Today’s Thought “A Hand In the Cookie Jar” G. Ward Acts 1:7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” It’s suggested that dessert before dinner will ruin an appetite, but many of us via our own constructed laboratories have experimented with this theorizing far too long to understand that although somewhat actual, many forgot to share the stomach’s elasticity’s permissiveness, soon to introduce indigestion. The things of Holy God’s are similar to culinary presentation at the finest table set for us; it arrives in courses. The soup may first arrive whereby it’s served at such a temperature compelling the eater to sip so as to not burn the palate. Then the salad, revealing tasteful texture with splashes of dressing that introduces (say it just like the French would) the pièce de résistance/entrée, perfectly prepared with artistic prowess (from the Chef) with us in mind. The Almighty gives us life so we won’t burn, allowing His own to sumptuously endeavor fruits of sort from their labors, so as to present final rest therein, prepared beforehand and long ago by our Merciful Savior, Jesus. We must allow every course given to abide solely by His directives, trusting in His Omniscience, as we invite others to this wonderful supper.

Today’s Thought “Be It Resolved Today…” G. Ward Ephesians 5:1-5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2 and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.3 But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints; 4 and there must be no filthiness or foolish talk, or vulgar joking, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. I’ve never been a gambler, but I must admit to having attended dog racing before and besides, there’s the idea of losing hard earned money so insensible. Moreover, it’s utterly captivating to witness the dogs never competing against each other, but chasing an artificial rabbit named “Ritchie.” Its comparability equals New Year resolutions and regardless of whether any participate or not, everyone complies. The ones opposed are often hilarious with their stone-faced, adamant view of its silliness to which inevitable breakage of desired regard/necessity will soon manifest and those joyfully participating find it to be a game of sorts, with an underlying wish self-discipline denies. Altogether, both violate today’s charge to correct/resolve that another year is without promise and there’s serious, urgent compelling that should adhere to the Almighty’s patience towards man’s spiritual conformity which won’t submit to earth’s calculative measurement (*2 Cor.6:1-2)…

Today’s Thought “You Really Didn’t Get Me Anything?” G. Ward 1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. Spiritual conformity won’t ever desire to leave any behind, but will posture to those receptive to the Almighty’s righteous standard, having seen what’s offered in normality and desiring higher. It most certainly is not with suggestion of being better, just desiring best and the un-equaled example of the Savior Jesus becomes his striving. Although others may soon reveal lack of altruism concerning your change and whereas ordinary found you (in times past) perplexed and bothered, having perceived they were your greatest cheerleader, in-ordinary calls you to pray for their spiritual conformity until it happens, always willing to throw a life-line without recall of their indiscretion exercised towards you and the persistence of your supplication having been made so many times unto the One who loves them best will too hear their repentance and so the family expands…

Today’s Thought “What If There’s No Chimney?” G. Ward Acts 20:35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Giving is mostly relative to that which extends visible substance to another so as appeasement unto another is enlarged and whereas context is often marginalized by lack of interrogating what God’s Word is really saying people run amok with their theorizing. The giving in this passage is with personal assistance (through spiritual conviction) to help instruct another towards God sufficiency, ensuring generations (after our earthly departure) won’t wait for another to substantiate one’s own calling to fulfill (i.e. sharing Truth – Jn.14:6). Don’t go broke in this season on a false premise and besides, you’ll never satisfy them.

Today’s Thought “Four More Days?” G. Ward 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” Father God, our words have sought to thank You for awakening, while often still asleep. Our lack in progressively seeking assignment from Heaven’s order is the culprit. Immediate to our general recall of sin found in us and after we’ve adored You for not being like we are, the error of coming from our knees introduces greater sin, because we know spiritual success is guaranteed when we remain in the grip of grace. Our recommending Jesus, while certainly the best answer, refuses to walk alongside the weary and the amount in Word we’ve obtained won’t match our pursuit in being satisfied so that others lack guidance (even our very own). The beauty however is how patient You are with us in Your Blessed endurance towards our rebellion. Your Love expressed towards us remarkably remains, granting us now to say – Father, change us and upon this makeover, guide us for Your glory, even so that we’d never look back to ever have to recapitulate again, in Jesus Name Amen.

Today’s Thought “Praying HIS Will” G. Ward 2 Peter 3:13 “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” Father God our view is with a subjective unrighteousness that more substantiates a worldly stance in Who You are. Our spiritual mindsets more want to adore Thee with an investigated recall that complies, by doing what Truth demands and while the mandate exists to imitate You, living holy and blameless, our superficiality, with demand to be happy, even placing ourselves above others says that on this day, to turn from our wickedness needs Your Holy restoration. More than that which tarnishes, along with those prioritized, remains Your mercy; and we this day run to the shelter You provide. May You adjust our bad thinking for every season as we have been full of diversionary appearances of these days as belonging to You, while they’re really about us. May our chants of honoring You forget our words to more identify our deeds and rejoice because of Your allowance through Christ’s Sufficiency and may we adjourn onto that cause. Father, there are so many without cognizance of Your grace and as carriers, may our calling to fulfill not substitute tangibles against the imperishable, unrelenting way Jesus our Lord is still providing, in HIS Name we pray, Amen.

Today’s Thought “When I Grow Up…” G. Ward Job 12:10 “In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” Job wasn’t invited to the great meeting between Holy God and Satan regarding all that would occur for his life and perhaps had he the insight, fear would have encompassed his being. Instead, his great sorrow in extreme loss more desired to trust his Maker. It is written to impose upon disciples of Truth to insist spiritual adjustment be made in accordance to all that could/would be for our lives; never to lose sight of Infinite Knowledge belonging to the Almighty. Job’s wife, along with some friends agonized in watching his troubles accumulate, impetuously sharing answers comparable to what we’re exposed from acquaintances in our time and I’m convinced like Job, to wait on the Lord. How dare any formulate decision(s) without charge of a next breath? Sadly, our insistence for immediacy didn’t begin with our technological advancements (including news at an instant), but plagued Job’s era also and while hypothesis remains the necklace for man, there exists answers from the Owner of every moment worthy of proper investigation (2 Ti.3:16-17).