Today’s Thought “Don’t Speak That?” G. Ward Ecclesiastes 7 2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every person, and the living takes it to heart. Jane Fonda is said to be preparing for death in view of her cancer status in a recent article; it furthered that she’s “at peace with herself.” Many religionists have pervaded a thought that mankind (by faith) is with ability to thwart sickness, even death, because of what perceivably God said (2 Ti.4:2-4), discounting our grandparent’s faith, as if to say this generation is deserving of such “new” spiritual discernment because we’re more adept unto knowledge (Ro.2:11) and whereas my generation and before marveled at how only Holy God spoke things into existence, knowing our selfish desire wouldn’t first look to the interests of others (as our Savior exemplified), particularly if given the same (cf. Phil.2:2-7), maintains All Authority in doing so (i.e., His Sovereignty). Perhaps we’ve not been given such a grim diagnosis (as Jane Fonda’s), but our preparation must maintain expedience onto every man’s reality (*faith in Christ is solely on His terms, worthy of pursuit). Could earth’s end be yours today (John 14:1-3)?

Today’s Thought “A Perfect World, An Imperfect People” G. Ward Genesis 9 18 Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated. Even before the fallenness from mankind to the flood destroying man, people were without racial category. Thereafter, the Jewish nation would be used solely to catapult other nations unto His Sovereignty (*Isa.49:6, John 3:16). Those centuries of man and every century thereafter witnessed sectarian posture never intended; including ideas entirely antithetical of Holy God’s Way, even delineating some racial portions of man as uncouth and lacking intelligence (cf. Ro.2:11-16). Believing in HIM adjusts to HIS Way (Luke 6:46), realizing this as inextricable of what it means to have faith. If any are plagued with a conscience seared in divisiveness, the only cure fills it with Truth (John 14:6).

Today’s Thought “Struggle on Sunday Morning?” G. Ward Acts 17 24 The God who made the world and everything that is in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made by hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things. While by-products in food may not be the best to ingest, the by-product of faith in Christ will witness some with a spiritual healthiness that prepares each day onto a diminishing of natural tendencies that identifies with self-will over God’s intent and He’s able to govern those He made (cf. Ro.10:13).

Today’s Thought “Pray Before and While Shopping” G. Ward ! Timothy 6 17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. While Friday too is a day the Lord has made and we’re able to quote it, Heaven’s criterion remains that our declarations match our activity of belief. Whose money is it anyway (Psalm 24:1)?

Today’s Thought “Bending Improperly” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 6 17 Therefore, COME OUT FROM THEIR MIDST AND BE SEPARATE,” says the Lord. “AND DO NOT TOUCH WHAT IS UNCLEAN; and I will welcome you. A paradox can happen upon hearing the word compromise; it’s synonymous to our perceiving the expression, “it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.” It can represent an attitude in congeniality and also can mean wrongful adjustment towards conditions and people. The latter, should be our avoidance and whereas we’re in the holiday zone, the prior must be the goal. We cannot be sons and daughters of the Most High to forget the endurance of the Savior that included the greatest example of perseverance above trials from mankind, through stooping low in entertaining degradations about others or us, that lends defense, or elaborations that confirm their thoughts. Both are opposite of Holy God’s demand (*vv.4-10) and when/if practiced, nullifies faith. We know of the dinner table talk, prepare accordingly (1 Thess.5:17) …

Today’s Thought “Houses Bombarded by Fragrant Cinnamon” G. Ward Psalm 23 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows. Some will begin today with a preparation for Thursday’s festivities and whereas homes are meticulously decorated, along with intricate, delicious containers of food prepared with unusual care, doing so because of anticipating friends and family desires a day of peace. There’s most certainly always one expected to present controversial matters entirely argumentative and while we hope the environment sought is hopeful in burgeoning peace, these cantankerous ones are with a wicked practice with a comparability of all your elaborate presentation and while it’s said that “hurt people, seek to hurt others,” we are opportune in mercy and can embody a spiritual reality in being impervious to all they’ll offer because our Great Shepherd has placed a Light within, for many without and when Love is our precedent, all will be immeasurably astounded as their attitude acclimates to the beauty of environment. Be sure to preface their arrival with tremendous prayer…

Today’s Thought “Chores Forsaken” G. Ward Luke 5 15 But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and large crowds were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray. I’m so thankful for having come from a generation where daily chores were without contemplation. Moreover, before expressions that anticipated a great, exciting weekend would enter the mind of man, were Saturday chores for every member of the house (No Exceptions!). What was seemingly a harsh life (as any would seek to explain this actuality to young people now), allowed no one then such thoughts, because HABIT was established; comparable to brushing one’s teeth. Altogether, these chores and their directors adopted what had been given them, instrumental in governing one’s every endeavor and more than likely emanated from the Savior’s example. He would endeavor a calling to fulfill from His Director, praying through every motioning (Mark 1:35), so as to witness those who’d listen, to surrender their lives unto spiritual governance. If chores are violated, rooms are messy and ultimately can become too magnanimous to tackle, causing one to step over vital actualities onto life’s uncertainties…

Today’s Thought “A Chaotic Church” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 4 3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants on account of Jesus. A great debate is with a central tenet to argue and a winner is declared when he is able to defend his stance with utter conviction, persuading others unto a proposed reality. When/if a spiritual leader enjoins himself to additional theorizing, even that to which violates the script given, along with great theatrics, sought as an entertainment device (that captivates tremendous interest from an audience), it furthers unbelief concerning the Truth of the script; because those same words provided, should persuade men that the Author of the manuscript is Supreme, not the orator.

Today’s Thought “If I Were King of the Forest!” G. Ward Luke 12 4 “Now I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.” While no one desires to be shunned with disdain from some regarding a perspective of vitality, even that doubts your significance/usefulness in anything, maintaining a courage onto personal and deepest conviction is necessary and whereas similar opinion may appear useful for presentation, subject matter must be weighed against the eternal script given man to follow; otherwise, silence may be a prudent pursuit. Vain philosophy is not allowed for believers in Christ as Lord. Our conveyances must echo Heaven’s sentiment and time remains short; so, immediate compliance determines whether there’s trust of the Lord’s Way or mine…

Today’s Thought “When It’s All Over?” 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.” Conversations that share life will soon be over are mostly perceived when grim prognosis is given and whereas grief is often an immediate accompaniment, opportunity in realizing there’s a spiritual commitment from Heaven that gives any, reconciliation from doubting an eternity with Holy God (Ro.5:6-10). The many eulogies witnessed, expressive of great citizenry are indeed comforting unto those remaining but fail to qualify any for an eternity where troubles will cease (Ro.3:10); instead, an urgency onto a spiritual inoculation of assurance EXISTS NOW and refusal for such a cure guarantees death (cf. Luke 6:46-49).

Today’s Thought “Travelling Mercies” G. Ward Acts 7 54 “Now when they heard this, they were infuriated, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Praise for Holy God’s eternal presence allowed Stephen’s narrative to flow while those entirely oppositional to Christ would hear. How many know those without good listening skills hear with partial understanding, because they’re often with a pre-meditative, argumentative attitude? Altogether, these possessing attitudes of contentiousness must never become opportunity for any believing in unadulterated Truth to determine these as hopeless; particularly in view of these oppositional forces that stoned Stephen to death for telling the Truth, having laid their outer coats at the feet of their superior officer, who apparently sanctioned this killing (v.58) to later become an Apostle to the same Christ he betrayed.

Today’s Thought “Big House and Many Rooms” G. Ward Matthew 13 33 Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.” Jesus spoke in parables because the Word of God is only discerned onto His church (1 Cor.2:14). Orators of sorts have sought audiences to pervade upon their great storylines that emanate from sections of God’s Word to not understand/distort the congruence of 66 books; failing at seeing the complete scope, so entirely unfathomable; in that ONE could absolutely pay for the sins of mankind, granting them perfect guidance in earth and guaranteeing eternal life in perfect peace thereafter and whereas our humanity is accustomed to offering something in exchange from such riches so lavishly provided, our works won’t do, for it’s done. We are however, responsible when we give another, perceived unworthy, this message of hope that truly impacts our lives more favorably now, in that the brotherhood meant for man increases and then to know, Heaven has room.

Today’s Thought “Another Bentley and More Controversy” G. Ward Romans 16:17 “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” This letter, meant for the church didn’t mean to avoid those seemingly persuasive with hints of wrongful attitude, but consideration of spiritual growth that counters inaccuracies concerning that to which remains foundational (2 Ti.4:2). Subtle, religious nuances are being introduced almost daily, while absolutely subverting Truth and capitalizing on the many saying they know Christ, while failing at fellowship with HIM that leads their lives (Luke 6:46). Those vulnerable to the wicked devices of man (that includes vain philosophies), are exhausted with an unavailability from the church. Those who say they belong have nothing to give, but an attitude to take; even with echoes of deserving more because their rhetoric sounds super religious, to never identify with a key component to being owned by this Matchless Savior – HUMILITY. Instead, believers are called to mimic this Savior and He sought only their deliverance that included murderers, liars, those pervading false religion and many deemed hopeless by societal standards and whereas the message given is ours to portray, many are mostly at child’s play status that insists in order to join my club, you must do as I say, keeping quests onto nowhere, chaotic.

Today’s Thought “Granny’s Beetle; Cecil” G. Ward Deuteronomy 18:10-12 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, a soothsayer, one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who consults the dead. 12 For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD; and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is going to drive them out before you. Many ascribed to one of the greatest shows of television’s past, The Beverly Hillbillies. Granny carried her live beetle in a matchbox, demanding all know he predicted the weather and nothing could sway her belief. The 70’s embraced Mood Rings, allowing any to determine their mental status. The ring would turn a different color to determine that status. Most understood these as fads acceptable to the era. We’re now with a movement of spiritual implications that insists wearing, or even placing Chakra Crystals on one’s body has healing power, along with thwarting bad energies. Chakras emanate from early Indian tradition. It means wheel or circle; indicative of seven centers spinning discs at each energy node. Crystals are merely jewels (diamonds, sapphire, jade, etc.) and although the Bible speaks with many inferences to these crystals, the Word of God NEVER sanctions any powers from them. Amazingly, these times are evolving from intelligence of old onto believing this generation has answers to issues that have existed for thousands of years (cf. Jer. 17:9), that includes sickness, death, sufferings, oppression from systems and people and whereas this actuality was imposed by the Almighty unto mankind that keeps us dependent on Him, these superstitious behaviors (entirely idolatrous) reveal denial in being owned by this Marvelous Savior. Holy God is Provider and remains Sufficient to do so. This in no way precludes God is anti-science as some suppose. From the beginning, He gave man dominion and that authority introduced an exploration, granting ecological, medicinal and technological advancement, making our lives better. False sciences pervade wrongful theorizing; causing dissentions and the practice thereunto nullifies the Blessed Hope intended; so, take up your rabbit’s foot if you’d like, but it certainly wasn’t lucky for him.

Today’s Thought “Presents Under the Tree” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 16 13 Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 All that you do must be done in love. Missionaries in Christ are/and have been needed more than great orators. It’s this actuality that we see throughout Holy God’s Word; they were called without mysticism, even understanding this calling would encompass added duties and more difficult challenges, without favorability from man (Read that paragraph again, comparing it to what has become common for our era.). Maturity, unto receptivity from these vessels was the spiritual mandate. Their discourses only sought to rescue the perishing, along with encouraging disciples who would altogether glorify the Almighty. It was this goal that defined their purpose and what Christ mandated after HE would pay the price for the sins of mankind and whereas the quest acceptable for this generation that asks for additional marching orders nullifies Truth (very particularly that lines up to one’s own abilities – HE is called the Almighty, because “apart from HIM, you can do nothing!”).

Today’s Thought “Fear Mongering” G. Ward 1 Samuel 8 4 Finally, all the elders of Israel met at Ramah to discuss the matter with Samuel. 5 “Look,” they told him, “you are now old, and your sons are not like you. Give us a king to judge us like all the other nations have.” While America awaits tomorrow’s electoral process to culminate with a similitude in waiting for a lottery to declare they’re a winner (cf. Matt.6:34), it will reveal a hope unsanctioned along with an impertinence to eternal significance. Instead, our Creator’s delight is that His highest creation (mankind) would recognize the unfathomable riches in HIM; a peace and love whereby the total price has been paid. Many of us have been privileged with celebration of candidates desired, along with days where fiscal worries were few and whereas the highs and lows of it all remains uncertain and wavering, there’s a greater capillary worth finding called contentment; a spiritual achievement for any who will place their trust in Christ, asking His transforming power to inhabit their entire being. Real joy is on its way when consideration in being owned by a Caregiver (of everlasting to everlasting) who won’t slumber, knowing what you need before your contemplations say so and unrelenting with providing that (cf.*John 12:35-43).

Today’s Thought “Won’t It Be Grand?” G. Ward Revelation 5 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are You to take the scroll and to break its seals; for You were slaughtered, and You purchased people for God with Your blood from every tribe, language, people, and nation.” When I was a child, I absolutely suggested to most my hatred for slower songs; desiring others upbeat. The truth however went privatized, because I actually ascribed to both, even celebrating many genres; indicating mood swings (perhaps early psychosis?). I still enjoy music, but my greatest song is now meditative (cf. Ps.118:24); particularly as I contemplate being included in the Lamb of God’s plan before the foundation of the world. Moreover, and as I’ve been privileged to visit other nations where language barriers and cultural differences exist, to witness their adoption unto spiritual unity proposed by the Holy One, understood every ideology and genre won’t matter when eternity becomes our actuality and whereas disparities that leads to wrongful category, even suggesting some as inferior, will ultimately reveal an eternal celebration of the relationship that guided their lives, along with allowing their sins to be forgiven. There’s Room…

Today’s Thought “Class Dismissed” G. Ward Luke 23 33 And when they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 [But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.”] And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves. Jesus Christ remains supremely exemplary as King of kings. He chose to give Himself unto incessant degradation, including plots that sought to kill Him. He is regarded as Incarnate because it’s a title none other can claim; mandating that any recognizing the Almighty, MUST preeminently do so through all He exemplified; HE is LORD (*John 1:1-3,14). We’re now amidst exacerbations that misappropriate His directives and substantiates our faith as authentic (or not). Knowing HIM, obeys what He says (1 John 5:3). Therefore, we cannot insist on removing pessimistic people from our lives, when called to them by this Wonderful Savior (for His Glory). We are/have been these negative souls and He promised to never leave us (despite us). While straining to find those who can lend a happy journey to each day presented (indicative of child’s play), joy is forsaken as it will always accompany peace, with mercy and love, particularly when I contemplate the same provided me (while I was profoundly erroneous – Ro.5:8). Will my prayers imitate HIS (vs.34)?

Today’s Thought “Vulnerable; On Rhetoric Avenue” G. Ward 1 Thessalonians 5: 22 “Abstain from every form of evil.” I must admit how disheartened I’ve been to witness believers, faithful in attendance to their local fellowship’s services, yet pervading utter vitriolic disdain for opposing political views; even saying God is on our side (*Isa.55:8-9). This nation is established on a system of “checks and balances,” diffusing wrongful possibility of ultimate power exercised and whereas campaigns from every side pervade promises, even saying “trust me to do it,” while devaluing your knowledge of hundreds of legislators with personal argument and agenda, insisting “by the people, for the people” stance, needs your interrogation. There’s shamefully an implicit trust given these politicians with a similitude only deserving to the All-Wise Savior and while some say, “that’s just not true,” expressions at a constant reveals the heart (Matt.6:21). Pulpits have exacerbated this idolatrous behavior in signifying proposed responsibility for certain candidates. IS THE LORD NOT ENOUGH?

Today’s Thought “A PRESENT Help?” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 5:13 If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit. 14 Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. A most prolific author (Charles Dickens, 1812-1870) wrote a novel A Tale of Two Cities, that ultimately surmises that things are not what they seem. I believe it’s primarily due to perspectives that are ever evolving (i.e., out with the old and in with the new mentality). Sufferings of sorts, life’s truest accompaniment remains plenteous enough without efforts in re-inventing more mantras entirely argumentative; but as for believers, the struggle within is lessened and frequently extinguished when we insist on Perfect to lead and guide (*John 15:5).