Today’s Thought “The After-Party” G. Ward 2 Peter 1 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness. Ladies, Tyrone appears the most handsome man in the room. Moreover, he was so debonair in his approach when asking little old me to dance. He would say all the right things, but he also seemed so well acquainted with the cognac he nursed and while every line of questioning that could ordinarily exist from your sound mind is nullified by desire to have so greatly, you’re soon to be horribly disappointed by Tyrone’s new journey with Susie. Gentlemen, you also have been called to guard against spiritual lapse; therefore, contentment unto Holy God’s demand must be precedent and whereas one’s mother is the example enabling marriage, every encounter with women must believe by exuding respectful restraint.

Today’s Thought “Defining Arrogance” G. Ward Proverbs 18:13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. I’m older now and concerned about potential lapse in becoming one of those who think it and say it. I truly believe my spiritual training allowed heavenly adjustment of an attitude more reflective of ever believing, ever hoping, but my struggle with flesh remains. My concern most certainly isn’t pertinent to a frequent visitation from family and friends, because Gunsmoke comes on several networks and numerous times per day (I don’t need the interruption, particularly while enjoining myself in periodic napping to dream I’m Matt Dillon). I’ve shared my ambivalence unto a future recognizable onto the Holy standard I so love through a rightful exercising in thoughts disquieted, particularly while in others presence and my good friends (so very positive) have assured me of a great probability in not living too much longer to worry about such; they further, “Greg, with all the mouth you have, surely one of these villainous criminals will take you out!” My work here is unfinished and more intimacy with our Lord’s Way is required (cf. * Jas.2:13) …

Today’s Thought “Bad Ain’t So Good” G. Ward Romans 14 22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves. I’m given many portrayals in extreme laughter from a varied social media outlet from others and recalling one such exposure on perhaps two years ago. I’m a very silly fellow (particularly the older I become) and enjoy great laughter. The person sending this hilarious correspondence knew what I needed in that moment but failed to share that it would allow a rotation (when prompted) of similar videos. For the next hour I sat amused as I surfed vigorously, absolutely captivated and unable to move. Since exercising in this constraint, I eliminated that app and after being released from the mental ward vowed to not permit anything to enslave me again. There is however a new app where these challenging puzzles are absolutely overwhelming and besides that, Warm Springs Asylum wasn’t too bad. Everyone can stand a little therapy… New Year resolutions aren’t bad until it insists on partnership with another not ready.

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Slump?” G. Ward Psalm 103 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our guilty deeds. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. Have you witnessed one walking with an umbrella while the rain is profuse and refusing to open it (for cover)? What about another who prepares a meal (because they’re famished) and won’t take a bite? Grace from Holy God happens on terms of His loving us and when the object of faith (Christ and His righteousness) has become our confession of Him as worthy to lead and guide our every step, HE will shelter any against feelings of inadequacy, along with preparing a table for one needing spiritual provisions amidst a chaotic society. There’s a daily exploration of such awaiting our immediate prompting that considers not who I’ve been, but what HE desires me to become (1 Cor.6:9-11, 1 John 1:9).

Today’s Thought “The Sweater from the Cheap Store” G. Ward Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. While home trash receptacles are filled with wrapping paper and gift bags, what was inside may not have met your standard. Perhaps it’s based on what you’ve spent on their gift? Moreover, they know how you exercise in choosing exquisite gifts each year (for exchange) and should reciprocate accordingly? While in the return line on today, perhaps you can think on the 39 who perished on yesterday due primarily to the harshness in weather (nationwide). The practiced, intangible care that stands alongside our fellowman with no objective in receiving anything may ultimately understand the compassion given you…

Today’s Thought “Gift Bags vs. Wrapping” G. Ward Psalm 73 28 But as for me, the nearness of God is good for me; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, so that I may tell of all Your works. Asaph would register great complaint in this psalm as he would ponder all the success from those negligent in honoring Holy God and whereas it appeared that those who sought faithfulness (unto the Lord) endured greater sufferings, his carnal mindset would be disquieted, revealing a spiritual, reverent response. In arrival towards better sensibility, gratefulness gained entry to know that a relationship determined in total dependence on the Creator remains more than anything (vv.17-24). Someone may be missing, along with gifts presented from lesser stores and while meteorologists have determined extreme cold, along with 9 hours of sunlight, may it all be overshadowed by a spiritual sensibility found in you that allows Heaven’s warmth to comfort your heart, particularly as you envelope the love relationship with Holy God who absolutely loves you.

Today’s Thought “A Successful Season” G. Ward Ephesians 6:18 “With every prayer and request, pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be alert with all perseverance and every request for all the saints…” What if believers were all of the same mindset (Phil.2:1-7), seeking to be obscure, but when noticed are without opinion, extending congenialities unto any with kindness towards the whole of mankind? Moreover, as these Light bearers would also make themselves available in sharing best encouragement (i.e., the gospel), that recognizes a dutiful process towards others involving what ultimately is a daily pursuit versus a once a week equipping; do you think a season that should embody Jesus as its reason would move beyond two months of extending well wishes to our countrymen? Our Sufficient King knew we’d need to make supplications for one another, because the task at hand remains monumental to fulfill and remains the Gift that keeps giving.

Today’s Thought “Goal; Everyday, A Holiday” G. Ward James 2 5 Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters: did God not choose the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? Peppermint sticks, cookies and fruit were perhaps the gift exchange in your grandparent’s day and hurry was attributable with chores of sorts and whereas we celebrate modern day conveniences, even scurrying to purchase devices the more, causing moments in euphoria, we know (ultimately) there’s an engineer in some sterile laboratory inventing a new, improved gadget that will keep us on the gerbil wheel. While we pity other nations depleted of such opportunity, particularly those without a Walmart in every district, let’s not forget an homage now unimaginable for us, “you can’t miss something you never had.” A hurried life is bound to leave another behind (cf. Matt.9:36-38) …

Today’s Thought “What If I Don’t Have a Chimney?” G. Ward John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.” There’s a theological measurement worthy to explore in this familiar passage that can offer a wrongful charge when study is neglected. The language appears concise (and is), but there’s a key expression of love appearing past tense, when actually ongoing. Our Father is loving the universe HE created. HE therefore invites us to participate in the same (1John 4:7-8). Our residing in such a rich nation, allows an exercise in fiscal discipline several months before Christmas and whereas last moment shopping becomes necessary with numerous gatherings planned, that includes great benevolence from so many that ensures those attendees know of their genuine care for them. How fortunate we are in such a celebratory time; but have we given much thought to the universe our Father is still loving? Many countries are with missionaries who steadfastly forsake familial opportunity in gathering as they increase newest family in the strange land of their commissioning by disseminating Truth (John 14:6) and proving the love in our theme. We tend to be somewhat self-absorbed when reading passages with equal similitude of John 3:16 and whereas the teacher would incite awareness to a student appearing aloof to his/her efforts to educate them by insisting they knew that as an educator they’ve pinnacled in the subject matter presented, it’s now become their (the student’s) opportunity to adjust accordingly. In other terms, we’ve delighted in all our Savior has given, so let’s ensure others have the same.

Today’s Thought “I Know What’s Under the Tree” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Tis the season, is the incessant echo from many and particularly so the week before Christmas. I’ve been troubled concerning the orders given unto those givers from their loved ones and friends, thinking the objective was a presentation from one’s heart consideration of their periodic encounter (with surprise, not what they told me they want). Is there to be a 26th and is this exorbitant purchase to be cherished forever unto these recipients? Probably not, some won’t even say thank you. As the abuse emanated not from these ingrates of current times, but from the beginning of time, we too must endure (*John 15:20). The gift we’ve received with Christ’s entry, did so to best understand that giving is better than receiving.

Today’s Thought “Insurance Is Not Assurance” 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.” Our predecessors would share that all the money in the world won’t buy one health; indicative of the avenue of being grateful unto sufficiency/contentment. These expressions were borrowed from the Word of God and are no longer the common regard unto many; causing nomadic frivolities to be celebrated for appearances to look different, even lauding exacerbations of “own your own power” (e.g., difficult to do when you lack ability to claim a next moment in breath). While many abhor New Year resolutions, I celebrate resolve on any given day to not mimic newest ideology that discounts theology of old (*1 Pe.1:24-25).

Today’s Thought “Every Praise” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. My attitude for each day presented won’t awaken to thoughts of thank You Lord for another day above ground; particularly upon yesterday’s mediocrity (cf. Matt.28:19) that had a few in my presence needing the Gift that keeps giving (John 12: 46) and failing to share (intentionally) His love for them and while I celebrate great benevolence from so many (at this time of year) unto those less fortunate, to then contemplate some of those same recipients may soon be without sufficient means after all the festivities breaks my heart. There is however an adoption process understood by every believer through Heaven’s generosity that found us, insisting we’d emulate the Savior’s example and whereas He embodied what “family” meant, we’re called to follow (*John 19:25-27). In view of such an unfathomable adoption afforded us, can we take another by the hand to ensure they know it’s our delight in their being our family, transcendent to this holiday season?

Today’s Thought “I’m Gonna…” G. Ward James 4:14 “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” While I saved messages from those I loved, now departed, I’m finding that those references have been unnecessary; because our Sufficient Maker blessed us with memory and whereas their voices remain readily perceived, along with visuals unrelenting, I’m thankful to our Creator for such an expansive heart that loves unconditionally. Many of those departed embodied such vivaciousness in their beings that hope in growing older together overshadowed actuality. This is not to say that our intellectual capacity refuses acceptance of such, but the practicality of faith thereunto wavers and is a sad contemplation. I’m training however, each day; particularly as my study of what’s most important (i.e., God’s Word) reveals a guarantee of departure and my conscious yet delights in remembrance, so as to make most of moments unto others, certain of a journey pathed by a Savior who established an eternity with HIM, although none have been good enough (Ro.5:8).

Today’s Thought “Standing or Seated for the Anthem” G. Ward Jeremiah 29 7 Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity.’ 8 For this is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel says: ‘Do not let your prophets who are in your midst or your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to their interpretations of your dreams which you dream. While prophets of old wouldn’t be established on popularity, or determine activism on issues of social unrest and oppression from a land and people, their messaging of contingency would often grant hope and whereas a people listened, they would often fail to hear on terms from the sayer. This audience pertinent to the prophet’s demand were captivated by a strange people, in a land not their own. We’re now exposed to a few spokesmen also determining the brevity of life should be perceived for every man/inhabitant of this strange land and being urged to acknowledge governance from the only KING of every parcel in earth and whereas many adjourn to Jeremiah’s message for hope found in vs. 29 (“For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”), understanding the message through proper insight, that won’t extract from one’s own determination, may need to know that those inhabitants Jeremiah would admonish, wouldn’t inherit this earthly actuality (*although they would be guided in merciful, heavenly care while there), because its unfolding was 70 years later and whereas our deliverance can be now (even while we’re in exile – Ro.10:9), that land some will inherit won’t need prayer.

Today’s Thought “Your Hometown” G. Ward Micah 5: 2 “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you One will come forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His times of coming forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” Over the years given me and very particularly living in the Metro Atlanta region among every people group under the sun, I find it incredibly intriguing to unfold where those I’ve encountered were birthed and whereas quite a large percentage of the many interrogated originate from other regions; for clarity’s sake, many have delineated their hometown in proximity to its closest major city, or boast of its famous native son. While we all must originate from somewhere, the where we’re from shouldn’t overshadow who we are (cf. Pr.22:1), nor bolster the land of origin as superior than the perceived less. Micah was given a prophecy concerning the smallness of the birthplace of Christ. What it won’t reveal here is King David was also birthed there. Our Lord seeks to invite us onto an anticipation of a land most sufficient, with no division, where the glory of the King shines from everlasting and the banner we’ll bare remains Holy God and His Truth forever (Ps.60:4): Let’s all aspire to live there – our ultimate Home. *We must remember however, the key that unlocks the door remains your confession of sin’s captivity through repentance unto its Native Son, making HIM Lord now (Owner of your life) while in a strange land.

Today’s Thought “Bought with A Price?” G. Ward Matthew 16 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. The church is in the news again. Evangelicals spectacularly flaunt their political opinions on a society just needing the Savior unto righteousness (i.e., His Sovereignty and Omnipotence) and now New Birth Missionary Baptist Church is with an unfortunate consideration to grow cannabis on their expansive properties and whereas Peter would be asked by such a Wonderful Savior as to who the populous thought He was and whereby Peter answered correctly when challenged (personally) by our Lord, answering from the depths of his soul, even confessing Christ as more than anything/enough (particularly in view of Him having made man and every content therein - John 1:1-3,14). Teaching any to obey the commands of our Lord remains the requirement for any to know Christ as Lord (Matt.28:19), not fabulous programming, good singing, preaching and most assuredly won’t be known for a harvest unsanctioned (No matter what the people say!). Blaming bad leaders for such ideology won’t ever be an acceptable defense mechanism for reluctance to absolutely belong to HIM who is Perfect. YOU better run to the Only Shelter unadulterated and stop choosing a church based on preferences and determine your confession of Christ remains the question for each day (*2 Pe.3:8-10).

Today’s Thought “Voting Protects Our Future?” G. Ward Matthew 9 36 Seeing the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” The Apostle Paul sought to encourage believers while living amidst streets filled with prostitutes, spirit mediums, extortionists, religionists pervading to know God while heaping rigid rules on others, but failing to exist in similar coding. Peter and James sought to comfort believers who were chased from every hamlet as their insistence of Christ as more than enough would be mocked, that would even cost them their lives. John, the final apostle, would witness all assigned personally by Jesus Christ to His words for distribution onto any, killed for their faith while innocent and then he would be banished to a criminal island (entirely dangerous) to fend for himself as a very old man, still commissioned by Holy God to write on HIS behalf to the church. Then and most important, our Jesus, having walked among men so illicit, seating Himself with prostitutes and tax collectors (i.e., extortionists), presenting messaging of eternality, even allowing His betrayer a merciful presence until his work would culminate as proposed. We now exist either humiliated or happy, because our candidate was either denied or elected, with a blasphemous exchange that insisted our candidate will protect/guard rights for its citizenry; ensuring hope for our grandchildren; insisting with chants of take us back when the moral climate (in this strange land) was better. Did the criminal element here ever witness such? Was morality really something to behold? Have you not read? Did you not see? Does God want us so involved as HE depends on the electorate for such a guard? Our mouths say we have faith in God/ I trust HIM, while failing miserably in a basic tenet given man – HIS SUPREMACY was meant to govern those HE made. There never was guarantee of exemption of troubles of sorts and absolutely no euphoria in political ideologies, but HIS Holy abiding unto us keeps loving, providing and forgiving, despite us, but soon will be over (*2 Pe.3:8-10).

Today’s Thought “Highest Intelligence” G. Ward Ecclesiastes 3 14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it. And God has so worked, that people will fear Him. Georgia awaits a cure from a political process wherewith its citizenry has been taught to absolutely abhor every opponent, even establishing a permanent marker that hates those with philosophical difference and while some will pervade, “No Gregory, this also includes moral implications (cf. 1 John 2:15-17),” to that unfortunate statement, I’d remind any of a bumper sticker entirely violating that says, “God is my co-pilot” as if to say HE needs our assistance to fly the planes of our development (vv.10-13)? Instead, we need the Lord! Moreover, Holy God alone imposes governmental leadership unto those HE made (Ro.13:1-7), both good and bad and whereas we were never compelled to hate Hitler (Eph.6:12), trust in our Creator remains precedent. People need the Lord and the lethargy found in those who say they believe and won’t share HIM, is the disconnect, pervading injustice and improprieties of sorts.

Today’s Thought “Who’s Loving You?” G. Ward Matthew 5 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Although mercy reigns sufficiently unto every man from the ONE whose Name is Love, many who worshipped HIM on yesterday will be unavailable to the less fortunate on today, sharing this actuality to my kinfolk. They’re experts in church polity and praise; even with castigations of those deemed “outsiders” (i.e., those who just won’t do right) and whereas there’s echoes of hatred towards certain individuals, the proposed righteous utterly reject that wording, while participatory in actions. Periodically, they’ve been accepting to being advised to go out among them; patting their heads, with gleaming smiles (seemingly altruistic), while serving them food and clothing to forget the Savior ATE with those HE fed and whereas the hygiene and appearance of the under-served lack in fragrant effervescence (Just go get your dictionary and keep reading!), what they (the perceived righteous) fail to realize is those same being served were perhaps just like them at one time or another (*1 Cor.6:9-11).

Today’s Thought “Study: A Forgotten Phenomenon” G. Ward Matthew 6 8 So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. While many gather in the Name of the Lord feeling a need to exhibit something spiritual, how about best consideration of availability to His demand; even that to which is individually pursued when absolutely no one is around? Interestingly, Jesus’ discourse (chs., Matt.5-7) remains the ground work for the entire New Testament; embodying tremendous warning in external religion vs. living holy and whereas praying improperly was the subject to our theme utilized, an unfortunate perpetuating in the same yet exists for our modernity. Reverence from us is the demand. Lengthy praying without allowance of HIS Word is the violation. Praying in the Spirit does not refer to the words we are saying. Rather, it refers to how we are praying (i.e., according to His Word). His speaking to us, is supremely more than what we’ll ever say to Him. “Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore, let your words be few (Eccles.5:2).”

Today’s Thought “The Blame Game” G. Ward 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Holy God is; All Powerful, Maker and Sustainer of the universe, All Knowing and Everywhere at all times; not the Devil. Believers understand this more as each day is presented, building greater trust of His governance. The Devil offers deception, primarily through systems (2 Cor.4:4), because he can’t be everywhere and the Savior defeated him at Calvary. He yet mocks God, particularly in view of the Almighty’s generosity unto man; knowing mankind’s rebellion won’t identify the Gift as complete, even arrogantly covetous of things and conditions from others (2 Cor.5:7); ultimately perpetuating deception penetrated, doing the Devil’s work. He therefore is without consideration in attacking (personally), particularly when many awaken to God’s Word with a similitude of a self-help book to only find those passages deemed motivational, discounting sermons and teaching forums embodying eternality and many awaken on worship occasions allowing others to see spiritual lethargy/mediocrity, as they determine a headache’s stoppage from attending, to then grow older with chants of perplexity that questions “I don’t know why these children won’t go to church, I raised them in it?”