Today’s Thought “Strange Fruit” G. Ward Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. While we look to our potential in estimation of how good we are, along with wrongful evaluation that contrasts us against one morally depleted; we must first realize assessment of oneself should begin and end with the Only perfect One ( i.e. How He lived, then walk accordingly. Cf. - Ac.4:12). To rest on one's laurels translates as unholy satisfaction unto the most costly price paid for our indiscretions and whereas many remain complacent thereunto, even lacking a desire to be owned by this Gentle Savior, time will reveal their plight as entirely insufficient (*Gal.6:7).

Today’s Thought “The Sweetest Lifesaver” G. Ward Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. We’re in that season once again and whereas many strongly anticipate all the festivities indicative of joy, many won’t be so overjoyed. Troubles can be the culprit that blocks joy, along with grief of sorts. It (the opportunity for the believer), onto the dispirited must realize what’s been afforded them and share immediately. That approach can be likened to witnessing one bitten by the most venomous viper to then be the keeper of the antidote, but with refusal to share and then watch life slowly be reduced to permanent drudgery in some. Instead, we have the lifeline that won’t break and when thrown, always lands in the hands of one desiring to be rescued. Will we consider some less fortunate or hoard the love intended?

Today’s Thought “With People All Around” G. Ward John 14:1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” There’s a posture taught mankind entirely irreligious of God’s Sovereignty that says we have a right to pray all troubles away and many an excerpt from His Holy script are misused to further this fatalistic theory. While it’s important to know HIM as the Master of caring for one’s soul (1 Pe.5:6-7), the guarantee of rest for weariness never said the problem would disappear, but intros when complete surrender to HIS sufficiency becomes our insistence, that HE will absolutely carry us through it and to be held tight by the only security that matters creates testimony compelling others’ experience in the same.

Today’s Thought “Questioning Gluttony” G. Ward 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Inviting someone to the dinner table can be likened to the invitation received by God through Christ unto riches where mercy, grace, strength and peace presides without limit and whereas dinner’s invite unto one appearing voracious in appetite may witness unbecoming behavior from one invited, a believer’s remembrance to imitate their Savior is the spiritual service required that remembers their own need for the Bread of Heaven’s unending presentation similarly (*1 Cor.6:9-11).

Today’s Thought “Table Talk” G. Ward Psalm 119 41 May Your favor also come to me, LORD, Your salvation according to Your word; 42 So that I will have an answer for one who taunts me, For I trust in Your word. Post pandemic Thanksgiving (2021) will witness greater gathering than before and let’s not forget that the lay-off from so many of our considerations that involved inability for corporate worship with others. Moreover, this lay-off deeply impacted the number of worshipper’s return to their worship institutions, causing many to re-calculate gathering’s vitality; perhaps questioning their pocketbook’s savings while away (*1 Jn.2:19). Meanwhile, preparation unto the great gathering may permit subliminal critique and can become the necklace from some and while it appears they just desire Truth, perspective is confirmed that suggests even believers don’t have answers. May the few who know HIM prepare accordingly (1 Pe.3:15).

Today’s Thought “Lost in a Weary Land?” G. Ward Psalm 119 19 I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. The days of the compass has been replaced by G.P.S. (global positioning system) and is available on almost any electronic device and many of us are thankful for it being invented, along with a refusal to leave home without this convenience. Have we however put much thought in not making it to our proposed destination, particularly in view of unforeseen events? What then shall we do when medical prognosis are grim, or calamity/tragedy strikes? Is earth the end? Intellectual knowledge from most understands life will soon be over, even upon one’s entrance to the world, but the practicality that instructs how to live so as to inherit eternal life is commonly forsaken. Spiritual pause unto the Way, Truth and Life – Jesus, lives as our Great Compass and desires you and me know that our confession of Him as Sufficient a Leader (given by Heaven), is a beginning to a worthy pursuit (Ro.10:9, 13).

Today’s Thought “Antiquated?” G. Ward Hebrews 13 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold, yet I’m as familiar with my constitutional rights with an unholy equivalency? Will He provide my needs or not? These are questions for the church (i.e. believers) in view of our anticipation in hope for the world and while Jesus prayed for the world, particularly those Heaven knew would conform to the Way of the Lord (Jn.17:9), He alone would know of everyone insistent on governing themselves, ultimately rejecting Him as Lord. If expectations in grey skies clearing up presumes it’ll get better, it’s probable some have forsaken the Truth of God’s Word (cf. 1 Jn.2:15-17). Believers however, embrace His promises (and share that Truth generously), understanding afflictions are the unfortunate accompaniment in life on earth, but (*Jn.14:1-3)…

Today’s Thought “Good Intention: Not Enough” G. Ward 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written: “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” My yesterday involved taking even more time in confronting mine own sinfulness (as my contrast wasn’t against other’s indiscretions, but my Sinless Savior’s example). My un-intentional marginalization of God’s Word determined the activity in my selfishness must never come before His omniscience again and whereas oil is displaced by adding degreaser, I must envelope His Truth the more. My confession unto repentance didn’t share with the Almighty in general supplication with plea that said Father forgive all my sins (particularly when I’m alone in the Throne Room) but revealed my meditations one by one where refreshing would soon enter the room. While HE would clean me, then restore me onto greater spiritual health, my reciprocity would demand I reconcile every point of indifference that would involve another, potentially leading to their being dispirited and this new day welcomes HIS opportunity.

Today’s Thought “Challenge” G. Ward Acts 20 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34 You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and the men who were with me. 35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This time of year burgeons thoughts about the needy and while needs among the less fortunate are without relent, my joy suggests that if this season strikes a pose in the lives from some concerned enough to aid, I’m thankful for their service. In a time where many desiring to fulfill their appetites observe a familiar arrival at their refrigerator/freezer filled with what they perceive as un-exciting possibilities for consideration to then take a drive unto convenient food choices. It’s therefore my challenge, that you become personally and financially involved in some organized food/clothing distribution, or homeless shelter, so the words of our Lord Jesus may saturate your hearts and grant you security in HIM, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Celebrating Duty” G. Ward Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Eulogizing another member of our congregation on today is not easy, particularly when/if my persuasions become something to be grasped. Knowing my powerlessness apart from Holy God, it’s therefore incumbent on my greater consideration of Who’s best at comforting encouragement. That same consideration also witnesses potential sin found in me. How dare my preparation be so involved because many will hear, whereas the few given my encounters each day violates a similar preparation (cf. Gal.5:16-22)? Even so, we’re admonished “Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God…” Duty calls.

Today’s Thought “Red-Tipped Cane” G. Ward Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. We’re often ostracized when our “Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Unwavering perspectives can render one close minded, particularly amidst a society where a liberal arts educational system more celebrates owning power, while actually with no charge over the very next moment (cf. Ps.24:1). Instead and in view of mercy flowing like a river from Heaven onto mankind, we should opt for blindness to a daily view where many pervade a disconnect unto their original intent that calls for total submission to the Only Wise Savior and HE remains a Mighty Good Leader…

Today’s Thought “She Warned Us…” G. Ward Proverbs 31 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 And she rises while it is still night And gives food to her household, And portions to her attendants. Like many of you having had the privilege in great nurturing that enabled a receptivity furthered unto the Only governance that matters (i.e. knowing Christ as Lord), I celebrate one promoted despite a life of affliction while instrumental in authoring joy for Her family. The past year witnessed great suffering very difficult to view considering so much life once existed in this precious soul and whereas these things (i.e. sufferings) are guaranteed for the whole of mankind, we grieve, yet with hope of a promise of a final breath here and an endless one in HIS presence (*Jn.14:1-3). Our dilemma (those in earth) remains as we wait another’s demise – “yet will I trust in HIM.” It was my turn this morning. My Dear Mother (Lela Marie Bomar-Dargin) transitioned; not because she was good enough (*Ro.3:10), but because HE (alone) is…

Today’s Thought “Seizing Every Moment” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. The Word of God offends our natural position in earth, calling for change that promotes comfort and whereas every reasonable soul faces bouts in regret, our guarantee from weariness won’t rely on some kind of innate ability that enabled affliction (in the first place), but godly transformation where I’m able to hide (in His great Shelter) and my desire is to establish the spiritual pattern required to ensure troubles obliterated (cf. Ps.132:14).

Today’s Thought “Misplaced Pity” G. Ward Matthew 26 11 For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. Perhaps you’ve seen this advertised at the midnight hour and beyond; infomercials with visuals of those living in abject poverty, even up to having flies swarm all around? It certainly pulls at the heartstrings for any who’ve attained towards portions in compassion (which embraces the producer’s intent, particularly when they’re seeking pennies against the whole of our budgets) and while this certainly may be needed, we’ll forget more than 840 million humans out of 7.8 billion people (globally) are subjects to this kind of poverty. Now the question; what can we do? Great question. What did Jesus do (Mk.8:2)? He ensured they be fed. When we fail to act after viewing such lack in others, it can purport a marginalized view that subtracts from our inviting the Savior’s rule and reign over us and my living is then in vain and keeps me even poorer than the ones needing morsels of food (cf. Ac.3:19-20).

Today’s Thought “Fame without Merit” G. Ward Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. While some seek relevance, meeting approval from men, there’s a stance appearing lonely and whereas what’s written concerning the many predecessors of faith enduring doubt from their audiences also, it more unfolds an eternity whereby rest from uncertainties exists. For that reason, some proclaim Jesus as enough, desiring everyone to experience the comfort to know He’ll never forsake extending continual assurance of His presence, keeping my room full while others fail to see because spiritual lens are required (*1 Cor.2:11-14).

Today’s Thought “This and That” G. Ward Psalm 119 133 Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep Thy precepts. 135 Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; and teach me Thy statutes. Bacon and eggs please, leave out the French toast, hash browns and peach preserves this time; as any seat themselves in what is their common diner even after departing the comfort of home where the refrigerator is full of choices. Contemplation of any scenario less has become inconceivable in that “I made this money” syndrome remains the culprit block unto spiritual frugal-ness. Then idiot authors (like me) that serve up these kind of meditations soon hear from those contrite souls that immediately borrows a defensive stance, insistent of unwavering support of their church along with other benevolent organizations supporting the poor and further what’s actual – God loves the rich also. Can any however consider more periodic meetings with the Lord so as to best promote His agenda where contentment exists, or shall we go on in the chaotic, unappreciative posture where dissatisfaction presides?

Today’s Thought “Mosquito Bite” 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. Selah Any with category delighting themselves in foolish suggestion of their personal sin minusculed against other’s failure to comply in righteousness (at a continuum), neglects proper approach to the Throne Room already aware of every violation and can be likened to attaining a mosquito bite and convincing yourself it doesn’t itch (cf. 1 Jn.1:6-8).