Today’s Thought “The Best Sweet Potato Pie Ever!” G. Ward Romans 12 9 Love must be free of hypocrisy. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor, 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer. I’ve learned the essence of family first from my spiritual adoption from Christ and secondly, His family, the church. The greatest joy has always been anticipating fellowship with believers and while some were guarded, yet cordial, there were some (generally older) who embodied old values, with spiritual insight, that attended to knuckleheads like me, penetrating my desire to remain somewhat aloof. Their hospitality included/circumvented offering their best dish, even insisting I’d consume it in their presence (these were the days when “Love” was the recipe). My sweetest, dearest friend (Mary McDaniel) was one of my quiet heroes and whereas so many can testify in the same, she had an innate ability to make you her favorite while in her presence. It’s been almost one year ago that her eldest daughter died in the Lord and my desire was to get to her home and share sympathetic love with her, but things got in the way. On this morning I heard that she transitioned from struggle to an anticipated, euphoric eternity. I won’t be too busy to be with our family in honoring her exemplary life and wondering did she leave the sweet potato pie recipe with her daughters remaining? Sad, but overjoyed with HIS provision (John 14:1-3) …

Today’s Thought “My Unending Dreams” 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. There’s a distinguishable interrogation necessary for every presumed soul insisting they have faith in Christ as LORD; it’s called moments all alone. Who I truly am are the desires of my heart and if I desire better, the statutes of HIS governance must be precedent (vv.7-11). Those precepts are more substantive than anything and whereas many paths are with shiny lights begging any to walk this way; beyond those thresholds remain avenues of futility (i.e., Been there, got a tee shirt from there!). HIS patience will soon run out.

Today’s Thought “All by Myself…” G. Ward Psalm 118 8 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in people. 9 It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in noblemen. The era to which we live (particularly pertinent to American culture) seems to be captivated/overwhelmed in bewilderment concerning so many dying. While compassion/sympathy most assuredly is at the helm of their concern, I believe fear of that same visitation is creeping too close unto their tents (cf. 2 Cor.5:1-5) and recall for them understood (peripherally) that no one seemed prepared and perhaps that’s the problem: Mankind mostly seeks an independence that’ll be recognized as exemplary/impressive, acceptable and taught from youth (i.e., be somebody when you grow up theorizing). That generally means make enough money to be self-sufficient and have things to substantiate that calling. However, when tragedy or calamity of sorts happen, independence is kicked to the curb, causing immediate need of someone else to share one’s misery; it’s then that socio-economic status, along with bank balances won’t matter. Moreover, if no one arrives soon enough, loneliness quickly becomes despair. READ THE PASSAGES AFOREMENTIONED AGAIN.

Today’s Thought “Everybody Is a Star?” G. Ward 1 John 3:1 See how great a love the Father has given us, that we would be called children of God; and in fact we are. For this reason the world does not know us: because it did not know Him. If everyone is delivered from their sins, why is an opposite factoring mentioned (Matt.7:21-23, Luke 6:46) and whereas most have delivered suicide victims and child molesters to Hell, have those with this condemnation thought of the many they’ve killed with declarations unbecoming of holiness or sexual sin outside of marriage (cf. Ro.3:9-12)? The value systems of man have no bearing on God’s Word; instead and unfortunately, portions of scripture (often decontextualized) are mixed with vain philosophy and whereas ego from self-declared leaders weirdly portray an authority thereunto, un-matched, they soon will die and perhaps another will rise in the same. Mama said, “You got to know HIM for yourself!”

Today’s Thought “Humility Before Exaltation” G. Ward Philippians 2 10 So that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. His parents were given clear instructions (Matt.1:21), to name Him Jesus; “He shall save His people from their sins” and whereas the greatness of that name indicates none other as sufficient to do so and because absolute willingness on His part revealed highest love (even unto those persecutors, so deviant in their humiliating efforts towards Him). He is extolled as Lord of all. While I’d love to share how I came to know Him, I’m more overwhelmed with His pursuit of me (John 6:44). Moreover, nothing good exists in me (apart from my surrender onto Him), so I’m amazed of His unwavering love. I’m challenged (daily) to regard an attitude similar; a view in another’s potential over appearances of depravity. I must admit – that’s who I was and whereas Heaven knew before my conception, a date where my spiritual transformation would begin, I’ve not, nor will I ever be given such insight; my faith remains in the All-Knowing Savior who commissioned me to share His love for them also. There’s inevitable and eternal reward when any will deem His sacrifice as Matchless and just seek to comply with His standard. Bow Down!

Today’s Thought “Your Grandmother’s Church” G. Ward Isaiah 40 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever. While trends are subject to change without being tagged failure, causing mindsets a natural perception to believe everything must evolve, even considering the subject matter inarguable. It’s therefore, that a predominant view of God’s Word is with a similitude of the Encyclopedia Britannica; still somewhat useful with many pertinent facts, but needing revision. Believers however, remain vigilant onto its Truth (i.e., God’s Word), even understanding the timelessness of the inerrancy within, begging any to pardon them for an unwavering posture in faith.

Today’s Thought “A Review in Moral Instruction” 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.” Our efforts in being good are particularly of greater concern as we age. Our understanding regarding the brevity of life is heightened and while some are consumed with what’s to be written on their tombstone, those of us considerate in greater intimacy with the Almighty desire the proven-ness in following God’s Word (vs.17). The centrality of where our trust exists can never defer to a wrongful categorization of other’s failure to meet the acceptable moral code (as we’ve all failed miserably thereunto), but must compare mine own life against the Christ who remains the sinless One, having persevered through temptations (Heb.4:14-15) and whereas I’m still growing up, that’s Who I want to emulate! How about you?

Today’s Thought “The Turning Point” G. Ward Proverbs 3:1 “My son, do not forget my teaching, but have your heart comply with my commandments.” As New Year resolutions have been thoroughly violated in this latter portion of February, what was taught us pertinent to spiritual significance is too perceived as best for us, yet our compliance can certainly be short-lived; particularly so, until a practice is established similar to brushing one’s teeth (*Lam.3:22-23).

Today’s Thought “Regalia in the Pulpit” G. Ward John 10 4 When he puts all his own sheep outside, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 However, a stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers. Our times witness men (like you and me) proposing to be called of God, but unavailable to the sheep of the Almighty’s pasture and whereas our fore parents knew their Pastor, many absolutely cannot be reached directly by their congregants. There’s an order however, superseding any era of man and our Redeemer while in earth modeled what availability meant (even talking to social rejects and allowing the least to accompany Him on mission trials) and they didn’t preface His name with titles of regality. Perhaps our newest demand of palatial temples, along with an undeserved promotion that enables exorbitant behaviors from these leaders, entirely unsanctioned by God, is the chieftain of this unfortunate reality? Moreover, this posture, on both ends, lends persistent excuse from some refusing affiliation with worship houses, even though God’s demand hasn’t changed (*Heb.10:25). Seek SHELTER while you can ...

Today’s Thought “A Desecrated Temple” G. Ward 2 Chronicles 7 16 For now I have chosen and consecrated this house so that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there always. While “if” remains the biggest word, particularly when one is in need, even dependent on the One solely able to fulfill that desire; even witnessing great willingness unto a proposed recipient to jump through any hoop presented so as to be satisfied and whereas no human is consistently self-sufficient (nor gifted in the permanency of every endeavor), he’ll soon need the ONE entirely opposite of mankind (Isa.55:8-9). Moreover, when reciprocity is due and because there’s seemingly no tangible repercussion when/if my payback falls short, my hiding seems prudent – until another need presents itself and then my arrogance in thinking HE forgot disqualifies… Faith equals obedience.

Today’s Thought “Bible History Re-Visited” G. Ward Psalm 127:1 Unless the LORD builds a house, they who build it labor in vain; Unless the LORD guards a city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Anarchy from men witnessed global powers of old, seemingly impenetrable of enemy forces to become absolutely annihilated, replaced even, by another subjective group. Prior to the Roman Empire, the Greeks, under Alexander the Great, witnessed a splinter group, the Seleucids, ruled by a brutal leader Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who forced Greek culture unto the Jewish nation, enabling great sacrilege in Temple worship; causing a great revolt from the Jews (Maccabean) *who witnessed assistance from the Romans, whereby Israel gained their independence from the Greeks (*cf.Ac.6:1-4) The Romans ultimately grew alongside of Israel, to inevitably swallow up Israel (yet tolerate their religion). Our times embrace a similar geopolitical understanding with other nations (e.g., United Nations), doing so to thwart threats of tyranny’s invasion of our land and while we value our military might, with religious expressions of being a blessed nation, will the archives speak to our past as being great, to then fall (e.g., China Spy Balloon), while our chants say “bring it on” (!)?

Today’s Thought “What’s This Meditation Thing?” G. Ward Psalms 34:1-3 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. We’d all do well in creating an absolute portion of each day with desire to disconnect with all electronic gadgetry and people to concentrate deeply on how we’ve endured both great triumphs and difficulties. The Author of moments, affords each soul an individualized freedom to either recognize that endurance isn’t the self-contained actuality of some’s perception, but an allowance from Heaven’s regard that pulls (constantly) at the heartstrings of man so that he may fully surrender to the spiritual purpose proposed (even before his parents thought they made him). The Almighty absolutely loves those HE created and it’s because of the dangers (seen and unseen) every human encounters, that the All-Wise Savior pursues souls and while some believe coming to Him thwarts difficulties of sorts, that was never the guarantee. Once surrender to His perfect guidance takes place, HIS Spirit within us will never leave, nor forsake us. Think on that.

Today’s Thought “The Subtlety of Error” G. Ward Galatians 1 6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, 7 which is not just another account; but there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. God is absolutely not partisan; He loves those in the universe created by Him. We however, have a subliminal implant of “blessings” being strongly associated with America, forgetting history that witnessed other empires collapse that too “flowed with milk and honey” (i.e., Canaan, Assyria, Babylonia, Persia and the Romans). I’m so amazed to see so many posts with supplication unto the Almighty that asks the Creator to absolutely forbid sickness from penetrating their home, along with desiring “no lack” (financially) for this year and whereas my religious friends insist I’m crazy (and I am), know this; recent statistical data reports that there are about eight percent of the global population that live in extreme poverty, which means they subsist on less than US$2.15 per day and half of the world’s population lives on less than $6.85 daily. Moreover, did you not awaken to hearing the earthquake’s victims of Syria/Turkey’s tragedy, now reporting more than 20,000 deaths. You rejoice because health is yours and most American cities with children’s hospitals are with oncology wards filled with parents accompanying their innocent babies, having spent the night awaiting dismal forecasts and please forgive this theologian’s usage of pragmatism that asks in this month honoring Black History, “could our foreparents claim all of this?”

Today’s Thought “Blinded by A Dim Light” G. Ward John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Grief is absolutely unavoidable and while the “new church” seeks to squash notions of this inevitable course, many on today have awakened (if having slept at all) with tremendous health uncertainties, along with lack, presumably and contemptuously common to most in America. Many verses alluding to celebratory joy has absolutely blinded a preparation intended for our daily pursuits, lending confidence; so, when sufferings occur (and they will), our troubles would absolutely lean on our Sufficient King and whereas His promise to never leave, nor forsake us is Truth, we’re called to build on THIS gift of faith and not ANY words from men like us (*Psalm 146:3-6). Let’s charter the spiritual course our predecessors relied upon; even when they were in fields (morning to night) without pay. Their hope for deliverance believed more in the OWNER of a land without sufferings, than a land with light dimmed by miseries imposed by other men.

Today’s Thought “HE Promised…” G. Ward 2 Peter 2 6 And if He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction by reducing them to ashes, having made them an example of what is coming for the ungodly; 7 and if He rescued righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the perverted conduct of unscrupulous people 8 (for by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among them, felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds), 9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from a trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt passion, and despise authority. We cannot persist to think of Holy God as the Deliverer only granting joy and peace, without understanding His judgments are severe and those same indictments are not solely belonging to violators of heinous sin, but includes those proprietors of haughtiness (i.e., Those who feel they can guide their own lives. *cf. Ac.5:1-6).

Today’s Thought “How’s All That Working?” G. Ward Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he grows older he will not abandon it. What does it mean when we endeavor scripture and witness an opposite effect of its demand upon so many testimonials of having been raised in the church, yet experienced great spiritual abandonment (for weeks, month, years, decades)? Instead, the whole of mankind have been called towards an interrogation of Holy God’s Word for what it’s saying, rather than to pre-suppose its meaning. Resolute Answer: Our instruction as parents, was never meant to relegate the message of eternality unto spiritual institutions. Worship centers are only meant to accentuate what is greatest priority. To absolutely model with insistence what it means to walk with the Lord, along with teaching them how to love the Almighty with their whole being REMAINS the precedent (*Deut.6:4-7). Spiritual abandonment is not likely to be named among any when the beholder of instruction has no where to venture outside of practiced dependence (*cf. John 6:64-69). As I close onto digression that seeks to question with drawing a contrast pertinent, what if general education, along with social skills with small children was met similarly? (…)

Today’s Thought “People Pleasers” G. Ward Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. For many it’s shocking to witness those seemingly so reasonable, to have fallen into traps of nuances some spiritual leaders have now introduced as “straight from the Word of God.” The most regarded document for the history of the world remains the Bible and its transcending power pertains to every sector of this universe, along with timeless implication (*We don’t insist it adjusts to our era, we’re just called to obey in the same given our predecessors of old.). We’re grateful for the modern conveniences provided us, that enables greater communication and less sweat, but these should never be interpreted as more blessed, particularly in view of a current immoral climate unbeknownst to our Great-great Grandmother’s day. Moreover, her reliance on the unadulterated Truth of God’s Word was embraced by a predominant society that understood sufferings would exist for all men, including what it meant to sow seeds, so as to eat; not giving a dime to receive a dollar back. Believers pursue God’s Word daily with a similitude of having learned our alphabet in pre-school and while decades have passed since we’ve encountered this instruction and whereas we cannot be swayed to think the letter B comes before A, our tenacious pursuit of God’s Word WON’T allow wrongful penetration of foolish ideologies, along with vain philosophies; “we shall not be moved” (*1 John 4:1-6) …

Today’s Thought “Confirmed by A Work” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. Leadership compels results and if any desire to gauge who may be good therein, along with an expectancy of tremendous crowds, it won’t always prove greatness (*John 6:65-67). Instead, good leadership must embody personal conviction that desires to build others and whereas humility understands “it takes a village” versus an over-estimation of oneself as entirely capable in establishing a successful corporate structure, they’ll inevitably view greater rebellion from those subordinates. May our consciences unfold greatest perseverance that more lends reminiscence for generations ahead, based on One exemplar Leader who endured while not so esteemed among men (Isa.53:2-3).