to become that to which HE’d have me to be. While it may be difficult, many persist in little to no effort in this proposed conformity, allowing routine living’s obscurity of what’s necessary to know HIM (Mt.7:19-23).

The subtlety of inference that quantifies pursuits in pleasure is the lie told that keeps one trusting in a day where satisfaction exists at a continuum (*cf. Eccl.2:1-11). I’ll choose to opt for the joy in surrendering to the King of Kings, promoting contentment.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “I’m Not Nearly As Bad…” G. Ward

 

The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

 

The whole of mankind has employed a contrast against the lesser of society long enough. Categorically, it’s synonymous with dirt sharing with a heap in the same to clean up.

Adoniram Judson (1788–1850), the famed missionary to Burma, spent long, tiresome years translating the Bible for that people group. The great span of his work had others comparing him to the Apostle Paul (seemingly congratulatory), the lowly missionary’s reply replicated Holy God’s word whereby Judson’s spiritual aspirations never desired comparison to a mere man, but unto Jesus.

Happy Monday!