Today’s Thought “Difficult Times” G. Ward 1 John 2 17 The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. It turns out that Grandmother’s theorizing was correct in how she urged her progeny not to become so enamored with the pace of society; to pray more and seek the will of God. Mostly on today and even with careful assessment, Christians are indistinguishable from unbelievers. Ours (believers) won’t believe “grey skies are going to clear up” yet we’re still with a happy face. Others strongly support political reform, even merging God unto their platform. Moreover, because Jesus turned water into wine, they’re convinced it was with the similitude of the finest Mouton Rothschild or Dom Perignon and whereas the Jewish Wedding was celebratory for days and the quantity HE made was plenteous, HE would have been complicit in their drunkenness and whereas HE was sinless, our salvation would lie in question, so you figure out what this wine’s components was. We cannot insist on identifying what we feel is best for us and call HIM Lord. Nor can we establish practices unrecognized by Heaven’s standard to think we have time to reconcile the life HE gave us, so as to resemble grandmother’s…

Today’s Thought “Believing I Can?” G. Ward Isaiah 55 11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it. I’ve been guilty of wanting another’s surrender to Christ so greatly that my words were entirely too plenteous (cf. Eccl.5:1-2). However, further interrogation of HIS words reveal that faith itself is the gift HE alone imposes unto man (Ro.12:3). Moreover and supremely, Holy God predetermined who would come to that surrender to Jesus before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4-6). Therefore, we’re to be carriers of the good news of sin’s redemption paid by One capable and apart from HIM, we’re rendered totally ineffectual (John 15:5). I thank God for His wisdom to merely teach those truths and to that end, the Lord’s message of hope will prevail over and beyond my articulatory desire. May all see Christ and not Gregory…

Today’s Thought “Easter, An Ongoing Phenomenon” G. Ward Psalm 1 Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, And on His Law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. I’m convinced that hearts were sincere on yesterday with spiritual salutations and attending worship services, yet I’m afraid if this Monday’s approach is with a similitude of last week’s hopes, a necessary transformation (spiritually) will be forsaken. Moreover, does any remember the sermon that included a charge worthy to adopt? Today has been granted so as to recapitulate onto the Lord’s Way; remembering it is HE who loves you best and whereas every pursuit outside that reality lacks substance, staying on track in spiritual desire must understand there’s no automatic, heavenly imputing to wait for. All are given freedom in quiet pursuit of HIS will (i.e., the Word of God) and that daily endeavor establishes fortitude to reject false hope in conditions and people that determines no greater guidance exists. Happy Easter.

Today’s Thought “Just Another Day?” G. Ward 1 John 2 28 Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming. Passion/Holy Week has a marvelous culmination that celebrates the resurrection of Christ; it’s the greatest Holy-Day. The believer is assured of his eventual transition/departure from this life to an eternal one and our celebration won’t wait solely for this Spring date, yet marvels at HIS merciful ways that forgives us, despite our struggles each day. Our gathering anticipates greatly being able to thank HIM for being unlike us and compels our striving to walk as HE did and whereas we’re overwhelmed in joy to see our countrymen after being exposed to elements of self-centeredness from the masses, these sessions remind us that our contribution in the same must more embody a generosity in Spirit shown us and our desire is that you’d be there (Ro.5:8).

Today’s Thought “Insist on Good Service” G. Ward John 13 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no place with Me.” Jesus our Lord would never put on such an exhibition without a lesson in mind and whereas after the supper He would first take an outspoken Peter, knowing he wouldn’t be quiet concerning the shame he and others had in viewing this King of Glory begin to wash his feet. This lesson may have included a demand for humility, but was more central to this Savior’s willingness to suffer the crucifixion on the very next day (that would wash the sins away for all who would place their trust in HIM). While services may include segments similar, like the disciples then, the major point may be missed. Jesus’ example included that to which only HE could do and whereas His willingness to secure believers unto His eternal presence, a reasonable and reciprocal demand in sharing all HE did remains (Matt.28:18-20).

Today’s Thought “Easter of Old” G. Ward Luke 2 29 “Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace, according to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. While there has been such “pomp and circumstance” given to what is the greatest holy-day for the believer, it may have lacked substance because preparation usurped its premise. Many worship centers also have violated that same magnificent reality (i.e., Christ’s entry, death, burial and resurrection) and particularly so for a significant period through being more celebratory than obedient to reproducing His gospel. Simeon’s anticipating Christ was made complete as he would embrace the awaited Savior, substantiating his diligence in faith (that would even culminate his life) towards all that was spoken/written. If the premise of our faith in Jesus will recognize Him as the Only Conqueror of our sins and devote ourselves onto a daily interrogation of His demands, our perspectives – ever wavering, will be overshadowed by the only peaceable, spiritual and eternal posture that matters.

Today’s Thought “First-Hand Experience” G. Ward 1 John 5:12-13 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. Many have allowed great talker’s influence unto their congregations that can subtract from an assurance of the message of eternality as our only hope and whereas these who subvert Truth really believe mankind should be inspired so as to perceive worldly actualities that adds credence to God’s Word, no other perspective matters at the end (where an eternity hereafter awaits – 1 Pe.4:7). If that’s so, shouldn’t a preparation begin that assures Heaven knows me (Matt. 6:24-34, 24:35)?