Today’s Thought “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah?” G. Ward Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Grim medical prognosis, great calamity due to storms of sorts and my dog ran away syndrome most always warrants appeals of reprieve from many with pre-suppositional thinking that the Most High desires absolutely no sufferings for those He loves to forget His imputation of sins unto Christ for our benefit. Are you prepared for His decision in the upcoming election? Did you forget He chose George Washington and those thereafter? Are you busy seeking to understand why? When that pursuit (questioning His rule) overrides trust, regardless, it proves lack of foundation of His will found solely in the Word of God. After the fallen-ness of man happened (Ge. 3), strife became the necklace for all and that same can be a leash whereby the world yanks your chain, or spiritual ownership onto the Almighty can allow His yoke as easy and burden as light…

Today’s Thought “Snake In the Grass” G. Ward Psalm 95 6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, And the sheep of His hand. The temple to which you belong is a sacred institution generally associated with reverence beyond the scope of other places you frequent. A best suit is worn indicative of the greatest presentation, never showy, just exemplary. Talk (i.e. every word being weighed) is immediately modified to represent respectability of locality and a gentle spirit is conveyed via by a subtle smile while there. The altruism in faith for the believer undergirds transformation given by their Maker; HE alters them onto a new status as an actual temple of the Spirit, called out in EVERY regard to model the essence of worship belonging (esoterically) to Holy God. We shall not be contained by structure, but display structure incorruptible.

Today’s Thought “Innocently Tagged” G. Ward Galatians 3 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Self-characterization or the same from others (particularly as it concerns lumping together those of physical similarity) is useless without Heaven’s approval. The objective for any that believe is to undergird spiritual transformation, so as promote Holy God’s character. The social construct of race is also without benefit and has become an identifier of humankind perpetuating divisiveness. Recently, political grandstanding perpetuated a separatist ideology that said in general terms Black folk need to either get on board with a political posturing offered from a partisan group and furthered that they want more for the Black community than Blacks want for themselves. No ethnic group is with a monolithic (uniformity without variance) approach even though that same group may identify themselves within the parameter of a partisanship. There are many ways to incur economic success and national security of sorts. Moreover, every ethnic group is varied in rich and poor, productive and unproductive, etc., so addressing any in general terms is arrogant/ignorant. God never highlighted groups for their ethnicity but did for their availability to His commands and usefulness thereunto. The way of the cross provided anyone’s confession of Jesus as Lord without barrier. The only opinion that matters is the Creator of Heaven and earth. His preparation for us with a perfect home adds more victory and our arrival there promises a continuity in the Spirit realm, needful for practice right now.

Today’s Thought “Half In, Half Out” G. Ward 2 Peter 2:20-22 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” Our hunger for Truth is likened to the most disgusting act a dog embodies after vomiting when we’re faced with directives from God’s living Word and immediately thereafter subverting its authority through reliance on vain philosophy (because it’s commonly perceived among the masses); whereas the truest position in righteousness remains an ongoing pursuit in intimacy with Holy God that trusts in His sole guidance to never sanction outside perspectives and opinions. No matter what the people say, my participation in the gospel will find solace in following the perfect nourishment of HIS words vs. regurgitated attempts in temporal pleasures…

Today’s Thought “Election Results” G. Ward 1 Thessalonians 4 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words. Election in theology is merely God choosing to bring individuals to salvation through Jesus Christ and this sovereign process didn’t rely on your arrival with all your spiritual practicality, but again, was HIS choice (*Eph.1:4-6). Election, the political thing eight days from now has unfortunately become the larger means to national resolution, even with declarations from both partisan sides mandating their candidate is the “chosen one” and he is (*Ro.13:1); but not because they went to the polls (Get it?). The spirit of readiness cannot continue as it’s been to see God (*cf. Hos.1:2)…

Today’s Thought “Grief Dichotomized” G. Ward John 11:35 “Jesus Wept…” The Prophet Isaiah recorded He was “a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” Insight of future events, along with denial from men would certainly drive ordinary humans into clinical depression, but this Jesus, the Overcomer, demonstrated an unwavering reliance on His Father. He would soon raise His friend Lazarus to life, so His tears had to have been for others who would view this as something more astounding to behold vs. life in HIM. What we see, taste and touch has become the giant in a small room and until that something is met, penetration of greater is marginalized and while implicit faith truly is difficult, there is no gathering unto Holy God through Christ when others are with expectancy of blessings outside of Genesis to Revelation and tears remain incessant even for the believer on behalf of those un-surrendered unto this great cause (cf. Eph.5:1-2).

Today’s Thought “Thursday Special at the Local Café” G. Ward Ezekiel 3:1-3 Then He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and He fed me this scroll. 3 He said to me, “Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your body with this scroll which I am giving you.” Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth. A few generations ago witnessed families taking meals at their homes, in that restaurants were far too costly to consider and besides dining out didn’t offer the choices of today. Townspeople were generally exposed to local diners or the dime store café and even their food mimicked home cooking, but change of environment fooled our palates. We as believers are contained in the surety of the temple provided us (1 Cor. 6:19) and no matter the meal served, ours craves every word prepared for us without consideration of supping elsewhere. Moreover, any mixture indifferent from the King’s table is poisonous. No preservatives please, just pure food…

Today’s thought “Spiritual Suicide” G. Ward Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. We’ve perhaps viewed either a television series or movie whereby a villain’s diligence haunts a victim in such proportion so as to capsize their good thinking onto fear that won’t relent. The victim will then need someone caring to walk alongside of them to ensure their nemesis is on his way to collapse. Moreover there’s assurance from the consoler of their presence until this horrid actuality subsides. If the victim rejects any notion of being safe although help is vividly perceived, the perpetrator wins. The Lord, more than any advocate receives all our anxieties (1 Pe.5:7), desirous of our freedom from various trappings that render us unproductive and while your prayers are generous concerning other’s welfare, consider unlimited supplication on your behalf where refreshing exists. He’s the shelter from every storm…

Today’s Thought “The Definition of Cyclical” G. Ward James 1:27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Our national pursuit is without echoes of unity because each maintain a cause indifferent from that which protects those with little to no voice amidst a robust society. Some would argue their platform seeks to persuade others onto a progressive consciousness that protects future generations from a varied depletion, to which another side introduces a variant with an opposing cure. We’ll then witness considerations in chaos that keeps us at this horrid food fight. It’s no wonder Jesus’ resolve to government was paying His taxes while insisting that any followers of the Lord exalt Holy God because He orchestrates life (even sufferings- Ro.8:28) given man for His own purpose. Getting busier in thwarting His purpose denies eternal satisfaction with Him and insisting all you’re doing extends glory and honor to His Name sounds good to us, but He knows…

Today’s Thought “Gentle Giant in the Room” G. Ward Matthew 5:1-5 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. How others assess your character can often be misleading in that less conspicuous can appear arrogant. Whereas the believer’s calling should always guard their sacred trust of the Savior through denial of perspectives that divide, he’s also to portray his Redeemer as the Only worthy of every man’s highest affection. Seemingly difficult to juxtapose (i.e. establishing a practice of total obscurity while exalting Christ with every step) remains the safeguard for peace. As you pursue righteousness, remember it’s obtained through broken-ness (being remorseful over sin) that desires to cower away from bouts in futility while confidently proclaiming He’s my All in all and my eyes adore His resolve.

Today’s Thought “Nine Months Ago…” G. Ward Exodus 15:26 He said, "If you listen carefully to the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD, who heals you." The pandemic to which we’re exposed may or may not be with this kind of similitude. Let’s however act quickly regarding the “may” of this actuality. While some even after 1.1 million globally, along with 218,000 Americans have died, we’re witnessing great apathy among earth’s citizenry. America the free is yet arguing still over the origin of this disease and some doubt its spread, while families everywhere are grieving yet. Let’s see now; insensitivity, reckless abandonment of truth and purports of discord, are any of those descriptive of inheriting anything godly? Very little Bible scholarship is necessary in saying “NO” unequivocally!! Many will soon understand every tongue’s confession of the LORD, but with the same equivalency of Israel then travailing through the wilderness then to violate seeing a “Promised Land.” Our weary land now is only celebratory in great boundary proportion with great chants of arrogant acclamation in being leader of the free world; forgetting “to much given, much is required.”

Today’s Thought “If This World Were Mine” G. Ward Matthew 7:3-5 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. The greatest philosopher that ever lived is often you and I and just when we think our resolute ideologies are set in stone, more vanity suggests an addendum be added. Perhaps you call it being analytical? I call it petty. More than what appears as actual for our view is an expression from other’s conveyance of personal code adopted and inasmuch as living a life surrendered to Christ is a “one voice” messaging, the carrier’s variants are diverse. Pay more attention to that which can unify and while doing so you may find yourself on Peace Avenue that intersects with Joy Rd. This in no way precludes an inability to assist a life dedicated in Christ vividly exhibiting points of slippage that ruins shouldn’t be mercifully admonished onto a best regard, but it does mean your advice record must be that to which no struggle exists therein.

Today’s Thought “Wrecking Ball” G. Ward 1 Timothy 1:16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Whereas perception may regard unrighteous things not worthy to consider, rarely are there contemplations of my re-inventing another moral code. Diversion onto foolish critique of such societal permissiveness is often preferred, inviting visuals distant from my perspective that represents order (perceivably) and these observances are so frequent that my view renders them ineffective and unproductive. The practice of such is arrogant and as Holy God is the Only One able to view usefulness from the inside/out, our spiritual determination must conform immediately (Phil.2:5) if we’re to be regarded as His. The difficulty of ascertaining societal unity is exacerbated through lack of spiritual assessment entirely personal and while the vilest of offenders appear worse, it’s really me standing in need…

Today’s Thought “Support Systems” G. Ward Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Without any notice bridal coordinators are without work and dress shops (in the same) no longer are in business and the few existent are with appointment only status. Jewelry stores highlight chocolate diamonds and tennis/charm bracelets, whereas solitaires are more pertinent to upgrades than (wedding) engagements. Love, although known as Who God is (1 Jn.4:8) has now been reduced to great tolerance very distant than the original intent that allowed our presence and Final Authority’s incessant commands regarding marriage are clear. Marriage continues as the foundation for societal order. Questions as to why civic unrest, widespread disease, global unrest and family dissolution rests in God’s Truth (*Ro.1:18-21) and we exacerbate the wrath from the Almighty when we run to false reconciliation. Shelter is only found in Jesus!

Today’s Thought “Blinded by the Light” G. Ward Hebrews 4 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. The glamour of worship that includes prepared speeches of poetic proportion along with liturgical responses from audiences (confirming belief of Who is said to be the Object of their faith) and concert hall singing (imaginatively with equivalency of angelic voices ushering humanity into the heavenlies) and instrumentalists comparable to big band entertainers has become the expectation that seemingly offers reprieve from all evil. There however is the simplicity with insistence to more portray obtaining redemption from the only Savior and regardless of the noise all around, the affirmative response craves to be known by Heaven, rejoicing (personally) thereafter.

Today’s Thought “Living Inside Myself” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 6 12 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. Here’s a stanza from one of the greatest hymns in faith; Grace, grace, God's grace, Grace that will pardon and cleanse within Grace, grace, God's grace Grace that is greater than all our sin! The joy in knowing our Savior paid sin’s penalty is the contemplative review while this is sung by the believer and those same practitioners of intimacy with Christ are with refusal to pervert/subvert the gospel’s intent. Like in Corinth however, there are more who sing it with a licentiousness that pervades on many an idea of un-substantiated permissiveness from Holy God that commits sin knowing of such grace, assuming coverage thereafter. May ours be sincerely observant of true freedom’s way while with opportunity (Ac.3:19).

Today’s Thought “Acknowledgement of A Great Divide” G. Ward Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. In a spiritual sense, looking towards a future won’t include the uncertainty of life in earth that anticipates a predominant culture of peace and unity whereby history never witnessed such (particularly apart from Holy God submission), but more embraces the actuality in being called God’s own and that blessed assurance produces calmness and contentment (even while in a chaotic world) as true believers await Heaven when every trouble will cease.

Today’s Thought “Birds of A Feather…” G. Ward Luke 15:7 “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Truth challenges any reasonable onto activity to then be grateful for the information received and while others demand further proof, Heaven may not wait and whereas frailty remains the truest identifier for the whole of mankind, the few willing to confess it are generally not the upper echelon in society and those prestigious can more consider a personal, sovereign sufficiency and the quest for regard in earth will soon end.

Today’s Thought “The Power of Persuasion” G. Ward Isaiah 5:20-21 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! Messy Israel then, with its many divisions in perceived morality has become the discombobulated national focus of today and while the world yet regards us as a settlement desired in residency and whereas the inevitable implosive-ness of such divide includes a tag of “United” the banner of its citizenry is with myriads of flags that ultimately means nothing (Ac.3:19)!

Today’s Thought “Mine Own Hospital Stay” G. Ward James 2 3 And you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” 4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? A democratic society is most certainly preferred among its citizenry; allowing choice, particularly pleasing to personal endeavor. The small faction of believer-ship prefers/insists they live in a free society, abiding in its legal parameter while higher adherence to theocratic rule remains their source of joy and our reasonable approach to it all understands that every citizen is with a common denominator in needing Jesus.

Today’s Thought “Discord While Praising?” G. Ward Psalm 95:1-3 O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is a great God And a great King above all gods How can any suggestive in knowing the Almighty rejoice in the sufferings others incur? For believers, periodic assessment of surrender onto Christ’s rule (Ps.139:23-24) most certainly observes how well one matches compassion and mercy the Savior exemplified. The “One Faith” of Ephesians’ expression yields entirely to a transformative methodology through hope given that reaches beyond earthen divisiveness and biases – to which I rejoice in my Savior having completed His work indiscriminately and whereas today has been presented in what ought be praise, not so I can soak up what perceivably is His abundance towards me (i.e. social, economic and political permissiveness), it’s absolute recall of the redemption provided me through sharing where LOVE emanates.

Today’s Thought “God, Did YOU Hear Us?” G. Ward Jeremiah 32:17 Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. Father God, we’ve depended on every other source to supply our happiness and prosperity; while YOU remained patient with us concerning our welfare. We’ve read Your judgments against the nation You loved with their blatant conformity unto unjust ways from a worldly standard that included a self-righteous indignation that assumed sufferings of sorts weren’t to exist. We’ve regarded this strange land to which we live as superior with Your name stamped on its people along with placards indicating You as Owner and that pomposity never invited the whole of mankind to where Truth only existed, that is The Almighty as their refuge and strength, demanding they not ever turn from knowing, then exercising therein. Our guilt is obscured by the measures given others while in this land flowing with milk and honey and while in that assessment we strive against the wind, we never knelt to notice You were at watch, being the Only ONE who knew our selfish motives only sought to celebrate You in presumed victories without regard to Your imposing judgments. While the few of us who truly love Your righteousness exist in this strange land, we ask Your will be done through us to convey that Holy Standard to any who will listen before it’s too late. In the Name truly ABOVE every name – JESUS, Amen.