Today’s Thought “Prefacing In Humility” G. Ward

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

 

Many are with questions on what the Word of God says; with strong critique on very few who profess knowing Christ as the kind of exemplary leadership worthy to follow. Unfortunately, as many regular attendees of corporate worship hear these castigations there is a general offense to such talk. Jesus Christ on the other hand encountered no less for the entirety of His life in the earth and sought declaring (with utter clarity) a more authoritative instruction (cf. Eph.5:1-2).

Success in disseminating Truth is yet mysterious to unbelievers, but for believers who maintain implicit trust unto Holy God’s standard, there’s a preparation without pretense of that same code emanating from them. Therefore, being offended is never optional, but proper appropriation unto God’s word a must; for the believer first, then whoever desires following Christ thereafter.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Back to the Rat Race” G. Ward

 “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

Gathering points with friends and family have tremendous health (including psychological reprieve) benefits. Next day’s ability towards transparency is with constraint because I’m then exposed to people unfamiliar, with myriads of perspectives. My gatherings however, are with a greater intentionality; they include believers and unbelievers. The objective is to pervade on unbelievers a climatic controlled environment in great fun and food without criticism of an uncooperative society. This environment does not preclude believers are not astute to global chaos, but more delights in discussions that uncompromisingly unites. Be sure that your next gathering involves other strangers, you owe that (Ro.12:1).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Put Your Gun Away” G. Ward

“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:13

Commitment unto the Lord involves implicit trust of His way. Are we prepared on what that decision may look like? In a sense many of us have chosen to extract the historical accounts of many patriarchs far more faithful, who endured great tragedy while serving. Holy God even proposed that Lazarus become sick unto death (Jn.11:1-4).

The avoidance of the world’s flaming arrows happens when our decision to make the gospel known becomes the precedent for our existence. The context however, is more indicative of spiritual preparation than physical guarantee in safety (Eph.6:18-20). The question yet remains that was given the Prophet Isaiah upon his commissioning, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Like Isaiah, will your response be, “Here am I. Send me!”

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “A Soft Heart” G. Ward

But Jesus said, “Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

As a sponge soaks the liquid to which it’s placed, a child’s innocent receptivity is towards righteous practicality introduced. Adults on the other hand are generally with experiences seemingly successful, yet truly in seasonal proportion that rarely contemplates a future implication; captivated in momentary bliss.

Fulfillment culminates when surrender to Who LIFE is (Jn.14:6) goes realized. Until then, points in regression keep the adult reciting Mother Goose although no children are present.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Where Is Your Hope?” G. Ward

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people” was initially the expression of John Wycliffe in 1384 to refer to the Bible as central to governmental compliance. President Abraham Lincoln re-emphasized this same phraseology at the Gettysburg Address via great compromise of insisting that democracy become the substitute for the Bible’s centrality. I wasn’t there but I would imagine that the divisiveness perpetuated by political factions that denied this land from what we now enjoy as the United States longed for peace and prosperity never experienced before by man’s posturing as Deliverer (cf.1 Sa.8).

Real hope trusts that genuine conformity in righteousness exists solely in the Lord and maintains availability to any desiring shelter (Ro.10:13). If/when your prayers for governmental leadership exceed the parameter of spiritual righteousness, futility therein persists (cf. Ps.127:1).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Pursuing Hope” G. Ward

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1

The priority of prayer proves most important for mankind when calamity strikes and although those appearing faithful orchestrate tremendous prayer circles, theirs more make demands on Holy God, reminding Him of what’s in the words He wrote. The essence of supplications and requests (Phil.4:5-6) is synonymous with plea in accordance to HIS will promoted throughout the Word of God. What it is not are selfish ploys in reprieve after having tried varied resources that made Holy God last.

Although we’ve been horribly guilty, the opportunity to reconcile continues (Ac.3:19). “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling,” heed in total dependence before calamity strikes (cf. Pr.1:24-29).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “The Beauty of Early Rising” G. Ward

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16

Perspective in things acquired loses appeal against nature’s demand of total reliance on the Master the older I become; it’s especially realized at the dawn of the day, the morning air is refreshing, while the greatest in city-scape is disquieted. When/if one remains still for an extended period of time, the voice of Holy God will pursue mankind, but moving too quickly from this kind of solitude will have the extraordinary of the morning as ordinary whereby task and duty overshadow commitment unto righteous pursuits emanating from the Maker.

A practice established that insists that Holy God be heard over the noise of society is ultimately a soul at rest.

Happy Wednesday!