Today’s Thought “Automatic, Systematic…” G. Ward Ezekiel 18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die. Comfort is most certainly needed for those having lost their loved one or friend and there’s a spiritual responsibility to make ourselves available to such. We however haven’t been called to a false comfort that insists the deceased is present with God, particularly because they were hospitable, kind giants in the earth. Godly behavior(s) exemplified is not the qualifier for Heaven; implicit trust in God through Christ that insists HE ALONE leads and guides while making your life new and proof of your change thereafter then is evidenced (cf. Heb.10:25). This Memorial Day certainly will honor those soldiers who’ve given their lives and usage of John 15:13 will preface many speeches; but man is without authority that places anyone in the heavenlies. Our Creator won’t recognize any for good behavior, because it is HE who says, “No one is righteous” but will receive our repentance whereby Christ’s righteousness then takes our being undesirable and unlovely, then conforms us for His good pleasure (*cf. 2 Cor.6:2).

Today’s Thought “On the Witness Stand” G. Ward Psalm 139 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; Put me to the test and know my anxious thoughts; 24 And see if there is any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way. Opinion is the largest epidemic for our times that more finds answers in foolish categorizing of other’s behaviors and while to judge is sanctioned by Final Authority’s standard, it demands we first offer correction for ourselves. Have we not known of the Living Savior’s sacrifice for the whole of mankind? Did it ever refer to man as good enough and how does the Almighty view indiscretion found in man? Can we be reconciled to righteousness on our own, if not, what does it take (*Ac.3:19)? Instead and because of faith’s requirement, every recipient of the matchless grace found in Christ’s Sufficiency won’t ever need to look to the vilest in society then contrast who they are against that actuality; but how they match up with the Sinless Savior’s example (cf. 2 Cor.5:7).

Today’s Thought “Golden Gloves” G. Ward Romans 7:24-25 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind am serving the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh the law of sin. A gladiator must never arrive in a fighting ring over-confident, but honor his training as positive counteraction against the opponent. Moreover, thoughts of one’s own frailty understands endurance is tried when adrenaline secreted in extreme proportion at the beginning of the trial is without guarantee towards the end of a contest when it counts (Eccl.9:11), which brings us back to the prior assurance; training that promotes confidence (*Heb.4:16).

Today’s Thought “My Autograph Book” G. Ward Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” I must admit that I’m afraid for so many regarding their neglect in relying on Holy God to provide them (primarily and personally) with words that inspire a move away from man’s limited scope onto even greater dependence on Him versus retrieving before absolute Truth’s demand, other manuscripts, periodicals and devotional thoughts. While many say it appears mine own perpetuations may also be instrumental in what could be deemed promoting an inauthentic relationship with Christ via my writings, my sole desire is to accentuate your personal time already considered with the Lord, never accolades for my exaltation. While our Savior regards those desiring to be totally governed by His gentle rule calls them “Friend” (Jn.15:15), could we be guilty through foolish insistence that our Best Acquaintance talk first to others and then allow them to communicate what HE said to us, or would you prefer it direct so as to get it absolutely correct (Heb.1:1-2)?

Today’s Thought “King for A Day” G. Ward Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” There’s a proposed awareness of circumstances be found in us and when/if we’re unaware of varied events it could very well limit our being recognized amidst individuals. The conversations among the many groups to which you’re involved are subject for change (particularly as news headlines are ever-evolving), so there’s inevitable visitation of the same (ostracization) to visit another once employed in great opinion. I’m discovering that people’s criticism of others and circumstances, lessens points of introspection from within that can/should lend corrective measures desired. Believers however are with a literal “Upper Hand” rendering them complete peace even while news at an instant grants greater opinion from the masses that’s unending (- seemingly, cf. Matt.24:35). The message we’ve been given is all-inclusive, interrogating every soul that will hear of a Perfect Savior who gave Himself for imperfect men (Ro.5:7-8) and that my friend is your Samaria…

Today’s Thought “Graduation Is Almost Here” G. Ward Hebrews 10:36 For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For the believer, earth is the practice field for an eternal rest promised and while many lack perfection thereunto, their desired adherence is preeminent, maintaining hope in being transformed, whereas past imperfects become unbelievably perceived by them and certainly confounds others who’ve witnessed their peace and desire the same (Matt.5:16).

Today’s Thought “If You Want to be Happy…” G. Ward Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Appearances from those seemingly void in difficulty is a visual marred by personal inability to exist and discern the conscience in others. Faith in where Truth is sought will understand that every man beneath the Savior’s authority will have trials and while some choose to not wear their miseries outwardly, it certainly won’t indicate a trouble-free soul; it could be personal, spiritual insistence to know circumstances that seem against them won’t last, while thankful unto such a Wonderful Savior to whom never ceases to hear their praise.

Today’s Thought “Reminded by Compassion” G. Ward Romans 5:3-4 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. While sufferings are primarily self-imposed along with circumstantial, moments therein are painful, blocking joy for extended periods of time (cf. Ps.30:1-5). Moreover and whereas sufferings became the insistence from the first two humans created and generations thereafter pervaded similar doubt, contemplations of the WAY (Jn.14:6) out remains the responsibility of conscience; but when that same conscience relies on more human perspective, sufferings increase along with rest marginalized and eternity compromised…

Today’s Thought “Keep Your Cool” G. Ward Matthew 26 47 And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign previously, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; arrest Him.” 49 And immediately Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. And Christ paved the way. What way could that be? It’s the unrelenting hope in the Almighty’s grip on His creation. Promises given by our Creator won’t fail and Christ exercised steadfastness where implicit trust of every pre-ordained set of events that would use His only Son through great degradation so we could enjoin ourselves accordingly. Our Exemplar Leader testifies that although life may include many components in trouble, there is guarantee for any who will absolutely surrender on HIS terms to be guided (in everything) by their Creator, even when some closest to us appear genuinely in our corner, yet plot our failing (cf. Eph.6:12). The rest in peace offered by our Perfect Lamb of God who took away our sins, will be our Shelter, enabling endurance. Will you stand?

Today’s Thought “If You Think You’re Lonely Now…” G. Ward Judges 16 19 And she made him sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to humble him, and his strength left him. 20 She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. The LORD insisted we know that “Every good and perfect gift is from above” and when our desire seeks to overshadow that to which was given for HIS purpose, the room becomes empty, including all its contents (*Jn.15:5). Change your course before it’s too late!

Today’s Thought “A New Prophet” G. Ward Jeremiah 6:10 To whom shall I speak and give warning that they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the LORD has become for them a rebuke; they take no delight in it. Whereas my brother and I were committed to our newspaper route as boys and those anticipating knowledge of local and world events depended on this delivery before the evening television news would air, we now have news at an instant, having become calloused to interrogating its meaning. Residing in a free society can more purport exploration in self-gratification (than total dependence on their Creator) that blinds what ordinarily would be obvious warnings (particularly when protective agencies in that same society are numerous - *cf. Ps.127:1). Today’s news is witness of a pandemic subsiding, while mass shootings increase and potential war between the Israelis and Palestinians is heightened. Moreover, our free society is vulnerable (to ransomware attacks from Russian hackers) the more as we’ve become absolutely dependent on computer technology that controls every significant power grid whereby retrieving fuel (today) has become next to impossible. Have the religious notified God in all of this (Ps.139:4, Heb.4:13)?

Today’s Thought “The Enemy Within” G. Ward Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Father God, while it’s been easy to honor those worthy in my frivolous estimation, You alone are loving the whole of mankind; even through the most excellent demonstration whereas Your only Son sought and accomplished becoming the slain Lamb of God for our benefit. May this pause today more portray a necessitation to see as You saw; extending hospitality to all men and showing mercy because when our being unlovely that included arrogance in governing ourselves that would empty onto chaos furthered in earth and ultimately lead to an eternity away from You, witnessed Your mercy and grace in having received our repentance. May our every encounter with another demand that You, our Bread from Heaven, be the nourishment (most craved) onto spiritual success whereby all would marvel as we yield the life You’ve given, so their craving the same is with a definitive answer as we proclaim You as the only Redeemer worthy of praise, now and forevermore - through Jesus, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Having Lunch With a Friend” G. Ward 1 Peter 2:17 “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” There’s great joy in anticipating meetings (of sorts) with another genuine soul whereby common morality is shared and while the challenge remains to live as the Savior did, more willful neglect to convene with those rejected by the whole of society that leaves them stranded spiritually, was what Christ both anticipated and anticipates with any observant in proper contrast; not how they match up against others in morals exercised, but their comparison to Jesus (*Mk.2:17).

Today’s Thought “Last Will Be First” G. Ward 1 Timothy 2:15 “But women will be preserved through childbirth—if they continue in faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation.” Women have been marginalized too long for the role they play in society, but God demands we know that every person on their way to higher estimation (of both self and from others) can/could be intercepted by their godly Mother’s persistence in faith. She’s the first teacher. If that instruction was given solely for the Father’s consideration, vocabulary, along with social and personal interactivity would be even more limited to grunts of assumption. Instead, many of us are now members of implicit trust in God because the gentle, humble approach of our Mothers enabled submissiveness unto the Wise Savior not a grasp whereby desire seeks to ever let go, but remembers the clasp of her hand onto yours that wouldn’t…

Today’s Thought “Between the Rock and A Hard World” G. Ward Philippians 1:23 “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.” Activity and attitude defines the believer and whereas mercy’s persistence in finding us is deliberately protective, we insist on doing our best at exemplifying HIS faithfulness through hospitality that introduces HIS invitation onto any desiring rest, whereby time remaining in this strange land delights incessantly with thoughts of home (cf. Jn.14:1-3).

Today’s Thought “My Highest Regard” G. Ward Luke 14:26-27 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” A follower of this Blessed Redeemer must agree, then comply with His directives for their lives as both supreme and perfect. It was His earthly presence that exemplified perseverance unto truth (unmatched) and is the most excellent corollary for our diligent, daily pursuit thereunto. When we are deliberate in our believing that social, economic or political reconciliation can co-exist with the Author’s example (that never sought such acclimation) and insisted we do as He did, we embody heavenly wisdom, regarding things lending eternal merit. The Savior to be clear was never witness to advocating hatred, but stated this emphatically to demand that everything and everyone be loved less than HE who gave life…

Today’s Thought “Afforded A Do-Over” G. Ward Romans 16:17-18 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” While believers shouldn’t consider any portion of things that are without complete resolution and won’t lend peace to all who breathe, there are some who insist their frustrations accompany God’s Holy Word; that more identifies a refusal to acknowledge intimacy intended (entirely personal) that exalts the Infallible Creator who’s witnessed a many philosopher come and go. What saith you now?

Today’s Thought “Dark, Dismal Day” G. Ward John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Daydreaming is often a battle of conscience, particularly for the believer as they seek the will of God versus their own. It perhaps is attributable to appearances from those more diversified in perspective that lends greater self-gratification than our appearing mundane (almost sterile) in dedication towards follow-ship of a script so old (*Gal.6:9). Our surrender to the Most High can be likened to a sufficient night’s rest accompanied by a nutritious, fortified meal that seeks to face a day (bombarded with challenges) against another who ingested a caloric, energy drink becoming exuberant initially to then encounter an unproductive exhaustion later when cognizance is most needed (cf. Matt.25:1-13).