Today’s Thought “Spring Break?” G. Ward Isaiah 55 6 Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked abandon his way, and the unrighteous person his thoughts; and let him return to the LORD, and He will have compassion on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. A conscientiousness of Holy God’s eternal presence in/throughout the world He created is essential to an attitude considerate in a permissiveness in what perceivably is small sin. A disciple of Christ’s righteousness cannot forego a dependence on HIM because a vacation calendar is loaded with fun, nor should one undergird a daily devotional service while away, without determining getting off one’s knees liberates any from moments thereafter in having the Savior’s reign and rule in what you say has become “new life” (cf. Matt.12:34-40).

Today’s Thought “Towering Inferno” G. Ward Ephesians 4:26-27 BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity. Anger should provoke prayer because its object too deserves mercy and that to which they allowed for any’s view so entirely transgressive, has become your opportunity to instruct them on the avenue leading to eternity (Matt.28:19-20), or reprove others who experienced lapse in best conduct (*remembering ours is on its way). We cannot persist in the world’s mantra that castigates without forgiveness with refusal to restore; particularly when we’ve been graciously rescued from the same, justifying permanent release of some, to then await a worship experience unto ONE failing to recognize our supplication (cf. 1 Cor.11:27-32)…

Today’s Thought “Deliberate, Yet with Hope” G. Ward Romans 6: 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under the Law but under grace? Far from it! 16 Do you not know that the one to whom you present yourselves as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of that same one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? My prayer life always understands how ineffectual I am apart from being entirely governed by our Lord (i.e., my desire must be HIS – Matt.6:10). Moreover, to even say I know Him, absolutely denies (gratefully so) every ideology (outside of God’s words) seemingly favorable to my short life, to more insist I’m available towards advancing His cause to men. Therefore, I cannot persist to say He’s mine and I’m His, nullifying a required spiritual transformation that assures an eternity with HIM, while considerate of following an unsanctioned, worldly pursuit so widely accepted as “my choice.” Intimacy, for me with the Most High remains that to which was proposed by the Almighty before the foundation of the world (*Eph.1:4-7) and if I could escape I wouldn’t and whereas friends may have lessened, His love is unrelenting. So, my prayers continue for so many dealing with so much – that the same given me, would be theirs …

Today’s Thought “When It’s All Over” G. Ward Hebrews 13:15 Through Him then, let’s continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips praising His name. I’ve grown terribly disillusioned regarding appearances to worship Holy God in the modern church; its contingency relies on vibrant music and if it should stop, those so celebrative will condescend to a normal posture. Worship must have an object to appreciate and whereas the Creator of heaven and earth is said to be the Only One worthy, have any read what HE delights in (Isa.1:13-17, Amos 5:21-23)? *When hearts fail to identify what the Almighty desires, every chant, song and discourse is vanity and whereas these outward expressions may even include personal desire to help spur a proposed gratefulness, every action thereafter discounts HE alone deserves every praise. Moreover, let’s never forget, the greatest worship given by man is compliance onto HIS commands (Luke 6:46), NOT YOUR MUSIC.

Today’s Thought “The Carnival Mirror” G. Ward Matthew 28:20 “Teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” There were some compelled to utterly destroy both people and things contained in a land so contrary to the way of the Lord (cf. Deut.2:34, 3:6); particularly that God’s own would inhabit these parcels and it appears presuppositional in our era for many perceived to be carriers of morality, along with feeling they’re chosen (through other devices) to portray on a populous godly ideas indicative of honoring the Creator and whereas believers (who absolutely trust the words from Holy God) stand on the greatest premise to witness man conforming to righteousness from Christ’s distribution; knowing what afforded them such opportunity. Another believer took them by the hand and taught them what the Lord says and when another way has become substitutionary, it’s immorally unacceptable and spiritually irresponsible (Matt.7:13-14).

Today’s Thought “This Is My Life and I’ll…” G. Ward Titus 3:1 “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed.” In an ideal world, compliance unto laws could perhaps put various media outlets out of business and while many wish that would occur, some (in the same), have been instrumental in beginning their own networks, in that they’ve pervaded multiplicities in opinions and perspectives concerning perceived dysfunction in others so often and particularly, as they tag many as violators and whereas the friends of these so disgruntled may not be as versed in current ills plaguing our society, they can disquiet their devices and run to these pundits for information personally. Most probable to understand is that many so critical of others can be found portraying illegal acts themselves; something as simple as exercising a perceived right to drive 10 miles per hour over the speed limit without penalty, to either be unfamiliar with why the limits are set so low, or in their proclamation to know our Lord, absolutely forget that HE ordained laws as such to exist for protection of others and you. Moreover, they’re established so to formulate a similar discipline given us as children by our parents that readies us towards an acceptance of HIS governance.

Today’s Thought “When I Grow Up…” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 11 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. Aspirations from young people have often desired to govern themselves and it’s due primarily to points of stoppage from their parent’s demands and whereas many of us can certainly speak to that (personally having experienced the same), we absolutely miss just being responsible to chores and homework, but instead – are bombarded with financial obligations and worry. Our growth (chronologically) is now with an aspiration of old; we want freedom (i.e., resources to do as we please) and the vulnerability in our impractical demands, keeps us susceptible to snake oil salesmen, tagged pursuit of happiness; an it’s your thing, do as you please, you made this money and besides, life is short (*cf. Ps.24:1). There’s an unavoidable reality we’re soon to encounter and on the other side an eternity awaits. Everyone is with an eternal guarantee, but many will fail to abide in the joyous land intended, because they allowed the “boogey-man” to insist their desires be met, along with the Creator’s; which remains a wicked lie (Ps.34:1-3, Pr.3:5-6).

Today’s Thought “Prayers before Protest?” 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. To surmise an entanglement with matters ultimately insignificant to challenges pertinent to eternality, in what is the last chapter of a God supplied, holy script indicative of righteousness only deriving from the Savior unto those who will absolutely place their trust in HIS directives, has become an unfruitful practice that can subtract from a Blessed Assurance that Jesus is Lord. The end of life is not what occurs when someone is 90, or 100 (and accolades are shared from many to regard this as a blessed life, even lengthy); all our lives are at its epilogue (*1 Pe. 4:7-8). Many of us are now the elders and like our parents who at the end didn’t concern themselves with constitutional rights (and other matters entirely argumentative), do you think at our last breaths, ours will wonder who the next President will be?

Today’s Thought “The Burglar Lurks…” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. Awakening to news of President Xi Jinping’s (China) arrival in Russia to meet with President Vladimir Putin (a quiet, calculating tyrant), along with an American former President anticipating being arrested, has become a chaos of ordinary proportion and whereas all our refrigerators are currently occupied with items once desired, to soon be thrown away, global hunger continues. Will we settle down to a spiritual observation mandating we not divert attention to these actualities, more than the Cure? Many would say, “Gregory, we talked of that reality on Sunday (i.e., the day set aside for worship), but now it’s incumbent on us to fulfill our duty in distributing peace intended.” To that end, I’d say, the Author of peace, remains the Shelter needed as chaos of sorts continues. Moreover, an examination of history’s account in gross negligence of the Almighty’s governance ALWAYS witnessed imminent destruction, whereby earth’s citizenry had absolutely no place to run and although rain from Heaven falls on the just and unjust, those of us who seemingly perish in earth, understand this wasn’t our home in the first place (John 14:1-3).

Today’s Thought “Loud Talking at the Library” G. Ward Romans 15 3 For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “THE TAUNTS OF THOSE WHO TAUNT YOU HAVE FALLEN ON ME.” 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. While we’re spiritually urged to make contentment our aim, many have more associated this with a wrongful delineation to mean believers are to exist in sterile circles and commune with others in like-mindedness, so as to avoid slippage (i.e., transgressing God’s commands). This kind of assessment from some can often render tags that deem us as arrogantly weird. Moreover, we then may be exposed to their watching our every step, ensuring perfection emanate from our beings and whereas blatant sin may not be named among us (in that watch), they could embellish (through horrid assumption) – unseen and un-holy scenarios plaguing many. We’re called to a preparation exemplified by our Savior (*Mark 1:35) that thwarts being reactionary in a way to prove they’re correct. STAY IN THE BOOK!

Today’s Thought “I Did It MY Way?” G. Ward Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Sit-Ins for the Civil Rights Movement absolutely confounded men, even disallowing what ordinarily would be a reaction similar to what was imposed, merely desirous of an equality, even enduring great abuses. The believer in Christ Sufficiency must be similarly inordinary. The characteristics aforementioned are the general demands in our spiritual makeover; the reciprocity owed, so as to present our Lord guiding this new life. Moreover, we’re positioned in His earth, not for independence, but surrender unto our All-Wise Savior in everything. Many are seemingly on board with this theological demand, only as they need His shelter (Pr.1:24-29) and whereas the world further incites its citizenry to make wise choices and own your own power, unraveling the essence of His Majesty WILL witness there is All wisdom found in the Almighty and yes, while He rains on the just and un-just, these allowances will soon be over (indicative of the brevity of life), along with understanding Him as ALL Power and if He won’t grant a next breath, can any resuscitate himself?

Today’s Thought “Tidings of Comfort and Joy?” G. Ward Ephesians 5:6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” Religion obtained is not necessarily a bad thing until follow-ship of its rudiments (imposed by man) becomes so entirely obsessive and leaves out the Centerpoint (John 15:5) and whereas ours remains Christ, we imitate His life without speculative pursuit, because it is written. Truly, apart from God, there is no righteousness found in man, so speculations and ideologies are unimpressive; particularly those appearing acceptable without personal investigation. So many mean well when hearing our woes, feeling it an urgent matter to just say something and again, while compassion is genuinely theirs, with an objective to encourage, they’ll forget that troubles are and have been an unfortunate accompaniment to mankind from the beginning, remaining absolutely unavoidable (John 16:33). Some will even grab your hands to pray, ending in Jesus Name, often failing to regard its meaning - may all be according to HIS will, yet prompting an obliteration of the problem(s) at hand. Did Holy God know from the beginning? YES PRAY, but many times the essence of walking alongside is a quiet venture, that holds the hand of one weary and cries with them, assuring them that God is near, even in those who believe…

Today’s Thought “Run Forrest” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 9 25 “Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So, they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” The athlete’s fraternization with guilty pleasures is limited, particularly as the competition he’s trained for (so rigorously) nears and whereas he’ll absolutely be drained of energies required if foolish concession thereunto happens, therefore, he re- acquaints himself with the mission intended. The believer’s run is similar; however, he trains for a daily interactivity first with His Lord, because his desire is to reverence HIM, so as to regard HIS eternal presence and knows what’s best for His runner, granting him every breath to exercise accordingly. He (the believer) is then ready to face the dispirited; knowing his own countrymen may need encouragement to know their Lord is at watch and won’t cease to care for them in times of trouble (1 Pe.5:7). Moreover, and as they go (Matt.28:19), a desire to share what they’ve received, compels them towards the many who may fail at knowing the Almighty desires a love relationship with them also, having sent His Best on behalf of their every wrongdoing that once disqualified the greatest reconciliation ever and whereas the runner designated to share, trained for such a monumental race, his explanation of the Savior’s love for any, reaffirms his being designated to bless his Lord (Ps.34:1-2) and confirms the one who never thought he’d be accepted in the Heavenlies (Eph.1:3).

Today’s Thought “Travelling Mercies” G. Ward 1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves the child born of Him. Metropolitan Atlanta traffic now rates in the top 5 regions in worst traffic and while most large municipalities are with residents indigenous to that land; Atlanta however, is filled with drivers pervading unusual etiquettes relative to their original hometown and the mixture therein is horrendous, demanding more safety than ever before. Our days of uncertain return to ordinary must anticipate an alternative route in the un-eventual congestion ahead and while prayers acknowledge God through Christ for safe passage, many others involved in unfortunate incidents may have prayed accordingly. We’ve more been taught by culture, than Truth and HE is the Person of God (John 14:6) and whereas calling on Him as Savior has most feeling secure regarding His redemption provided, He’ll not recognize their voices, because HE doesn’t hear them enough (*Pr.1:24-29, Ps.1:1-3, Luke 6:46).

Today’s Thought “No More Daisy Dukes!” G. Ward Deuteronomy 22 5 “A woman shall not wear a man’s clothing, nor shall a man put on a woman’s clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD your God.” State governments are orchestrating laws to limit the proliferation of improper appearances belonging to persons of opposite gender and whereas the Constitutional rights of Americans remains arguable, we didn’t war with such issues when I was a lad (typical old people talk). Moreover, certain stout entertainers are embracing their fluffy body type, making trips to Walmart challenging, as we view those same types in garments so entirely revealing, causing the bean aisle to be depleted, because so many then are contained in mindset that suddenly craves something with ham-hocks in it. Here's what’s actual; we didn’t contend with the politicization in what to wear, along with demands to “come out of the closet” not because things of such were nonexistent, but a climate then was less accepting to certain ideologies and philosophies and whereas my religious friends are saying “no Gregory, we had more God,” I’d say to you, that if that were so, our demand to evangelize then would have permeated mindsets for generations thereafter, virtually eliminating a “coming out” syndrome so prevalent now (*Matt.28:19), instead we just went to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, shamefully utilizing terms like “backslidden” to describe an away-ness from a God-centered life for 20,30 years, to then present ourselves to the Lord saying, “Here I is, you remember me” (Matt.7:21-23)?

Today’s Thought “Thugs in the Pulpit” G. Ward Matthew 23 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them. While the position of the clergyman is honorable, he must research the only Exemplar Shepherd and pursue that commission; making himself available to the words from Holy God, even when proclamations are unpopular (cf. John 6:60-65). Moreover, his being proficient in the Truth of those same words of eternality must never feel as though he’s pinnacled in its directives, even internalizing those demands for his life so as to portray personal conviction thereunto and whereas many yet desire to be greeted in the marketplace with tags of nobility, along with religious regalia commanding audiences to look his way, the Only Messenger and HIS message is diminished (*1 John 4:1-6).

Today’s Thought “Holy Appearances…” G. Ward Matthew 15:8 THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. Many decades ago, there existed a common mantra given us that mandated “always wear clean underwear” and while the precedent for this was with a broad range in why, it was given by those who loved us, understanding the subliminal messaging afforded them, allowing an imperative preparation. Similarly, any reasonable, will understand the whole of mankind was created NOT for an exploration of selfish pursuits, but to identify PURPOSE (not that to which you desire, but what HE wants) to exist in a short life given every man that can/will unfold whether there’s an eternity hereafter with Almighty God, or the Devil and whereas it seemingly is a choice thereunto, our Creator commanded we choose the way leading to Life (*Matt.7:13-14).

Today’s Thought “Bear Trap” G. Ward Deuteronomy 31 8 And the LORD is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed.” Moses wouldn’t see the Promised Land because sin got in the way. His leadership however, condescended to a young man Joshua, whereby he would offer masterful encouragement that admonished him to honor the Almighty, not through a conjured, inconsistent acknowledgement, but a willing obeisance. Moses most assuredly trusted the LORD more than before, particularly as Holy God would allow his stay in earth to see 120 years; and although the grace of our Lord Jesus wasn’t known by Moses, that same pre-incarnate factoring was/is eternal, existing in the Father, securing his faith in God then, yet affording his eternality with the Most High. Personally and particularly, as a man of God, I’ve taken many footsteps outside the realm of His commands, HE’S yet allowed my stay. Therefore, my newest determination is to remain faithful, until tenure begins in Heaven. May our earthly posture in these moments, seek to bring best honor (in all we do) unto His Holy Name …

Today’s Thought “Highest Standard” G. Ward Matthew 5 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 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.” The objective for a great preponderance of man concerning the vilest of sinners is to lock them up and lose the key and whereas that tag should apply to each of us, not as we compare ourselves to those seemingly more reckless, but unto the One Savior who has mercy on those He chooses, along with blessings onto the many He created (cf. John 1:2-3) and while many seek to change their attitude to reflect His, they’ll fail every time; because HE alone imparts the good, allowing the change (Phil.1:6).

Today’s Thought “Heaven Bound?” G. Ward Ephesians 3 12 In whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Questioning any regarding their relationship with God may be borderline unlawful (very particularly in the workplace) and one can be mandated onto immediate shutdown from an employer, or law officer. These kinds of mandates probably stem from the pervasiveness of religion and politics regarded as taboo, causing the believer’s inquiry to revamp spiritually. The rejection in faith matters from those seemingly insecure should never be perceived as personal, but opportunistic for any knowing the Lord. Jesus Christ didn’t walk around carrying a King James Bible, yet it was in HIS heart to share Truth in love. The believer’s persuasiveness can be hindered with appearances of arrogance unto those lacking religious commitment and cause them to avoid these religionists like the plague; but when humility without provocation consumes those redeemed and their prayers that preface a desire for others to know HIM happens, the Mystery meant for them may be realized (*Col.2:2-3) and the family expands.

Today’s Thought “The Serenity of Michelangelo’s Art” G. Ward John 2 15 And He made a whip of cords, and drove them all out of the temple area, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; 16 and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away from here; stop making My Father’s house a place of business!” While the travel unto those Jews commemorating Passover only allowed basic articles to be carried with such distance proposed and whereas each family were responsible for an unblemished sacrifice (i.e., a lamb) to Almighty God for His sparing their people while in Egypt; bringing an uncooperative animal wasn’t feasible. Merchants of sorts would anticipate this, selling animals to these religious ones, along with understanding their need for monies exchanged as some would come from distant regions throughout the Roman Empire needing Jewish or Tyrian coinage. Most of these merchants were entirely unfair in their trade practices, taking advantage of God’s vulnerable. Jesus is depicted more for grace and peace than whipping folks behind and whereas many are only consumed with those passages so entirely melodious, it absolutely leaves out HIM as JUDGE (John 9:39). Pleasures now may produce pain later (God will not be mocked!) …