Today’s Thought “Give Me An F-L-O-R-I-D-A!” G. Ward

Psalm 90:10-12 “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

Santa coming to town was yesterday and springtime graduations are tomorrow. As for now, America is under attack by Captain Jack Frost and there’s absolutely no defense outside of heavy garments. Have you taken the time while the hearth of your home’s fireplace is ablaze, along with hearing the furnace re-ignite, to contemplate those on the cusp of frostbite, or consider (no matter the socio-economic class) the neighbor unable to procure funds to pay utilities of sorts? My Dad would always remind my siblings and me of the stray cats and dogs (as we were exposed to horrid winters of Michigan many years ago) who absolutely had no shelter. Homelessness wasn’t as great in those days with the exception of the “Hobo” who chose to reside at the train tracks; but even he could go home.

Altogether, we’ve come a long ways without deeper contemplation of Holy God’s patience for us (cf. 2 Pe.3:9). In regards to the aforementioned passage, it appears that my appreciating, then praise for the Almighty’s abiding with/in me, has become the opportunity to recapitulate (Ps.118:24) in understanding that salvation’s course should involve my impartation in truth unto any receptive to the message of love. Chants of “God is good” won’t do; it must be prepared to render a concise presentation that remembers the babe in your presence will soon need meat so as to create sustenance for enduring the “wiles” of this perverse generation.

Today’s Thought “The Struggle Persists” G. Ward

Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Every American believer upon their confession of Jesus as Lord should be mandated to journey to a minimal of three foreign lands where resources are minimal. The essence of substantive faith that can’t be seen (Heb.11:1) understands that intangible reliance that anticipates Holy God’s work prevails vs. awaiting perceived blessings of abundance (cf. Mt.16:24). While many countries merely desire clean drinking water and numerous Eastern Europeans reside in sewers so as to remain warm, our collective worship is mostly selective, insisting on palatial surroundings in climatic excellence. Moreover, our contrast in selection links with what is perceivably the most vibrant fellowships, compromising one’s own worship to the Almighty vs. intense music on our terms.

It’s no wonder that the divorce rate is the same in Christendom as the world. Furthermore, inconsistency in regular attendance from many suffers because the whole of society pervades on everyone, “if it doesn’t make me happy, don’t do it!” All that Christ endured, granting redemption to knuckleheads like me so I’d experience joy and peace in earth to then be guaranteed eternal rest, should NEVER HINGE ON PERSONAL PREFERENCE…

Today’s Thought “Humbled by Acts of Love” G. Ward

Acts 20:35 “ In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Video presentations of material distributions by local fellowships may be genuinely concerned with its congregants needs, but remains antithetical to Holy God’s standard in giving (*Matt.6:1-4, 12:39). It’s quickly becoming a trendy adoptive practice in sensationalism, soon to be forgotten. This is not to say that support, brother to brother isn’t necessary, it however fails in establishing others to be givers when it arrives with loud trumpets. Moreover, it becomes the anticipation onto many that haven’t placed their full trust in the All Wise Savior (i.e. when things run out, they too may run out). Like so many, their assembling with others of faith more expects to receive something vs. the real teachings that allow spiritual preparation whereby giving the Intangible grows His church.

The question of prominence demands from the whole of humanity, “How can God get the glory from all I endeavor?” While new cars will soon tarnish and money will be spent (Matt.6:19-21), there remains Holy God’s word, the perfect guide that yields blessings that can’t be bought, but is paid in full (*Jn.19:28-30).

Today’s Thought “Personal Indebtedness” G. Ward

Psalm 22:13-15 “They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion.
 I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death.”

Giving honor on today to a lady (Mrs. Rogoff) who blessed so many children in our neighborhood as we grew in stature and intellect. This great lady was the most excellent gardener that could have taught horticulture at the greatest prestigious university. This was a time in Detroit where so many in our area took pride in their own yard work. Mrs. Rogoff worked in her yard for hours each day but would most certainly stop each time to talk with every child who would visit. She was masterfully pleasant, even up to offering a bowl of ice cream on many occasions. Every summer she and her husband would load as many children (including the front seat along with them) into their Cadillac Fleetwood for a great excursion to Metro Beach. Do you think that the generosity and hospitality of Mrs. Rogoff ever witnessed lack of righteous pursuit from any child? Sure, that was a time of greater accountability whereas if there was a glimmer of disobedience given unto any adult, an unfortunate consequence was immediately perceived (i.e. a nice way in saying – whooping).

The suffering of the Sinless Savior, having endured the worst crucifixion (voluntarily so) on Calvary’s cross, has become the highest regard for all and if children are with momentary graciousness unto a few hospitable in earth, what do we owe this King who gives liberally (every moment) without parameter (cf. Lk.6:46)?

Today’s Thought “The Cost of Discipleship” G. Ward

John 19:28-30 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.”  A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth.  Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

The vilest of mankind qualifies in the greatest demonstration of love by Christ. Loneliness and despair is no match for any that resolves themselves unto His standard of living and sacrifice. Indecision is without prompting when meditations rest on His mighty power and the joy in knowing that my request of Him to abide with me forever has become the gift that keeps giving. I cannot know, nor fathom in my own intellect how great He truly is until I resolutely unfold the book to where HIS WORDS tell me so, to then hear its demand onto OBEDIENCE therein. I must die (daily) that HE can shine through my once dirty being…

Today’s Thought “Last Dance” G. Ward

Colossians 4:5-6 “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

We’re taught to weigh our thoughts and words so as to protect our reputation. It’s become a defense mechanism that relies on limited intelligence synonymous with playing roulette in Las Vegas (i.e. we mostly lose). We’ll often leave those we sought to convince, thinking our conveyances as acceptable to never gain a transparent access of my words unto that same hearer. I’m convinced that no matter my eloquence through words written or spoken, the avenue of man with all his pre-conceived notion is with such strong desire to have their need(s) met, that it leaves little to no room for another lesson. There is however a spiritual ordination unto any that will humble themselves to words eternal, whereby the Author therein remains the only One with transforming power and when my sole reliance rests There, I’ll experience soulful rest.

Today’s Thought “Before the Hefty Garbage Bag” G. Ward

1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

One thousand three hundred garbage collectors went on strike because no health and welfare benefits existed amidst a work day of nine hours minimal that yielded wages unable to procure the worst shack in town. Those drum majors for justice knew their work as special envoys that would advocate (for the dejected) as a death trap (due to the many fatalistic threats) by those opposed to Holy God’s “mankind rule” without category concerning race, but simply trust in Him as Maker. How ironic to think of a non-violent movement evoking perpetuators of hatred as something that could compromise the lives of peaceable protestors. This stance in irony caused many households like mine growing up to become divided philosophically until February 21, 1965 (The assassination of Malcolm X). That religious leader purported a preparedness that mandated “they hit you, hit them back.” Seemingly barbaric to perceive until you assess the counteraction of water hoses and German Shepherds turned on the innocent. Hindsight reveals the theological position of loving one’s enemy by turning the other cheek (applied) as victorious. The ones of us yet alive are so very perplexed on the disquieted spirit of many of that era that remained so lethargic upon witnessing such hatred spewed by many. Why would legislation (1964) become necessary to declare equality among races (the frivolity in divide of races still exists)? Why is it that many still abhor race mixing as if Holy God ever said that the institution He ordained for procreation’s sake mandated a “social construct” be observed over ensuring future generations in believership continue and why are preachers still preaching social resolve, leaving gospel cure-all as secondary? The re-visitation of divide plagues 2019 because hatred was gated over 50 years ago, under lock and key whereas corrosive alloys unlocked the buffoonery in self-centeredness.

The ultimate death of Dr. M.L. King Jr. in accordance to his militant advocacy could have occurred at the height of the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955; yet he and others were just stoned, spat upon and beaten. The year 1968 mandated enough of this foolish advocacy because he now went from an obliteration of racial divide to economic fairness (through The Poor People’s Campaign of 1968 – soon to become a march that would trump 1963’s March On Washington) that would unfold an unfortunate plight of many Americans to date: If an Appalachian resident, living in squalid conditions gets millions of dollars, they’ll wreak havoc on our society, so kill the leader and squash that dreamer!

I still cry when viewing the footage of that time and deeper contemplations in 2019’s forecast mandates more Kleenex…

Today’s Thought “Law and Order…” G. Ward

Psalm 116:1-2 “I love the Lord, because He hears My voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.”

America is economic leader of the world, regarded as a land of immigrants that embraced having pulled themselves up by their own bootstraps and ensuring their children’s children are afforded greater opportunity. We cry upon hearing our anthem, with hand over heart, so appreciative for a “No Divisiveness” stance offered indiscriminately in this great land. We place “lock, stock and barrel” trust in our politicians, to forget “term limits” soon to encounter their demise or electoral loss to another choice candidate that lends our castigation thereafter. “God and Country” remains our mantra as if a land has synonymous power and superior blessings than the poorest.

Psalm 116:12 asks, “What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me?” You must first recognize that Holy God, Maker of heaven and earth needs nothing. Soon, every American will LOSE THEIR RESIDENCE STATUS to an eternal one and if the perpetuation in being idolatrous in a land never belonging to any continues, a doomed eternality awaits.

Today’s Thought “Leading While Bleeding” G. Ward

Numbers 14:18 “The Lord is slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generations.”

No one exists with genetic predisposition to societal ills but has to be warned not to follow and when instruction is compromised an adoption of unrighteousness is probable.

It’s entirely unreasonable to think a sphere of influence is lost because one failed to embody then model righteousness when their own young people grew in stature and education. Moreover, their adulthood now remains receptive to instruction, but Little Jenny and Baby John (all grown up) need to hear your sorrow. It cannot be those general statements of past impropriety; that insults their horrid remembrance of particular offenses. The admittance necessary must be genuine, embracing new found assurance of personal redemption available to any who will (through transparency) admit failure, to then embody a perfect surrender unto a new code of conduct whereby regret remains part of the past (cf. Ps.118:24).

Today’s Thought “Is That A New Outfit?” G. Ward

Colossians 3:1-3 “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

The statements are pouring in; it involves commentary on how many haven’t aged. It stems from great expanse in time from last encounters. Those noticing the astounding physical sparkle discovered in some offer great compliment, seemingly more relative to a hope from the sayer regarding their own appearance; in that most don’t see the receipt of aging gracefully.

Emollients of sorts are on the inventor’s table (at a constant), whereby those practitioners of ingenuity are often on the cusp in developing secrets to sustaining youthful appearances. While there may be nothing wrong with a pursuit in appearing your best, forgetfulness of an interior activity that delights oneself unto a godly transformation, pervading the attitude in joyful contentment, allows the first view from others to regard the brilliance of light (cf. Jn.8:12) that circumvents (exteriorly) my every deficiency.

Today’s Thought “What’s In A Name?” G. Ward

Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!”

The irreligious have sought to refute chants of Jesus from those of us brain-washed in believing He was God Incarnate in earth and is now Savior of the world. Moreover, their passion may embrace His existence, but not as LORD of all. Our incessant referral to His name as Jesus lends great ammunition to their cause through pronouncing a translated version of Jesus from languages other than English. The truth is, if Jesus the Eternal were like you and me, He would be without 2 -5 names as we have; His signature line can include more than 50 names. We’ve done all within our grasp to insist His similarity unto our likeness without understanding that He need not capitulate to us, we need to emulate His example (*cf. Isa.55:8-9).

I’m convinced that argumentative behavior regarding Who He is, what His name might be or whether He may be Black or White, has the limited scope that subtracts from the merciful love He shares with all and when the proposed interrogation of His words go violated, NO PEACE.

More than an insistence to conclude a prayer with phraseology “In Jesus Name” that assumes Kingdom’s acceptance, “Do and Live” according to His matchless Name…

Today’s Thought “Disingenuous Resolution” G. Ward

Ephesians 4:4-6 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism,  one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.”

There is statistical data indicating huge numbers of Americans believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Belief and particularly as it concerns Supremacy in all things and everyone, denies privilege in supporting ideas (i.e. philosophies) that are definitively authoritative to follow (through insinuation unto any). The guidance in their suggestion insists that peace outside of Christ rule is acceptable. We’ve been exposed (unfortunately so) to the realness of value systems found in the proposed believer, whereas their words identify what they support most. In other words, I know your politics, perspectives and opinions before knowing your Lord. Moreover, I’m more riddled with expressions of euphoric proportion tagged as motivational that keeps me on a pursuit of happiness, whereby my condition in needing this messaging for this moment indicates that the God I’ve proposed as entirely Sufficient isn’t enough.

A practice in perfect submission is required to diffuse this unfortunate reality and the need for some to step up, throwing a life line unto victims of culture is urgent because eternal separation exists not solely for the extremely bad, but also for the ones who deny HIS lordship.

Today’s Thought “Changing A Narrative” G. Ward

Leviticus 18:5 “So you shall keep My statutes and My judgments, by which a man may live if he does them; I am the Lord.”

I’ve more discovered my authorship as unpopular; including attacks in condescension that seeks to instruct via criticism (Stop Crying Gregory!). My writings seek to portray an urgency to conform immediately towards a merciful, unpopular message Holy God demands from mankind. That message never lent opportunity independent of His rule in everything. The whole of mankind (from the beginning) was granted life by His breath unto the frailty of our composition; we then became a living being.

Our comparability in existing in partial compliance to our Maker is a rebellion we witnessed in the old storyline “Frankenstein.” Dr. Victor Frankenstein sought to build a man in his laboratory that would blend into society (normally) and upon completion, that eight foot created facsimile of a man (composed with sensitivity and emotion) was mocked by the same society he sought to blend in, to the degree in exercising a vicious, evil rebellion to become “Frankenstein’s Monster.”

Today, as a day our Lord has made is the loving opportunity extended you and me to get back on the table of our Maker unto a regeneration that promotes being owned peaceably.

Today’s Thought “Bully Pulpit” G. Ward

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Howbeit that Holy God gets the blame for man’s arrogance that divides? The Almighty has always refused to be involved with the dark, dispirited value systems of man. The devices of man throughout history has been segmented, causing oppression to some, even beyond generations perceived in the lifetime of those purporting their righteousness. Moreover, the philosophical nonsense (from many deemed powerful, eloquent leaders) always sought to impress upon a people a self-imposed leadership that would embrace an infamous recognition and yes, even a statue erected in the city square. All of this translates unbelief.

As an ambassador unto Holy God’s message (responsible for a congregation), I’ve never understood an opportunity taken by some of my countrymen to share a discourse whereby Christ’s righteousness is not the cure-all. The reality in arrogance to think that our generation’s intellect goes beyond those prior inhabitants of the earth is preposterous. They couldn’t solve it, nor shall we. Greg, you’re stupid! You’re right! My faith rests in Christ’s rule; celebrating a dual citizenship by faith; not in an earthly cure unaccomplished, but a heavenly position (soon to occur), whereby no record of divide is allowed. When believers fail to minister LOVE unto any, they deny peace and continuity. The blood still works!