Today’s Thought “The Real Megachurch” G. Ward Acts 1: 15 “During this time, when about 120 believers were together in one place, Peter stood up and addressed them.” (NLT) There’s a periodic review that happens upon personal insistence that prepares for a celebration of Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection and ascension (as mankind’s Advocate in Heaven). The Word of God would permit that some would gather with this Wonderful Savior before His rise to Heaven; hearing final instructions with implicit compliance (yet troubled and reasonably so). When weariness occurred, the church (i.e. believers) furthered receiving directives from the Almighty (cf. Jer.33:3). While we want to know exactly what our Creator shared with this group, words sought pale against spiritual proactivity, causing boldness with its members and God grew His church that day to 3000 souls and whereas some will miss this, suggesting “big church” is the goal, it was obedience that blessed Heaven.

Today’s Thought “The Simplicity of a Fingerprint” G. Ward 1 Chronicles 29:15 For we are strangers before You and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. The striving from man is lauded as commendable, but is always with temporal perception as we’re soon to move onto things and people more phenomenal and whereas the search remains an insatiable one, I’ve never encountered anyone or anything nearly as Great as our Creator. He enabled brilliance and is its Author; along with abilities favorable to mankind. Therefore, our newest determination must embody thanksgiving apart from what’s due HIM (i.e. The Highest Praise!).

Today’s Thought “Thoughts of Heaven” G. Ward 1 John 3 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. As believers, we’re rich in Heaven’s mercy in two ways: In earth we have Perfect Guidance through the Spirit of Christ and secondly, while our heavenly dwelling place awaits our arrival, believer’s eternal nature will be as Jesus’ perfection existed in earth and whereas like some of you having parents, along with loved ones already there, being like HIM will soon declare that everyone in God’s abode is family without biological constraint. Our earthly status is given so as to establish a practice in the same (cf. Eph.5:1-2) and persistence to regard the philosophical, regressive notion of “blood is thicker than water,” rejects spiritual conformity. Get on board with how Jesus views mankind and whereas His regard is without parameter…

Today’s Thought “Anticipating Spring” G. Ward James 5:8 You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Whereas we’ve awakened to 60 degrees this early morning to soon witness a balmy Summer temperature on this afternoon, let’s not forget Winter’s presence; particularly that to which dismisses the existential necessities for imminent cool/cold weather unfinished. If our ill consideration in rightful preparation only forecasts that to which lends itself to the next season’s climate, frostbite could be a factor. May our lives (said to belong in the Savior’s care) be likened to a similar preparation as we regard this moment (and every ONE thereafter), to do well in it by Heaven’s standard.

Today’s Thought “Can I Get a Witness?” G. Ward Matthew 5 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. It appears commendable to declare “I won’t be owned by anything or anyone” until that sentiment includes an unfounded perspective of what it means to know God through Christ (*Ro.10:9) and whereas those possessing this attitude need both an example and instructor (Ro.10:14), confidence from the scholar also failed to study the lesson, while dedicating themselves more to the institution than the Founder.

Today’s Thought “Re-Inventing?” G. Ward Colossians 1 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. The Truth of gospel presented, then accepted, becomes absolute surrender to new ownership – the Lord Jesus. It comes upon an examination of a super limited sense in direction. Moreover, it involves more than the uncertainty my own life has presented. Furthermore, it asks, how long do I have and can I do anything to preserve it? We’ll soon realize that prior to the believer’s confession, one is owned by uncertainty. The commendation unto believers at Colossae didn’t involve their positioning themselves with the life Holy God provided. Our times clearly violate what it means to be in Christ through human effort. The premise in spiritual prudence remains God control, not infused posture from you and me. Ultimately it affirms the cliché (particularly when there’s failure to endeavor the highest instruction – daily) that says, “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”

Today’s Thought “Pegs In the Wrong Holes” G. Ward Luke 16 15 And He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of people, but God knows your hearts; because that which is highly esteemed among people is detestable in the sight of God. The urgency in “change” can be likened to a game whereby you have seconds to complete the task provided to win (cf. Luke 6:46). We, who desire to be regarded as belonging to Holy God, must pursue Him (through His Word) diligently and whereas putting that task on the shelf for latter visitation can exist, it more reveals HE is not top priority and although accolades from other men commend my peaceable demeanor, Heaven’s insight remains greatest.

Today’s Thought “Playing Charades” G. Ward Ezekiel 12 3 So as for you, son of man, prepare for yourself baggage for exile and go into exile by day in their sight; that is, go into exile from your place to another place in their sight. Perhaps they will understand, though they are a rebellious house. 4 Bring your baggage out by day in their sight, as baggage for exile. Then you shall go out at evening in their sight, as those who are going into exile. The captivity of Israel onto Babylon involved many carried to a strange and evil land as slaves. Our Creator imposed this new status because of their blatant disobedience (cf. Ro.5:8). Some were left behind in their homeland in both perceived comfort and false security, that was furthered by many prophets (not sanctioned by God) that influenced those yet at home, along with false sayers from those among the brutal regime of Babylonia, who like many of us insist there’s no way a caring God would allow us to endure such deplorable conditions (particularly that to which has our very lives at stake). *There’s a Way to avoid this (1 Cor.10:13)…

Today’s Thought “The Greatest Nation” G. Ward Ezekiel 12 21 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 22 “Son of man, what is this proverb you people have about the land of Israel, saying, ‘The days are long, and every vision fails? We mostly awaken with our boots on the ground prepared for what’s been, to never anticipate a geopolitical invasion and certainly not Jesus’ return to earth for the church (*1 Thess.4:13-18). We thank Him for another day that really translates, You (our God) allow my exploration of things/people that bring me joy and if/when it doesn’t, I’ll dismiss anything/anyone who stands in my way (even though you keep affording me chance after chance and while I yet call You Lord, to then trust my guidance over Yours). Perhaps we’re serving ourselves Kool-Aid without sugar; Thinking judgment from God belongs to everyone deemed “bad” and it’s primarily due to a refusal to know HIS words (* Ro.3:10,23)… Ezekiel would repeat this incessantly, “Then they shall know that I am the LORD!”

Today’s Thought “It’s Better to Give…” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 1:4 “I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus.” I’m so grateful for Valentine’s Day; Love is the goal. To be loved and then show it is both a spiritual/social reality and many will soon be involved in the hustle to find trinkets that bests expresses how much they care and while my friends who regard this as another day in commercialism, along with vitriol towards allowing a society to mandate when/how to portray love, I’d invite them to take themselves out of the unnecessary equation that limits surprise when efforts of great care reaches a soul that may have doubted any cared, but now understands differently. Perhaps you can choose today to purchase additional items for a few additional friends, so LOVE (*1 John 4:7-8) can invade…

Today’s Thought “A Broken Compass” G. Ward Mark 7:13 “Thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.” While many will read chapter 7 of Mark’s gospel and determine “tradition” as a bad thing, we’ll need to know it more portrays Jesus’ reprimand of the super religious as they purveyed great discouragement with their rigid rules (even calling them hypocrites). Further study unfolds irresponsibility from these to prioritize Holy God’s commands in superiority to anything. The super religious re-construct the initial measure given man so as to present themselves appointed purest and are categorized worse than the vilest sinner concerning the chieftain of requirements in knowing the Almighty – He alone deserves praise, not us (cf. Ro.6:23).

Today’s Thought “Inconvenienced?” G. Ward Ephesians 1 17 “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” As a believer I’ve more witnessed other’s profession of faith in Christ, substitute the magnificence of floral arrangements, along with gifts of sorts, violate the spiritual compelling that insists we walk alongside a neighbor until they’re able to stand. It’s no wonder that vulnerabilities have absolutely taken many onto deeper despair. If /when believers blend more with a societal pace where self-absorption reigns, even widely acceptable (cf. 2 Ti. 3:1-5), the peace available for any man (YET FORSAKEN) who denies practicing surrender to the Most High, will include an exponential growth that leads to anarchy furthered…

Today’s Thought “Driven In Compassion” G. Ward 1 Timothy 1 5 But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith. The hall of justice is not limited to the local downtown square, but includes the workplace, marketplace, along with any venue that will afford my argumentative opinion to be heard and will soon reveal there’s absolutely no justice found in me. Until I SINCERELY understand the plight found in man (at large) was intercepted by our Gracious, Lord Jesus (particularly how HE alone died and rose to deliver US from our sins), to then impose His righteousness unto ANY who recognizes Him as capable to govern their every footstep, perhaps I’ll need to disquiet my efforts in reproducing a message that furthers they need Jesus while I’m perfectly ok.

Today’s Thought “Deeper Contemplations” G. Ward 1Kings 8 57 May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our ancestors; may he never leave us or abandon us. 58 May he give us the desire to do his will in everything and to obey all the commands, decrees, and regulations that he gave our ancestors. King Solomon would pray for Israel, a spiritually responsible act in leadership signifying Who has charge over the whole of mankind. Moreover, it’s worthy to note his thanksgiving for the Almighty’s abiding with his predecessors; asking what was done for them continue, even their consequence to sinning against Holy God. We would do well to remember our ancestry in their trials similarly; to learn from their error and to emulate their longsuffering. Spiritual success is never tangible accumulation (i.e. riches) and I believe a peek into our times for many who existed before us, would marvel at our foolish demand that equates blessings with things and status and whereas the Creator speaks to every nation (*cf. Ro.10:13), the pursuit (un-sanctioned) that embodies prosperity as we know it, just isn’t available to every sector…

Today’s Thought “Without Retraction” G. Ward Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. An irresponsible society is similar to “living in a bubble.” This could translate that my living only concerns itself with the parameter of my body and although the actuality of this is impossible to perceive, many do so mindfully; particularly when vulgarities of sorts flow without regard of potential offense. For any adamant in knowing the Lord, we must “do” as to embody His words and we’re proud possessions of this perfect regard and whereas some choose not to be owned by anyone – HE is not just anyone. HE remains our All in All and the inevitability of a forced reconciliation to that fact will deny many of an eternity where peace exists (cf. Luke 6:46).

Today’s Thought “The World’s Censure” G. Ward Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. While the narcissist is said to be totally enthralled with himself, even that to which draws attention solely to his abilities and whereas his psychological profile mandates he get professional help immediately, is the believer who’s afraid to infringe on his neighbor with a life-saving message that reconciles sin, granting him a solace un-achievable in the whole of humanity (John 14:27).

Today’s Thought “A Rose Garden?” G. Ward Acts 20 22 “And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, 23 except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. 24 But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. I’m never offended when any question God’s mercy concerning how He allows so much suffering, because it reveals insight to know of my opportunity to proclaim His excellency and whereas many insist on sharing only those melodious passages, it discounts the Savior’s suffering that insisted our encounters would include the same (*John 15:18-20) and when you acknowledge the whole scroll, there’s identification with surrender unto His regard that keeps me confident that He will never forsake me. The message that truly motivates will always regard great warning that encourages our knowing sufferings as temporary; unfolding an eternity prepared for you without pain.

Today’s Thought “More Rhetoric, than Truth…” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 3 And I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to consume it. But even now you are not yet able, 3 for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like ordinary people? Immediately some will address this admonishing as more relevant to an acquaintance as they think of themselves more highly than they should and perhaps this attitude more presents the problem of thousands of years without personal resolve (particularly in those who say they know HIM). Any reliance on systems (i.e. political, social, etc.) that seeks to usher mankind unto a recognition intended (Matt. 22:37-39), OUTSIDE of the only foundational message that grants peace onto eternity (cf. Ac.4:12), WILL FIND THE SAME DISCORD AGAIN (Have you not heard that history repeats itself?). God’s Word is resolute and won’t need our help with additional building, but needs our compliance thereunto.

Today’s Thought “Awarded A Scholarship” G. Ward John 8:31-32 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So many are confused, even abhorrent with religion because those with hope thereunto can’t/won’t explain it and whereas the word “disciple” is truly a learner, he is also to be recognized a scholar. This may appear a stretch with such defining (*but is actual), demanding assessment in what your liberal arts education allowed, even attaining towards a graduate degree, even affording greater recognition to be called upon to best define a proposed field of study (i.e. an expert of sorts). While many of us have sat in pews for many years, have we more extracted a personal, motivational phrase or two for utilization along with what I want to do, or am I a follower of my Creator’s Way to prove Him victorious? No scholarship, no freedom.