Today’s Thought “New Year, Same Me?” G. Ward Ephesians 4 23 And that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. At the end of every year our church phone rings aggressively with inquiries on whether we’re having “Watch Night” services and when I politely say that we are not, but offer our worship service time, they too are polite, but I sense they want to hang up because choice furthered will unfold their anticipation elsewhere. I’ve explained to our congregation a need to watch, but not according to man’s calendar and although I understand (with celebration) its origin, it’s become this “be it resolved” session with comparability in starting a diet next Monday versus now. The demand for spiritual renewal won’t involve your and mine working alongside of the Almighty, but is established through a daily, intimate pursuit of HIS Word and whereas many attend these spectacular services, some leave immediately thereafter for a new dance floor, diminishing prior worship sought.

Today’s Thought “Strangers In the Night” G. Ward 1 Peter 1:13-17 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile. I’m often challenged with how to express to a people the absolutism of God’s Truth as some insist on owning themselves along with saying He is Lord. It (the challenge) will often include questions on lifestyles, alcoholic beverages, perspectives, etc., and whereas Heaven’s demand is not obscured, self-absorption/abasement remains; so let’s be clear. Holy God is all knowing, everywhere and with unlimited power! Therefore, looking for clearance from others is always bogus (cf.Ro.10:8). Whatever you do, imagine doing it in HIS presence. Now what?

Today’s Thought “Over-Thinking…” G. Ward Proverbs 11:17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Many are quick to judge a book by the cover and whereas they’ve experienced periodic bouts in being correct, assessing failures is rarely entertained. Moreover, one unnecessarily analytical can often limit blessings that forbid genuine relationships by this same attitude to render grace, forgetting their own time of improper, even confusing statements, to never be afforded a do-over because the other party left the room (permanently) to forget mercy afforded them. We must work while it’s still light.

Today’s Thought “Gifts for Grandchildren” G. Ward 1 Kings 11 37 However I will take you, and you shall reign over all that you desire, and you shall be king over Israel. 38 Then it shall be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight by keeping My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. While children have little to no appreciation for unraveling gifts revealing cute clothing, the men they’ll become will. Legacy building is similarly felt and best considered not through standards that deliver potential frivolity silver and gold may pervade, but a holy example from ancestral obedience granting peace on earth, along with a promised eternity onto our Blessed Hope.

Today’s Thought “Lost Without YOU!” G. Ward Matthew 1 22 Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” If I awaken more to the news of the day, including that which I deem motivational and surround myself with only those estimated as favorable, I discount HIS sacrifice. If all my anticipation of this momentous weekend (including the next) forgets HIS return, my living is in vain. If I’m caught up in me-ism for the predominance of the day, my refusal to imitate HIM denies the very premise of HIS existence and whereas there’s been guilt concerning my own shortcoming(s), HE yet hears my contrition and is there to restore me onto best…

Today’s Thought “The Salvation Army” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. The quintessential ministry organization that renders unconditional benevolent care is The Salvation Army. Their greatest annual campaign involves bell ringing outside of major retail stores with red buckets, inviting generosity from others for the cause of many less fortunate. My years in the pastorate have witnessed many in need and whereas we’ve done our best in meeting their deficiencies, some have returned to say the local Salvation Army church was there to aid. I’m grateful for their service; first unto our Lord and then others. On today I want to celebrate my Dear Brother/Pastor Kendall Mathews and lovely wife Katrina for their unwavering ministry in this very fine organization. I hope that you’ll consider giving generously, for theirs is beyond this season…

Today’s Thought “One Is A Lonely Number” G. Ward 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. Imagine if every season embodied the hospitality of the two weeks in late December where greetings in the marketplace flowed without provocation, including intentional acts of benevolence sought to find some less fortunate became a daily mantra? While this may appear to be idealism at best, it’s mostly fairy-tale because most will await the populous to move on this versus letting it begin with themselves (1 Thess.4:13-*18)…

Today’s Thought “Dual Dependency” G. Ward Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. When I was growing up many tampered in wrongful spirituality, seeking something strongly desired and while it appears to have diminished greatly, those exercising therein are more covert with their consultation unto mediums of sorts; even up to suggesting they belong to Christ. While Madame Zenobia (indicative of fortune telling), gambling (justified), consultations with insistence that false spiritual leaders read into your life when our Lord demanded we receive spiritual bread (His Word) daily and particularly when many of these same leaders fail to possess an ability to know whether there’s to be a next moment, along with quick advice record from those outside of faith in Christ, has become a foolish straddling on a barbed-wire fence.

Today’s Thought “No Matter What the People Say…” G. Ward 1 Peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. There’s selective prioritization given from many who indicate it doesn’t make a difference what others say about them and while portions of inaccuracy can be the rendering from some unsteady, we’re called to do our best in all ways. Christ exemplified the best attitude with those fiercest opponents, even knowing of their plot to take His life and yet gave His life freely for them also and whereas we’re called to imitate Him, along with heavenly insistence to love our enemies with a sacrificial spirit, what shall we render?

Today’s Thought “To Be, or Not to Be” G. Ward Romans 7: 15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good. 17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. There’s this common expression given by the “super guarded” that insists they hate any who are fake. While I too may be bothered and perplexed concerning superficial portrayals, I must first admit to an unscientific assessment in who I’ve been, particularly with multiple personality disorder (undiagnosed). I however am busy, not assessing my violating others as much, but my failure to consistently present my absolute devotion to my Lord. It appears “fake” is relative to me. What saith you (cf. Jas.2:8-10)?

Today’s Thought “Re-Assessing Defining Moments” G. Ward Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. The term “Evangelical” has become relative to a political/social ideology. Instead, its definition belongs to any who promote the gospel, along with being determined to assist in rescuing the perishing and whereas many think of themselves as effectual therein, they discount being heard the more because the populous first knows their politics, before the Savior and whereas our supposed trust demands we do so implicitly, we fail in the most foundational message provided. Christ has no need to partner with systems – He is entirely Sufficient! Sadly, many who have obtained mercy forget that the world is doing exactly what’s acceptable in their estimation and as we’ve been instructed, even transformed, so shall they – if we’re merciful first by never forgetting “such were some of us…”

Today’s Thought “Lack of Resolve” G. Ward John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” Murder rates in American cities have sky-rocketed and people want answers and whereas there’s a common neglect unto their demand, they yet philosophize the more. Hire more police! No, limit assault weaponry and bring back the electric chair! Moreover, if these people would just watch their kids… Diversionary tactics from many have been the defense mechanisms exercised by man from the beginning and while we were never meant to govern ourselves, having been created for HIS purpose, free will given, can promote rebellion in man (the more) and the categorical judgment unto others leaves him angry when their book of ethics is denied. Disaster of sorts becomes the eventuality when any pompously state “some” just won’t cooperate. Instead and always, LOVE is the answer and the only counteraction for blatant sin and whereas discussions of sorts appear prudent, the saga continues…

Today’s Thought “Turn up the Light!” G. Ward Matthew 16 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Churches are closing at an alarming rate and while you think it’s primarily attributable to the recent pandemic, you’ll need to know the decline witnessed In 2020, pervaded that 47% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque, down from 50% in 2018 and 70% in 1999. I’m never satisfied to hear the term church, relative to worship centers; because it belongs to people surrendered to Christ and SOLELY based on their confession of Him as Sufficient to forgive and to guide. Therefore, we’re not (nor have ever been) in decline, the world is (*Matt.7:21-23) and while others rejoice in the numbers game, we remain responsible unto the message (re-produced), where few get it (Matt.7:13-14)… I shall not be moved.

Today’s Thought “Spirituality: The Big Assignment” G. Ward Acts 26:16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you. While many are pursuant to their ancestral lineage so as to hear of predecessors esteemed by men that bolsters their own pride, or an unclaimed inheritance that fattens their fiscal posture – remains a spiritual claim waiting adoption. The riches it provides is from One Progenitor and while everyone with claimants in wealth unto their children have died, HE absolutely lives; having endured great suffering and shame on behalf of any that will make Him owner of their lives and whereas being good enough can’t be named among any hereafter, we praise HIM for HIS righteousness; deciding to proclaim this great eventuality to all. There’s still room…

Today’s Thought “Local Freeway vs. Interstate” G. Ward John 14 12 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. Route 66’s original starting point began in downtown Chicago and ended at the Santa Monica pier in California and whereas the interstate system in America enabled a faster travel, it disabled an option perhaps more noteworthy than advertisements on billboards. Our sense in what’s best (as believers) compromises future progress found in others similarly, in that when/if we construct ideas (seemingly prudent) that benefit mankind now, but violate eternality, it discounts the “greater” avenue of the Savior’s discourse for those surrendered to Him and whereas His work while admonishing with these words wasn’t completed, the full price is now paid entirely (but don’t go too fast on that freeway either, or you’ll miss the billboard that invites you to sup on “our daily bread” – so that power will exist.).

Today’s Thought “Historical Notation” G. Ward Psalm 85:6 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? While we seek to make the passages of God applicable to our times and very particularly to this land, may we remember this song sung happened on recall of what their (Israel’s) homeland represented before their disobedience unto the Almighty’s way landed them in a strange land, owned by the unruly, to then be granted a return whereby their front lawns were greatly overgrown and whereas ours never went uninhabited, even meticulously manicured, we may have forgotten that our insides (i.e. our hearts) are with great scar tissue soon to hinder normal functioning whereby I may be consumed (Ac.3:19)…

Today’s Thought “Always Believing in LOVE” G. Ward Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. This time of year for a child impatiently waits December 25th, but they believe it’s coming and the constraint of the wait helps tame these young souls concerning a spiritual future. Many belonging to the fellowship of Christ witness (more than ever before) a teeter-tottering from those expressing to know Holy God on His terms while with exploration of things regarded spiritual outside of words sanctioned. For them, God’s Word fails to deliver soul satisfaction for their regard to be recognized soon enough and then others have become intentional creatures of peculiarity, even portraying names of God relative to their religious stance as if HE is many (Deut.6:4-7). When I was a child, I spake that way because my capacity was far limited and whereas the key component of humility first admits how much lower I am against the Creator’s omnipotence, I’ll digress…

Today’s Thought “Bells Will Be Ringing” G. Ward Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to the house of the LORD.” I’m recalling the attitude of man during this holiday period long ago. Many (from the marketplace) would look so intently to wish you a Merry Christmas and whereas our pace involves moving quickly onto a next venue, even to forget an item or two, common courtesy is often forsaken also. The days of old (relative to this Psalm) offered singing as worshippers would walk to their place of worship and this particular song’s prefacing remembered the heartache of life’s many circumstance; that to which understood sufferings as commonplace, but would visualize the soon arrival with others of faith (in the same) to praise HIM who grants soul reprieve unto these victims where mediocrity was so pervasive among the nations. Find a song of thanksgiving as you interact in the same; it might help ensure that others hear great salutations not offered by the populous.

Today’s Thought “Bought by A Price?” G. Ward Numbers 22:18 But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything, either small or great, contrary to the command of the LORD my God. While commendations from mankind may be the initial premise to good deeds, there could be silent entry to positive points in conscience more desired than wicked intent (cf. Nu.22-24) and if not nurtured through careful examination unto obedience to the only script that matters (Matt.24:35), a return to mediocrity boulevard is inevitable.

Today’s Thought “Genuine In Heart” G. Ward Proverbs 23 1 When you sit down to dine with a ruler, consider carefully what is before you 2 and put a knife to your throat if you are a person of great appetite. 3 Do not desire his delicacies, for it is deceptive food. Going to the funeral of a rich man who while alive was a strong acquaintance and whereas you found continuity in things he said and did (even when not in agreement) and whereas your contemplations hoped his generosity (imagined) would visit you, this compromise blinded what’s actual; because of his demise, he won’t know if you’ve attended or not. There’s so many forsaken who are rich in mercy and seasoned with grace and it’s their example that teaches the qualitative essence of peace and joy, revealing how contentment is a better avenue for residence sake.

Today’s Thought “Far Too Familiar” G. Ward John 4 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Let’s see; Jesus, no Yeshua Hamashiach, the Son of God, Lord, Emmanuel, Christ, Son of Man, etc.? Boasts with insistence for your regard in Who He is (*Deut.6:4-7), won’t grant eternal presence with Him (Lk.6:46); nor will ending prayers exacting in the Name of Jesus solidify your believer-ship; instead and most important is to be known by Heaven and whereas many equate His Sovereignty with a foolish similitude in knowing any man via a name, He’s with many, because HE alone is so much more (Isa.55:8-9). Believers therefore must never present Him on limited terms, but in accordance to what’s written and surrender thereunto (cf. Ex.3:13-15).

Today’s Thought “Exercise Partner” G. Ward John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” We’re one month away from gymnasiums filled to capacity and rightfully so due to individuals like me, without dietary restraint during the holiday season. Encouragement through food plans and exercise can almost become as significant to the actual plan itself; but our consciences have been seared by propagandizing given from fitness gurus and diet experts who are well acquainted with gluttony in every season. Truth: One would have to consume 5100 calories at a Thanksgiving meal to gain a pound (that’s a gargantuan amount of food). A unilateral approach to the magnitude of life’s difficulties won’t compare to partnering with another whose strength in the Lord may be greater than mine own for any given moment. Therefore, I must remain intimately prepared by my Savior’s words to help embrace the calling to fulfill when another is blinded by weariness.