Today’s Thought “Quietly in Trouble” G. Ward Job 2 8 Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes. 9 His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But Job replied, “You talk like a foolish woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong. Grief and the circumstances surrounding it is mostly lonely and largely in part due to anticipation of dilemma presented as something soon to pass and whereas this hope may not be a wrongful estimation, it can also can be a frivolous presumption, forgetting that sufferings aren’t new to mankind. Are we more preparing to walk alongside of others as they endure, or sharing false encouragement, insisting that blessings (i.e. only those favorable to our preservation) are ahead?

Today’s Thought “On Misery Island” G. Ward Job 1 20 Then Job got up, tore his robe, and shaved his head; then he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” The abundant life of Jesus’ testimony (John 10:10) meant nothing pertinent to materialism, but had everything to do with spiritual sustenance to enable faithfulness unto His words and whereas Job didn’t live under our gracious dispensational era and would yet demonstrate an extraordinary trust of His Father’s decision that made him grievous, he would never waver in faith. It is written and is actual that we too would be found faithful similarly. Job would lose so much (1:13-19), but would maintain the Lord is Sufficient! We’d do well to understand that every predecessor of man endured tremendous sufferings and although our era witnesses philosophical demands that everyone would be happy all the day, even removing people subject to disband personal, potential euphoria, more misery will soon be knocking…

Today’s Thought “Aged in Lethargy” G. Ward Romans 13:11 “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” I believe the season’s change appears much faster than many years ago because of the failed attempts from mankind to capture the essence of Life (cf. John 14:6). We’re much busier in self-gratification than contentment; following a social flow that’s never satisfied and although there remains an un-changed 24 hours in each day, our desire can/will require an extended day periodically. The urgency towards embracing our spiritual reality that prepares for a home prepared by the Holy One, given so as to include you and me is not an automatic position (Matt.7:21-23). We’re called to identify with this heavenly pursuit of us by absolutely surrendering to living according to HIS mandates and our follow-ship thereunto won’t wait…

Today’s Thought “Best Response” G. Ward Proverbs 25:28 “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Seizing moments is certainly the objective for most who are reasonable, but all have been guilty of Freudian slips (unintentional error attributed to the notable founder of psychoanalysis – Sigmund Freud) and whereas committal in wrongful exercise is readily forgiven by Heaven, foolish men remember. BELIEVERS must shun every opportunity to perpetuate controversies (2 Ti.2:16, Col.4:6).

Today’s Thought “So Defensive…” G. Ward Romans 14:12 “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Unfortunately, some are faced with prosecutorial interrogating from others’ assumptions, particularly in view of their own issues of conscious that lacks security and when the beholder of this intense questioning responds aggressively, it can appear felonious, even when there’s no hint of dishonesty. Instead, believers are given the highest example for not being reactionary: Jesus was ever-encompassed with such oppressive interrogation, yet responded with few words. He knew how regressive man’s heart was (cf. Jer.17:9) and while some thought theirs was winning upon seeing Him hanging on the cross; ending what in their estimation was victimization of a popular view that would see them as less, perhaps neglected to know how HE in last moments sought their pardoning also (Luke 23:34).

Today’s Thought “Christ, Far Greater!” G. Ward Romans 14:1-3 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to have quarrels over opinions. 2 One person has faith that he may eat all things, but the one who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him. Contempt found in believers includes a blatant disregard of what it meant to be redeemed by the Holy One and when there’s refusal to identify another (like you) exercising in other constructs in earthen behaviors and whereas I’ve become intolerant, my attitude requires immediate adjustment in recognizing Christ is the Substance and a perpetuated failure to do so might mean He’s not my Lord (Luke 6:46).

Today’s Thought “Girly Man” G. Ward Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. A practiced persona in self-confidence is ultimately a guard unnecessary for any life and indicative of a mistrust of God’s mandate for His creation to embody humility and whereas practice becomes habitual, the one stoic among many will soon witness humiliation. Instead, to portray being owned by the All-Wise Savior should be the mantra taught by example and to that end no pretentiousness is needed.

Today’s Thought “Arguably Insignificant” G. Ward Psalm 19:7 “The Law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” Politics now insist on proper governance as its citizens carry a copy of The Constitution in their vests and whereas the articles within remain arguable by pundits, many from every partisanship proclaim believing (entirely) in God Sufficiency. Religionists on the other hand, maintain a copy of God’s Word nearby, even with ability to recite it on cue, while depending on politics and economics to pull them through and whereas the LORD won’t be mocked/derided (Gal.6:7) and particularly since HE knows every heart, both determinations have violated peace. Every endeavor from man to know Holy God must be on HIS terms, not an unlawful blend (*cf. Heb.4:9-16)…

Today’s Thought “Walking On A Dangerous Trail” G. Ward John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; the one who remains in Me, and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” For believers, “binding the enemy” happened on Christ’s watch and His defeat of Satan left him ineffectual. Therefore including such terminology while praying to the ALMIGHTY (who created him also) fails in truest recognition of that spiritual conquest, ONLY procured by Himself; never to regard your help and fighting against one already defeated and whereas it sounds super religious, it’s richly redundant (cf.*Jas.4:7-8). Nourishment that allows our existence increases our gratefulness for daily bread found in His Word, keeping us in HIS grip of grace so as to be protected with similitude of having a big brother accompany us on a trail inhabited by bullies (equal to my small-ness).

Prayer Week: “Spiritual Focus” G. Ward 2 Timothy 2:16 “But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness.” Lord God, Your prayer for our unification happened upon the greatest sacrifice for us by You that’s unmatched in all of human history. It saw that we were helpless in rescuing our own souls in a way that Heaven would receive us because of our goodness and whereas our Savior un-hesitantly offered Himself as the Perfect Substitute, we praise Your Holy Name! Father, we therefore realize how we’ve mishandled such grace, through allowing the world’s controversies’ empowerment unto a soul inhabited by Your presence. Moreover, we seek forgiveness for wrongful consideration to then decide resolution could be found through resources deemed proven, when Truth demanded we’d never conform to this old pattern; On Christ the Solid Rock We Stand, All Other Ground Is Sinking Sand! May every believer empty themselves of disunity and revisit how their implicit trust of Your Way will never disappoint! Thank You for Your Merciful restoration in Jesus, Amen.

Prayer Week: “Our Foreparent’s Difficulties” G. Ward Hebrews 11:1-2 Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen. For by it the people of old gained approval. Father God while some are here in Your earth to thank You for a past that included an outspoken culture in morality that promoted our faith currently, we question our efforts for these times, more desiring to line up as soldiers of Heaven sharing Your Truth. We realize the Light in some grew dim, praying they would be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend God’s love and whereas this day offers reflection of better, we ask that the recall pertinent to Your words become our change. Lord, we’ll soon be spoken of in historical terms and while some more establish to build sand castles indicative of their own infamy, we desire promoting declarations that say our Living, Eternal God remains the Only Foundation worthy of highest praise for every generation! May HE be known to everyone of our encounters for His generosity as You dispense greater grace through Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Prayer Week: “My Opportunity” G. Ward James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” Lord God, we thank You for so generously providing us with answers in immediate reprieve as we consult Your words to then gain perfect peace and our instruction leads us to a common salvation found in the church and whereas there’s joy in such fellowship, it encompasses points in miseries. It’s then that we see Your hands, Your feet, as carriers of Truth arrive throwing a comforting lifeline that reminds us that Jesus can fix it! We celebrate Your discipline, understanding Your love for us goes hand in hand with those allowances that found us out-of-bounds, yet granted revival for our souls. It’s so good to know Jesus! We desire to be useful in Your earth, without parameter and in the way pleasing onto the spiritual pathway given by Your Word and may our presumptive construct that seeks to infuse additional sayings that render false hope remember – “Jesus Wept” and so shall we and whereas our praise on today echoes a greater sentiment found in Thine Word – “Weeping may stay overnight, but there is joy in the morning,” we celebrate and thank You for never forsaking us through Jesus, Amen.

Prayer Week: “The Elixir Denied” G. Ward Isaiah 5 (NLT) 20 What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. 21 What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever. Inherently, Father God, we’ve been given Perfect Guidance from our caring Creator and whereas rest is provided when finding His shelter as sufficient is pursued, we’ve infused a way seemingly right in moments. We need Thee every hour! We’ve been given a varied mouthpiece; priests, prophets, judges and now the church to thwart our endeavors, to become sacrificial vessels, available to Heaven’s calling, abusing time through suggesting the Lord will grant other moments for reconciliation sake and whereas time will expire soon, our intellects understand, but our spirit man refuses adaptation. While there’s none innocent, Your mercy is great and at the right time, You provided a Perfect Escape – Jesus. What A Mighty God We Serve! May every mindset consider the transformation You offer before it’s too late; particularly that to which ceases to make demands un-sanctioned through faithful compliance to Your Word, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Prayer Week: “It’s Not Everyone Else…” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! Father God, we talk to You in familiar terms not because of contemptuous behavior, but trust in Your Sovereignty and care for us. Lord, as we exist in times declared in Your Word that more seeks to extract a guardianship from Heaven representative of what we want, even elimination of sufferings and great trials, further examination of Your Truth remembers Jesus’ words, “a servant is not greater than his Master,” therefore begging to be absolutely revived onto His merciful ways. We thank You profusely for abiding in wavering vessels such as we’ve been. Moreover Lord, we sincerely seek to now recall how many times our godly sorrow never repented of denying the furtherance in knowing Your demands, while yet participating in self-preservation and whereas our mouths have exercised in shouts of “O, How I Love Jesus” may our consciences be seared in newest determinations to be best as we’re Owned by Heaven. In Jesus, we Thank Thee, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Orderly or Chaotic?” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 14 26 Well, my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. Have you thought about the order of worship at your particular place of worship? Is it planned or considerate of spontaneity? How long is the service? Is everything clearly understood by another without experience in such an environment (*1 Cor.14:23-24)? Seemingly, all these are great considerations, until any will assess what worship means. It’s given to celebrate the Object of one’s faith. You shouldn’t consider a celebration for one and produce activity pleasing to everyone outside of the person worthy of honor; particularly if it’s opposite of HIS demand. These times, along with our era witnesses more dis-similarities to what we’ve ever read in God’s Word. Moreover, every posture in worship is under scrutiny by the only One who searches the heart of man; so many voices may sound pleasing, while only being heard in our magnificent, palatial auditoriums (John 4:23-24).

Today’s Thought “Frivolous?” G. Ward John 13 33 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can’t come where I am going. 34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Jesus was at the end, soon to face an agonizing crucifixion and He prepares those for the certainty of days ahead; that approaching this monumental task in making other disciples wasn’t going to be easy. This magnificent Savior’s portrayal of love would absolutely put aside what would have encompassed every other man with great collapse under this pressure in knowing these next moments as tortuous for Himself, but un-hesitatingly surrendered for our benefit (cf. John 15:20-21). We cannot continue awakening to what God needs to do for us. Moreover, thanking Him for another day that resembles most days with plea of safety for me and mine and thanksgiving as any view calamity and destruction found plaguing others with temporal compassion that echoes “what a shame” as it dishonors the Redeemer’s faithfulness to mankind, clearly misunderstands HIS sacrifice (*Ro.12:1-2). Happy Easter?

Today’s Thought “Lifesavers, Not Just a Candy” G. Ward Luke 16 22 Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s arms; and the rich man also died and was buried. 23 And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and *saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. 24 And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat” was the tremendous prefacing for ABC’s broadcast Wide World of Sports. The streets would empty in great anticipation of this show’s sports features. It was the days to which we heard contrast of do’s and don’ts and whereas permissibility is our newest extreme sport, the exhilaration it promotes, maintains its death-defying maneuvers could very well promote one’s demise (*Heb.12:11). Instead, our lives are not merely happenstance, but established for Holy God’s purpose and the permissibility aforementioned is not to be named among those enlisted (Ro.6:23) and while tampering with temporal trinkets of de-testable things establishes a practice, the end for any won’t afford corrective measure; therefore, come to Jesus now (Ac.3:19)!

Today’s Thought “Just Be Ready!” G. Ward 2 Peter 2:1 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. In 1555, the famed astrologer Nostradamus promoted his greatest compilation Les Prophéties that offered predictions for the future; including things pertinent to our time currently and whereas this is with perceived notoriety, even comparably recognized with a farmer’s use of the almanac, it’s more a refusal from man (particularly his demand for sensationalism) to regard the Sovereignty of Holy God’s Word which speaks incessantly about man’s posture that insists on signs from the disconnected (Matt.12:38-39). Those belonging to the Lord’s sufficiency understand that the land of our sojourning won’t be guarded unless the LORD is established as OWNER (Ps.127:1).

Today’s Thought “Warring With A Madman” G. Ward Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. We’ve known about this leader’s rebellion for quite some time, particularly how displeased he was to see potential democratization of his country enabling the end of the “Cold War” that now witnesses “his turn” in returning as a threat to countries near and far. Moreover, he dangerously persists in huge disregard of how he’s perceived, while being entirely intimidating to his own countrymen and diplomacy is no longer a consideration from our nation, along with allies. The meter of madness from this leader’s anarchy hasn’t moved, as he reminds the world that he is a nuclear power. The magnitude of this crisis transcends militaristic bullying of times past and the common bond “the church” should have exists in great divisiveness; pervading politics with religion, to prove their resolve, equaling - God needs our help and while we insist in knowing this stance as blasphemous, this and other crises continues. Holy God is still with great patience, warranting our repentance, but soon it will be over… Pray for Ukraine, YES, but pray for Russia also! Your spiritual duty must never arrive on selective terms that involves your perspective…

Today’s Thought “Falling Prey to Magic Tricks” G. Ward 2 Timothy 3 13 But evil people and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Humanity aspires towards a maturity recognized by adulthood so as to make contributions in nobility lacking through some and whereas there’s prudence in this pursuit, our Creator has inferred man to remain children of His. This may appear regressive until we’ll settle down to more realize this great guidance as a protective mechanism relative to how we conduct our lives given; similar to a child’s growth. Their humility inquires at a constant; particularly unto a trusted, authoritative source. Moreover, they’re always insecure, relevant to this big world and therefore needing protection/shelter from its potential hazards. In that regard, “I’ll never grow up” (Pr.22:4)!

Today’s Thought “Mother’s Easter” G. Ward Proverbs 31 15 And she rises while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her attendants. It’s 46 days until Easter 2022 and the stores are marketing candy with bunny themes, but nothing more from consumers. How many recall the great preparatory way from most homes that involved family and friend’s invite to the elaborate dinner in the illustrious (unused) dining room? Those days witnessed refusal to display paper products and Tupperware. Fantastic juxtaposing was commonplace as new clothing for Worship services, along with Spring cleaning of homes, particularly as that great Holy-Day would include the prior celebratory days that led to Easter Day. Our times now witnesses very little to no preparation, but entertains the kind of spontaneity that precludes attending worship services as significant, while still chanting “O, How I Love Jesus” and whereas mine own chants, how I miss Mother. Regardless of which era embodied spiritual prudence the more may be unnecessarily diversionary, particularly when/if you fail to know that if there was no resurrection of our Redeemer, we’d be hopeless…

Today’s Thought “David vs. Goliath” G. Ward Romans 1:14 “I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.” Whereas diplomacy is an exercise in seeking resolve internationally, for the believer, he is to be entirely diplomatic (without political restraint) with anyone under the sun. The peace offered by the Savior has become our solace in approach; but everyone won’t be compliant and all the persuasive argument won’t change their conviction. Therefore, it’s then incumbent on that same believer’s effort to make supplications and intercessions for those obstinate, knowing our God is greater. Every believer has family in Ukraine (cf. Gal.6:10). How shall we care for these; particularly in view of our world exercising in selective sorrow (i.e. where wars, economic uncertainties, ethnicity, etc., exist in people groups around the world)? We must love as HE loves…