Today’s Thought “The Candy Store, Without a Penny” G. Ward Matthew 6 8 So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. 9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father, who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. How many remember a time where everyone knew this prayer given every disciple to model in their communication to the Holy One? The prefacing reveals immediate evaluation in Who you’re addressing; demanding a respect uniquely superior to any other (cf. *1 Chron.16:30). Moreover, there’s demand from our Lord that HE be unequalled to our desire; HE alone, knows what’s best for the whole of creation. So, when you pray His will be done, informing Him of earthly actualities – is that faith to believe He knows all? Or, when you congratulate Him on giving you more things (even health, while so many around you suffer) that delivers momentary bliss than joy; even when perceived depletion occurs, is that faithfulness (cf. Phil.4:11-12)? What about your lengthy prayers? Are they more geared to what you say, or is hearing HIM, then doing, central to HIS superiority in knowledge (*Eccl.5:1-2)? Are we really praying or begging?

Today’s Thought “The Untouchables” G. Ward James 1 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it has run its course, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. 17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. Rarely in God’s Word will we hear of a heavenly commendation unto mankind comparable to our demands currently. We’re truly caught up in celebratory mode, even that which lends excuse for dinner parties and after-work gatherings at a constant and whereas this pursuit may seemingly be harmless, it can more preclude best prioritization towards time management principles postponed once again. Let’s face it, most personal resolutions are perceived as somber notes vs., growth mechanisms (e.g., spending more time with loved ones, reading, volunteering, etc.) and generally categorized as secondary to moments where spontaneous laughter reigns plentifully. Those other things can be regarded as tasks, even embodying similitude with employment matters; lending credence towards an overwhelming desire to party and for the believer in Christ sufficiency, these pursuits could damage our proper perceiving of Holy God’s plan for our lives (i.e., His Word). How? Glad you asked. The Word of God won’t ever let us go. When we surrender to what’s best for us, peace given becomes our newest production. The search is over and additional spirits are disallowed, because the sobriety in knowing HE loves me, despite me, grants tremendous joy and soon my time in earth will expire and we’ll adjourn to the incessant celebration above, absolutely beating those great sufferings existing between the next proposed earthen gathering (Ro.8:18) …

Today’s Thought “Developing Proper Language” G. Ward Hebrews 4 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. I’m more understanding to how any level of history is diminished by many in these times; particularly with the development of religious expressions not afforded those innocently hung in trees (e.g., “no weapon formed…”, “just speak it,” along with don’t claim this or that, etc.) and whereas many are correct in these as having derived from Holy God’s Word, a prudent investigation of each one will unfold proper context. If any persist in activities symbolic of faith, without identifying the promise meant for us (4:1), as being the same promise unto our predecessors without proper housing and food, there will be no blessed assurance of personal relationship with the LORD. Moreover, religious expressions regurgitated, will never inspire any towards a blessed hope, but perpetuate a disdain for an impractical regard to what’s become serious to those wearied. Instead, there’s a Perfect resolve worth sharing (Ac.4:12) and in HIM, rest is found.

Today’s Thought “False Humility” G. Ward Proverbs 16 3 Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established. My status in earth more embraces the uncertainty of days ahead and desires what’s best for those yet motioning towards an unending posture of happiness so entirely temporal. The speed of days has included 24 hours for quite some time now, but our daily challenges (with its insistence to pack our schedules with things concerning our welfare – cf. Phil.2:3-4), can/will leave others dispirited. Each of us experience days not so great and whereas “No man is an island,” we’ll need one another. If I’ve more practiced self-preservation, than availability to others, I’m guilty of perpetuating the lack of care societally. Instead, I absolutely owe to any the grace shown me by my Savior (Eph.5:1-2).

Today’s Thought “Squashing Routine” G. Ward 1 Peter 1 13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I’m assured that my plans no matter how godly, won’t please Holy God (Isa.8:10). Commendations from other men may flourish and perhaps some needy will be satisfied in moments, but an avoidance of what’s best for all involved – to witness the Almighty’s opportunity in each of them, can/will more rely on another (saintly) to fulfill what seemingly is a monumental task and whereas those of us appearing devoted to HIS lead perpetuate even more benevolent ideas, teaching others HIS yoke is easier, particularly when our proclamations speak to His power in us (i.e., nothing is too difficult for HIM), will encourage others to know “there’s room at the inn” for them and whoever allows HIS lordship can do greater…

Today’s Thought “No Solicitors at My Door!” G. Ward Psalm 10 8 He sits in the lurking places of the villages; He kills the innocent in the secret places; His eyes surreptitiously watch for the unfortunate. We’re in an unfortunate time where violence (for our countrymen’s perception) is both abhorrent and sanctioned by governmental systems (cf. Heb.4:12). When it’s broadcast on media outlets, who intentionally seek inner city chaotic scenarios, ratings rise and castigations from suburbanites turns into fear that witnesses record profits from firearm outlets. That same fear mongering becomes a destructive and ongoing politicization, lending a new civil war (red vs. blue) in a country prideful on being unmatched and indivisible. Then, a 16-year-old boy arrives at a wrong address (1100 NE 115th Street instead of 1100 NE 115th Terrace) given him by his parents, so as to retrieve his little brothers whereby the homeowner hears the doorbell, to then LIE, saying this boy sought to open the outer glass door, so he “feared for his life” (saying nothing) and shot the boy in the head and while he was down, fired an additional shot that landed. God bless my five grandchildren if they should decide to deliver pizzas while in college! Note to believers in Jesus as Lord: If you ever think your vitriol is new, the psalmist in the passage aforementioned, was also troubled similarly (*Evil, is not new, it’s historical.). Until the heart of man absolutely belongs to the Almighty, he won’t cure (Jer.17:9-10).

Today’s Thought “Re-Inventing the Wheel” G. Ward Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man brings a snare, but one who trusts in the LORD will be protected. Any given year witnesses an average of 4 million new manuscripts written concerning a variety of subject matters that generate perspective and whereas publishing houses, with all their marketing ploys promise success for the author, others are soon to offer a new twist on the same topic, imposing on readers an improved book cover, along with a catchy title. Life given, was never meant to be a quest identifiable by a limited scope soon challenged by myriads of men guessing in the same (e.g., Rat Race?). Instead, and very particularly for those expressive in knowing Holy God as Omniscient (solely) must identify (more sooner, than later), to being here as an accompaniment to other’s desire to model Christ, that testifies to our inadequacy unto spiritual generosity at all times and doing so indiscriminately as HE did (cf. Gal.5:16-17).

Today’s Thought “Ode to A Preacher Man” G. Ward 1 Kings 2:1-2 As David’s time to die drew near, he commanded his son Solomon, saying, “I am going the way of all the earth. So be strong, and prove yourself a man. A most outstanding man of God died on yesterday and many will succumb in the same on today. We’ll experience sorrow, along with hearing chants of rest in peace; yet every believer would insist others know they’re now resting in peace, knowing confidently Who their Caregiver is and resolving themselves to His perfect guidance in everything, while strangely occupants in bouts of imperfection, but confessing Christ sufficiency to forgive them and restore them unto His salvation. Many now are chieftain in great attempt to absolutely thwart sufferings; even a proposed disallowance in negative vibes from people and whereas believers understand they’re not greater than their Savior who endured these actualities at a constant mandates their overwhelming trust of His eternal presence with/in them; knowing He lives and will never forsake them. May we cease in being surprised by death (cf. Eccl.9:2-5); many before us have endured and while sorrow is permissible, the believer resists despair.

Today’s Thought “Vitriol in the Streets” G. Ward Deuteronomy 24 17 “You shall not pervert the justice due a stranger or an orphan, nor seize a widow’s garment as a pledge. 18 But you are to remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and that the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore, I am commanding you to do this thing. I absolutely love the concept derived from The Eternal Script given man from their Creator that ensures a peaceable equity afforded all men; it’s first based on what Holy God shares with those He created. We witnessed a non-violent order re-introduced in the 1960’s (accredited to man, yet God-ordained) and whereas inequity for some, lasted too long and whereas we were strengthened by Heaven’s regard to not render evil for evil, exemplary leadership (now) seemingly can’t be found. The “Wild West” syndrome has pervaded every sector of this land and its citizenry more relies on governmental laws (e.g., 120.5 firearms per 100 residents) than the Almighty’s demands; justifying their stance of a readiness onto security against enemy forces (*Ps.127:1). It brings to mind a song of old, once sung by churches that would encourage others to remain vigilant unto God’s Way, even while unrest persists that said, “You better run to the City of Refuge, you better run!”

Today’s Thought “Keep Talking, I’ll Hear Your Heart…” G. Ward 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. There’s a video circulating concerning what women want in a husband and while it appears being godly is a precedent and whereas this orator flowing in an exuberant cadence speaks so authoritatively, even willing to begin poor in marriage (seemingly commendable), there’s greater elaboration and expectation from this beautiful woman on potential wealth and whereas the crowd is stirred, agreeing strongly with such a discourse, have any thought why dissolution in marriage runs rampant? Moreover, marriage altogether lacks consideration from this promiscuous society that is without spiritual consideration of marriage as a preliminary institution before children. This orator included tremendous reference to God’s Word, yet precluded the opportunity to perceive Truth from the whole of mankind as too temporal for pursuits insignificant to our eternality. My wife and I have been married for 40 years and our greatest concern (currently) isn’t for our financial portfolios more than periodic check-ins that witnesses our well-being, along with knowing that if either of us experience some level of incapacitation, we’ll be there for one another.

Today’s Thought “It’s the Weekend, Baby!” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 15 3 For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Our Lord would insist we know “where our treasure is, there our heart will be also” (Matt.6:21) and when we declare to know HIM, there’s absolutely no frivolous connotation intended, but can more reveal a desire to depend on HIS guidance in everything, yet deny the practice thereunto. So, here we are at another weekend; indifferent from the last, in that it involved Easter Sunday (a day where many attend worship services). We know that many were sincere, but worship is the by-product in having received deliverance from sins and that for the redeemed is without choice. It’s most important to begin a consistent regimen whereby my words match activity and whereas some will hear this to divert attention to many inside with foolish bouts in hypocrisy, the best digression is remembering how much HE loved you by paying a price unfathomable to mankind.

Today’s Thought “The Assignment” G. Ward Deuteronomy 18 20 But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name, a word which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. While prophets were the mouthpiece of the Almighty (*Heb.1:1-2) and whereas believers in this era have become His priesthood (1 Pe.2:9), the calling to fulfill remains the most important assignment for any given Life (cf. John 14:6). Criticism unto some may be justified when others witness our resolve being so opposite of total reliance on words exacted by Holy God; particularly when the most significant stance for believers is to reproduce the perfect message of reconciliation Christ prepared; leaving out an impression that anything good may be found in us (Ro.3:10). Many of us further compel others to wait on our words, as if to say we’ll be back momentarily from Heaven’s boardroom (where we’ve met with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – other flawed individuals of times past), rather than prepare them for the personal, love-relationship with Holy God. Subverting Truth in this foolish regard absolutely portrays the kind of spiritual disconnect that may not get one stoned to death, but can lead to an eternity away from the Holy One…

Today’s Thought “Difficult Times” G. Ward 1 John 2 17 The world is passing away and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God continues to live forever. It turns out that Grandmother’s theorizing was correct in how she urged her progeny not to become so enamored with the pace of society; to pray more and seek the will of God. Mostly on today and even with careful assessment, Christians are indistinguishable from unbelievers. Ours (believers) won’t believe “grey skies are going to clear up” yet we’re still with a happy face. Others strongly support political reform, even merging God unto their platform. Moreover, because Jesus turned water into wine, they’re convinced it was with the similitude of the finest Mouton Rothschild or Dom Perignon and whereas the Jewish Wedding was celebratory for days and the quantity HE made was plenteous, HE would have been complicit in their drunkenness and whereas HE was sinless, our salvation would lie in question, so you figure out what this wine’s components was. We cannot insist on identifying what we feel is best for us and call HIM Lord. Nor can we establish practices unrecognized by Heaven’s standard to think we have time to reconcile the life HE gave us, so as to resemble grandmother’s…

Today’s Thought “Believing I Can?” G. Ward Isaiah 55 11 So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the purpose for which I sent it. I’ve been guilty of wanting another’s surrender to Christ so greatly that my words were entirely too plenteous (cf. Eccl.5:1-2). However, further interrogation of HIS words reveal that faith itself is the gift HE alone imposes unto man (Ro.12:3). Moreover and supremely, Holy God predetermined who would come to that surrender to Jesus before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4-6). Therefore, we’re to be carriers of the good news of sin’s redemption paid by One capable and apart from HIM, we’re rendered totally ineffectual (John 15:5). I thank God for His wisdom to merely teach those truths and to that end, the Lord’s message of hope will prevail over and beyond my articulatory desire. May all see Christ and not Gregory…

Today’s Thought “Easter, An Ongoing Phenomenon” G. Ward Psalm 1 Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! 2 But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, And on His Law he meditates day and night. 3 He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers. I’m convinced that hearts were sincere on yesterday with spiritual salutations and attending worship services, yet I’m afraid if this Monday’s approach is with a similitude of last week’s hopes, a necessary transformation (spiritually) will be forsaken. Moreover, does any remember the sermon that included a charge worthy to adopt? Today has been granted so as to recapitulate onto the Lord’s Way; remembering it is HE who loves you best and whereas every pursuit outside that reality lacks substance, staying on track in spiritual desire must understand there’s no automatic, heavenly imputing to wait for. All are given freedom in quiet pursuit of HIS will (i.e., the Word of God) and that daily endeavor establishes fortitude to reject false hope in conditions and people that determines no greater guidance exists. Happy Easter.

Today’s Thought “Just Another Day?” G. Ward 1 John 2 28 Now, little children, remain in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not draw back from Him in shame at His coming. Passion/Holy Week has a marvelous culmination that celebrates the resurrection of Christ; it’s the greatest Holy-Day. The believer is assured of his eventual transition/departure from this life to an eternal one and our celebration won’t wait solely for this Spring date, yet marvels at HIS merciful ways that forgives us, despite our struggles each day. Our gathering anticipates greatly being able to thank HIM for being unlike us and compels our striving to walk as HE did and whereas we’re overwhelmed in joy to see our countrymen after being exposed to elements of self-centeredness from the masses, these sessions remind us that our contribution in the same must more embody a generosity in Spirit shown us and our desire is that you’d be there (Ro.5:8).

Today’s Thought “Insist on Good Service” G. Ward John 13 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no place with Me.” Jesus our Lord would never put on such an exhibition without a lesson in mind and whereas after the supper He would first take an outspoken Peter, knowing he wouldn’t be quiet concerning the shame he and others had in viewing this King of Glory begin to wash his feet. This lesson may have included a demand for humility, but was more central to this Savior’s willingness to suffer the crucifixion on the very next day (that would wash the sins away for all who would place their trust in HIM). While services may include segments similar, like the disciples then, the major point may be missed. Jesus’ example included that to which only HE could do and whereas His willingness to secure believers unto His eternal presence, a reasonable and reciprocal demand in sharing all HE did remains (Matt.28:18-20).

Today’s Thought “Easter of Old” G. Ward Luke 2 29 “Now, Lord, You are letting Your bond-servant depart in peace, according to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. While there has been such “pomp and circumstance” given to what is the greatest holy-day for the believer, it may have lacked substance because preparation usurped its premise. Many worship centers also have violated that same magnificent reality (i.e., Christ’s entry, death, burial and resurrection) and particularly so for a significant period through being more celebratory than obedient to reproducing His gospel. Simeon’s anticipating Christ was made complete as he would embrace the awaited Savior, substantiating his diligence in faith (that would even culminate his life) towards all that was spoken/written. If the premise of our faith in Jesus will recognize Him as the Only Conqueror of our sins and devote ourselves onto a daily interrogation of His demands, our perspectives – ever wavering, will be overshadowed by the only peaceable, spiritual and eternal posture that matters.

Today’s Thought “First-Hand Experience” G. Ward 1 John 5:12-13 He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. Many have allowed great talker’s influence unto their congregations that can subtract from an assurance of the message of eternality as our only hope and whereas these who subvert Truth really believe mankind should be inspired so as to perceive worldly actualities that adds credence to God’s Word, no other perspective matters at the end (where an eternity hereafter awaits – 1 Pe.4:7). If that’s so, shouldn’t a preparation begin that assures Heaven knows me (Matt. 6:24-34, 24:35)?