Today’s Thought “Rival Religion” G. Ward Judges 17 6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Many religionists are critical for local houses of worship’s decision to suspend services in view of the Covid variant’s spread. Theirs’ insist that any said to be in Truth shouldn’t forsake assembling as mandated and whereas the truth of God’s Word is undeniable, other provision (i.e. thanks for technological advancement) has become the temporary consideration. Temple worship is a must in being recognized by Heaven and while mankind will currently assign this “temple” status as a place, our Father insists believers are. Therefore assessment of where any considerate of HIS ownership exists for them won’t theorize their way through the life HE provides; including religious posture from others, but guard the message entrusted onto them that promotes freedom (cf. Gal.5:1).

Today’s Thought “Approval Rating” G. Ward Matthew 10 29 Are two sparrows not sold for an assarion? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all counted. 31 So do not fear; you are more valuable than a great number of sparrows. I most certainly wasn’t there to interrogate what King David meant when recording the Lord as his Shepherd, but I’m acquainted with his having been a young shepherd boy at a time in his life – understanding how necessary it was to keep these defenseless sheep in line and oversee all they would ingest as they would graze in the fields among poisonous plants, etc. He would then say because of the Lord’s vigilance, that he wouldn’t want for anything; the Father’s sufficiency provides. David is/was no higher than we are. Therefore, this accommodation belongs to any who will regard His sufficiency (cf. John 14:6) and whereas we reverence His Holy Name, refusing often to approach this great throne for what we deem as small, nothing is…

Today’s Thought “The Idolatry in a Friend’s Advice” G. Ward Genesis 3:19 “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” While we remain very acquainted with trouble from every direction, our doing better won’t divert attention to what presents itself as problematic through consultation with eye appeal or presumed voices of prudence, but will adjourn towards what’s resolute and from its Sole Author (Acts 4:12). Neglect to do so because I more embody impatience found in the world, unfolds even greater trouble…

Today’s Thought “The Heat Is On” G. Ward Matthew 26:52-54 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword. Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” Violent acts perpetuated against many will often lead to death, both physical demise unto the victim and potentially the soul of the perpetrator, including his family and friends. This same Jesus (of our every lesson), the Author of peace, remains worthy to follow through His timeless pursuit of man to embody the same solace and although it doesn’t appear probable that we would consider rendering great violence in similar regard to which we’re faced with (daily), our failure to relate to HIS unchanging guidance nullifies displacing the worst in us as becoming instruments of peace and while any seek to be “good” (particularly denying the Savior’s righteousness ascribed to us solely by HIM) we further defeat to attain towards anything worthy of Heaven (cf. 2 Cor.6:1-3).

Today’s Thought “I Can…?” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. Generations of man have listened as many are motivating in their expression of what we can do, even begging the masses to remove every barrier from their lives (i.e. let nothing stand in your way posture). They convince some to forget their confessed, personal, spiritual objective and whereas the time spent from some may attend a Sunday lecture (facilitated by a theologian) lasting 30-40 minutes, the sustenance in that same message competes with 167 more hours purporting time belongs to me to do as I wish - until one returns to the Temple. Practice of such renders one susceptible to great error (*Ro.12:1-2).

Today’s Thought “Mr. Postman” G. Ward John 12 49 For I did not speak on My own, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I briefly watched a televangelist on yesterday while waiting on my opportunity to deliver God’s Truth to our small congregation and whereas this smiling preacher delivered words that would inspire a bank robber to believe that his recent endeavor was a righteous act (denying any corrective measure for man), tens of thousands are now more prepared to walk more tenaciously in their efforts of increase to deny the Almighty an absolute takeover to who they are (cf. Matt. 16:24). While I’ve searched for a happy prophet in God’s Word to find none, along with the days of the Judges and even the Apostolic Age that demanded repentance from humankind, it appears that our modernity has conquered sin (i.e. without sin – *1 John 1:5-8) and before you defer to our Mighty Conqueror (Jesus) as having paid that debt (*and HE did), remember - our struggle in righteousness continues, so what must we render?

Today’s Thought “Social Relief” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 9 6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. There exists great compelling from our worship auditoriums that expressly adopt benefit of giving and whereas our Savior authoritatively said, “It’s better giving than receiving,” we’ve practiced this well enough to understand the warmth of our experience in doing so. I however am bothered by de-contextualized usage of passages aforementioned. No pep rally is needed for a varied campaign pertinent to your fraternal organizations, alumni groups and political affiliation. We know it takes finance to administrate continuity in conviction. The church however has been deemed criminal for their solicitations and yes many spiritual institutions have been abusive; but is the worshipper compelled to contrast their monetary support to organizations of sorts with that of giving as unto the Lord and if so, is that worship at all?

Today’s Thought “Inconspicuous” G. Ward Acts 13 5 When they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. Any work given man from Heaven is a great work and whereas most will equate importance of assignment with numbers, our Lord being honored makes it large. The early church would know mighty ambassadors sent by the Almighty to establish others to His Way, but there were others like John, a.k.a. John Mark – notably the same Mark, instrumental in the second gospel account that bears his name. Oversight’s intent may have you victimized in misery until meditations of devotion to the Holy One realizes an impact relative to eternal proportion. No matter what the people say…

Today’s Thought “I Walk the Line…” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. While Jesus portrayed Himself in civil obedience (Mark 12:17), His trust and reliance rested with the Father. Moreover, He never sought defiance unto governmental impropriety, even that to which gathered others towards an awareness of injustices pervaded on a people, but would invite those convinced that righteousness is only found in the Almighty to know how while praying the Lord’s will be done, a necessitation to remain in His shelter. Talk of personal empowerment will never convince the spiritually prudent because they know of history, whereas lack of justice has always been given man to perceive and God was faithful then and forevermore.

Today’s Thought “Don’t Trouble the Water…” G. Ward 2 Timothy 2:23-24 “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” I’ve had a nightmare or two that visualized my being in a coffin and many would pass by to not hear my begging their help. It’s a visual necessary, in that my words and actions need to be weighed against when it’s over and whether Redemption from on High recognized me? Moreover, will my eternity embrace the peace I sought in earth as I desired mostly to be found surrendered to my Lord, or will disorder follow me all the days of my life now and the hereafter (cf. Ps.139:23-24)?

Today’s Thought “Sound the Alarm!” G. Ward 1 Peter 4:10-11 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. There’s no programming existent more persuasive that renders aid towards the populous, than to realize what Christ offered you and whereas His generosity in Spirit (having benefit unto the world) congratulated the Father’s enablement, many beneath such majesty insist on awards from other men (cf. Matt.6:1-4).

Today’s Thought “Love, A Strange Bed Fellow” G. Ward 1 Timothy 6:9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. Oversight of people will often be un-intentional, but can reveal what’s subliminal and whereas some are consumed with economic posture along with social regard, having been taught that association with social elitists can mean leaving common affiliations (due to their lack in drive), may be subject to forget, when the going gets tough (and it will), the rich are busy counting the costs in leaving their comfort zone, while those deemed “regular” just render aid (cf. Lk.10:30-35).

Today’s Thought “Grandma’s Biscuits” G. Ward Galatians 5:24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Modern day conveniences have lent impatience the highest trophy while having bled into most every endeavor of man and past generations sought sharing a phrase going beyond intellect that said, “keep living” and whereas many of us know those implications now, we may be guilty of discarding this one; perhaps too considerate of a fast-paced society needing something more innovative. God’s Word however remains timeless, yet desiring our total submission through repentance that warrants a slow-down questioning, “Have I died to myself” or still trying to change the recipe?

Today’s Thought “Enticed, But Yet Holding On” G. Ward James 1:12-14 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. For some, Holy God is thought about as a professor of sorts; always proposing a test be taken and whereas every human from the beginning has been challenged from the moment he awakens to his slumber with decision to pursue right or wrong, failure to observe Life’s manual may be the culprit to many woes. Instead, our privilege on each day granted celebrates the way to victory and because HE (Jesus) lives, all will be able to face tomorrow, if/when their confession of HIM as entirely Sufficient permits…

Today’s Thought “Did YOU Know?” G. Ward Romans 8 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. We’re in a time where sufferings are more questioned than the expression of old – great sorrow with immediate praying. It’s almost with a sentiment of this isn’t supposed to happen and whereas Holy God remains “able” through every crisis, HE desires we know Heaven cares (1 Pe.5:7). We must remember that generations of man too were shocked as they witnessed tremendous devastation of sorts and while collapse appeared an option, the Author of faith prevailed as their Comforter and calls for our surrender also. If we persevere in Him, all our troubles will soon be without remembrance, as we inherit eternity (Ro.8:18). Stay faithful.

Today’s Thought “The Subtlety of Reminder” G. Ward 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. As we journey through grief, always being reminded of loved ones once able bodied, visible and loving, let’s not forget those disciplines that enabled our submission unto the Almighty; thanking HIM (often) for an outstanding plan that included us before the foundation of the world (cf. 1 Ti.2:3-6).

Today’s Thought “Gaining Momentum” G. Ward Revelation 21 4 And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Oh, the many chants of birthday well wishes and ideas of rest in peace aren’t necessary for those who’ve inherited Heaven, but are indicative of humanity desiring more mercy from the Administrator thereunto and whereas we’ll all soon visit another mortuary again to pay homage to a loved one, our hope of an inheritance for the deceased can’t designate with insistence how any made it over; but can increase in total dependence onto the All Wise Savior’s absolute rule, versus proud knowledge of many particulars about HIM (*Lk.6:46).

Today’s Thought “No Friction, No Traction” G. Ward Nehemiah 2 2 So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 And I said to the king, “May the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the site of my fathers’ tombs, is desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?” For Nehemiah, going before the King in sadness was the capitol offense that could have ended his life, but prayer answered more sought to make the Name of the Lord, Great (1:11). May our prayers subtract from the vain exercise of self-gratification, knowing how the Savior Himself taught each of us through greatest synopsis that mandated from self, “Not my will be done, but THINE…”

Today’s Thought “Training Day” G. Ward Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Our terms for forgiveness mostly denies restoring another back to best moments experienced with those offenders/oppressors and while their repetitive foolishness will often not relent, causing distance, I’m glad for today; in that the Savior keeps receiving my sorrow without condition.

Today’s Thought “Trust Equals Satisfaction” G. Ward Deuteronomy 15 5 if only you listen obediently to the voice of the LORD your God, to follow carefully all this commandment which I am commanding you today. 6 For the LORD your God will have blessed you just as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. The Sabbatical year would culminate per seven years of Divine rule for Israel after their deliverance to the Promised Land. It would include their forgiveness of debt and a release of servants; also (and as many were dependent on agriculture) they would be compelled to not grow or cultivate crops in that seventh year. It would help set a precedent for our time in that, refusal of the Almighty’s rule enables a plethora of immorality to circumvent “good living” for any significant period (i.e.to be happy), causing more mourning than ever before and whereas HIS grace and mercy remains available (*particularly as any would repent of their sins), there are “Few” preparing to share “the Way and the truth, and the life. Will the New Year find a few more willing to promote real prosperity as being known by Heaven?