Today’s Thought “Stay Out of My Pocketbook!” G. Ward Romans 13:7 “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” To embellish is in a sense a re-design of something actual and generally regarded as permissible, particularly when the substance belongs (seemingly) to you and whereas the greatest, most authoritative, inerrant script is provided man by the Only True Owner of all (Ps.24:1), it’s not given so as to rely on our limited artistry of interpretation, but implicit follow-ship thereunto that ultimately concerns our being viewed by others lacking compliance, to then marvel at uncommon perseverance in us, as belonging to the Almighty.

Today’s Thought “Confessional Booth” G. Ward Psalm 66:18 “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” It was what appeared to be a typical day at school in the life of a third grader and the joy for being called upon to clap the erasers and clean the chalkboard was the anticipation for every student. Without greater enunciating, the teacher most assuredly called Greg (not Craig) to the assignment. As understood for the life of an 8-9 year old boy, violation of clarity unto the teacher went violated, causing conflict with these two. Here’s the greater problem, although I was a tough kid, this other apparently had been left behind a couple of grades. GOLIATH’S resolve was a settling of this affair after school. Not having enough sense to be afraid I accommodated him. Being a masterful egoist helped in this endeavor (along with a little girl I liked, who would watch). Round one found my victory in what seemed an effortless rumble, whereas the next round witnessed my gasping for air to find his wrestling skills superior. Where were the adults when you needed them? Oh, I didn’t tell you I was then Catholic and attended their schools and as I squirmed underneath this giant all I could see was the rectory (the Priest’s Home) along with the huge, palatial church to think, “God if you love me, You’ll rescue me!” Craig (a.k.a. Goliath), I’m bigger now and that may be the problem still… “Pray without ceasing” so as to thwart costly indecision.

Today’s Thought “Excel Beyond the Preacher” G. Ward Matthew 18 21 Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” The kindergarten teacher instructs so as to not keep us joyfully singing the alphabet in our latter years, but more to embrace a greater foundation for dissecting soliloquies collegiately. Jewish rabbis offered extra writings, speculative about the mind of God, even equated with where sole Truth exists (i.e. God’s Word) that offered a number for Israel to consider regarding how many times one should forgive their enemy. Peter questioned Jesus on that presumption with a far-reaching amount. Thereafter, Jesus would offer what we know to be an innumerable measure of forgiveness paving the way to His perfect example. Have we as modern day professors sought adding to what forgiveness entails outside of what the Lord demanded just as the extra-rabbinical writings professed, or will it more embrace forgiving as we’ve been?

Today’s Thought “Simon Says…” G. Ward John 3 31 “He who comes from above is above all; the one who is only from the earth is of the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What He has seen and heard, of this He testifies; and no one accepts His testimony.” Logic is with a varied expression, primarily exercised from that to which is both experiential merged with personal agenda and while society is seemingly enlarged by the explorations appearing prudent to follow (even with tremendous accolade), the simplicity in Heaven’s regard for their soul may suffer; particularly when they feel they can have both, and…

Today’s Thought “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. We live in a world where credentials through a varied field study sanctions practitioning of sorts regarded by most. The Word of God however won’t allow a graduate recognition similar, in that no matter the educational prowess, understanding the highest spiritual guideline requires you and me to first die to self, to then allow the Savior’s sole ability in resurrecting us onto denial of a position once held that said it’s my life and I’ll do with it as I choose. The approach to Holy God is further marginalized when pre-supposition (i.e. determining what it says with mere intellect) demands we read His script as we’ve ingested information before, but demands the holiest, reverent regard as if the Almighty is speaking (audibly so). May you all be determined to hear before it’s too late (*Matt.24:35).

Today’s Thought “Square Peg, Round Hole…” G. Ward Luke 10:42 “But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Great planning that soon becomes physical enactment should first count the costs to determine if help is needed and when assumption unto a lone work seems possible, then endeavored onto exhaustion, great criticism of others seated while you scurry promotes a disdain for all who watch. As Mary and Martha anticipated Jesus visiting their home, Martha was such a one aforementioned, while Mary determined not to leave the wisdom of this Wonderful Savior. This actuality remains unfortunately argumentative among believers as any seek to juxtapose who was right (Mary vs. Martha). It’s more written/recorded that we’d see both refreshments as necessary for guests (i.e. task), while their purpose (more paramount) should’ve acknowledged the Supremacy of Christ (in their presence) over food (i.e. duty). *Now substitute food for any plans you’ve made and adjust accordingly (Lk.11:28).

Today’s Thought “Trapped Cat in a Tree” G. Ward Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Understanding grace is an ongoing pursuit that more unfolds unworthiness from its reader, but rejoices how pardoning from On High looked beyond one’s own contempt in view of the sole work Christ provided (*Ro.5:7-8). For any recipient thereunto to persist in condemnation of others may prove misunderstanding (i.e. grace never applied), because love desires all be included in the greatest phenomenon available to mankind; as they “rejoice with the truth; keeping every confidence, believing all things, hoping all things and endures all things” (1 Cor.13:6b-7). The opposite scope belongs to Holy God.

Today’s Thought “Body and Soul” G. Ward Luke 14 33 So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Self-indulgence seems that to which is permissible periodically, yet a practice thereunto can permit an unrelenting habit and that’s what discipleship represents in the spiritual realm. When/if we power up in vain philosophy, even through acceptance of worldly creeds that subtract from God’s authoritative Word, we render ourselves illegitimate children and claimants of knowing Him is one-sided. True relationship understands the necessity to forever condescend to the All-Wise Savior and that includes never posturing to co-pilot along with Him who even owns the air…

Today’s Thought “Trustworthy Confidantes” G. Ward James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Your secret will soon be known to all and can have destructive thoughts from those desirous of greater intimacy with Holy God as they hear of your indiscretion confirming their suspicions/speculations that finds the spiritual assemblies of sorts without merit, because they too are with fallible equivalency to succumb to great impropriety found in any never considerate of corporate worship (Ro.3:10, 23). It’s because of that, confession of sin was never meant for the immature to regard and while they more need to see Christ as our perfection, it proves many look to us to guide them through spiritual deficiency to find unfortunate similitude existing in believers also (cf. Matt.5:16). Confession through repentance is best when made known to the Almighty, then believers who know Him for His great deliverance that grants us a proper course in selflessness that attracts others in their helpless estate.

Today’s Thought “Love on Foolish Terms” G. Ward 1 Peter 2 17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. Freeways are less congested due to another American holiday’s occurrence on Monday (President’s Day) and it was prefaced by another (Valentine’s Day), whereas both are mostly with a preferential regard according to my favorite selection receiving honor. I call this perfunctory blues. It more means an obligatory celebration without heart attachment that’s likened with our commitment to spiritual precepts (i.e. hand picking what may be significant for moments presented over implicit follow-ship). When God speaks, He demands a willful compliance, not a do as I say governance that bemoans duty, but a deeper recall of Heaven’s representation of love and trust without category that protects.

Today’s Thought “Discarded by Society” G. Ward Proverbs 20:29 “The glory of young men is their strength and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” While I in no way have thrown in the towel, I’ve come to know of physical limitation in my autumn and rather than purchasing a bright, shiny 2 seater convertible, I prefer what was provided me by senior men of my youth – exemplary living. Those of old never appeared hurried to anything and were humbly selective with listening to contemporary messaging soon to evolve due to failed attempts of sorts. Argumentative was never to be named among them, whereas the efforts from the young embraced authoritative persuasiveness. Having witnessed the discord of monologue (from the youthful) that builds controversies more was understood as growing pains by seniors; affording them (i.e. those younger) chance in error (the same given by their predecessors) that didn’t suggest information was wrong, but how they conveyed it. Those seasoned adults derived great phraseology like, “Bless your heart” which could mean, “you’re on your way” or, “You idiot!” Altogether, my growth insists I more pray to the Father for the rescue (in Christ) that grants peace with resolve for any younger or older; because it appears we’ve come to a place whereas to differentiate the two (young vs. old) isn’t distinguishable…

Today’s Thought “Too Hurried for Peace” G. Ward Hebrews 4 2 “For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also did; but the word they heard did not benefit them, because they were not united with those who listened with faith.” When faith neglects to be nurtured (daily), every presentation thereafter relies on limited power that presumes an outcome favorable, while protectant of their own happiness. When faith is absorbed in witnessing the Savior’s rule abide in me, tranquility becomes the end result. As the Israelites once enslaved to then be led by God’s leader (Moses) through the wilderness experience more anticipated oceans being parted, along with being fed from the sky as something deserved, to now find our great criticism of their complaint; we’ll neglect seeing lack in appreciating His guidance (in the same) while travailing through life’s difficulties, to also die in our own insufficiencies. Instead, I pray you’ll more insist on entering God’s rest (vs.1).

Today’s Thought “Stray Cat” G. Ward Matthew 7:12 “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Color-blind society, unity among people, believing in the children’s future; all these speak to great impossibility for mankind (naturally so). There is however a spiritual perseverance in Christ that removes sociological parameter that divides and when Love becomes the heart’s new embrace, brown, yellow, red, white or black people will become those needing Jesus and not castigation or pity. Moreover, the redeemed welcomes any at the table set before them (at a continuum) as they hope in all ways that surrender to the One who purposed we’d all be here to invite others to know of this unparalleled phenomenon (*cf. Ro.11:33-36).

Today’s Thought “Public Hanging” G. Ward Deuteronomy 18 18 I will raise up for them a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them everything that I command him. 19 And it shall come about that whoever does not listen to My words which he speaks in My name, I Myself will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name, a word which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. Words matter and truth with love should be its demand. If/when we have a medical issue and upon an appointment with physicians determines there’s clear malady found in you, whereas if it goes untreated could witness your demise, do you allow great spiritual prognostication from other men (with good intent) to immediately forecast healing and cease medical visits? There’s an interdependence given from Heaven that allows the whole of man to first rely on the Almighty through His many provisions that proves Him as sufficient for each day, but not that we’d be so absorbed/attached to a land lacking permanency (*Heb.11:13-16). It is written that we may understand the love of God wasn’t intended solely for our generation, but witnessed the many predecessors of faith experience tremendous sufferings and afflictions and while it’s become our desire to pray every indisposition away to soon encounter another, our God remains Faithful to abide in/through us, along with granting us eternal rest with Him because trouble in earth persists. There’s joy and peace, even while difficulties continue (Jas.1:2-4). I know my Redeemer lives…

Today’s Thought “Monday Quarterbacking” G. Ward Isaiah 43:18 “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” Consolation is perhaps a necessary offering to football fans on the losing side on today and while many are with looks (of condescending, cynical pity) equivalent to adding salt to a wound by hearing defense mechanisms (at a continuum) from the wounded (expressive of referee insufficiencies), there’s a lifeline from any empathetic, that will constantly offer encouragement to know that the Almighty competes with no other; having been victorious from the beginning and if/when we persevere in His righteous ways, greater things are in store (Ro.8:18).

Today’s Thought “Living with Purpose” G. Ward Galatians 3:26-28 For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. It may appear far-fetched, even super idealistic to think of a world void of division, but Christianity witnessed the collapse of the Roman Empire and what began with a few (holding on to their faith in Christ - *Ac.2:44) become a religion in prominence that taught once salvation was solidified in one’s heart, there would then be an immediate response of obedience to make others in the same. Instead, time in earth began to witness a newer predominant thought whereas nations promoted defiance begun from philosophies (of sorts), inviting men to search for an unfounded wisdom not known by Heaven. The solution: “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Ac.3:19).

Today’s Thought “Electricity Out and No Generator” G. Ward Isaiah 5 12 Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; but they do not pay attention to the deeds of the LORD, nor do they consider the work of His hands. Most days in elaborative plans are violated by occupational commitment during the week that excommunicates mundane living for the weekend and whereas organized, bombastic joy of “thank God it’s Friday” depreciates today’s opportunity, a forced reconciliation will soon visit. Heart matters are revealed as immature and undeveloped when lack to heed unwavering support of what the mouth insists when it says “I believe or trust in the Lord” and whereas I’m not permitted evaluation of your private time with HIM, the holy contrast Heaven offers any/all remains and questions every man’s plan to think he owns a single moment either ordered or rejected by the Holy ONE from the beginning (?).

Today’s Thought “My Wish List?” G. Ward Philippians 2 14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding firmly the word of life, so that on the day of Christ I can take pride because I did not run in vain nor labor in vain. I’m still amazed as a resident in the South when there’s a snow day. Just the mention of flurries causes great stoppage, to witness our friends originating from the Midwest and North chuckle in disgust, deeming us as big babies as we hurry to the grocery stores for bread, milk, chips, You Name It(!). I too am a transplant, having been born in raised in Michigan, whereas snow was commonplace from the latter part of November to almost Mid-April and while some of my compatriots murmured against my new found countrymen for their inability to cope with this white precipitation, I rejoiced for having the day off. My view however of the many critics determining our cowardice towards winter wonderland’s occurrences in the South says, they very well may have criticisms somewhat justifiable – whereas any critique thereunto needs to be disquieted and just appreciate existing (spiritually so) so as to get it right (*In retrospect, I’m bewildered to watch the news to see all the snow scenes with people using snow blowers, when some of us older citizens were the Snow Blower – cf. Jas.5:9).

Today’s Thought “Who’s Who?” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 11:14 “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.” America’s stock exchange system witnessed great inconceivable manipulation among common, fiscally challenged individuals like me. Buyers and sellers of stock representative of the dying video game store GameStop, manipulated movement in its fiscal standing from three weeks ago at $18 a share to become $325 in a matter of a few weeks. While this seems celebratory, it lacks prudence. There’s a governmental oversight commission for such (SEC) somewhat quiet as of lately. Similarly, Heaven’s agency appears quiet while interrogating our status as followers of Christ, or intentional mixture of our terms along with implicit guidelines contingent to our being recognized (*cf. Ps.139:1-6). Although a predominant message exists that says knowing, then believing all the facts of Heaven’s regard (Jn.14:6) seems acceptable, obedience thereunto unlocks the door (Rev.3:10-11).