Today’s Thought “Trials In the Tribulation” G. Ward

And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.” Matthew 24:4-5

The horrid Tribulation of the Bible prophesied from as early as Abraham’s call from his homeland unto great warnings from Jesus, demands a spiritual proactiveness from you and me that proves our regard of the Savior’s sacrifice. Believers in Christ won’t endure this seven year reality in desolation; Jesus will first come back to remove the church (1 Thess.4:13-18), then the Tribulation. The Remnant class of 144,000 (*Jews – 12,000 from each tribe of Israel) will then identify their opportunity to serve mankind (via gospel’s presentation unto any). Truth proclaims that these 144,000 will be instrumental in the greatest evangelical reality found at Revelation 7:9-10, After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

If 144,000 who are current believers serve our Lord in the same (Mt.28:19) as that future remnant class will, what will our world look like (cf. Mt.7:13-14)? Moreover, in every sector of our nation (exponentially beyond 144,000) are those who say they know HIM to never exercise accordingly…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “The Best Fried Chicken Is At the Local Church” G. Ward

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

 

Many are still alarmed at the hypocrisy found in the church that subtracts from their commitment. Moreover, they even convince themselves in presupposition (regarding the handling of the word of God) that demands they can endeavor Holy God at home as well as any who may attend consistently; although God demands regular attendance (Heb.10:25). It’s comparable to having an aged parent who loves us and strongly longs for our presence with them to hear our disgust with our siblings who constantly visit, avoiding them like the plague at the expense of not seeing my father (cf. Mt.22:8-14).

Approaching the word of God with speculation vs. great interrogation unto obedience, will lead to the ultimate denial unto an eternity with HIM. Furthermore, devotional thoughts, televangelists, books and periodicals can be accentuations of the initial pursuit that demanded intimacy with the Father above all (*Col.1:15-20).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Residual Improprieties” G. Ward

²⁵ And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” ²⁶ And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” ²⁷ And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁸ And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” ²⁹ But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29

Lack of empathy regarding social ills promotes a categorization of people groups that perpetuates hopelessness; which is antithetical to knowing God. The Chicago Tribune for example has reported 42 souls impacted by gun violence on this past Labor Day weekend. It appears that several have perished.

The only consideration to behold is what Final Authority has conveyed unto mankind; to know that when man was created, culture or ethnicity wasn’t a mentionable. Moreover, Holy God’s wrath unto mankind via the Great Flood witnessed Noah and his family being spared, whereby God insisted, “These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated” (Ge.9:19). Shall any continue deciphering a code outside of what Truth admonishes (cf. Jer. 17:9) through castigations of “those People” or seek to win them to the Lord’s care?

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Get Up, Then Go Back to Sleep!” G. Ward

“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.” Psalm 119:147

Our impatience for Holy God’s guidance is evident with all men (Ro.3:10, 23). Discomfort, whether physical or emotional, has a pill that sheds relief and circumstances in uncertainty needs an answer that obliterates problems; while thoughts of reoccurrence are shunned (no matter how many times the words from God share the servant is not above the Master – who suffered).

The purity of the dawn’s insistence of blessed quietness appeals to the recesses in one’s mindset, forcing transparency that admits powerlessness that contrasts his Maker’s ability. Chants of “I’m just not a morning person” denies his own predecessor’s account of no choice in awakening early; because the day’s activities were rigorous that undeniably forced darkness to be equated with slumber (not staying up on social networks and late night movies).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Flares On the Highway” G. Ward

“Set up for yourself roadmarks, place for yourself guideposts; direct your mind to the highway, the way by which you went. Return, O virgin of Israel, Return to these your cities.” Jeremiah 31:21

Spiritual destitution won’t ever rely on money nor geography for its rescue. I’ve witnessed more people pack up and move to another city, synonymous with sleeping away misery then awakening to the same grief. There is however a way of riddance achievable: It trusts a process in faith that begins with repentance for assuming a role never given as king over the life given by the King of all Kings. Secondly, it abhors the desolation in times past when facades of well being were seemingly the only defense mechanism that kept me from being embarrassed. Moreover, it determines a patience in fervent practice of a transformed life that emanates from Holy God control; refusing other philosophical guideposts (no matter the eloquence, cf. Ac.4:12) via daily study of God’s will (HIS word). Then, the ugly duckling on a beautiful lake becomes the majestic swan not impressed by its new found beauty because its lens looks within one’s own soul to marvel at Holy God’s mercy.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “News Flash” G. Ward

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

 

The unfortunate headlines read mega-pastor refuses to open doors to hurricane victims in Houston. Moreover, amidst all the tragedy there, some sensationalistic videographer finds numerous delinquents looting a local store. These visuals lend credence in the shallow mindsets of many, perpetuating social and cultural divide. A refusal to adopt the authority found in Holy God’s word that furthers “In the beginning God created man in His image” didn’t share that some classes would be derelict of common decency over another; nor was His intent that categorization of people groups become a factor in considering an interdependence intended (*cf. Ge.9:18-19).

The actuality in this day’s presentation demands that we don’t have long to either conform unto Holy God’s reality or reject it. The latter includes our perspectives and opinions; neither are agents of peace, guaranteeing eternal presence with HIM (Mt.7:13-14).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “No Wine Before Time” G.Ward

“No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” Mark 2:22

Faith practiced disallows failure; while periodic consideration of surrender to Christ invites loss. This kind of defeat is transcendent of the kind of visuals that may cause public embarrassment; but permits vulnerability unto despair found when submission to one’s own pattern becomes preeminent to proven righteousness (i.e. Holy God’s word).

Although our salvation is not attained via our offerings, we’re compelled towards a pursuit therein worthy of recognition by the Distributor first (Eph.2:8-10) and others purview thereafter (Mt 5:16). You certainly don’t want a trail of drippings (particularly after the container bursts) reeking of intoxicants emanating from following worldly standards soon to pass away (Mt.24:35)?

Happy Monday (Praying for Victims of Hurricane Harvey)!