Today’s Thought “I Do…” G. Ward

“If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:2

 

What if marriage lacked an inability to divorce, even up to mandating the couple remained together (no matter what), with checks and balances comparable to taxation; would the month of June still be the most visited in matrimonial attempts? Although arguable, what remains inarguable is a practice  in contempt that’s entirely perjurous unto our Great Judge.

Superficial obligatory agreements are customarily tweaked as they’re pronounced, particularly when hasty actions later reveal heart matters didn’t accompany practicality. Solomon’s words (Eccl.5:1-2) best deciphers this kind of frivolity: “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.”

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Watch Your Testimonies” G. Ward

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

 

Proclamations of how Great our God is should be deliberate, but is not the factoring necessary to develop souls detached to the Master’s rule. Development in Christ must remain solely in the words from Genesis and Revelation. Moreover, it must exemplify the instructor’s implicit dependence on no less than Holy God’s word. The production of praise expressive of having been healed from great sickness and materialism without denial (emanating from God), is with segmented categorization that subtracts from some ever feeling as though they could ever be recipients of such gifts. The gospel disseminated (unto any) more reveals that the worst sinner is equated with (i.e. without categorization - *Ro.3:10) the best earthly citizen and the common denominator for any esteemed (in worldly and spiritual terms) good or bad, needs to repent for their sins (*cf. Mk.10:17-27).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Broken Pattern” G. Ward

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Physical conditioning of sorts along with diet has become the ideological pursuit of most; longevity in earth is the ultimate desire. Contemplating departure from earth remains taboo; therefore visual and wellness is ever encompassing, precluding spiritual well-being as secondary.

The actuality in prioritizing spiritual conditioning as preeminent an endeavor to anything is two-fold: 1. It is a necessary habit forming conditioning that guarantees intimacy with Christ, furthering assurance that HE must remain in control as the most excellent shelter from imminent storm. 2. This journey in surrendering to the All-Wiise Savior maintains peace and comfort as my anxieties becomes HIS (1 Pe.5:7).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Living In a Bottle Soon to Pop” G. Ward

Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not right. Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?” Ezekiel 18:25

While faith may be difficult, it cannot become the excuse that exacerbates a refusal towards identifying the righteous code of Holy God. A consistent and authentic approach to utilizing the name Lord affords everyone desirous of righteousness, a pursuit worthy in adoption; whereas inauthenticity stifles, pervading feelings of inadequacy.

Salvation’s call refuses to acclimate to what others may not be doing, but looks interrogatively at one own’s compliance, and if found deficient, pleads to the Savior where restoration exists (cf. Zech.1:3-4).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “It Not Too Late” G. Ward

“Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord,
and He will have compassion on him, And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7

The beauty of intimacy with Christ is His incessant invitation to be cleansed of all wrongdoing. It should never be a reckless abandonment of confession in the individuality of transgression. There’s a foolish persistence sanctioned by the best in our spiritual society, violating Holy God’s omniscience by going to HIM hurriedly, seeking reconciliation by painting a broad stripe unto the All-Wise God through a common admittance prevalent with the whole of humanity, pleading unto Sufficiency to forgive them of sin. Don’t swallow the hype that’s been pervaded on some by many that maintains my exterior remorse is synonymously established in the heavenly realm, but take the time necessary to confess every impropriety. Joy is on its way!

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Shedding the Old…” G.Ward

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Although we’re called unto a transformation emanating from Holy God’s ability, we can often disrespect the process of that surrender’s potential. The journey desired wars against the pervasiveness of a D.I.Y. (i.e. Do It Yourself) mentality that witnesses many seemingly successful therein. Rarely will some share the kind of transparency that conveys their frailty (cf. Jn.15:5b); instead the facade of self-sufficiency has become the practice that violates true salvation’s reign (cf. Mt.23:1-7).

Humanity’s reality should aspire as planned by the Creator of heaven and earth; that mankind would love and trust HIM to lead them in the way everlasting (Ps.139:23-24).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Jane! Stop This Crazy Thing!” G. Ward

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20

My birthday was yesterday and like others I’ve enjoyed the long tradition of birthday cake and delicious ice cream; but I’ve reached an autumn whereas cake digests slow and remains at my waistline and I’m so entirely lactose intolerant. My family is so very marvelous each year; they find a restaurant they like and invite me to come along; it can’t be too expensive because they’re incurring the bill; they really love me. When you’re older, many send great correspondence, only after social networks reveal it was your birthday, because very few remember; while our response demands our ignorance to them that appear to have known the whole time, even though they’re horrible actors.

Contrary to what this annual day promotes with all the festivities, many of us (who are compelled in rendering aid with hospitality all week) just want to do is to curl up with a book or periodical of sorts and take a nap to the Bonanza or Gunsmoke theme (isn’t cable TV awesome?). Moreover, every second Sunday of the month at our church we recognize the birthdays in that month. I thought our congregation would be different this year and purchase me a car like the big churches lavish on their Pastor; but there’s one lady who never forgets and purchases two gifts; one on behalf of the congregation and another from her personally. I can’t wait until next July; perhaps they’ll get me the car I wanted! Reality insists on the better gift being their consistent presence in worship each week. Signed, Mr. Excitement

Happy Monday!