Today’s Thought “God Understands?” G. Ward

1 John 5:3 “ For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.”

 

Religions are ever increasing these days through presumptive reasoning from earth’s citizenry. Although the ultimate script for every life demands blind faith, the out-sourcing for empowerment rests seemingly with visuals of prosperity to then make it an unrelenting pursuit. The rationalization therein seeks to justify the quest through insistence that God won’t mind (1 Ti.6:10), never to think of themselves as a perpetrator of the most heinous crime; implicit trust of the Creator’s rule (cf. Lk.23:34).

Inconsistent worship that nurtures and establishes greater discipline (that surrenders) is the culprit ( Jer.17:9) and for any that witnessed their awakening on today, it more reveals the Savior’s love and patience for the soul determined in mediocrity soon to end (*2 Cor.6:2).

Today’s Thought “Success Is…” G. Ward

 

Matthew 26:11 “For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me.”

Think on this; “I’d rather be poor, than rich in uncertainty.” Singing Blessed Assurance won’t grant it; nor will efforts in humanitarianism and hospitality.

While my personal demand and delight enjoys the land to which I live, I’m perpetually aware (particularly with temperature drops nationally, along with its inadequacies for many depleted of varied resources) of the sociological implications of many that seemingly lack aspiration to reside in some of America’s clean and posh neighborhoods. The insensitivity from those perplexed with why some choose dirty, squalid conditions is the chieftain to their soul’s self absorption without posture in review as to the Savior’s plight for any/all men, whether living behind the gates or in the streets…

Today’s Thought “Vile Practices at My Worship Spot” G. Ward

 

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 “For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”

 

While the believer determines to live a consecrated life unto the unadulterated words from Holy God, there are others (with partial spiritual cognizance) whose blend is with an element of poison that kills slowly (cf. Matt.16:24). To judge frivolity therein, arrives with great criticism from outsiders; particularly with their defense mechanisms that demand “you’re no better, so don’t judge” (Jn.8:16, 1 Cor.2:15, 5:3, 12, 6:2-3, 1 Jn.4:1)! Truth demanded won’t conjure from insufficiency internally, but relies on what’s proven (*2 Pe.1:20-21). Judgments occur often with each of us, but it should never be a self construct, but emanate from the authoritative demand of the LORD and His proprietorship of us gives ability to construe uncompromisingly so.

Today’s Thought “Work, A Four-Letter Word” G. Ward

 

Luke 7:1 “When He had completed all His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to Capernaum.”

 

Those deemed to have a good work ethic will generally concern themselves with great character within the realm of vocation endeavored. Careful observation however, will view presumed lack in the area of family or friends that denies energy (i.e. tolerance) for a varied personality trait found in another (un-equaled to themself) and that same denial forbids social graciousness. To more see others for their spiritual potential was the driving force of the Savior (*vv.2-10). The spiritual transformation HE would soon offer those who believe, ultimately witnessed a new dedication onto the excellence shown by their Deliverer (cf. Matt.5:16, Ps.37:5). For any preacher of the good news, you’ll need to act accordingly. The work given us doesn’t strive solely unto any pulpit without forgetting a grassroots ethic in seeking those needing spiritual reprieve after corporate worship services.

Today’s Thought “What Seemed Impossible…” G. Ward

Philippians 4:19 “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

All that we presume on Holy God with strife presented us, should first rely on what occurred with those HE loved generations before (cf. Heb.11:8-14). The Apostle Paul endured great sufferings. His appreciation onto the believers for their monetary support (vs.15) sought to encourage them concerning their days ahead; some, like his would propose depletion and others prosperity, but their trusting the Savior (who embodied what sacrifice means) should never waver.

Suffering’s comparability is synonymous to little children’s inoculation before school begins; the unusual pain while such a huge needle punctures tender skin, it appears vicious to contemplate until a varied disease ceases penetration thereafter.

Today’s Thought “Keep Knocking, But You Can’t Come In” G. Ward

 

John 15:14-15 “You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

 

Awaiting another periodical of sorts to define the intimacy desired with the Lord denies opening the actual manuscript and allowing proposed intimacy to occur. The relationship intended refers to us as the “bride of Christ” once we believe; so does a bride await the eloquence or authorship of another to communicate with their own husband? Giving up so easily as a student of the Living Word (very particularly as any are inclined only towards those melodious promises from God without careful observation of its contingency vs.14) causes any to be entirely susceptible onto poison from the scholar’s vain philosophy and horrid theology so common for our time (cf. 1 Jn.4:1-3).

Today’s Thought “The Domino Effect” G. Ward

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.”

While mankind’s measurement onto moral/spiritual prudence is mostly and perceivably an observation (worthy to grasp) from another man, Jesus Christ remains our perfect example (*cf. Matt.4:1-11). The avoidance therein desires more defense mechanisms because the essence of perfection is one of the most misunderstood biblical phenomena given man. It was never meant as an absence in error, but more posturing towards Heaven’s rule so as to ensure an exemplary life belonging to its Owner. Every mindset that seeks to gather oneself onto this reality (moment to moment) establishes resilience against superficial containments of joy; knowing by blessed assurance that the way of the Lord is without regret.