Today’s Thought “Open Ended?” 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. 15 But the one who is spiritual discerns all things, yet he himself is discerned by no one. 16 For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ. Re-constructing a nation’s original intent must consult with its founders to absolutely gain truest understanding and because of their demise long ago, along with limited prose, interpretive challenges continue, remaining argumentative among its citizenry (where perspectives are ever-evolving). The Word of God is not privy to a subjectiveness from man (in any era); because its Author lives and maintains an all-inclusive objective (2 Pe.3:9), and loves indiscriminately, while never competing with another manuscript; because HIS is inerrant. Unfortunately, every generation witnessed intellectual giants of sorts that sought gathering the masses unto shameful nuance of a perfect, timeless recording (i.e., “Out with the old, in with the new” mentality.) and the liberty taken from some are with a dire consequence; making co-authoring the greatest manuscript of reconciliation blasphemous…

Today’s Thought “Research; With a Cure In Mind” G. Ward Revelation 1 14 His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 His feet were like burnished bronze when it has been heated to a glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters. As it’s inconceivable for this current generation of men to perceive the pervasiveness of measles and mumps and can be likened to prior generations’ empathetic view with the Bubonic Plague and while all these diseases are virtually extinct, most are thankful unto the many scientists’ effort allowing such. There remains an unfortunate disease called de-contextualization of God’s Word that absolutely kills (*Matt.24:35) and whereas our theme on today seeks to establish the brilliance shown man upon the presence of the Lord, along with HIS in-depth view of the church, then divine judgment with those refusing HIM as Lord; many have now reduced this spectacular phenomenon to make it relative to our Lord as a Black man. More than perception, exists the actuality from our Creator having made mankind without social delineation (*Ge.9:19). While it’s shameful to experience the kind of racial divide after centuries in/with the availability of the Truth of God’s Word, many insist on being inoculated with incessant vials of ignorance (cf. Ro.10:14) …

Today’s Thought “Ever Believing, Ever Hopeful” G. Ward Acts 20:35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Apostle Paul’s work involved tremendous sharing of Truth in many provinces, which lends affirmation to Christ’s mandate of “go and make disciples of all the nations.” He (Paul) would inform disciples of a divinely imposed knowledge given as he would minister in these cities that insisted, “chains and afflictions await me” encouraging both disciples and pastors of their dutiful response with the greatest message of reconciliation. Love for God’s created ones was the objective and unlike the current trend (exercised from some modern-day pastors) mandating exorbitant salaries, allowing purchases entirely ostentatious, many yet remain modest missionaries. Moreover, while some self-absorbed, spiritual leaders insist on wrongful application of Jesus’ words aforementioned, true disciples will identify that this giving is sacrificial love for their Deliverer and His message and not giving monies so blessings (i.e., tangible) may flow.

Today’s Thought “My Answer” G. Ward John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” How many understand that a great deal of defense, including vitriol concerning people will always reveal impropriety of sorts in one consumed? We’re in an age where divisiveness has become the norm and that new moral code (presumably) allows dismissal of any disagreeable. We certainly won’t ever use the word ‘hate’ because its mere definition as passionate dislike for someone understands (inherently) that shouldn’t be named among men (cf. Eph.6:12). Every road instead, should ask Holy God to search mine own conscience and then allow His process opportunity to establish/restore us unto the mercy provided us and surely thereafter we’ll be disquieted (Ps.139:23-24)?

Today’s Thought “Wavering Confession” G. Ward Mark 14 27 And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away, because it is written: ‘I WILL STRIKE THE SHEPHERD, AND THE SHEEP WILL BE SCATTERED.’ 28 But after I am raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 29 But Peter said to Him, “Even if they all fall away, yet I will not!” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this very night, before a rooster crows twice, you yourself will deny Me three times.” 31 But Peter repeatedly said insistently, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all were saying the same thing as well. For me, there’s such joy in daily pursuit of God’s Word. I’m learning how to always apply its truths enough so that I may see the best directives for my life and that discovery includes incessant recognition in how erroneous I’ve been about much. Instead, merciful compassion must be precedent and not a view concerning others’ spiritual malfeasance (i.e., “It’s me O Lord, standing in need!”). This presentation of another week isn’t given onto a resemblance of last week’s desire un-met, but to establish more trust of ONE who dispenses peace, particularly per your insistence of knowing HIM as Leader and anything less betrays…

Today’s Thought “Am I HIS Favorite?” G. Ward John 13 23 Lying back on Jesus’ chest was one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved. A disciple of Christ maintains a posture similar to John’s; attentive, while gathered as close is yet the objective and although we’re not granted a physical presence of our Lord as John would witness, HIS presence seeks us with spiritual similitude (*John 14:16-20,26). We must never assume a role as favorite; John did not. The personal gratitude in his description of himself (“the disciple whom Jesus loved”) was that which marveled how he could be loved by this Wonderful Savior, not a boast in wrongful priority (cf. Ro.2:11, Jas.2:1). Moreover, a disciple can never be satisfied in being known by our Lord and refuse such unlimited grace unto another. When proclamations maintain “highly favored” it more will indicate a lack of pursuit of HIS words (the gospel is not exclusive). Instead, our presentation of this day, must insist on a spiritual proactiveness, that intentionally finds another weary in expectation and introduce them to our Blessed Hope – Jesus; that’s favor!

Today’s Thought “There A Stranger in My House” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 5 16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one by the flesh; even though we have known Christ by the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. I often seek to leave home; the natural man that I am has become impossible to live with and I’ve been granted stay in a mansion and the Owner has paid for everything. All my life I’ve been taught to say “please” and “thank You” so it’s reasonable to make this ongoing, particularly in view of such generosity shown from the Owner. The joy that permeates my soul has me sharing the wealth of the Owner’s insistence; There’s room for others! Now, those I’ve encountered with such delight too, want to leave home…

Today’s Thought “Situational Compliance?” G. Ward Hebrews 5 “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of people in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is clothed in weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins for himself, as well as for the people. 4 And no one takes the honor for himself, but receives it when he is called by God, just as Aaron also was.” These people just won’t cooperate! This world is becoming a terrible place! Nowadays, very few are exercising in morality. What’s become of these young people; the way they dress and the disrespect is disgusting! I just don’t watch the news because it’s so depressing… Every complaint reveals arrogance; particularly when it pervades a hopelessness unto mankind’s inability to conform to righteousness. Furthermore, spiritual ignorance also determines a plight in wrongful assignment that questions, why then did God place you in His earth? Is Heaven a personnel department that grants those HE created occupational posture (along with outstanding salaries) contingent with what any are good at? If so, it certainly defies Christ’s assignment on earth; who was given as the Ultimate Sacrifice, higher than any and enduring an Empire so corrupt, amidst an uncooperative, rebellious people who sought to kill HIM (*John 15:18-20). While the question persists, “What’s my purpose?” You’ve been told (Phil.2:14-15) …

Today’s Thought “Let’s Meet, Then March?” G. Ward Matthew 22 34 But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him: 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. American culture is ever changing, leaving many anticipating the next outstanding point in eloquence, so as to adopt another perspective for their lives. There is however, predominant continuity that refuses to recall those citizens who’ve departed the earth, questioning how they endured. The expression “out with the old and in with the new” subliminally guides the footsteps of many; some even (*shamefully) tag those predecessors as weak. While there remains a perfect resolve unto uncertainties and sufferings, our society is with blatant refusal of the process to be spiritually established and whereas those insistent on knowing the Builder, fail at inviting the weary to fellowship with the magnificence of who HE is (considerate of Him as the Maker of every generation), more tactics produced keep many frustrated, needing answers (whereby believers are marked absent – cf. Heb.5:11-12). I’ll maintain a promotion proven in absolute prudence and say there is no better way onto stability than the Lord (*Ac.4:10-12).

Today’s Thought “Cultural Anarchy” G. Ward Ephesians 2 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; 16 and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near; Let’s face it, our entire world is consumed with observances in variation found in man and whereas God made mankind in His image, with no thought thereunto, wrongful appropriation continues. My journey in faith of Christ as Lord, yet finds the same worldly divisiveness in what should be an unblemished church, more indicative of unbelief, than implicit trust. Before I undoubtedly consider myself exempt from this unfortunate reality, I must first interrogate my own conscience and immediately determine Christ remains Sufficient to first receive my repentance, then build me onward to visuals of a final reality (*Rev.7:9). Until doing so, my usefulness and effectiveness dishonors Holy God.

Today’s Thought “Lunch All Alone” G. Ward Philippians 2 14 Do all things without complaining or arguments; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. Communes are still established by the religious that endeavors a separation from those outside their faith and although believers are vessels of One who mingled among the worst society offered so as to present the Father’s desire for their repentance, we must never forget, we’ve been called to the same. While many are with motivational appeals that calls for the dismissal of those either cantankerous, even argumentative, Christ gave Himself for us while we too were entirely unlovely (Ro.5:8). Moreover, any who persist in foolish guard of their happiness at a continuum (particularly after being commanded towards sacrificial availability) apparently refuse to understand the mercy shown them (Jas.2:13) and may experience blissful fellowship with like-minded individuals in this short life, to soon inherit an eternity with those deemed unworthy to sup with now, where there’s no escape.

Today’s Thought “Am I He?” G. Ward Proverbs 25:28 A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. Even those visually impaired are subject to visuals whereby the soul perceives circumstances all around and the many things offered can soon become a must have scenario. Mankind from every generation suffered with tremendous vulnerability in selfish desire and though that actuality persists, we all have lacked an introspection necessary towards a cure; to first admit I need mending and whereas many have testified to being an overcomer of sorts, another unfortunate occupation in wrongful desire surfaces (Jer.17:9). On today, let’s talk about the Savior, a masterful Surgeon (cf. Heb.4:12-13) with sole ability to remove the malignancy of temporal thinking that destroys greater spiritual cognizance. It’s that adjustment I’ll need to endeavor. Will you join me?

Today’s Thought “No Pork Chops and Catfish?” G. Ward Hebrews 10 16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 18 And where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary. Amazingly, the pervasive notion of something I can offer in conjunction to our Lord’s sacrifice for mankind’s sin continues and even harbors unbelief in Christ sufficiency (*cf. Jas.2:10-11). While the Law was given to enable a people belonging to Holy God, ability in consecration so as to attract other nations, let’s not forget it was solely fulfilled by Christ (none other! – Ro.3:10) and whereas His guidance now transcends an arduous set of demands (without achievement from man), His Spirit in every believer allows hearing by faith and has become our newest determination to fulfill. Become His student on today and receive every spiritual demand directly; it disquiets all impropriety…

Today’s Thought “Her Majesty” G. Ward Ephesians 3 20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. The viability of England’s monarchy has been a contentious argument for many years (largely due to government payout to the Windsor family). Moreover, this family’s bouts in controversy continue, even embarrassing for the British and Scots who desired to be prideful in historical demand for a king (cf.1 Sa.8) and whereas people of the Book understand the fallen state of mankind (Ro.3:23), we also observe a rightful, reciprocal attitude necessary for others to view, awakening to new mercies ourselves and when it’s time for departure, our confidence in being with our Lord is graciously culminated. I thank our God for stalwart character that was found in Queen Elizabeth II and for King Charles III upcoming regime; “Long Live the King” (He’d do well to follow such leading.)! Queen Elizabeth II - “For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life,”

Today’s Thought “When I Think of You” G. Ward Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but to himself alone, and not to another. 5 For each one will bear his own load. With chants that rejoices upon our Lord’s discipline, given with tremendous love, even restoring us onto the joy intended, as though we’ve never violated HIM, are any qualified unilateral of His help? There however remains an unfortunate witness of our natural inability to administer consistent mercy in the same with one another; until personal insistence submits to the Spirit realm and because we’ve more lived by sight, than faith in His directives, it causes many onlookers to perceive this as an ordinary reaction from the church (i.e. hypocritical behavior). Our having been purchased by the Supreme sacrifice, Christ, can help turn this unfortunate paradigm, expectant of a marginalized view of bad behavior from the redeemed (Gal.5:16-24). God’s desire must be precedent in us and His desire wants their repentance, along with ours. Are you preparing for this monumental task?

Today’s Thought “Falling in Love With Jesus…” G. Ward Proverbs 28:13 “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” The swiftness of days presented invites most towards its pace and even opens unfortunate critique with any failing to seize moments the way I would. Faith in Christ however, more than confession, allows HIS lead and during the course of each day insists on numerous pause breaks that contrasts how I match up to demands of eternality and when I’m quiet, even though noise is all around, I bow onto great humility, knowing I’ve missed the mark set (*Ro.3:10) and HE always seeks to restore me (1 John 1:9). It’s the best thing I’ve ever done…

Today’s Thought “Who’s Favorite?” G. Ward Isaiah 49:6 “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” If one has billions of dollars, it would appear giving indiscriminately wouldn’t infringe on their wealth, but more seek to establish others similarly and whereas grace supplied solely by Christ (more than anything) remains available to the vilest of sinners, compelling every recipient thereunto to share concisely and then prepared to walk alongside these newest disciples until they’re prepared to instruct another (Matt.28:19), our God and all of heaven rejoices upon mankind’s compliance (*Luke 15:7).

Today’s Thought “Where’s the Party?” G. Ward Amos 3:3 “Do two people walk together unless they have agreed to meet?” The Sovereignty of the Almighty demands that humanity know Life is His and whereas He sent Amos to propose a series of rhetorical questions enabling Israel’s contemplations’ regard of the uncertainty in a next breath provided, they shunned the prophet’s authoritative message for the grandiose plans of a comparable Labor Day weekend (*cf. Heb.10:25).

Today’s Thought “A One in A Million…” G. Ward Proverbs 29:1 He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. Our insistence for new sermon series and convocations of sorts, loves to be inspired and whereas a practice in personal motivation that embraces pursuits in happiness remains the goal; will soon reveal that posture sought is opposite to the life lived by who they’ll say is their Redeemer and while the cost of discipleship mandates we imitate our Lord, soon the exercise demanded will exhaust itself of such opportunity (*Ro.6:23) …