Today’s Thought “Crumbling Infrastructure” G. Ward Isaiah 28 15 Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The gushing flood will not reach us when it passes by, because we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception.” Friday Eve and here in Georgia, the anticipated weekend weather forecast says sunshine and lower humidity will be. Great plans are now the consideration for so many needing reprieve from a work week so tedious and rarely will thoughts of a rigorous past weekend filled with desire of sorts be named the culprit for their exhaustive approach to employment fatigue this week (that disallowed greater productivity, but embraced what it means to be perfunctory, precluding advancement opportunity). Life’s view for our majority runs towards perceived fun and forgets the Most High supplies the oxygen…

Today’s Thought “City of Confusion” G. Ward Isaiah 26:3 The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. There’s an unspoken chant altogether too familiar in our American culture that pervades, “I want it now and won’t settle for less” and the freedom allowed in the land serves as a major distraction (*1 Cor.10:23). This warrants a consistent meditative acknowledgement from believers as to who their Lord is (Matt.6:24) and when any will determine that HE alone is Sufficient, they’ll gather mind, body and soul accordingly. Peace forsaken relies on an individual pursuit that believes one can recapitulate on their own (i.e. without fellowship – cf. Heb. 10:25) and whereas the Almighty insists we’ll need it more as turbulent times persists, the many that fail to attend class (to be taught that spiritual reality) won’t be promoted.

Today’s Thought “A Journey Misunderstood” G. Ward Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Vocational pursuits that seeks higher status does what it takes in knowing all aspects of the job presented; understanding that failure thereunto cancels the promotion and while it appears esoteric to employment opportunity, it’s more pertinent to most everything beneficial. Moreover and while most things can be studied peripherally to then amaze others with such aptitude from one endeavoring to impress, there remains a posture (spiritually) where intellect won’t matter (1 Cor.1:27). There are some however who still try, while with great audiences and because the masses have adopted more training that identifies with credentials that substantiates status of sorts and whereas those simply deciding in their hearts to honor HIM who owns the Universe through an ongoing, daily pursuit that promotes contentment are unfortunately deemed complacent (i.e. they forego an earthly graduation for a heavenly one).

Today’s Thought “In A Weary Land” G. Ward Psalm 51:12 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing While personal experience testifies to periodic lapse towards spiritual prioritization over selfish consideration, I’ve never perceived the Lord as distant. I’ve understood His provision in how He allowed many examples, entirely fallible in the same to prove His merciful love towards those He created; always prepared to restore them. There is however a term I hate – “Cheap Grace” and although more exacted by those unwilling to pursue His righteous Way (i.e. His Word) through guilty pleasures of sorts, mine own appears worse because daily, personal interrogation of those directives given for mankind is where I’ve place my trust, while yet a violator (cf. Ro.7:8-12). “I came to Jesus as I am, weary, worn and sad and found in Him a resting place and HE has made me glad…”

Today’s Thought “Giving Out of Abundance” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 13 4 Love is patient, love is kind, it is not jealous; love does not brag, it is not arrogant. 5 It does not act disgracefully, it does not seek its own benefit; it is not provoked, does not keep an account of a wrong suffered, 6 it does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 it keeps every confidence, it believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. The heavenly pardon afforded us is without category and the requirement to being received by this spiritual realm believes that Christ is entirely sufficient to forgive us through obeying His commands. Moreover, the contemplative review of each day (from any who believe) marvels on love without limits by this Wonderful Savior who knows my name and momentary attempts to render another hopeless as their contribution suffers in kind acts, may reveal I don’t deserve such Divine Love after all (cf. Jas.2:12-13).

Today’s Thought “God’s Prerequisite” G. Ward Jeremiah 9:23-24 Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” The Word of God demands our conformity so as to embrace the Almighty speaking to us and can be likened to the Professor’s lecture series that demands proper note-taking and whereas the test will reveal proposed attentiveness onto a failing or passing mark (cf. Jas.1:22) and while some may boast on studious behavior that landed higher marks and other’s complacency witnessed their being pleased just to have passed, the Professor failed to know either of them because both sought a grade (Eph.2:8-9), missing the vitality of information provided (cf. Matt.7:21-23).

Today’s Thought “Handpicked Friends” G. Ward Romans 1:14 “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.” Howbeit that our Lord referred to every believer as a friend while ours remain sectarian and whereas our talk of loving the whole of mankind won’t resemble the only defining that counts (Eph.5:1-2), witnesses our rationalizing and manipulation of scripture that seeks to convince Heaven (cf. Ps.139:1-4)?

Today’s Thought “Sudden Impact” G. Ward Isaiah 56 11 And the dogs are greedy, they are never satisfied. And they are shepherds who have no understanding; They have all turned to their own way, each one to his unjust gain, without exception. 12 “Come,” they say, “let’s get wine, and let’s drink heavily of intoxicating drink; and tomorrow will be like today, only more so.” Have you noticed ongoing political ads from every side seeking to make hatred the necklace of choice and whereas we once felt bombarded with these visuals every four years, the many caucuses having generated hundreds of millions (that keeps giving) to appear at prime moments understanding their influence over a people believing they’re strong enough to resist (cf. Jn.15:5), while hate becomes even more pervasive than ever before (?). I’m more affirmed in the song once sung, “Let Jesus lead you, all the way! All the way from earth to heaven! Let Jesus lead you, all the way! He’s a Mighty Good Leader…

Today’s Thought “Objectionable” G. Ward Acts 22:15 “For you will be a witness for him to everyone of what you have seen and heard.” Believers are called to testify to personal experience of the change afforded them by God through Christ and often have some less faithful imparting a condescending, braggadocios attitude, disallowing a hearer’s comfort enough to entertain such deliverance. This lack in humility can be worse when there’s familiarity with the fundamentalist’s indiscretions in times past having resembled the worst in society and whereas they’ve forgotten, other men have not. Instead, availability onto greater hospitality needs to be named among those knowing the Lord and unless one truly believes he’s guilty of sin, ensuring they’re no rocks to throw in his repertoire, some may hear to then become reproducers themselves.

Today’s Thought “Every Month Is Christmas” G. Ward Luke 2 15 When the angels had departed from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem, then, and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” Our hearing from the Word of God compels us in the same visitation these shepherds would witness (*cf. Heb.1:1-2) and like them, unless a heavenly objective is revealed with utter clarity, it warrants proper investigation (Ac.17:11). Otherwise, we’re subject to distort truth by great presumption that re-assigns holy things presented as vessels of clay (i.e. inferior to the Potter in every way – Isa.55:8-9). Here’s proof; Christmas begun by the Greatest Presentation of Hope – Jesus, that makes Him the object of our desire will witness in another 99 days, the same spiritual actuality transcend His birth that becomes our birthday party.

Today’s Thought “Friday Eve?” G. Ward Acts 1 7 But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which the Father has set by His own authority; Renaming the day is indicative of an anticipation whereby one can be free from a rule with rigid organizational implications to which I have no charge and whereas the weekend is seemingly mine own, even presenting a spontaneity appearing beneficial, it more establishes a pattern opposite to my spiritual existence (Ac.1:8, 1 Cor.6:19-20). Disciples privileged to see Jesus desired reprieve as such (i.e. a recognition by the world vs. being known by the Savior) and those in these teachable moments were granted another day to repent (Ac.3:19) and whereas their contemplation of another day’s journey was marred by selfish ambition, it is written for our immediate compliance towards the Almighty’s reign and rule.

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Treason” G. Ward Deuteronomy 4 2 You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, so that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I am commanding you. Lord God, You’ve delivered us, having known before the foundation of the world, every particularism in our today and whereas You alone know what’s best for us and whereby error is never to be mentioned unto Your Great Name, we, Your creation exist for Your purpose, echoing Isaiah's sentiment – “Send us Lord and we’ll go.” Man was/is inspired to declare there is none like You, along with Your commands not being burdensome, so our morning mercies presented, determine that Your pursuit of us, says Love continues to be Heaven’s prompting so we ask The Most High – what shall we render to establish honor to Your Greatness? Our lesson on today understands the answer exists as we pray in every moment onto this matchless guidance provided, knowing the premise in our hearing, then doing is established by our meditations Your Holy Word provides generously. Lord God, we praise You for remaining our Great Counselor that loves gently, without relent, in Jesus we pray, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Re-Invent Yourself?” G. Ward Jeremiah 13:23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then also you can do good who are accustomed to do evil. Father God, our lying down on last evening seemingly allowed rest, but we will often awaken yet needing more sleep; discovering true rest begins and ends with concession to our stay under Your shelter and whereas this same awakening desires giving You praise for another day, even seeking forgiveness whereby arrogance assumed a posture of control, refusing to die to sin and self, You’ve allowed our repentance once again. Truly our Lord’s mercy is everlasting! Father, our motioning towards Your glory is marred by plans of necessity and planning ordinary to each day presented. May our every thought encompass that apart from You we can do nothing, particularly in view of our not having charge in whether a next breath will occur and whereas our stay in this strange land faces waywardness unto Your holy, righteous standard, we want to thank YOU for the only guidance that saves and grants peace found in Your Word. On today I thank You for a great access to Your merciful, kind throne room on behalf of a people determined to conform spiritually by allowing Your sole ability to change them, that usefulness would be theirs; through Jesus I pray, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Our Freedom, Our Sacrifice” G. Ward Hebrews 11 By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. The antagonist would reply, “Gregory are you telling us to be nomadic by living in tents?” No, but Holy God would have our regard transfixed in knowing that no matter the land, true freedom isn’t granted from other men, nor through perceived geographical locality (*cf. Jer.29:7). Worshipper’s understanding must begin and end in faith activated; believing the Almighty remains the Owner of every land (cf. Ro.10:13) and allegiance to “God and Country” should have every man questioning personal ratio thereunto. In the spiritual realm, believer’s Thankfulness is affirmed through Heaven’s promise to be with and not to forsake us; to which I shall not be moved.

Today’s Thought “Who Can Compare…” G. Ward Isaiah 40:13-14 Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord, or as his counselor has instructed him? Whom did he consult for his enlightenment, and who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding? My position as a pastor demands counsel unto many to which I’ve never denied one. Many years ago and because personal experience with so much seemingly granted my authoritativeness in a varied subject matter (i.e. my arrogance), I had answers. Perceivably prudent to follow are the many whims of man; but how can he know when foresight is with Heaven’s limitation (e.g. Who will be impacted by today’s action found in me? Will my decision please who I say is my Lord, or will it make for momentary happiness – unfulfilling to my future if there be one?). Holy God alone is All-Wise. He alone is Creator of Heaven and earth (including every man). He alone has purposed you to be in His earth. Counsel in every regard therefore, must begin and end unto HIM who loves you most and desires what’s best. Refusal thereunto makes me sadistically unreasonable; but thanks be to our Lord for changing hearts.

Today’s Thought “Kudos to You?” G. Ward 2 Thessalonians 1 3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater. 4 As a result, we ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. Remembering the words we read as authored by Holy God, we witness His commendation to the church represented in our theme for their perseverance and while we desire the same, there’s spiritual contingency that demands (particularly when Christ remains the Object of faith) non-compliance unto our pleasure, while insistent to stay under HIS holy tent. Afflictions of sorts will be imposed (even more) upon believers for their appearing foolish through total submission (un-hesitantly and unwavering) to the One and Only Wise Savior and while they (i.e. the world) insist “God gave you a brain, didn’t HE?” Our reply must be disquieted and perfectly overshadowed by Mercy, as it too waited on us (2 Pe.3:9).

Today’s Thought “Am I An Insurrectionist?” G. Ward James 1:21 ”Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” Whereas the workings of discord is rampant, there’s perfect governance available for any seeking reprieve that thwarts expectation from system’s management of how I think and act. Those words for my submission are not fairy-tale, but practical and worthy to impart to another needing Shelter from troubles (Matt.28:20). Moreover, the discipline it offers re-introduces my youth from its greatest Instructor, because my every approach to His magnificence never denies and most assuredly can always be found (1 Jn.1:8-9) and whereas there are times in the life He gave me suffers with bouts in regression, He keeps blessing me by transforming my soul so that future conformity thereunto remembers…

Today’s Thought “Jesus on the Holy-day” G. Ward John 19:1-3 So Pilate then took Jesus and had Him flogged. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and placed it on His head, and put a purple cloak on Him; 3 and they repeatedly came up to Him and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and slapped Him in the face again and again. Worship with the family of God on yesterday was spirited and prayerfully has caused this day presented no less. The praise selections happened on a message that interrogated one’s enduring faith and fellowship; particularly in a world entangled in a pursuit of a party atmosphere. Very intentionally we sought to ask Holy God for nothing, while praising Him for everything, even those things oppositional whereas we gained perseverance in Him and whereas I’m thankful for this September holiday, proper reflection must pause to recall my joy was/is made possible by the Savior’s misery and whereas at any time during the many persecutions suffered (particularly in view of His innocence), HE could have declared “enough” but remained until the end because of great love for you and me (cf. Jn.17:1-12).

Today’s Thought “A Baby’s Growth” 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. If tomorrow happens, I’ll help celebrate an excellent friend as she will be 100 years old, along with one of my grandsons (who turns into an 8 year old fellow). My 100 year old friend has shared many inquiries having been made concerning how she regards dying to earth whereby her reply was most interesting when she said, “I don’t awaken each day anticipating death, but the life given me and besides when I die, my knowledge concerning that event won’t be remembered” (not necessarily word for word, but close). My grandson on the other hand just wants to know what gift he’ll receive. The growth for these two is phenomenal. Both are exposed to technological advances that introduces more learning, along with worldly actualities that includes great destruction and disunity. After their birthday festivities and particularly when more tragedy of sorts (aforementioned) is given them, frustration with lack of compliance unto the Blessed Hope (Jesus) will encompass their hearts. It’s not that they’ve been taught idealism for the world’s condition, but both of them love the Lord’s rule and reign for their lives and desire the same for everyone.

Today’s Thought “Presumptive CHOICE” G. Ward Psalm 23:1 The LORD is my shepherd, I will not be in need. Decades ago witnessed children in most households reciting this great Psalm at command, to now see it reduced to a funeral passage and as the alphabet is repetitively acknowledged throughout every educational process establishes all knowledge thereafter, spiritual rehearsal to know how remaining in the Almighty’s care is with special ordination. Celebration of an independence to guide oneself delivers dissatisfaction of sorts and can be likened to that of sheep grazing in what appears to be great pastures while truly basking in fields of poison (cf. 1 Jn.2:15-17) and only Holy God can thwart us from peril unforeseen. Perspectives from us may appear successful as they may permit occasional benefit, but there’s a quest that’s best to pursue, whereby contentment in HIS sufficiency keeps giving…

Today’s Thought “It’s My Fault…” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! There’s zero tolerance for a condemning Christian; particularly in view of their new found stance given by the Lord where condemnation won’t exist (Ro.8:1) and while some find it difficult exercising in this proposed absolution, a heavenly G.P.S. guidance system would have them to re-route onto viewing their own heart to realize the need for Jesus’ presence and rule being no different for them as would be for the vilest of sinners.