Today’s Thought “A Safe Haven” G. Ward 1 John 5:18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. While discomfort is an undesired reverberation soon to visit per our insistence towards satisfying momentary pleasures (including that which promotes an easy way out or procrastination), never forget spiritual reprieve’s availability; a loving, merciful, Savior and whereas some may liken Him to be comparable to a doting Mother after her child falls to experience a boo-boo to then place a bandage over it, our Lord will hold you tight with unparalleled comfort, keeping the wound exposed so you’ll never let go (cf. Ps.51:1-4).

Today’s Thought “Hang Em High!” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 5 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. I’ve become a real fan of great movie Westerns on television (where the good guys won). Remarkably and with unnecessary analytics, I question what made the bad guy(s) bad; particularly when the whole of the environment witnessed families (as early pioneers) exercising as agronomists and herdsman and always willing to share the fruits of their labor (?). It (i.e. perceived conditions of peace) will always be with someone dissatisfied and envious, causing mindsets great disturbance concerning that to which they don’t possess (cf. Ps.24:1). When Preacher’s preach to any the only message where true reconciliation exists, all who hear will soon understand that while they absolutely possess nothing, their Savior owns everything to which they’ve become recipients to the fruits of HIS labor (Jn.10:9-10).

Today’s Thought “Distress, Gone Away” G. Ward Luke 6:20-21 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Jesus’ words then were mostly perceived as readily available; for conditions in that society too were with great disparities, including tremendous oppression and our hearing (through reading) can also make the same kind of demand without interrogating what it truly means. Poor (in this case) was not relative to being impoverished, but failure to understand the riches in Christ as guidance that grants peace while suffering and hunger wasn’t longing for porridge, but craving righteousness (i.e. better sustenance). We would do well to build on that foundational Truth, for all (in their estimation) can use more, including that of a diversified menu, but grace keeps giving…

Today’s Thought “Taking It on the Chin” 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.” Being a product of one’s environment can often be the excuse leaving some friendless; particularly when known for challenging things quite insignificant. It won’t stop there, because those so entirely knowledgeable, to feel they’re persuasive because others won’t challenge their discourse, fail to realize the one appearing to listen searched for an exit the entire time. The attitude of Christ however (*Phil.2:1-8), has become the new strand worthy to achieve for any that believe. HE, in all/every way sought bringing attention to the Father’s sufficiency and while He alone would have reason to boast, or insist on being recognized (from every naysayer who would pervade evil towards Him) as God in the flesh (Jn.1:1-5, 14), He instead taught us the essence of denial, while yet desiring the vilest of sinners’ repentance (cf. Lk.23:34).

Today’s Thought “Is There Room for Another?” G. Ward Luke 17 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Even forgiveness from what perceivably is the church is conditional (and we wonder why so many lack faith)! Eyes are wandering towards another worthy in their limited estimation onto great criticism, along with rendering some hopeless and the preachers lead the way (*cf. Hos.4:4-6). Sermons are being prepared with castigations of “John Q. Public” featuring his dilemma in unreconciled sinfulness and the people are on the edge of their seats prepared to shout hooray! It’s no wonder the gospel (marginalized) competes with mindsets from many that determines church folks are the worse. Theirs can mostly look at the vilest of sinners versus deep interrogation of one’s own heart (Ps.139:23-24) and continuation thereunto that portrays this as acceptable violates confidence of being forgiven by the only Judge worthy.

Today’s Thought “Church Posture” G. Ward Galatians 5 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Many things regarded in religion can be the ongoing production from some attributing follow-ship (without challenge) thereunto as godly order and while they perpetuate what it means to be a traditionalist, even up to not being able to tell you where the rule emanated, criticism that refuses investigation is also furthering imprudent behavior (*2 Ti.4:1-2). Truest governance won’t ever be found in another manuscript (cf. Ro.10:8) and those insistent with sharing differently violate faith’s principle.

Today’s Thought “Conjured Obstacles” G. Ward 1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. While many proposed believers have not been the epitome of the Christian standard expected (Ro.3:10), it more reveals a pretentiousness from those with claimants of pursuing the Almighty (i.e. their terms along with HIS) while observing the activity in one who’s supposed to be more faithful, determining (through a horrid rationalization) why it is don’t attend worship services; when the only view for mankind’s contrast is revealed through the life of Jesus our Lord, not imperfect men.

Today’s Thought “The Knife at a Gun Fight” G. Ward Ephesians 6 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Looking out with refusal to look within delivers a view whereby the cultural pervasiveness of abominable sin diminishes all/every transgression as culprit to Jesus’ great suffering for mankind and made possible our acknowledging His sacrifice to guide us at a continuum through a daily examination of His Word and whereas the warnings are numerous, those heeding them are not, but remain FEW (cf. Matt.7:13-14)…

Today’s Thought “Common Dissent” G. Ward 2 Timothy 4: 3 “For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires.” Warnings most certainly were provided by the Savior concerning times when Truth would be rejected by many leaving few to uphold the most excellent message that grants eternality. The apostles thereafter would never concern themselves with great numbers considerate of such adherence to this gracious message, but warn in the similitude of the Savior’s teaching. Now we, the church are in the age where peril in lack to conform onto righteousness has seemingly reached a presumed culmination with expressions like “we’re living in the last days” and while every generation perhaps thought theirs was the end (as they would witness the crucifixion and great martyrdom in the apostolic age), we’re merely called to preach Truth in every season of our existential stay in this strange land…

Today’s Thought “Yelling Fire, Where There’s None” G. Ward Matthew 12:36-37 “I tell you, on the Day of Judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Those of my inner circle know me differently, compelling me to speak openly and whereas the many others witness my “being guarded” mentality can be deemed spiritual attitude disorder. I say that in view of every believer’s confession of the Lord’s reign and rule of our lives with an unmatched regard, portraying the highest, exemplary Love; whereas our insistence to be transformed (entirely) onto emulating Christ is a daily pursuit (Phil.2:1-5). More imperative to consider than a multitude of juxtaposed personality traits is allowing the Truth of God’s Word as our constraint and not another self-proposed diet whereby discipline is soon compromised because of a foolish mantra perceived that says “I can” which represents another wrongful attitude of arrogance where every prior generation of man failed thereunto (*Jn.15:5)…

Today’s Thought “Freedom Hall” G. Ward 1 Peter 2 7 This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for unbelievers, “A STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED, THIS BECAME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,” 8 and, “A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE”; for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed. There’s great presumption that all seemingly inside are safe, but faith is inextricably connected to obeying the One we refer to as Lord (my Owner) and every perspective place of worship’s visitation remains a by-product to our foundational confession of Christ as enough in absolving our sins. Therefore, assessing “who” may be included as a believer shouldn’t be the objective, instead, deep interrogation on whether my faith relies on forgiveness without obeying is searchable and if there’s doubt, fall on your knees now, believing HE placed you here among the rest of us falling short of His glory; to encourage your decision (particularly as you’ve asked Him to forgive your every sin) to transform your soul in accordance to what’s written.

Today’s Thought “When I Think of Home…” G. Ward 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Have any awakened to what appears a wrestling match in your head? You know what is your spiritual responsibility but feel you need a lazy day? Spiritual regimen is the only cure. Holy God’s Word talks aloud to every soul desiring where real peace is found and believer’s revival will then be with exclamations of all trouble due to the land and the tent given me remains a temporary dwelling set up by the Father and whereas it was never meant to last forever and whereby inclement conditions aid in its decay, allowing my joy furthered in knowing it won’t matter soon; I rejoice in knowing there’s a home purchased for me furnished by Incorruptibility (cf. 2 Cor.5:1-5).

Today’s Thought “Pursuing Faithfulness” G. Ward 2 Timothy 4 3 The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. 4 They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. While attending worship services remains a spiritual mandate (Heb.10:25), some will yet estimate great modules considerate of numerical growth that ultimately hinders and whereas most preachers won’t suffer with lack of self-confidence (particularly as they infuse their discourse with the only message providing Truth), it furthers a seeker’s quest to be satisfied with eloquence that delivers quickly and maintains prudence as a Sunday only mechanism. My encouragement on today is that we’d know, “Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary” (Isa.40:31).

Today’s Thought “Wasted Days…” G. Ward Psalm 30:5 “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor, a lifetime. Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning.” Our recent bout with numerous rainy days forgets ragweed allergies are rampant in irritation for some that appreciate experiencing the rinse. Moreover it causes the farmer to rejoice in that he anticipates a bountiful autumn harvest for that vegetation soon to become a major contribution onto our holiday tables. Many moons ago children walked to school in the rain no matter how profuse and whereas we’re now with fashionable galoshes and designer rain gear of sorts, we yet complain. While weekend sunshine is on its way, witnessing expansive plans promoting happiness, did “joy” pass you by, particularly weather hindrances that forsook best contemplation of palatial shelters provided you? For any that believe in Christ’s sufficiency, gathering for the purpose of encouragement that promotes endurance won’t care about weather forecasts because joy encompasses their hearts as they anticipate eternity whereby everyday will witness the “SON” shining (cf. Ac.2:41-47).

Today’s Thought “I Wanna Be Like…” G. Ward John 17:3 And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Before the crucifixion of Christ, He would pray to the Father regarding what every believer should strive for – a personal relationship with the Almighty in the same. Humanity (in a general sense) has more identified with an impression from others that can more ascribe to their thoughts (including mine) to determine what the Lord meant in all His guidance for any and while there may not be anything wrong with journeying to periodicals, commentaries and devotionals, it can formulate habit that nullifies Holy God speaking directly to me (cf. Heb.1:1-2). While I congratulate literary eloquence found in others, my personal pursuit by faith in Christ understands it too is short lived (Matt.24:35)…

Today’s Thought “God’s Jurisprudence” G. Ward Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and just is He. To think how in the beginning the Creator desired man’s compliance unto being governed by the Only One perfect in love, mercy and guidance, to then come under a redistribution by limited knowledge found in man that translates arrogance along with sanctioning the serpent’s deception when he sought enticing those created first by asking - “Has God really said, ‘You shall not eat from any tree of the garden” (Ge.3:1b?). If we’re not careful, the same kind of arrogance (that governs without best consultation from the proper manual) exercised by institutions and leaders of sorts (particularly as we know in part) demands equity more according to conditions and bias, than understanding what’s equitable for every man is punishment and death, BUT GOD (Ro.5:8)…

Today's Thought "Exemplary!" G. Ward Hebrews 4 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. My worship on today is attributed to the Only One worthy, along with gratefulness for setting a pace achievable for every participant in life's race and whereas the term "race" is proportionately impertinent to speed, but encompasses endurance until the end, also circumventing temptation of my return in a suggestive power within, while truly owning nothing; May my meditations regard this point of stoppage so as to alleviate potential pain (cf. Ps.1:1-3).

Today's Thought "On Injured Reserve" G. Ward Psalm 32 3 When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality failed as with the dry heat of summer. Until 2012 (particularly in professional sports) athletes that suffered injuries disallowing their team contribution were subject to dismissal by that organization and whereas they now are allowed time for recovery to then be reactivated, is comparable to our Lord's merciful kindness to us and although our injuries are mostly self-imposed, HE remains the Captor (to every soul He provides). restoring those He loves onto greater spiritual health and reprieve's contingency remains repentance (Ac.3:19, 1 Jn.1:9).