Today’s Thought “My Offering” G. Ward 1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” This first king for Israel, appointed by the Almighty, was given explicit directives through Samuel to utterly destroy the Amalekites. King Saul’s estimation of how that could appear a complete conquest, was ultimate failure and cost him the kingship. All of us are with bouts in how we rationalize what life should involve, to forget we’re not owners of a next breath; even speaking authoritatively concerning those things perceivably allowable by Heaven that causes disobedience in the same as this great king (*1 Cor.6:12). Our selfish plight translates arrogance as we seek to co-pilot with the Greatest King and all our echoes that insist He’s Sufficient to govern our lives becomes a song heard, then forgotten (Ezek.30:30-33), but carefulness in the Spirit realm remembers. As we fall on our knees, may our new lives more present a readiness onto every step HE orders before it’s too late (cf. 1 Jn.1:9).

Today’s Thought “IF, A Mighty Word” G. Ward John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” Context with this passage pays attention to its prefacing that insists on recognizing the Lord while His presence remains. Claimants in knowing Him is widespread, but the truest measurement of faith asks, “Does Heaven know me” (Matt.7:21-23)? A love relationship includes a pair. Therefore and while true love exists, trust is the goal and the supremacy from this Partner calls for a humble submission from us. The daily, reasonable pursuit believers enjoy will welcome transformation from this King of Glory because they’ll soon witness that His unrelenting love for them protects their heart, indifferent from others so busy protecting themselves (cf. 2 Ti.3:2).

Today’s Thought “Mama Was Right!” G. Ward Ephesians 4:29-31 29 When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need—whatever will help them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you. 30 And don’t make the Holy Spirit sad. God gave you his Spirit as proof that you belong to him and that he will keep you safe until the day he makes you free. 31 Never be bitter, angry, or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. Whereas many of my generation and before may not have been faithful to fellowship with other believers, they were greatly exposed to the Truth in Holy God’s Word. Many alive and with children may find themselves using the same exact jargon in the way their parents did and while we seemed to have changed our euphemistic discourse, we’ve not noticed the pervasiveness in character assassinations heightened, along with permissive (even found in every age group). How many heard, “if you’ve nothing good to say about anyone, keep your mouth closed?” To think of our exposure unto numerous Bible scholars all around, particularly as they sought sharing with insistence that to which Final Authority demands is absolutely praiseworthy! We’d all do well to heed the call (*Jas.1:22, Lk.6:46).

Today’s Thought “Three Wishes?” G. Ward Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. So many times throughout the scriptures, we’re admonished regarding Holy God’s power. It’s presented mostly as an assurance of His sufficiency to carry us through difficulties of sorts and while lack of this spiritual regard (for some) may equate such with an access synonymous with hope in winning a mega jackpot, their violation believes they can be satisfied to witness His doing great things on selfish demand (cf. Pr.1:24-29). We must never forget our predecessor’s many trials that included deficiency (i.e. hunger, disease, bondage and exile) and whereas these passages existed for them by prophets and priests, they held onto believing their Creator wouldn’t abandon those HE loves (to which includes you - *Ac.3:19).

Today’s Thought “Draw Me Nearer” G. Ward 2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. The prudent will understand another day presented as exasperating when priority unto me receives top billing and while most are practiced thereunto, an interruption is warranted. My planning is deemed permissive, but not entirely beneficial because “time” doesn’t belong to me. I must therefore submit to its Author and His authority is to be reverenced and while a common practice suggests this and that, to then demand He blesses my endeavors, causes great monotony in uncertainties to persist. Instead, “I’d rather have Jesus than…”

Today’s Thought “A Sweet Fellowship” G. Ward Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. While extreme misuse continues as God’s words are read, further interrogation therein delivers greater clarity. I say that in view of this passage in our theme admonishing believers to embrace spiritual consensus where decision making won’t carry a regretful reverberation and whereas some esteem themselves as reasonable counselors, theirs are doomed for failure (particularly when wisdom is presumed). A conscience dedicated to a pursuit that desires greater intimacy/dependence on the All-Wise Savior (including that to which mimics how He walked) that speaks volumes from the script most significant in their life. Other’s exposure to the awesome approach given them by one promoting excellence, will soon echo the same and a community develops the more, unified, not in civic resolve or self- imposed morality, but where the only Truth (Jn.14:6) exists.

Today’s Thought “Monday Quarter-Backing” G. Ward James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. My leadership over the years has witnessed many horrid reverberations as I sought making decisions for areas to which best governance was needed. The pain thereafter could have been thwarted had I pursued best counsel and whereas my heart’s desire acknowledges those decisions presumed continuity among the recipients, it often left some feeling dejected. While it’s impossible to please all people, there’s yet a responsibility in any/all forms of governance to insist on personal surrender to the All-Wise Creator of all creation and whereas it appears a guarded, defensive mechanism (i.e. self-preservation), the practice thereunto delivers greater dependence on the Holy ONE (confirming the position of the believer – Pr.3:5-6), granting peace.