Today’s Thought “Running in a Field of Vipers” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 10 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 12 Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall. While many large churches (throughout Europe) so lavishly constructed have now become tourist attractions due to expectations from mankind unto their Creator regarding things He should have done has become an existential, similar threat in America; it more reveals the fast pace in decline having obscured our allowing history’s warning to thwart such occurrence in our land provided. Faith however, never determines posture that extracts favorable conditions (only), along with trinkets promoting wealth as an acceptable, spiritual pursuit. Instead, people of the Book are without points of insistence from Heaven, because their servitude onto their Gracious Lord more observes the wealth in love and mercy bestowed on them by the Only Savior to every generation.

Today’s Thought “Do I Qualify?” G. Ward Ezekiel 36:17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel lived in their own land, they defiled it by their ways and their deeds. Their ways before me were like the uncleanness of a woman in her menstrual impurity.” Improper posture towards a symbol of sorts (indicative of national pride), most important to any and particular to what may be a predominant mantra in a free land, if not exercised in what’s deemed proper (although the original intent honored diversity in thought, including practice thereunto), questions citizenry in that same sector because of a willful neglect to prioritize the Creator’s supremacy (i.e. to exist under His banner no matter the land) and while celebration to exist in that same locality is permitted, it must never be worshipped (cf. Jer.29:4-7). Home for the believer won’t be found in the earth, so live accordingly (Phil.3:20-21).

Today’s Thought “Dispirited?” G. Ward Psalm 34:18 “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Perhaps a fast pace acceptable to a prosperous, robust society is vulnerable to ruin comparable to erecting a building, elaborate in construction and admired by many, but soon to collapse because of a faulty foundation? Misery thereafter becomes an un-welcomed accompaniment and while it appears inescapable, even appearing so grievous that its miserable lasting power overshadows reprieve, there’s a forced seat of reflection without celebration; until I decide my Creator remains Sufficient. *Before an ordinary entry onto His presence seeks an immediate relief, my regard for His reign must then insist on Him ruling this soul provided; it’s then that comfort and joy is on the way (*1 Jn.1:8-10).

Today’s Thought “The Creator’s Intent” G. Ward Genesis 9 18 Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated. Great scholarship among numerous American university researchers, along with the British Medical Association have recently determined that life expectancy among White Americans was down 1.36 years in 2020, but decreased by 3.25 years for Black people in the U.S. and 3.88 years for Hispanic Americans and while this may appear alarming, every level of research will disprove a genetic disposition for this regard and insist all would embrace understanding a social ramification and whereas you may think I’m writing on today to pervade blame on any, mine only seeks to purport a spiritual preparation (urgent for now that can lead to a glorious eternity). Social constructs given mankind may not be altogether damaging until its tampering includes a divide that insists another ethnicity is somewhat beneath who The Creator says is not. Hush your mouths and pack your consciences with spiritual realities from Heaven, because it more appears we don’t have long.

Today’s Thought “What You Didn’t Know” G. Ward Job 1 11 But reach out with Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will certainly curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not reach out and put your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD. The attributes of God are spoken about in such melodious terms that we’ll forget how HE granted permission to Satan and his angels to wreak havoc in what was entirely prosperous and while Job had all the signs of great wealth, his being rich in dependence on the Lord far exceeded desire for things (cf. 1:1-5). Job would ultimately never know how such destruction would occur for his life, but never wavered in his worship (13:15). The book of Job is a perfect view for believers in acknowledging God’s way is more than we can fathom (Isa.55:8-9) and all that we pre-suppose He’ll allow is rarely invited for perception (cf. Hos.4:6). Therefore, it’s yet incumbent on us to investigate the entire scroll without hand-picking those more pleasing. Ultimately, it will aid us in the time of storm; to know what HE did for Job…

Today’s Thought “Drunken Spirit” G. Ward 1 John 2:27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. I dream heavily when exhausted from lack of sleep and such has been the case for two days now (as great travel prior to happened). Hours ago while sleeping, unrecognized characters appeared in this dream that had me (without provocation, sadly) boasting falsely (i.e. telling lies) to prove my relativity unto a past now reconciled in Christ. Awakening to this shame forced my petitioning the Savior for restoration (*Ac.3:19) and HIS kindly consideration refreshed my soul. Who we are must be overcome by HIS intention for the life HE created and must reconcile the necessity in establishing total dependence in every moment granted that disallows character traits in carnality’s entrance that blocks peace. I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me!

Today’s Thought “Give It Up, Turn It Loose…” G. Ward 1 Peter 2 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king. While many wage war against so many they believe should know better, they neglect proper calculation of their own improprieties, causing even greater indiscretion than the one seemingly incongruent with Truth. Instead and through better meditations that recalls mercy finding us in due time (as recipients of righteousness ascribed by Christ), we fall on our knees in thanksgiving, marveling at the Almighty’s pardoning and desiring others have this so their joy can accommodate those climbing mountains without peaks (*Pr.27:20).

Today’s Thought “Forever Ever?” G. Ward Psalm 19:7 “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Our nation’s branch in government (representative of the judiciary), experts in jurisprudence argued once again on yesterday, regarding an outstanding health care act instituted by a hated set of leaders elected by the people and although this incessant bickering has emptied onto dissent without potential negotiation (presumably not indicative of America’s conciliatory way celebrated), there remains a way whereby unity is effortless as those proponents (of the only governance that counts) have always prayed for the strange land they were placed in, so as to create an environment peaceable to their welfare (*Jer.29:5-7), believing solely in the Creator where every governmental system is subordinate (cf. Isa.9:6). *If you as a believer are so disgruntled whereas most of your conversation highlights lack of absolutes in others concerning a democratic process celebrated only when it goes your way, it’s probable that you never understood democracy including opinion (even from the least…) and paramount to that, your approach to Holy God’s rule and reign of the life He provided you is filled with demand versus perfect submission.

Today’s Thought “Returning Home” G. Ward Romans 12 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. As I stood behind this woman as she scolded my older brother by 16 months, I fumed with red hot anger although I knew how his shrewd business practices at eleven years young selfishly involved grass cutting services so as to purchase sweet delicacies for himself (whereas our neighborhood had three nearby bakeries) and this lady had been the recent victim of his selfish impropriety. These were the days when children’s defense was disquieted as adults spoke, so it was sad to witness my brother walk away with his head hung low. I contemplated how he felt to see me there seemingly affirming her castigation. Creatively and shortly thereafter, I found an exit to what was frequent visitation to her home (as I was recognized as such a good boy – but stay tuned…). It happened that on a day where loneliness invited mischief in my soul (some 2 years later – making it even more preposterous), I was in a crank calling mood and guess who would be my victim to consider? You guessed it – Old Lady Powell! These were the days when you had to remember telephone numbers, whereby those same numbers were with prefixes indicating what side of town you resided. Here’s what I forgot to share (from the confessional booth), I had a potty mouth for such a young fellow and so this foolish exercise in sharing these venomous expressions with a voice in disguise (I thought) was absolutely hilarious for me, particularly as she would listen for what was the longest 5 minutes of my life, to then conclude this discourse of mine with two words that kept me silent for hours thereafter. She said, “Okay Gregory!” Many years later I would visit our old block as a married man with two sons and stopped at Ms. Powell’s home. Her receptivity was captivating as I marveled her recall of me (she was quite elderly). Hospitality was all over it and she insisted on meeting my family. She began to interrogate all that was happening in my life and upon my sharing that I had become a pastor, it almost sent her to heaven. I don’t make as many prank calls anymore and my words are certainly more seasoned with the grace provided me by my Savior as today remembers how merciful Old Lady Powell was.

Today’s Thoughts “The Days of Tumbleweed” G. Ward 1 John 4:4 Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. When a nation is more proud of governmental rights written for presumed freedom and furthers attribution unto a sanctioned/organized militia in the same, peace for such a land is violated because the Almighty insists we more ascribe to a superior document (flawless in its construction) that declares when any nationality focused on a unilateral might (i.e. boasts of defense – Ps.127:1) as impenetrable, destruction would soon visit. This is perhaps definitive as it regards why violence in our society is rampant and while I too am a gun owner, mine won’t ever seek to pervade that as a true means of security, very particularly as my countrymen of sorts are also carriers and may lack the peace our Creator provides (Ro.12:18). The days of King Solomon is perhaps the greatest resolve for every society needing restoration, particularly when he pleaded with Holy God to abide in the newly constructed Temple (*2 Chron.6:14-42). Holy God’s answer remains (2 Chron.7:14)…

Today’s Thought “Bringing A Knife to a Gun Fight” G. Ward Matthew 26:52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” “Get Smart” was a television series from the late sixties until 1970, highlighting the buffoonery from an American spy (Maxwell Smart) whose antics would always land him in even greater trouble with foreign spies more crafty. Upon hearing of some great scheme imposed on the U.S. for its destruction, Maxwell Smart would always conjure a plan seeking to impress his love interest/partner “Agent 99” and while she would appear a dumb brunette, her compliance translated congeniality for the sake of not embarrassing Maxwell Smart (i.e. pity). Our lives can estimate that such comedic sketches witnessed solely as an entertainment device too preposterous for reality, until we review our actions of times past that landed us in tight spaces (cf. Ro.12:3). It more reveals that what has been is with ability to surface again; particularly when our consultation lacks spiritual continuity with the Only One knowledgeable in what next moments will be.

Today’s Thought “Cheap Meats Softened by A Marinade” G. Ward Proverbs 21:5 “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” There remains 197 days until Christmas and the pandemic given us offered great limitation onto great gathering last year, but perhaps enabled fiscal savings for some (due to intentional lack in gift exchange) and while many are with elaborate planning for such a day that includes family and friends some six months away precluding being financially depleted weeks before this celebration, forgetfulness (through a ritualistic, personal narrative change of its original construct) unto the Living Recipient overlooked once again may find your pocketbook full of currency, but still BROKE.

Today’s Thought “Embarrassed by Love’s Entanglement” G. Ward Genesis 2:24 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” My wife of almost 40 years loves to shop. Upon marrying her I certainly didn’t understand how anyone could say (after inviting me to accompany her, to reject the offer) they would go shopping and return very shortly. Hours later upon her return, I would notice very few bags (if any), turning my bewilderment to doubt in what perceivably was the most virtuous lady for my lifetime. Upon her return, I would yet be crafty in my interrogating her whereabouts (as insecurity was my necklace). Moreover, every answer from her appeared flippant (Can anyone out there say when answers won’t arrive the way you desire it equals conflict? – cf. Jas.4:1-4), I however wouldn’t involve her in the seriousness of my weak mindset, but would become Inspector Gadget on her next shopping experience. After gathering my huge magnifying glass, trench coat and funny-looking hat, I would wait until her next episode for this shopping thing and it happened soon. I waited (impatiently) as she gathered all she would need for this presumed illicit experience (*did you note my transition in buffoonery). I would now have something else to engage her on, in that she would never note my following her closely in my car. Let’s end this nonsense by sharing how I missed an important ballgame choosing to follow this woman go in and out of what appeared to be endless stores. Thereafter, I would then be faced with great indecision the more in deciding who needed psychiatric care more, her for a shopping addiction or me for being plain stupid (because sadly WE haven’t cured). Has anyone seen my magnifying glass?

Today’s Thought “A Garden Anticipated” G. Ward Judges 2 1 Now the angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land which I have sworn to your fathers; and I said, I will never break My covenant with you, 2 and as for you, you shall not make a covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars. But you have not obeyed Me; what is this thing that you have done?” 3 Therefore I also said, “I will not drive them out from you; but they will become like thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you.” Perhaps you’ve considered an organic vegetable garden at a time where pesticides are rampant even disallowing butterflies appearing? Moreover, health matters have become monumental, along with concern for wavering economics that lends prudence in perspective. So, we’re off to our local nursery whereas great inquiry with their associates is given and all our purchases are the sum of 6 months of vegetable purchasing, but we’re more consumed with the potential yield (cf. Lk.14:28-33), so we shop. Our endeavors wait for sprouts (daily) to witness very little, but remain hopeful. The seed packets guaranteed a time whereby certain growth should exist, but our neglect to consult with a Master Horticulturist vs. the young part-time associate (*Ps.118:8) forgot to cultivate the soil (depleted of nutrients). I’m reminded, without God I can do nothing…

Today’s Thought “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay…” G. Ward Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Meditation is practiced by many cultures and religions, mainly reliant on goodness found within, along with personal experiences in perceived success that hopes for a repeat. The meditative process sanctioned by faith in Christ relies on the goodness found in Him, along with an unwavering pursuit to walk as He walked with implicit trust that when doing so joy and peace is mine and determines (as a practitioner) to never settle for a life of mediocrity experienced before I met this Wonderful Savior.

Today’s Thought “There Is No Place Like Home!” G. Ward Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” Rarely will one consider how many chances they’ve been given to correct wrongs, particularly when many of God’s representatives (all around) introduce warnings. There’s mostly great reciting that loves to portray the Creator’s attributes; namely His merciful kindness, and forgiveness, refusing to acknowledge His anger as a perfect consideration also. Nineveh (i.e. its citizenry) for the Prophet Nahum was such a place. One hundred years prior the Prophet Jonah entered that same city with great warning and most repented to then find distance from the integrity of their personal spiritual demand. Have we become equally calloused in our approach to Holy God by estimating we have other chances to correct the distance of intimacy with Him as neglected, or will we seek to emulate His faithfulness whereas practice thereunto promotes security?

Today’s Thought “Just Like Mary?” G. Ward Luke 1 42 And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” Worship is that which solely belongs to the Lord. It contemplates Who He is and extends thanksgiving for His provisions and unrelenting guidance; but it primarily asks Him to reign supreme over who I’ve been and considers my existence as possible because He alone created me for His purpose (*Lk.1:46-55). Elizabeth (the cousin to Mary – Mother of Jesus) understood the magnitude of Mary’s pregnancy without being told by man. Although both of these women would soon experience great joy in the birth of their sons, great misery was an eventual accompaniment for the mothers of these great men; their worship of God however wouldn’t relent. When a life only seeks to extract the exciting possibilities from Great and Holy God without ongoing preparation that involves sufferings (all must encounter – cf. *Ps.46:1), it’s the worst denial ever.

Today’s Thought “Newest Determinations” G. Ward 1 Peter 4 Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human lusts, but for the will of God. Awakening to an independence that dis-involves a practice I once delighted in, even granting me popularity among many acquaintances cannot co-exist with spiritual maturity desired (*cf. Pr.18:24) and retrieving just one more drink at one more party while believing that the wine made by Jesus (in such grandiose proportion) was an intoxicating beverage (as what’s employed by friends of today), may defer to a life once lived in frivolity (Lk.13:3).

Today’s Thought “A Perfect Neighborhood” G. Ward Romans 3 3 It is true that some of them did not believe the message. But does this mean that God cannot be trusted, just because they did not have faith? 4 No, indeed! God tells the truth, even if everyone else is a liar. The Scriptures say about God, “Your words will be proven true, and in court you will win your case.” Belief in God pursues His words by absolutely hating times to which all that’s given for our compliance is replaced by personal pleasure and when that occurs, a soul that belongs to the Lord will need restoration; whereby the barometer for knowing the displeasure in selfish pursuits (that says I’m HIS) immediately seeks spiritual conformity via strong appeal unto the Righteous One violated and HE is Faithful to forgive.

Today’s Thought “Still Renting…” G. Ward Deuteronomy 10:14 Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. From the beginning, mankind’s compelling from Heaven demanded we know that our passage from earth to eternity is short lived (Ps.90:10-12, Jas.4:13-17). We therefore must render excellent care of everything placed in our grasp. While we’ve been taught a more pervasive set of ideas to embrace that demands there’s no manual to aid our directives where marriage, rearing children, behavioral issues (both socially and professionally) and making purchases, further investigation of the spiritual duty (in our existence) is without the kind of prudence that guards us from potential weariness, particularly when our consultation with books of philosophy accompanies or has superiority over God’s words. Philosophers (great and small) come and go, but the Almighty…