Today’s Thought “Storage, Without Great Snacks” G. Ward 1 John 2:17 “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” Greg, please tell me this is not one of those when I was growing up stories? Just one more please? Mean old Russia (a.k.a. The Soviet Union) desired a military might to reckon with and began a prolific, threatening barrage of atomic bomb scares furthering what was known as the “Cold War” (i.e. a proliferation of the arms race). Many Americans from the 50’s and 60’s was urged to begin storing goods necessary for survival. Buildings of sorts were tagged on the outside indicative of spaces within containing fortified walls of protection and schools known for enacting drills relative to potential fire would now do the same for uneventful bomb invasions and whereas my earthly arrival would happen where the threat diminished, the residual factoring with most residents in Detroit, MI. (my hometown) witnessed basements with storage rooms filled with canned goods (ready for survival) and whereas my hope was that this would never occur; particularly so because I didn’t want to eat carrots, peas, spinach, etc., for the rest of my life! There’s a preparation with greatest prudence to perceive, where earthen shelter and supply won’t matter, but insists on a diet now, whereby the Bread of Heaven be obtained while plentiful…

Today’s Thought “Wonderfully Made: Not an Accident” G. Ward Psalm 139 13 For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. I come from a generation where most would be deemed “a mistake” and whereas some are with a similar tag, they won’t contend with the line on their birth record declaring them “Colored” as subject of generalizations from some, promoting inferiority. While we’re all exposed to a continual designation from man, be sure to know through daily review what the intent for existing truly is and honoring HIM (Who is without category) is that purpose. Furthermore, to represent where you derived, won’t live as you suppose (1 Cor.6:19-20), and can be likened to which is written and when chores were designated with a note on the refrigerator went violated, there was a penalty (Josh.24:15, *Ro.6:23) …

Today’s Thought “A Dowry on Behalf of the Bride” G. Ward Isaiah 9 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Many are familiar with a predecessor’s attempt to establish a legacy in contentment for generations who would follow and whereas it was also instrumental in leaving land for their children’s success, upon the aged departure, “For Sale” signs would appear almost immediately. Great benefit however, would soon return to mundane as expenditures of sorts, along with trinkets purchased (acquired in immediate depreciation) promoted overwhelming regret unto the heir. The spiritual inheritance (Christ provides) cannot be bought and remains invaluable and many desire a shopping spree over the solace it offers. The idea of getting inheritance now, is opposite of ancestral wisdom that desired to leave a legacy uncompromised (*Phil.2:3-5).

Today’s Thought “My Clubhouse” G. Ward Romans 1 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. While I understand one’s vitriol upon governmental mandates seemingly against the predominance in our society and whereas this disgruntled stance seems plausible (particularly with both argumentative eloquences stated and written), have any understood a perfect governance (mostly subverted), instituted by our Judicious Lord to be followed by the whole of mankind? In that same vein, there remains an arrogant group (as guilty) who are operatives for a partisan faction believing to be on the Lord’s side through pretentious support in a few of the Lord’s objectives, as if to say HE’S more pleased with us, but absolutely nullify HIS effort to rescue any (*Jas.2:10-13). Tear Down Your Clubhouses Children and Gain Shelter Before It’s Too Late (Ro.2:4-5)!

Today’s Thought “Too Close to Heaven…” G. Ward Ephesians 4 20 “That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…” The word ego in the spiritual realm is with a dual connotation of good and bad; it can be an awareness of character (that to which strives to be exemplary) and then an insistence to be regarded (even through over estimation of self) and whereas heroes (particularly of times past) have been plenteous, to rarely (if at all) to be spoken of, there’s ONE so heroic that generations of past, present and the future who’ll speak (overwhelmingly so) to every generation and lack in heeding His regard is with a dire consequence (*Ps.71:15-21).

Today’s Thought “Trapped by Love” G. Ward Psalm 119 97 Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Whether it was a grandmother, or an aunt or uncle, we all had a family member or neighbor inconsiderate to the way of the world (cf.1 John 2:15-17). They were known for an unrelenting spirit (known as devout) and unabashed in proclaiming their faith in Christ. Whenever you’d encounter them, they’d insist you’d come to know Him also (Matt.7:13-14). Many of us were defensive, particularly in subliminal thoughts of their assuming we were bad characters, not good enough to qualify for Heaven (as if I was an undercover murderer or subject of the vilest crime) and whereas so many won’t consistently rely on the Truth of God’s Word, they would know. Moreover, and because they too didn’t qualify (as no man does – Ro.3:10,23), they sought to send us to One who qualifies so as to share HIM with us (*Ro.4:5-8). Thank You Lord for a few examples…

Today’s Thought “When I Grow Up…” G. Ward 1 John 3:7 “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” Faith would declare that I no longer am my own; so Who owns me and is His permissiveness unto my regressions permission to sin through acts unkind, even regarding some as hopeless? Certainly not and particularly impossible when my newest designation is realized! We cannot bring estimation to scripture to suit our comfort, because its highest consensus has determined we all need a Savior, making this dependence on Him a relationship in reciprocity (i.e. What must I render in view of His greatness?). Moreover and finally, our spiritual duty is to study every portion that’s become our assignment without contemplation in how others fall miserably short, because when doing so, we more reveal great misunderstanding that declares we don’t know Him on terms of sacrifice for us individually…

Today’s Thought “When I Rose This Morning…” G. Ward Ephesians 5:6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” There’s presumption that’s necessary when any say they belong to Christ; particularly when the difficult road in faith is prevalent with all (Gal.5:17) and whereas this assumption can translate “false encouragement” given others as we know some participate with horrid intentionality in spiritual transgression (at a continuum), nullifying what it means to believe (cf.*2 Ti.4:2). The day presented all, is synonymous with Heaven’s opportunity to surrender and while the world teaches us modes to correct bad behavior, apart from Holy God’s cleansing (i.e. His ongoing transformative empowerment), we cannot (John 15:5).

Today’s Thought “I CAN?” G. Ward Galatians 5:17 “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” Perhaps it appears harmless when some are with campaigns in presumable encouragement as they share what’s become ability found in you that delivers success that can/will empty unto weariness when the load gets heavy and whereas mankind certainly needs others to help fulfill a varied task, the pep rally initialized by the great motivator, soon had them missing in action as they failed to teach you the art of recognizing endurance won’t do well, particularly as any depend on such a weak constitution in man (Ro.5:3-4). Instead, the assignment of our Lord is preferred and thus is with a Name (i.e. SUSTAINER) above all.

Today’s Thought “In the Woods, to Forget the Trail” G. Ward 2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. There’s a subtlety in great error through a newly introduced phenomena whereby some tag themselves “empaths.” This posture is entirely antithetical to scripture’s demand and beholders of this perceived giftedness grants them a mystical discernment to understand the inner concerns in others (Jer. 17:9) and whereas our Lord is diminished by such foolish mediums proclaiming they have answers outside of Holy Gods’ or even circumvent His plan along with offering a philosophical approach, defiance/subverting Truth is furthered (*Lev.19:31). Life is simpler when humility onto Final Authority is practiced…

Today’s Thought “A Clock Ticking” G. Ward Genesis 2:7 “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” Did God mean we should go to Him in everything (cf. Ge.3:7-11)? The beginning reveals the end, while central to the existential; breath given now is the oxygen He provides and when the brain He gave us ceases to function, the end. He sought providing eternal presence with Him (particularly for any who would let Him guide) and whereas “free will” is with similitude of choice, my hope (also) is for the immediacy in rightful decision from you (2 Pe.3:9)…

Today’s Thought “Special Olympian” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 2 14 But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. Every believer is called of God and must first mimic Christ (i.e. walk as He walked), then do as He commands and while this appears “simple” Truth, faith remains difficult. We, however have been blessed (Eph.1:3) with that portion of Himself, who absolutely guides us into all Truth and won’t relent. Therefore, we’re all with one purpose; to guide others to know of His love for them and nowhere is it written that any outside of faith naturally understood Truth, nor were they introduced, then equipped with ideas that juxtapose Christ needing help from systems (that can pervade small points in similarity to His commands) where linkage unto its ways shall ever become a consideration as any believer disciples another (2 Cor.12:9). CHRIST DOESN’T NEED YOUR POLITICS and YOUR CASTIGATIONS (those outside of faith, even those exercising in perversions, can be transformed spiritually as you’ve been - *1 Cor.6:9-11), BUT THEY WON’T BE BECAUSE YOU FORGOT THE GRACE and MERCY SHOWN YOU (Jas.2:13)!

Today’s Thought “Survival Skills” G. Ward Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Many of us have extinguished the inferno burning in our hearts that exercises in costly pleasures due to ridiculous, unjustified price gouging from a varied manufacturing industry. It’s a forced reconciliation many thought they’d never see and whereas these uncomfortable, tight spaces desire quick resolve (even impetuous); wrongful appeals unto advocates who have yet to feel such crunch won’t gain compassion from them because their budgets aren’t with similar constraint. Instead, the Almighty, desires to lead us, but we’ve not practiced His rule well enough to recognize what’s best for us. It’s not too late (*Ac.3:19).

Today’s Thought “Just Running Errands” G. Ward Romans 14:8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. Perhaps it’s not unreasonable to endeavor tasks common to man on a daily note; but dangers seen and unseen in some having similar duties that witnessed a tragic end to life on earth would warn any of needs so great without recognition in potential demise as readily perceived and whereas it won’t end there, where shall I go afterwards? To heed a loving, merciful call now, fortifies an assurance of presence with the Lord here or there…

Today’s Thought “Faith, A Lonely Venture” G. Ward Micah 7 3 As for evil, both hands do it well. The leader asks for a bribe, also the judge and the great one speaks the capricious desire of his soul; so they plot it together. 4 The best of them is like a thorn bush, the most upright like a thorn hedge. The day when you post your watchmen, your punishment is coming. Then their confusion will occur. Gregory, how is any of this motivational? Where were any of us called to appease who another for a refusal to comply with directives from Heaven? Have we not noticed every prophet with similar indictments to a rebellious people? Moreover, are any guilty of hand-picking only those passages melodious to our souls and why is the entire script given? While thanking HIM for allowing another day, are we considerate of an acknowledgement that regards had He not awakened me I could be vacant to earth, to then quickly move away from that same monumental premise in presumed faith and for the next 23.95 hours of any given day do as I please, while saying I know HIM (Luke 6:46, Gal.2:20)?

Today’s Thought “Getting to Know You…” G. Ward Genesis 2 18 Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” She’s been perfect and I have not and whereas my contrast hasn’t included a maniacal view found in other couples, but is foundational to every husband’s dutiful response to love his wife as Christ adored His church (Eph.5:25-28); I’m grateful to her steadfastness to await my conformity, while absolutely congratulating our Sufficient God for His provision. He knew that portion of the couple He ordained (the man) would be unnecessarily brutish, needing to be contained by the beauty of his mate and mine own has prevailed marvelously for 38 years on today. Every wife is a “special needs” caregiver to their husband and mine works overtime…

Today’s Thought “The Circus Is Coming to Town” G. Ward Mark 2 12 And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” I have a cousin who was shot in the face while a college student (many years ago). He was an excellent student while exemplary to most, embodying what potential looks like. This gunshot absolutely blinded him (47 yrs. ago – to date). Shortly after this tragedy I would ask him how difficult this new status impacted him. Surprisingly, he replied, “I’d rather be blind, than sighted.” Mankind, according to their Maker, is likened to the “sheep of God’s pasture.” Moreover, this heavenly regard desired a submission similar to the sheep (i.e. total dependence on the Great Shepherd) and whereas the sheep remains content as they exist, no matter how normal or deformed, they won’t care, yet continue to graze where the Shepherd says is best, knowing their Shepherd as the only, perfect Lamb designated as Caregiver. Believers remain pursuant to their being forgiven, then guided perfectly, despite personal insufficiency (Ro.5:8)…

Today’s Thought “Oh, Say Can You See?” G. Ward Jeremiah 22 8 “Many nations will pass by this city; and they will say to one another, ‘Why has the LORD done this to this great city?’ 9 Then they will answer, ‘Because they abandoned the covenant of the LORD their God and bowed down to other gods and served them.” Our God grants us a peek inside His Throne Room in sharing how the “apple of His eye”- Israel, was subject unto disaster due to arrogance (i.e. thinking too highly of themselves, through self-governance) and whereas we’re products of this blessed land and guilty of the same, what better demonstration onto the world HE loves in desire to save them via a posterity that avoids similar unfruitful consideration through more celebratory praise of a free land versus the Landowner (Ps.24:1)?

Today’s Thought “Prayers Answered?” G. Ward Romans 5:3 “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance.” We needed a benevolence project for a great auxiliary within our fellowship and one suggested giving regularly to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It’s a research and treatment facility specializing in cancers found in children. Families are not required to pay for such excellence rendered and while it takes upwards to 2.8 million dollars each day to exist, they’ve functioned since 1962, witnessing great triumphs and tremendous sorrows. We’re often with testimonials in how God delivered us from painful hangnails to bouts with bronchitis and while thanksgiving to the Almighty is warranted, is there praise consideration when circumstances won’t witness good health again? Perhaps our “fair weather friend” status with God fails miserably to know Him on His terms (cf. Ac.16:24-25). His faithfulness endured unto every generation of man to see their departure from this earth and whereas many died from catastrophes of sorts and disease, those insistent in being owned by this Blessed Redeemer understood He would never leave, nor forsake them, even while sufferings on this side would be great (*Ro.8:18).

Today’s Thought “When the Moon Is in the Seventh House…” G. Ward Genesis 1 14 Then God said, “Let lights appear in the sky to separate the day from the night. Let them be signs to mark the seasons, days, and years. 15 Let these lights in the sky shine down on the earth.” And that is what happened. From navigational and time indicators to I cannot associate myself with you because you’re Sagittarius is absolute defiance to the Way of the Lord. Moreover and sadly, horoscopes have crept into the church, discounting the command of Holy God to be made over for His purpose and whereas many would beg us to lower our guard in being unnecessarily analytical, they’re perhaps thinking of themselves too highly; more believing they can juxtapose practiced fun against the reality of personality achieved as a social construct, not an inherent imposition. Just trust God (*Deut.18:10-14).

Today’s Thought “Hurricane Season” G. Ward Psalm 120:1 “I took my troubles to the LORD; I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.” Because mankind’s exposure to troubles are continuous, even that to which can overwhelm his soul in tremendous grief, he’ll need the joy and peace of days without great tumult to be his song as he marches onto that Mighty Shelter where comfort exists and whereas all are subject to storms that can carry us away from the solid foundation of our march beforehand, we’ll find our Mighty Fortress remains there to cheer and to guide.