Today’s Thought “Gang Warfare” G. Ward Acts 17: 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and they attacked the house of Jason and were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also!” Intolerance can be both good and bad, but should never be determined by a predominant thought. Our arrival in earth was determined before our parents thought they made us; nothing happens unless the Almighty says so. Therefore, and because He’s our Maker, revealing “the plan” for every life, other objectives/perspectives lack foundation, unworthy of pursuit. More perspectives will soon deliver contention and divisiveness, even violence. While the world identifies a posture that sanctions agreeing to disagree, our Lord left His peace that disagreements wouldn’t matter (Eph.6:12).

Today’s Thought “My Easter Speech” G. Ward John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” I’d love to infer to not being the “old folks” many see coming to then exit stage left, but I’m overwhelmed with great experiences (seemingly) worthy to share, along with gratitude for the many responsible for few moments I’ve had in exemplary living. There were however, some sayings given our generation absolutely not true and one unfortunately crept into these times that says, “if you open your mouth, God will speak for you.” This was the encouragement (primarily) unto those of us somewhat shy and whereas it sounded good, many of us failed to trust that, but there were our parents looking on with visual threats embracing a common expression, “I brought you in this world and I’ll take you out,” so we did our best in every oratorical endeavor. In the Spirit realm, I’ve learned how necessary it is to rehearse information ingested that alleviates embarrassment (Ps.1:1-3) and now understand, if there’s failure to practice statements of conviction, we’ll never persuade men towards implicit trust of our Lord; even furthering perpetuated doubt in some that criticizes believers’ reliance on their spiritual leader versus their Maker.

Today’s Thought “I Believe I Can Fly?” G. Ward Jeremiah 13 10 This wicked people, who refuse to listen to My words, who walk in the stubbornness of their hearts and have followed other gods to serve them and to bow down to them, let them be just like this undergarment which is completely useless. The Word of God speaks to us about soaring like an eagle, but never sought imposing a cliff to jump from (Matt.4:5-7) and whereas mankind was created for God’s glory and can move towards a reliance that demands “you have a brain, now go use it,” will witness incessant dissatisfaction until he concedes Jesus is more than enough. As Jeremiah would be used as God’s instrument and obeyed despite not knowing what it meant initially (illustrative of the aforementioned – pride), we all will understand it when the eyes of this natural man close unto a brain disquieted by inability to open them; perfect submission now, equals perfect delight (cf. *Ezek.33:30-33).

Today’s Thought “Fair Weather Friend?” G. Ward Psalm 103 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear Him and His justice to the children’s children, 18 To those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts, so as to do them. Conjoined twins are absolutely incredible to view for our times. Many from my generation were with one visual inference from the Guinness Book of World Records having made famous two Chinese-American men who were conjoined twins (Chang Bunker and Eng Bunker, May 11, 1811 – January 17, 1874). We would absolutely marvel in thought as to their daily functionalities as inseparable. I yet marvel, but from a spiritual corollary of undeniable interdependence that remained irreversible for these two, while given us through the great phenomena in what only Holy God can do - Create mankind. Old folks would tell us, “God don’t make mistakes” and His desire for the whole of man is that he would never move away from God control, but that ALL his steps would arrive from greatest consultation from the throne where All-Wisdom flows and that actuality won’t die (cf.*Phil.2:10-11).

Today’s Thought “Militance, Inside the Establishment” G. Ward Judges 21:25 “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” While governance for every sector of the world is important, doing what is right must be the aim of every believer, even with leadership could be morally deficient. Moreover, to wait on a legislative process to institute in doing so, will/can ultimately invite regret, placing its victim in dire straits (perhaps body and soul, cf. Matt.10:28). Our best governance is from the Lord; going beyond good and bad leadership and those commands won’t disappoint, while containing the highest demand transcendent to every man-made document written; granting peace for the practitioner. Let’s be reminded on each day granted, that those outside of spiritual governance are doing the best they can unto what’s been given them and while we insist they should know better and whereas the Word of God is spiritually discerned unto those who absolutely trust HIS directives, we have been called to present a concise explanation of this timeless Truth (Ro.10:14). Only then can a predominant thought seemingly acceptable be extinguished for a life meant to honor Holy God.

Today’s Thought “Early Voting” G. Ward Romans 13 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. Holy God’s plans won’t be thwarted by any deciding to awaken (seemingly on their own volition) to make a difference in the world. His presentation upon creating the earth, along with mankind, knew from the very beginning that to which would transpire for our days along with every man beforehand. He’s regarded as Omniscient (All-Knowing, sovereignly so), even making man higher than all of creation, but never considerate of us as an independent agency. Our composition is a greatest indicator of that actuality. Do you trust that? A definitive yes, won’t straddle between two opinions, particularly when one (ours), wavers onto a guessing game and hopeful (at best) regarding our decisions; without thoughts in how many distributions of miseries outweighed times when we seemingly got it right. To rejoice because a political candidate (favorable) was elected may be acceptable, but what remains unacceptable is an argumentative assessment of a choice rendered. If the Almighty is your Keeper, is HE sufficient to carry you through?

Today’s Thought “Forbidden Fruit?” G. Ward Daniel 4 34 “But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever; for His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 All the inhabitants of the earth are of no account, but He does according to His will among the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth; and no one can fend off His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’ King Nebuchadnezzar, considered the greatest king of the Babylonian Empire (605 BC – 592 BC), was a most brutal, ambitious ruler and directed by Holy God as an instrument of judgment for God’s own people (Israel) for its idolatry, unfaithfulness, and disobedience (Jeremiah 25:9). This king was regarded for his receptivity unto a plethora of gods, but would inevitably be overwhelmed in belief in ONE Creator, the Most High. This stance from Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t exempt from great rebellion; he would embattle with an egocentric, even narcissistic mentality, to be reduced and soon thereafter referred to by God as “My servant.” It’s given us to perceive that we may know God’s way won’t be thwarted. He’ll use who He desires, even in these political times (*To oppose HIS selection, brings condemnation unto you. cf. *Ro.13:1-3). Moreover, it confirms His desire; that any can come to Him through repentance and because HE is Love, we’re compelled towards always believing and to hope through endurance (1 Cor.13:4-7) …

Today’s Thought “Jump to It!” G. Ward 2 Peter 3 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unscrupulous people and lose your own firm commitment, 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. Parents of old would encourage their children onto independent thought through an unwelcomed approach; while even discouraging their kids from following the crowd. The cynicism utilized by our parents was degrading (seemingly then), pervading questions entirely rhetorical that said if John Doe did something foolishly dangerous, would we too follow? We were taught biblical principles (without quoting verses), because our parents were taught the same and this regurgitated process was not initially appreciated, to now exist in an era where old, foundational values have been eclipsed by new, vain philosophies by moment’s greatest orators (*cf.1 Cor.3:10-13). I’d rather have Jesus…

Today’s Thought “More Than Words Can Say” G. Ward Lamentations 3:37 “Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it?” If any could step back in time where technological advancement for that era is now contained in museums, along with some its citizenry with daily implications in oppression of sorts, we’d be surprised at their resilience. While complaint for those times existed, many would understand “the Lord would make a way.” They would seek to pass that mantra onto generations thereafter, but technological advantages became the misappropriation accepted as being blessed beyond their predecessors. Moreover, their morality diminished greatly due to their forgetfulness in where blessings flow; even to think of Holy God as similar to modern thought. So, their mouths began to echo rights solely belonging to the Creator and the saga continues…

Today’s Thought “Senior Living” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. Family values are said to have diminished and I believe it’s because life now depends (superficially) more on ingenuity than investigative prudence. Generations prior had to rely on the encyclopedia for facts that extinguished uncertainties of sorts and whereas we now have search engines on our electronic gadgetry, first responses have become the resolute consideration. Frustration becomes rampant throughout our society, even lending great violence, along with hospitality as over-rated as many hurry onto chaos and while there remains a “few” who desire awakening to a meditative process so as to avoid a tedious recapitulation, even very costly unto their physical capabilities, consultation with the Most High is preferred, while embracing their reality and longing to be with HIM (eternally), perceiving it shall be soon.

Today’s Thought “Perfect Soup” G. Ward Psalm 103 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. Proclaiming the Lord’s goodness is mostly thought of as words expressive in gratefulness for His looking beyond our faults and whereas He enabled the one-time sacrifice Christ provided as the Sufficient reprieve from a captivity ever encompassing, those same pardoned would do well in rendering best obeisance unto His commands; for a life found doing so, exceeds verbiage saying so.

Today’s Thought “Always Believing” G. Ward Acts 7 59 They went on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep. What we know is limited and the striving onto greatest knowledge generally won’t do so to enable others; but is often a self-centered venture and whereas a populous deems one pursuant to intellectual superiority as worthy of leadership, portions of people suffer in neglect, even potential persecution; warranting our (believers) compassion (“for such were some of us…”).

Today’s Thought “Your Gift Made Room for You!” G. Ward Romans 6: 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in relation to righteousness. 21 Therefore what benefit were you then deriving from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the outcome of those things is death. 22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Willie Spence 23, a favorite of American Idol died on yesterday upon hitting a tractor-trailer in his automobile. Moments before that horrible accident he posted a great video with him singing sensationally. Many pause on such a note in sadness and shock, even with promulgations of “he was so young” (Job.14:1, 1 Pe.4:12-13). Our most difficult reality is departure; it carries great pain. Children’s hospitals are yet so full and their oncology wards are with waiting lists; re-introducing the brevity of life as indiscriminate. May our contemplations more reflect on miseries at a constant, while learning how to more lean on our Savior; so as to build on the Blessed Hope’s unrelenting care shown upon His dying and resurrection for our avoidance in demise; thanking Him for that matchless “gift” of grace (cf. Eph.2:8-9).

Today’s Thought “A Cure for Lethargy” G. Ward Psalm 77 11 I shall remember the deeds of the LORD; I will certainly remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all Your work, and on Your deeds with thanksgiving. 13 Your way, God, is holy; What god is great like our God? There are many with a demand for vacation, but are bombarded with tremendous tasks of sorts disallowing a getaway. Municipal development now is with collegiate specialization that focuses on improvement desired for any city’s success unto its citizenry. Those credentialed professionals acquired become artists of sorts as creativity will soon witness city-scapes entirely beautiful; embracing walking and bike-riding trails among exotic trees, plants and flowers beautify its course. Many times, I’ve taken advantage of such opportunity for local getaway and it enabled my meditations gratefulness for our Lord’s provisions of people and things, along with how He brought me from what appeared to be an impossible matter onto spiritual reprieve. Moreover, tears have encompassed my being in recall of those having departed that lent an exemplary life so mine own would could aspire accordingly; for soon time will culminate away from earth and others of my encounters will soon be challenged in the same…

Today’s Thought “The Great Summation” G. Ward Isaiah 49:6 He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the protected ones of Israel; I will also make from You a light of the nations So that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Declarations from a racially driven religious group lack prudence and are with demands of superiority, passionately felt among who they perceive are the real Jews of the Bible and whereas those same purveyors in superiority fail miserably while violating the banner of our Creator who made man without perceived constraint (i.e., racial priority), to demonstrate an inclusiveness of the heavenly mantra in mercy, “whosoever will let them come” (cf. Ge.9:18-19). Holy God’s intent was to produce a capillary in one nation so every nation could be blessed, demonstrating His glory, not arrogant cheerleading pervading “we’re the best” (Ro.2:11)!

Today’s Thought “Expository Teaching” G. Ward Revelation 22:18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. I’m always encouraged to hear God’s Word as it exists; no fluff, but that to which establishes my walk, even when it’s against me. There is however more spokesman for God with elaborations that solely state great things are on its way, issued by Heaven regardless of sin (*Ps.119:1-4). Moreover, they’re with promises of things and conditions, discounting the whole world’s ability in claimants similar; particularly with a great portion of earth’s citizenry just needing clean drinking water and food. This affront is dangerous, while predominant a message for these times and subtract from an introspection that sees God as Holy, then follows accordingly. You’ll know every message of God as prudent when it speaks entirely transcendent of riches or poverty, Black, White, Yellow, Brown and Red. The common denominator for every man is a need for a Savior and He’s available to any (Ro.10:13), but approaching Him so very irreverently for the immediacy of things and people’s change, won’t move His response. He showed the way onto prosperity and stuff remains life’s poorest substitute (cf. Ps.1:1-3).

Today’s Thought “Bewitched” G. Ward Proverbs 4 5 Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. What happens when education is the mantra unto a child’s progression (cf. Deut.6:4-7)? Here’s what’s likely: That child may very well occupy (through great discipline) a fabulous career, living in a golf, tennis and swim community, maintain great savings and retirement income, marry and promote education furthered with their own children. This potential reality however presumes on life continued for any pursuant to greatness (*Jas.4:13-14). While that same discipline can witness kindness with generosity from one found in this professional realm, could the spiritual foundation go lacking? Could the same child, now an adult have attended worship services, received Bible Drill awards as an accompaniment to their professional accolades, while forgetting the wisdom spoken of (aforementioned) speaks to foremost recognition of Holy God as direction for the life HE gave and how knowing Him won’t graduate AWAY from that. When we die in professional fortitude with very little to no recognition for His leading while in earth, there won’t be eternal rest; so “What’s It All About, (Alfie)?”

Today’s Thought “Wearing White After Labor Day” G. Ward Luke 23 39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other responded, and rebuking him, said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our crimes; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Dire moments call for immediate reprieve, but when absolutely none appears within grasp, the reality of misery builds. Many take snapshots demanding from those impacted miserably, as if to say one should have known better; even forgetting their time when someone threw them a lifeline and whereas the Compassionate Savior illustrated what it means to love (without condition), mankind insists on deeming some hopeless. When mercy was shown, but fails in distribution, mercies furthered becomes questionable (*Jas.2:13).

Today’s Thought “A Carnival Mirror” G. Ward Psalm 119:1-3 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. 2 Blessed are those who comply with His testimonies, and seek Him with all their heart. 3 They also do no injustice; They walk in His ways. As a canvas portrays a painting regarded an abstract, viewers seek to interpret what it might be, but the Painter knows. Our position in earth is often equally indifferent to our Maker’s intent; even portraying arrogance as we view others’ malfeasance of their personal artwork from the Master, who like you struggle to define whose they are, along with proper function (*Jer.17:9). Claimants of being “Blessed” must maintain color within the lines drawn and cease to soak up the ugly tapestry of the world. Moreover, one’s meditations must encompass Holy God is loving His creation everywhere, not just in this land flowing with milk and honey; so squash believing these blessings are things seen or touched.

Today’s Thought “Sticks and Stones…” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, but our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. False teachers in this first century pervaded letters to authenticate their religious authority and altogether imposed these un-sanctioned certificates while questioning others and soon the lot would fall on the Apostle Paul to defend himself. Paul would ask those of his previous encounters to remember his words only sought to highlight Christ sufficiency, never his own. Character’s truest definition remains seen and unseen behavior. Therefore, to say you know HIM (Christ), talks and walks as HE did (*1 Pe.2:21-24).