Today’s Thought “Setting Goals” G. Ward Colossians 3 Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. I’m recalling my very first new car purchase with all its lengthy process (i.e. before technological advancements were commonplace – making things easier). I chose what was lesser in price although a sports model had my attention. Every dollar over a proposed budget made a difference and could have warranted a wait for Sundays to have meat. Later that afternoon, the vehicle (i.e. same showroom model) became mine own and upon finally journeying home that day, the walk inside was a long travailing as I would look back at a continuum. There was a service inspection required numerous months later and while waiting I was approached by another salesman proposing he could get me the deluxe model in a different color (and no I didn’t do it). Life is filled with moments of insatiability and whereas mankind (in every generation) has sought to extinguish the control things seen can have in their lives, only proper spiritual pursuit in Christ lends contentment. Train accordingly.

Today’s Thought “Why So Much Evil?” G. Ward Romans 9 30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith; 31 however, Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. 32 Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though they could by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33 just as it is written: “BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE, AND THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE PUT TO SHAME.” The Apostle Paul answers what is a generational question concerning destructive tendencies found in man and why Holy God allows it; calling it unsearchable and unfathomable (11:33-34) and whereas our current demand for answers concerning epidemic discord in a nation flowing with milk and honey, let’s never forget our exilic state in the earth (no matter the land), whereby the Almighty distributes mercy on whom HE chooses. It’s therefore incumbent on us all to search our hearts and see if we’re prepared to trust HIM to absolutely lead, even when directives may not be as clear (*Ge.12:1-9)…

Today’s Thought “The Newspaper, A Thing of the Past” G. Ward Proverbs 1:1-5 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, The divide in our free society is perpetuated through a denial of personal interrogation in where truth exists. Moreover, moral decay encompasses the land because its inhabitants insist there are many ways unto truthfulness and the one crafty enough to argue (cf. Isa.5:2021 - making wrong into right) is posthumously received by the masses. Believers however, seek the best foundation and are mandated towards an intimate pursuit where the Author of wisdom lives and HE’S always prepared to guide them onto prudence revealed, inevitable and soon to become unavailable for those proponents of popularity’s demand (*Ro.2:4-8). Get on board!

Today’s Thought “Gluttonous for Punishment” G. Ward 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. Paying attention to the bully seemingly empowers him, until one shelters himself under the banner of peace; then the adversarial one moves to a distant challenge. Whereas, the bully is mostly known as this giant physical specimen (and certainly can be), it’s mostly adversity self-imposed. Our desires take us there and while the plan (spiritually) is to be governed by perfection, many times we opt for another game of roulette (i.e. hope in lack of absolutes). Instead and always available for recapitulation remains a heavenly reconciliation (1 Jn.1:9) and no matter the challenges of our daily exposure, adherence to the proven methodology of Holy God’s Word thwarts miseries.

Today’s Thought “Invite to a Sleepover” G. Ward Jude 1 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on some, who are doubting; 23 save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. Our daily regimen is often interrupted by news so horrific it leaves us spellbound and these points in unproductivity can last for days on end. Those in a spiritual house however, are compelled to observe the house Leader’s guidance, as He’s prepared them for such inevitable renderings the outside factions offer and whereas they’re satisfied with such a formidable Shelter found in Him as a Mighty Good Leader, His capacity insists they go out among the wolves to compel His own to come in from the cold because there’s room for more. I pray that the ones of you knowing Christ won’t wait for them to come on their own, but more identify the personal charge to keep by sharing Love (i.e. God through Christ), before it’s too late. May the weekend not be the end for some (cf. *1 Thess.4:13-18).

Today’s Thought “Inconsistency, A Bad Mantra” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 14 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32 and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. Greater, contrived religion is the end product from many insistent to pervade on others a notion of being involved in worldly affairs (i.e. contemplations of both governmental reconciliation along with an obliteration in societal ills of sorts) while saying I’m entirely owned by the Wonderful Savior. So decide today; if HE is Lord, walk as He walked, talk as He talked. There’s truly only one way to be reconciled towards peace and it certainly isn’t found in worldly considerations (cf. Eph.4:26). This includes false exhortations suggestive of hope in self endeavors; as if you can do anything unless the Holy One grants a next breath and know your way is without spiritual sanction from Heaven (Jn.15:5). All these regurgitated repudiations will soon be over, then what? Just sayin…

Today’s Thought “Reconstruction of an Immovable Mountain” G. Ward Hebrews 10 26 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a terrifying expectation of judgment and THE FURY OF A FIRE WHICH WILL CONSUME THE ADVERSARIES. Many games are played differently and clarity is sought from the player when losing so as to not repeat the agony soon to be an unwelcomed accompaniment when/if I lack compliance on the next round. Faith in Christ is without variance and subject to rules that have/will govern every generation and refusal to comply is loss in tumultuous, unending, agonizing terms (cf. Ro.6:23). Don’t ever seek to re-construct what no man could do, but jump in now, as if you’ve always been a participant (*Ac.3:19, 1 Jn.1:9-10).

Today’s Thought “Internal Threat” G. Ward Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The grip of grace given believers through Christ won’t call for a false accompaniment from us that creates an awareness unto others for our satisfaction. Instead mercy, patience and kindness remains a greater spiritual tool that spurs any towards the same Shelter desired of you when there was lapse in better judgment. Peace is soon to become the end product when we cease to juxtapose lives never meant for our governance, including our own (cf. Ps.90:10-12).

Today’s Thought “A Religious Society, Void of Truth” G. Ward Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. American pastors have failed miserably to convey how necessary it is to imitate Jesus Christ who dealt with civil unrest in perhaps greater proportion than our era (cf. Hos.4:6). Therefore what could be completely devoted citizens of Heaven are taught to merge their faith with active participation in worldly disparities that establishes more advocacy and furthers a potential resolve achievable in/through other men (cf.Ac.4:12, Col.2:16). If any know my politics along with my Savior, they’ll never identify HIM as sufficient. Moreover, if exposed to my many perceived, righteous indignations, theirs will also increase, particularly as they hope in a future without accomplishment from global systems of times past. Instead, faith in Christ trusts in His rule and understands this evil world is operationally opposite of Heaven’s delight, then seeks to win a few onto peace found in Him.

Today’s Thought “I Got This, I Think…” G. Ward Numbers 15:30 “But the person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles the LORD, and that person shall be cut off from among his people.” Willful sin presumes a posture of arrogance; believing that my ability in covert exercise of appearances in peace, while truly hoping (with extreme anxiety) that no one unfolds my intentionality to deceive and whereas this worry concerns itself with other men, being my own blind guide forgot the wisdom from the Holy One can’t be shook (*cf. Matt.10:28).

Today’s Thought “Listening to the Radio” G. Ward Proverbs 20:11 “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” Innocence with children is often lost when they arrive at school whether they attend parochial or public education due to other children’s exposure to things not befitting for them and can be likened to our adventuring towards righteousness in a world oblivious unto a similar pursuit. Our conscious is filled with both good and bad ideologies. It’s therefore incumbent on any endeavoring to be known (i.e. owned) by Heaven to displace things unbecoming with prudence found in the only script seeking to usher us from childhood to adulthood and whereas consideration of total dependence thereunto is a joyful venture, always providing tremendous wisdom that won’t relent, while absolutely loving the peace promoted as HE leads (cf. Ps.139:23-24).

Today’s Thought “Broken Rules” G. Ward Romans 7 8 But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. Great advocacy from many (including other Olympians) is plenteous as empathy towards what perceivably was grievous a period for the world’s fastest female runner after the death of her Mother. The drug ingested was seemingly the device this young, educated lady supposed could lend solace (even legal in the home state of this champion) and while many embrace a sentiment suggestive of “One without sin, cast the first stone,” I’ll ask where o where was the believer’s posture in all this? This sprinter’s starting point (i.e. this opportunity) could have been potentially thwarted, comparable to the sympathetic care many of us received upon hearing of the death of a loved one; whereby so many refused to let us go it alone. I too am saddened by the choice she made, particularly with this level of training endeavored. May the position of the believer in Christ reign and rule (very particularly those closest to her), introduce, or re-invigorate her in knowing that HE is the Lover of her soul whereas every device outside the spiritual pursuit in knowing HIM squashes presumption.

Today’s Thought “My Inheritance Now Please!” G. Ward Jeremiah 23 1“Woe to the shepherds who are causing the sheep of My pasture to perish and are scattering them!” declares the LORD. 2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not been concerned about them; behold, I am going to call you to account for the evil of your deeds,” declares the LORD. It appears the Creator wasn’t fast enough in mankind’s attempt to make a genie out of Holy God’s sufficiency then no different than now, causing many to establish trust elsewhere. Chants of “He may not come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time” syndrome, perpetuates a similar notion of still believing as a little child would that suggests if I ask, I’ll get it. *Instead, we’re called to grow up and more understand no one is exempt from sufferings, along with denying proprietorship of all that any insist they need, to then acquire, that will soon demand the newest version (Can you say like the Apple Phone and which version are we on?). Contentment, most certainly is a better aim (Phil.4:10-13). To meditate more on the Almighty’s merciful kindness towards you, while being patient with us as we journey on building an unwavering faith in Him, enables praise. Will we be found faithful in allowing HIS perfect guidance versus false hope from others?

Today’s Thought “HE Sees the Best in Me” G. Ward Jeremiah 29 4 “This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and father sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may give birth to sons and daughters; and grow in numbers there and do not decrease. 7 Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity. Warnings from Holy God confirms His love for us and our accepting this Divine regard determines whether we believe it or not and although time to reconcile ourselves to this is extremely short, we live more vicariously through our plans versus HIS. We may look at Israel’s plight given from Heaven in abstract, as they too were in a strange land, until we slow down well enough to witness the pervasiveness of slavery so common to this era that denies God’s peace among a chaotic, dangerous world. Saying “yes” to His rule calls for an exercise very challenging. Get to a quiet place, then close your eyes and feel your motioning as you’re still. If our Great Creator chooses to stop the next breath, where are your plans?