Today’s Thought “Lacking Popularity” G. Ward 2 Chronicles 36:15-16 And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy. In 2020, 65% of Americans identified themselves as Christians and whereas what any echo lacks actuality until activity follows lip service, there need not be concern from those purveyors insisting they know HIM, particularly as they view naysayers all around (no matter what you’re involved in offers negative views); instead, there’s a watch (far above every man) worthy to note and unproductivity, HE notes…

Today’s Thought “A Church Without Recognition” G. Ward 2 Peter 1:19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Amazingly, so many speak in such definitive terms as they express what Holy God said to them. It can lead hearers of sorts absolutely speechless as they will often surmise how it is that the avenue Heaven presented these superior Christians, disallowed corrective measures upon witnessing those same, so godly and known for utter dereliction in spiritual duty and whereas the “amens” are flying high, we all must be careful to observe a preparedness given us (I.e. God’s Word), so as to not remain quiet (ashamed) for not being capable in discerning what may be improper (and not from a speculative script stemming from intellect either)!

Today’s Thought “Get Off Your Soapbox!” G. Ward Amos 5:21-24 21 “I hate, I reject your festivals, Nor do I delight in your festive assemblies. 22 Even though you offer up to Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them; And I will not even look at the peace offerings of your fattened oxen. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. 24 But let justice roll out like waters, And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. We’re terribly guilty when it comes to diverting attention to another’s shortcomings. It ultimately registers a mistrust onto where the Sufficient ONE placed Himself in harm’s way at a constant for any. Products of His grace must therefore observe the weariness of man’s endeavors as He did (with a spiritual objective of hope) and while love, patience, kindness and mercy was a daily regimen when He existed in earth, even allowing for our transformation, we must remember the message emanates from HIS Work and our dutiful response shares it; exemplifying the Life given us, matchlessly. Religion isn’t allowed, but truest reliance by doing is…

Today’s Thought “How Long?” G. Ward Isaiah 41:17 “The poor and needy are seeking water, but there is none and their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them Myself; as the God of Israel, I will not abandon them.” The future reign of the Messiah’s rule that would enable physical reprieve for Israel would be far off; but those inhabitants (captive in a strange land then), would endure great drudgery as miserable witnesses of this constant oppression (cf. Ro.8:18). Surely God’s people would question the Prophet Isaiah upon hearing him speak for the Lord in such definitive terms as to when this help would be provided? Living in a self-absorbed society can impact believer’s experience in suffering to make demands on Heaven without a wait proposed and while songs are sung that echo, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s an on-time God” and whereas trust and patience waver when sufferings persist, our hearts can speak volumes in wrongful consideration. Predecessors of faith endured hardships so we too would lead by example and often neglect to do so, hindering our greatest grandchildren’s chance similarly (cf. Judg.2:10).

Today’s Thought “Going Through the Motions” G. Ward Revelation 2:4-5 4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent. Our word for today boys and girls is “perfunctory.” In a biblical sense it’s claimants of knowing God through Christ with minimal pursuit. Moreover, it trusts in the professional theologian’s approach to scripture without interrogation afterwards (Ac.17:11); even satisfied with the thesis in the discourse shared, yet refusing to be held much longer; in that the magnificence of their plans deserve precedence (cf. Pr.1:24-29). Soon the end will be presented by the Holy One and while this estimation (of HIS return) can’t be identified by the greatest intellect, many forget that dying (Could that be today?) while perfunctory won’t grant any an eternal commendation (*Heb.4:12-13).

Today’s Thought “Who’s Loving You?” G. Ward Psalm 9:10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you. On yesterday, America witnessed great hypocrisy from BYPARTISAN legislators seeking to codify marriage (i.e. same sex) and contraceptive rights so as to prevent the U.S. Supreme Court from undermining the freedoms therein. Both groups are more consumed with the soon coming midterm electoral process that ensures they’ll have a seat and after the recent landmark overturning of mandates that deny guarantee of abortion rights (federally) from the Supreme Court, it has both sides feeling pressure from a predominant thought presuming otherwise (*cf. Matt.10:28). The Sadducees were such a religiopolitical group that held a great deal of power among the Jews in Israel. Moreover, they were more concerned with politics than religion and too were esteemed by men because of their aristocracy and wealth, while interpreting God’s Word relative to earth’s inhabitants. Sound familiar? While Holy God most certainly ordained every government’s existence (Ro.13:1-5), let’s not forget that the many institutions (both historically and currently) existed for His purpose, not so your interpretation on a couple of things done correctly is with heavenly commendation; after all, Jesus paid a severe price so that IMPLICIT TRUST OF HIM would be precedent, not the electorate’s choice (Jas.2:9-12).

Today’s Thought “Oil and Water” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 15 3 For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. How successful have any been co-piloting with Holy God (Isa.55:8-9)? While the bumper sticker implies we can, our earthly presence acknowledges dependence due to our frailties; everyone needs another and being on an island alone with a soccer ball is only a movie. I would hope the urgency in highest surrender to one’s Maker would greatly exceed the kind of interdependence found in man, because that stance (where trusting the Almighty is concerned) promotes humility, protecting future generations to know HE is from everlasting to everlasting. Failure to recognize limitations from every man is a brooder of chaos and whereas some seek to point many to their accomplishments, they presume on a receptivity from dozens that delights in their discourse which is always short-lived and sadly the archive after death will often read John Doe accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized, when the actuality of an eternity with Christ was jeopardized due to lack of total surrender while alive (*Matt.7:21-23).

Today’s Thought “Ever Evolving” G. Ward Psalm 90 1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. 2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. I’ve never been one excited about amusement park rides, although I appreciate the exhilaration it produces for others. There have been times however, upon choosing some of those same rides (entirely prompted by family members that’d make their joy complete) appearing harmless even, that confirmed my ambivalence to remain grounded (pun intended). Altogether, it won’t preclude my attending Disney World with my grandchildren, in that their joy matters; but I most certainly know what’s best for me and whereas many choose amusement park rides of sorts without attendance at a carnival in their day to day (i.e., pursuits in happiness), I choose that to which enabled our predecessors “joy” even while in fields from day to night without earthly remuneration and no pretention exists there…

Today’s Thought “Out with the Old?” G. Ward Proverbs 22 28 Do not move an ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors. While banners, monuments and placards indicate an exemplary life from some, they’re soon forgotten; but their words so dependent on a morality imposed by the Holy One, etched by desire in their heart and passed along to any who’d listen remains. Dependence (as such) carries a negative connotation for our era and is strongly discouraged and whereas it’s the precedent for life eternal and transcends every generation of man, rebellion remains chieftain in the heart of many. Strive differently…

Today’s Thought “Though They Slay Me…” G. Ward Titus 1 10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Still, a massive number of infiltrators exist in this era (even prevalent in our worship spaces) who insist they’re carriers of the gospel of Christ, while pervading rigid rules (contingent on true deliverance - they say) and the godly realm yet requires more Truth tellers who’ll boldly (particularly in view of few who will absolutely adhere to God’s Word) proclaim HIS Sufficiency to guide any onto eternal life and whereas one of Paul and Titus’ day was even able to call his own conniving, rebellious deceivers; we must keep hopeful, always believing, while remembering how HE brought us (1 Cor.13:6-7).

Today’s Thought “Unexpected Visitor” 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.” Scare tactics utilized to warn many of existential threats are said not to work and while I’m inclined in believing they’re short-lived in an era where most expressions are nuanced by swift change in social realities, messaging and particularly that to which is vital, must be thoroughly explained from a most authoritative script. Instead, the many preachers, beyond the measure of pulpits, more proclaim un-authorized versions from a script deemed motivational, given by authorship unknown, that keeps most satisfied with/in a contrast of the worst in society, to then say I’m not nearly as bad (*Luke 18:9-14) …

Today’s Thought “Secret Agent Man” G. Ward Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” I’ve not exactly been what it means to be “guarded” (a kind of disappointed by many disingenuous attempts in friendship by others) that avoids getting close to some, but carefully inclined to resist giving too much. I say that in view of having been raised in an era where young people were instructed to give your all, along with fulfilling your agreement when others are at watch. I must admit lacking understanding with that implication (early on) and certainly never would have attributed that unto a spiritual base. Maturity now “stands down” while understanding “no, I cannot” isn’t an evil term, but exacts man as limited. Moreover, the aid needed from the inquirer may soon understand the essence of interdependence, as I offer assistance not necessarily from the angle of their supposed need, but from offering additional resources that invites the same desired end result (*Gal.6:2).

Today’s Thought “A Star for One Day” G. Ward Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” How then can any juxtapose aspiration accurately without egoism? I’m with recall of a day wherein my being a kid in downtown Detroit and being approached by an adult with a portfolio in hand, along with a microphone insisting that on whatever day it was I’d star in a commercial. For those skeptics who say this could have been a perverted ploy unto child trafficking, it hadn’t become popular yet. They would usher me 75 ft., or so (nearer to the Riverfront), particularly as I agreed to do so and upon my star gazed mindset in seeing television cameras, along with an entire Hollywood set, hundreds of Gregorys’ stood with the same look. We were there in what appeared all day long and yes, the commercial was aired in what appeared to be a decade later and whereas I was a star in my own mind, the view on television was so short, that those to whom I shared (boast-fully so) would never see me among the hundreds (especially in view of the largest television of that era being a 25-inch screen – with rabbit ears and aluminum foil wrapped around them). While the things of Matthew 6:33 appear a welcomed pursuit of earthen realities, they’re not; it’s so much more. The Heavenly care provided any who acknowledge His will be done, is with full assurance He hears us…

Today’s Thought “Tossing and Turning” G. Ward Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” While mankind is with personal category towards what sins are greater, even imposing on Holy God’s Word as if to say they’re without a few that matter, along with appearing to exist in Heaven’s regard, the Eternal Script given all - portrays ONLY ONE SUFFICIENT and those who rest in that foundational Truth find rest (*cf. Jas.2:8-13).

Today’s Thought “Celebrating Independence?” G. Ward John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Whereas simple public gatherings have been an American actuality, it’s now become another weigh-in for opponents unknown and while many confidently assert we must not allow the potential volatility found in criminal agents so covertly destructive that deters our assemblies in leisure, along with celebratory events (common to man), we must “watch and pray” (*1 Pe.5:8).

Today’s Thought “Weekend of Fun” G. Ward Psalm 119 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. While we feel as if it’s our life to live, have we considered whether we’re really in control? Our planning only concentrates on those things with pleasure written on it and never pain. Perhaps you’ll pull alongside a funeral procession to remember not long ago I too watched traffic go by as seated in misery’s chair? It maybe viewing a storyline whereby a fire occurred in a home nearby and numerous children died. Our lives can be likened to the roller-coaster (ups and downs) and our denial (where calamity and destruction may occur) could require mental evaluation. We’ve been taught to consider plan A, then B and whereas a storm can upset a picnic that must move indoors, our recognition of where true vitality exists may be short lived. Fun, is relative to peace desired and the hours spent in pursuit thereunto, will soon be faced with me alone in mine own conscious, with no place to hide (*Ps.91:1)…