Today’s Thought “My Bishop” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” While Peter, Paul, John and James sought to exist on behalf of their Wonderful Savior, the regalia worn, along with insistence of title utilized by congregants is with the equivalency of Jesus’ warning to His disciples with those portraying pharisaic nobility (i.e. *presumed, cf. Luke 11:42-44) and whereas those redeemed from sin are solely interested in giving accolades to the Redeemer, including teaching a paramount reality that any can be included in His merciful kindness, current leadership that pervades hierarchal regard remains a wrongful accompaniment and neglects/subverts the elementary oracle of a charge worthy to keep. I’m afraid for their souls; particularly IF there’s no repentance (soon – cf. *Hos.4:6-10).

Today’s Thought “Wrongful Contribution” G. Ward Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” Since believers have obviously failed to faithfully promote reproducing the greatest and only true message of reconciliation and because spiritual leaders insist on pervading more social, civil and political realities as something perceivably soluble (along with gospel Truth), will you be the “few” in the greatest discourse given man by our LORD that commands we choose the unpopular route and then be bold enough to make that same presentation to your congregation onto compliance (*cf. Matt.7:13-14)?

Today’s Thought “Blocking the Son” G. Ward John 8:47 “Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” The answer from God remains unclear when the sentiment desires immediate deliverance onto personal demand and then there’s those tagged peculiarly embracing contentment and settled towards living in the Spirit realm (as best) asking many disillusioned, “if HE was good enough to make you, can HIS Infinite wisdom guide you?”

Today’s Thought “We’ll Need to Focus…” G. Ward 2 Timothy 2:14 “Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners.” When/if the believer won’t waver from a commitment to be owned by Heaven, while being a witness to merciful love shown them (particularly in view of their faults) and not with boasts in knowing that same Redeemer (exclusively), as if to say that club is privatized unto those deemed “good,” inquiry from others is less suspect and argumentative and may cause personal demand from them that asks, “what must I do to be at peace(?).”

Today’s Thought “Deserted, But Not Alone” G. Ward 1 Peter 4 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that at the revelation of His glory you may also rejoice and be overjoyed. Sufferings of sorts remains questionable with many presumed innocent, until our humanity regards earth’s citizenry before us and more seeks to celebrate their endurance and whereas that same view (of predecessors) may have insights of personal shortcomings stemming from those lives, there’s ONE worthy of our contemplations who walked the earth (perfectly) and lends His unwavering courage while choosing to exist in our hearts.

Today’s Thought “Selling Snake Oil” G. Ward Matthew 21 12 And Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all those who were selling and buying on the temple grounds, and He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves. 13 And He *said to them, “It is written: ‘MY HOUSE WILL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER’; but you are making it a DEN OF ROBBERS.” Acts of worship may have been reduced to campaigns for more tangibles, even dressed up as investment groups promising great dividends, but the Spiritual Corporate Giant who already owns everything, never desired record profits.

Today’s Thought “Songs I Like at Church” G. Ward 1 Timothy 3 15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. Holy God established the family through marriage, setting forth an order that would enable our obedience unto Him and whereas worship solely belongs to His magnificence, our contemplations should reflect the great things He has done that sought to build spiritual character in us. Here’s a corollary for your consideration: Our parents blessed us with discipline, great affection and fantastic gifts. Our adulthood now celebrates all their effort; but when we were children, gifts only please. Our praise of God may be similar to the child’s demand (*Heb.12:9-11) …

Today’s Thought “Outrageous Honorarium” G. Ward 1 Timothy 5 17 The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. My ministry years have included both reasonable and unreasonable servitude, while affording me a modest lifestyle; but I must admit to not having done well to teach Holy God’s Word regarding the spiritual, two-fold response from congregants unto their Pastor’s well-being. God’s Word commands believers towards a great respectability, along with tremendous remuneration (monetarily) and while some immediately offer contest towards His ordination, their surgeons, attorneys and accountants command exorbitant salaries, while helpful in a short-lived capacity and without haggle from its consumer base thereunto and whereas your clergy shares a properly investigated observance of our Lord’s resolute guidance (found in His Word) that grants you a joyous, peaceable life journey in earth, along with a preparation assuring eternity, he should only have enough for a garage apartment and only consume meat on Sundays (?). There’s great, unfortunate competing against Truth the more as Movado Watches, Bugatti’s and planes have become the newest demand from some of our postmodern clergy…

Today’s Thought “Independently HIS” G. Ward John 13 33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. 34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Regardless of whether your Pastor considers the entire script in God’s Word as sufficient, or chooses to relay his political stance (entirely divisive and untrustworthy, no matter its partisanship), or pervades entertainment figures as hell bound due to perceived immoral posture; remains the believer’s responsibility towards the Truth and whereas we’re not promoting rebellion (cf. Matt.28:18-20); but highest regard for the reliable, infallible Creator who desires a love relationship with any (i.e. from the vilest murderer to those cheating on taxes), in the same way grace and mercy found you (*Ro.3:10), remembering the clergy too need Jesus…

Today’s Thought “PF Flyers” G. Ward 1 Peter 1 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, 15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” Before the popularity of Converse, Adidas and Nike sneakers, was the affordable PF Flyers. The slogan of that day assured children they’d "Run Faster, Jump Higher" and whereas that was a time when kids played outdoors for hours each day, this purchase was a must. What I didn’t know was they’re still available. I’m wondering if my arthritis would diminish if I buy a pair? The race given us is transcendent of time and won’t compete with other children, but will experience temptation’s participation in a race unsanctioned. Peter’s inspired message of God unto believers is with a godly slogan in the same ("Run Faster, Jump Higher"); because sufferings of sorts, that can include criticisms, being ostracized and economic woes, should have the believer running quickly to a meditative recall in Who loves them best and because HE owns everything, along with having existed now and forevermore, He’ll never forsake those beloved. May our straining as overcomers in His Provision seek to emulate such greatness.

Today’s Thought “To Be Determined?” G. Ward Psalm 37:5 “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.” Generations ago were berated with ideas that examined greater character, even mandating biblical ethics for one to address the needs of others through how they’d attend their own concerns and whereas a predominant thought (currently) offers contingency on people (i.e., their attitude) and places’ receptivity unto what they offer, the Almighty is at watch. The transcendence of assignment (from the spiritually compliant) will examine every endeavor to ensure spiritual integrity emanates from one’s being regardless of whether appreciation from the needful is expressed.

Today’s Thought “Cherry-Picking” G. Ward Isaiah 54 17 No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And you will condemn every tongue that accuses you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD. Prudence is the demand when observing scripture and whereas reading passages such as our theme represents, many adjourn in ecstatic praise to believe they’ll be guarded from critics and dangers immediately and while I appreciate what perceivably is faith in God, it’s really horrible presumption that discounts many spiritual predecessors and the Lord Jesus who endured great persecution, even unto death. Christ would more demand we know that as servants of HIS, we’re no greater than our Master; meaning it was a horrid visitation unto Him and could very well be ours. What then is Isaiah’s prophecy indicating? For those who have been/are determined to rest assuredly in no righteousness found in humanity (Ro.3:10), but solely and existentially in Holy God, we therefore must live according to HIS demands, while pursuant to every character trait HE possesses and the future (even after our earthly departure) will be void of enemy forces of sorts. Now praise HIM…

Today’s Thought “Flat-Lining” G. Ward Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Heaven grants you insight on it being your last day in earth; what now? It appears seeing the Swiss Alps or fanciful homes and cars won’t matter and then there’s that concern for where will I spend eternity and whereas questions, even criticism pertinent to church life (including chants of high hypocrisy) won’t matter; I’m solely confronted with me and while choice remains, I need spiritual affirmation quickly. Do I now own my personal power, is it still my body? Can I now call things they were not into existence? A hypothetical scenario as such, has become our reality; for our Creator demands we live according to the uncertainty of days.

Today’s Thought “The Day After” G. Ward Job 2 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold firm your integrity? Curse God and die!” 10 But he said to her, “You are speaking as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we actually accept good from God but not accept adversity?” Despite all this, Job did not sin with his lips. We’ve been more exposed to teaching contrary to proper spiritual preparation for the inevitability of trials and suffering; causing great collapse of a love relationship intended with Christ and whereas the Apostle John would warn the church to test every spirit of any who seek to persuade us onto popular thinking, because it will soon evolve from authoritative to newly improved with swiftest transition. Instead, Christ should be preferred and surrender thereunto finds HIM never changing, because He’s the Only Perfect One and His governance is Sufficient (1 John 4:1-6)! Although we cannot properly anticipate troubles of sorts, our best option will most assuredly deliver peace, particularly when we remain vigilant unto the Truth of Holy God’s Word.

Today’s Thought “I Did It MY Way?” G. Ward Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” I’m wondering on this day if critics of church folk’s attitude is justified, and not as I look out, but as I look within. Have I given any a reason to doubt my sincerity in having placed my absolute trust in Christ? Moreover, is He my Sole Leader, or have I been found to be the predominant navigator on this ship? While the day should include great meditations onto consideration of best Leadership, I must preclude a rehearsal of spiritual deficiency (found in me – Ro.3:10) as something conquered by my Wonderful Savior and allow His movement for the life He gave for me, worthy to replicate…

Today’s Thought “Hopelessly Devoted to You” 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.” I’ve often complicated my life the more having sought foolish regard from some. Have you been equally as guilty? To think of oneself higher than one should is most assuredly the culprit to regret. Humility however, defies embarrassment, while not guaranteeing that ridicule or blatant oversight from others won’t occur, but will soon witness those same agitator’s exhaustion as you deny retribution’s entry (cf. Phil.3:10). The view desired should embody a spiritual awareness; in that Holy God knows you and seeks to shelter each of us from the many wiles that presumes any will be impressed and whereas wearing the humble necklace will keep a populous confounded, the elephant in the room is often one’s ego.

Today’s Thought “I Need Some Coffee” G. Ward Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” There are subject matters given young people that will demand a teacher proficiently equipped with a varied mode in production, desiring a successful, definitive end for every student onto textbook material presented and whereas we all have been given a monumental task to represent a most excellent message never contingent on intellect, while enabling a wealth in joy and peace to occur through a concise presentation of Truth in the same, along with supreme, heavenly guidance that promotes confidence in our Redeemer/Author (even in struggles/trials of sorts) as HE leads, will the next weekend permitted involve spiritual selflessness, or frivolous planning emptying unto stormy Monday?

Today’s Thought “Onions onto Gravy” G. Ward Numbers 23:19 “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Howbeit that when engagement conversely, speaks to the issues of church, there’s immediate critique of its improprieties? Has Holy God discontinued His merciful kindness towards the just and unjust? Did He re-define His words so as to not send our Wonderful Savior to redeem us from all our sins? Is He unaware of our echoes in knowing Him, while many are more adept in vain philosophies and intellectualism? Listen, God loves you so very much: 1. What are you going to do about that? 2. Will you continue a pursuit entirely self-satisfying v. being owned, then directed by His Sufficiency? 3. Will you perpetuate claimants (unfounded) concerning His attributes, while denying His judgments? Let’s cease diverting attention to what some are doing and consider our best dutiful response.

Today’s Thought “Hide and Seek” G. Ward Proverbs 19:10 “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” Scripture speaks to the demands from Holy God regarding His creation and can be likened to no manual found with something purchased (cf. 1 Cor.6:19-20) along with no contact info for the designing engineer, leaving those consumers unto personal estimation of its purpose where improper handling and great misuse occurs. Our stepping out of bounds happens each time we fail to administer (through a studious, daily pursuit) spiritual principles in God’s Word and HE alone knows of every impropriety…

Today’s Thought “Motivational Speech” G. Ward Luke 14:27 “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.” This would be a demand from the Savior that would leave these disciples perplexed and bothered; particularly as they understood this form of Roman crucifixion meant that before death on a cross, the accused would carry his own torture stake, to then be attached, awaiting an imminent death and whereas those who’ve departed aren’t available to an earthly return, Jesus our Lord likened our lives before redemption from sin and self onto Holy God control and meant that we too should not seek conjuring the criminal corpse/zombie who once had so much to do and say beforehand. Are any still teeter-tottering with new life and old (*Gal.2:20)? Check your life status against these words from Final Authority.

Today’s Thought “Savings and Loans Crisis” G. Ward Proverbs 10:4-5 Poor is one who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully. Like you, I love living in a democracy and whereas housing, food costs, automobile pricing and fuel have sky-rocketed, how shall the commoner endure? While Americans are with a natural predisposition in acquiring nice things, indicative of their work efforts, those purchases can violate necessities’ district, leaving many without ability to acclimate to even greater economic distress and because there may be a tomorrow, an increased spiritual pursuit should be immediate. It promotes a spirit of contentment, where eye appeal is constrained by “His will be done.” Father God, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom” (Ps.90:12).

Today’s Thought “Children of the Night” G. Ward Matthew 18:10 “See that you do not look down on one of these little ones; for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” While very few will disagree that our Creator’s view of who we are (as to importance) being the measurement for each day presented and whereas His heavenly scope won’t ever see us as adults, yet desiring we forever remain children, solely dependent on Him; we must pursue a re-constituting that only HE can provide. Many will lie; to tell you how to dream beyond the Almighty’s sanctioning, but be assured of its insatiable course in sensuality and gain rest as you trust His proven-ness unto every generation of man.