Today’s Thought “Inside, OUT” G. Ward Leviticus 22 19 For you to be accepted—it must be a male without defect from the cattle, the sheep, or the goats. 20 Whatever has a defect, you shall not offer, for it will not be accepted for you. 21 When someone offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the LORD to fulfill a special vow or for a voluntary offering, of the herd or of the flock, it must be without defect to be accepted; there shall be no defect in it. The sacrificial offerings given in the old covenant were to be unblemished (not just ordinary) and whereas the Perfect Lamb of God – Jesus Christ has become the Ultimate Offering for sins found in mankind (Heb.7:27), there’s yet a reasonable reciprocity required for you and me similarly (Ro.12:1-2). It won’t happen because we’re intentionally benevolent (Eph.2:8-9). Moreover, our change may be honorable among men, including that which personifies good language and generosity in kindness, but that’s generally a course adopted by any reasonable. The demand from any regarding Christ as Lord, examines His words (daily) and obeys them (immediately) and will soon witness things of old without significance (To obey is better than sacrifice.) and those awakening to satisfy their desire will soon understand that the prerequisite chieftain to knowing our Lord is denial of self (Matt.16:24, Phil.2:3-4). I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold I'd rather be His than have riches untold I'd rather have Jesus than houses or land I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand

Today’s Thought “After the Barbeque” G. Ward Malachi 3 7 “From the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of armies. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’ With all the music apps available, I’m partial to the one without commercials, along with the component that orchestrates personal playlists. There’s a periodic infusion of cross genres I so appreciate, but in no way, particularly with infusions in my musical category involving spirituals songs, will that ever become a substitute for what I owe my Lord. The believer is compelled to an interrogative, daily pursuit of God’s Word (*even during holiday). HE was not considerate of such spiritual lapse, particularly as our Savior experienced persecution of sorts on our behalf (and did so willingly – Mark 1:35). While (at the barbeque) our conversations praised Him for His unrelenting love, along with an insistence in prefacing our fellowship with prayer was honorable, plans were marginalized by efforts that hurried to the gathering, leaving the quiet time unto the Giver of Life secondary and whereas some may feel guilty, you’ll need to re-read our biblical theme.

Today’s Thought “A Perfect Word” G. Ward Proverbs 18 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. The Word of God was never meant to be a book of slogans used to manipulate one either dispirited or found spiritually negligent; particularly formulating dependence on any with periodic bouts in both; but given to teach the essence of overcoming/conquering the overwhelming trials that can absolutely thwart a victorious life in Christ. Moreover, those of the household of faith should grant any, the opportunity to know the Author of life (who loves them) to become their resolve in everything (Pr.3:5-6). The believer’s trust of Holy God must totally embrace biblical impartations, knowing they’re spiritually ordained, and enables a mindset in perplexity of sorts, a stability not found through ideologies and whereas believers are the Almighty’s mouthpiece in earth (Ro.10:14), theirs (that to which they can give as resourceful) is a limited instruction comparable to taking them to the waterhole, baiting their hook and teaching them to cast, while forgetting the fish that satisfies belongs to the Lord (*Ps.24:1).

Today’s Thought “At the Barbeque…” G. Ward John 10 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. Jesus issues a clarion call to His own; He desires all would find every answer in Himself. He gave every man life and therefore is its Author (John 1:3-4, 4:6) and whereas many this weekend will audaciously bind Satan in their prayers (How can any commune with the Almighty and insist on warring with a defeated foe?), only HE did/could do that (*cf. Eph.6:10-17). Moreover, we’d do well to receive His context in this tremendous warning to know that the thief is the false teacher (vs.1) and he will perhaps be at the barbeque and there’s an answer – “But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness” (2 Ti.2:16). The Apostles knew the value of implicit faith, refusing to move away from God’s Word; eat the ribs, but stay clear of their discourse.

Today’s Thought “A Common Denominator” G. Ward Ephesians 3 8 To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, 9 and to enlighten all people as to what the plan of the mystery is which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things. Prior to this Apostle’s conversion experience unto Christ, Paul (then Saul) would be comparable to some of our great seminarians today. His knowledge of scripture was astounding, even causing his zeal for Holy God as a Jew to become a nightmare for any belonging to Jesus Christ. Thereafter, he would never consider himself better than any, even refusing an unrightful comparison to fellow believers or those exercising in rebellion. His sole desire was imitating our Lord (Eph.5:1-2). Moreover, he would marvel in being God’s instrument in explaining the Way, Truth and Life; knowing all that was studied in his prior life was culminated in this Wonderful Savior. We’d all do well to eliminate conversing about some appearing entirely repulsive; particularly as we’ve been found prior to our repentance – that bolsters our presumed standing; but love, without condition that always believes with hope (1 Cor.13:4-7).

Today’s Thought “Bound for Heaven: A Colorless Society” G. Ward Revelation 7: 9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all the tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they *cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” Sinful men bombard many with what is deficient in their lives, seeking to present ideas seemingly so once unattainable, become readily perceived, even leading them thereafter in a quest unsanctioned and divisive. It’s comparable to imposing an inconspicuous harlotry (cf.2 Cor.10:3-6). We’re bombarded with ideologies, dressed up as true religion, even that to which pervades introducing a foreign translation (with insistence unto those they deceive), to refer to Jesus’ name by His Hebrew regard. As Shakespeare said, “That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet” (Romeo and Juliet, II:i). Holy God’s purpose for Israel never altered (*Isa.49:6 He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the protected ones of Israel; I will also make You a light of the nations so that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”). We’re given the Word of God for greatest benefit in earth onto heaven, not to hoard it because we’re a purple people…

Today’s Thought “Choosing A Church?” G. Ward 1 John 1:1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. There’s a most interesting posture taken by man through many avenues given him to discern and while this unfortunate choosing may include a fellowship to join, that decision should never include what they perceive is best for them – outside of unadulterated Truth. Great preaching is inseparable to teaching (Jas.3:1) and worship unequivocally belongs to the Almighty and whereas the freedom of choice is seemingly ours to pursue, every venture is answerable to the Sole Beholder of life (cf. Matt.7:13-14). John, the last Apostle testified to having personal witness of HIM; even compelling men to hear and adjust immediately (particularly in view of false teachers, who went (then and now) to extreme measure to denounce HIM before others). We cannot discern spiritually when seeking to belong on terms of cultural identifiers; particularly when institutions of praise maintain ratios of praise greater than teaching (cf. 1 Cor.2:14). That’s idealistic and guarantees death, not Life (John 14:6).

Today’s Thought “Like Yesterday…” G. Ward Matthew 18 9 And if your eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fiery hell. The analogy provided from our Lord clearly referenced the many stumbling blocks that hinders our full surrender to His lordship and one such hindrance is the notion widely accepted that says “I can.” Rarely are we in tune to the historical actuality in how man arrived unto God’s earth. The dust of our composition revealed a limited, frail and vulnerable existence. We’ve listened to an inaccurate tag in some deemed strong, while only God is and HE kept us weak so as to depend on HIM in everything (*Pr.3:5-6). It appears harsh, even grotesque, such an analogy aforementioned, until our resolve (spiritually – 1 Cor.2:14) understands that nothing should keep us from an implicit trust of Christ (the Only All-Wise Savior), who made us (John 1:3-4) and remains Sufficient to govern us…

Today’s Thought “Constrained by Conscience” G. Ward Romans 13 11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed. The careful study of traffic in major cities is perhaps the greatest indicator of man’s unwillingness towards selflessness. He’s trapped in a bubble with wheels and a motor, mostly deciding on an impenetrable posture where all others are enemy forces, absolutely dismissing any signs of hospitality; to then arrive at a proposed destination still caught up in the same attitude. What if he prepared better (e.g., time management), could that lessen the potential anguish? Probably not, it’s because routine is with a refusal to be broken. He won’t slow down until the weekend presents itself and no one better tell him that days are without guarantee of presence for any (Ps.90:10-12). He knows this intellectually, but not practically. He’s starving spiritually, because he won’t adjourn to the greatest guide point for his life (cf. Heb.4:12-13), because all his friends are also caught up similarly and the ones suggesting they’ve slowed down know the spiritual particulars, but their routine is with a refusal to be broken.

Today’s Thought “Unified onto One Opinion” G. Ward Ephesians 4 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. Opinions and perspectives vary and are subject to change when a perceived greater one is presented; causing limited mindsets found in man to become captivated to an unnecessary scurrying that identifies with the acceptable idea(s) for today. Moreover, the haste from some, perhaps seeking to be relevant is so exhausting, many opt out, to then hear others tag them irrelevant; forgetting the whole of mankind is with category, worthy to celebrate for an imposed generosity from on High that should seek to find another, making their lives less difficult and whereas swift adoption of theorizing from those with greater aptitude adjusts to varied change easily, condemnation from those same, leaves others behind. Therefore, let’s run towards one opinion that remains superior and never alters, but unifies and each of us can be assured of that generosity from those sincerely following our Lord WILL walk alongside of those less adept…

Today’s Thought “The Debt Ceiling” G. Ward Matthew 6 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The United States has never defaulted on its debt, yet if Congress fails to appropriate the necessary funding, millions will potential come to ruin and whereas both sides (i.e., Democrats and Republicans) have utilized these times to hold citizens’ viability hostage, many experience great unrest. While I celebrate living in this democracy, my trust remains in Holy God, not legislators, nor in systems that can lend appearances for a successful life. Moreover, I refuse to awaken to words from God that solely suits my interests (e.g., that which embraces my desires). I’ll ingest HIS script, echoing the sentiment of the psalmist having said it’s “sweeter than honey to my mouth,” even when it’s against me. My every investment (time, resources and God-given abilities), must contemplate every breath, then attribute it to an apparent spiritual purpose, knowing that my Owner bestows it and when that occurs, “my living won’t be in vain.” Have Your way Lord!

Today’s Thought “The Driver’s Manual” G. Ward Proverbs 30 12 There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes, yet is not washed from his filthiness. While many have run amok on criterion needed for particular licensing unto a practice and whereas a manual was presented to endeavor such a task rightfully, the shortcut allowed passage of the man-made exam whereby years in successful living was with presumptive appearances, but lacked fortitude and even caused harm to others who by the professional’s example, endeavored shortcuts also (cf. Matt.7:21-23) … Holy God’s Word must be acknowledged according to a perfect adherence to what it says and second or third parties’ explanation(s) may/could marginalize an eternal position desired (Heb.4:16).

Today’s Thought “Too Familiar?” G. Ward Ecclesiastes 11 5 Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything. There are many who seek to impress others with such authority on that which Holy God said to them and whereas a common thread in lack of diligence towards His Word exists with the predominance of earthlings (Ro.8:6-8), they continue in unrightful rhetoric. We’re with potential in diffusing a “drinking of the kool-aid” syndrome (indicative of mass murder orchestrated by Pastor Jim Jones in 1978 at Jonestown, Guyana, where 900 members were coerced to drink a flavored powder substance laced with cyanide) and we do so by a careful examination of the Almighty’s script (Ac.17:11), *understanding spiritual leaders also required forgiveness from their sins. Moreover, and amazingly, any seemingly so insistent to hearing what the Lord said, should read to those hearing what HE says. Howbeit that so many authoritative won’t do the first thing HE instructed immediately after paying the full price for their sins, equaling blatant disobedience (i.e., making others as they’ve been established by the Holy ONE – Matt.28:19), yet so clear with more instruction?

Today’s Thought “Snake Oil Charmer” G. Ward James 3:1 “Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.” While it’s a joy to be God’s missionary, I must never allow the words spewing from my mouth to become contradictory of my strongest conviction (i.e., God’s Word). Many, upon hearing such from a gospel teacher may more contemplate that concern for the words means being careful in not being profane in the vilest sense of one’s mindset, but mine own insists I train up in the Savior’s example. It’s absolutely pompous and unacceptable when/if hope in Christ fails to exude from one redeemed and called. Ours should encompass (especially) a regard for any perhaps selected by the Almighty unto the deliverance HE provided for their lives (to which that decision is sovereignly HIS alone) and whereas some teachers of Truth falsely pre-determine the worthiness of a few, that’s the vilest of mindsets. Moreover, this same perspective in disconnect should cause every teacher an evaluation (daily), questioning their availability to HIS words and not their opinions (*Rev.22:18-19) *and whereas every believer is called to teach HIS commands, how well have you done (cf. Heb.5:12)?

Today’s Thought “Crosstown Traffic” G. Ward Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” When confession agrees with my need to be forgiven from all sin and I then identify with the Lord’s absolute governance for my life as best (i.e., refusing to live according to my desires) and whereas this transition offers peace and security for my total being, our world remains un-settled (and I’m called to live in it, but to never concede to its practices). Moreover, I’m assured of an interaction with others not so committed in similar devotion to Christ (particularly with great misinterpretation of what it means to be owned by the All-Wise Savior – salvation’s prerequisite). I’m then faced with a crossroad in belief; shall I follow my Exemplar Leader – Jesus and look beyond their faults, realizing I too experience a similar, periodic lapse in unrighteous pursuits, or arrogantly dismiss them entirely, refusing to share with them that the Almighty desires a love relationship with them also? If I choose the latter, perhaps my confession was in vain.

Today’s Thought “Musical Note Unrecognized” G. Ward Luke 9 23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, this is the one who will save it. We’re already close to the mid-month of May and it appears time is truly with swift transition. The pace of it all is entirely unkind to those of us in slow-down mode; so very supportive of “out with the old and in with the new” and if any won’t quickly resolve themselves to this newest culture, they’re left behind. The things (i.e., tangibles) of desire from this same culture won’t calculate the cost in endeavoring hopes and it’s because most messaging promotes oneself as the central figure, even mixing an old adage that insists, “it’s your thing do what you want…” Truth: Our LORD insists, HE’S your Maker (John 1:3) and claimants of knowing Him is established on ONE premise; denying oneself. Moreover, spiritual denial in this holy regard includes a willingness to obey His commandments, serve one another, and suffer; perhaps even die for His sake. The speed of culture says you can have God and your way; you’ve now heard Truth. Will tomorrow include you? Does Heaven know your name?

Today’s Thought “Lip Service?” G. Ward John 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. Routine and the practice thereunto will always tire in how mundane it’s become and requires retreat that seeks to establish being re-energized for the tasks presented. Joy in serving however, will always have an objective in mind that makes endeavors easy and to that end, compels others in doing better (Ps.37:5). Many echo praise (i.e., religious slogans) to God for the joy in serving, more establishing words without inner appreciation unto the courageous sacrifice (death) Christ rendered on their behalf that soon witnesses those expressions as a wrongful substitute for adherence to what HE says (Luke 6:46). When any persist in more acknowledgement of a desire towards best devotion to Christ without immediate activity that will even consider violating routine, is that belief or playing Russian Roulette?

Today’s Thought “You Better Think!” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 11:27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy way, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. 28 But a person must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. 29 For the one who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not properly recognize the body. The illustrious “kitchen committee” for churches in this era has become synonymous with threatening the unity of the church and I must admit that at our local fellowship, we’ve had this problem. The necessitation however for such a committee is yet needed for most fellowships; particularly in view of a varied celebratory process encompassing good food and whereas such feasts were modeled by the first century church, that sought to promote even greater continuity, it too was squashed by unnecessary, divisive attitudes. At the end of these feasts, the churches at Corinth would practice the Lord’s Supper (i.e., Communion) and whereas an examination was the demand in prefacing (vs.28), a preliminary attitude that forgot the intent for gathering (Christ’s physical Incarnation, sacrificial death, Resurrection, and coming kingdom.), some would partake of this communion frivolously, whereby Holy God would consider this attitude so vile, that HE would put those offenders to death (vs.30). I’m compelled to change our practice to another day outside of Sundays because of such and while many of you think of our merciful Lord as wholly kind, gentle and patient (and HE is), let’s not forget He's also just (*cf. Ac.5:1-11).

Today’s Thought “The Cigarette Lady” G. Ward Romans 12 3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. Many years ago, the great tobacco manufacturer (Philip Morris) began what was a very controversial stance in promoting a new look (particularly in view of the Women’s Liberation Movement) that featured numerous, beautiful women in business and evening attire, smoking a sleek cigarette, designed esoterically for women and introduced a slogan that said, “You’ve Come a Long Way Baby!” Billboards, along with magazine articles flooded our view then, that helped in establishing a new paradigm shift in our thinking. There was however, no problems with some factions in American culture honoring women, because motherhood demanded great respect, in that she led the home in a variety of ways. Many on today are consumed in a similar ideology of the slogan aforementioned and desire moving away from societal norms and while this may not appear immoral (i.e., re-inventing oneself), these ideologies never satisfy; ultimately and soon equated with trends of old. Holy God is not solely the Author of life with everyone, HE even imposes faith to all and whereas we’ve often estimated that a particular posture taken is a rightful one, many predecessors of His eternal Way, pervaded that moral position onto another enabling some (like us) to an adoption entirely orchestrated by His Almighty hand. We’d do well to realize, we brought nothing in and certainly won’t take anything out. Run quickly to HIS refuge!

Today’s Thought “Bullying on Prayer Day” G. Ward Matthew 6 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. While prayer is encouraged, the words conveyed must embody Heaven’s mandate given by our Lord. The model prayer for every disciple begins with identifying the Almighty in greatest superiority, contemplating my convening with the Maker of Heaven and earth and whereas familiarity breeds contempt, I must consider my approach, for HE is the only One who gives life. Thereafter, our Savior unfolds the greater actuality unto man; we must forbid a desire to have what we say is best for others and ourselves. We’re limited in every scope of life. Therefore, our hearts trust in His objectives, so, we propose He have mastery over every sector of the world and those He made (our best is not His – Isa.55:8-9). How can we inform the All-Wise Savior of earthly realities (Matt.6:8)? Moreover, how can we instruct Him how to move in the lives of others, particularly when He’s loving the world and some propose merely having clean drinking water and morsels of food (*Phil.2:2-4) while we’re often famished because we’ve missed lunch? Do we trust that HE already knows all and will He require our prayers to minimize sufferings? Did He care about our predecessors – who were victims of sickness, poverty and institutions involving great disparities? HE’S great and yet greatly to be praised! It’s our National Day of Prayer, how might these actualities govern our prayers?

Today’s Thought “Instructions Incomplete” G. Ward Romans 12 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, Counsel solicited or otherwise, is unfruitful when it portrays an understanding towards gratefulness apart from sorrows. It can be likened to a medical visit (warranted by sickness) where a diagnosis is determined by a professional, without prescription rendered and that’s precisely what’s given from many desiring to motivate our days onto happiness furthered. It’s certainly not entirely bad, but has been overemphasized against the Truth of God’s Word. Our composition (as human) is weak. Power and strength are with visuals seemingly actual, but we’re weak and without charge of next moments. A life of faith will encompass tragedies/sufferings and warrants dependence on the ONE holding all strength and wisdom. Any who shame our subliminal admittance to this reality shouldn’t be heard and when/if we practice an anticipation of this kind of false motivation they supply, it nullifies a preparation towards an actuality of human struggle. To love God is to identify HIS Word as precedent, ensuring HE remains my All in All.

Today’s Thought “Electorate Prep” G. Ward John 18 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Those who proclaim the excellencies of HIM who brought us from darkness to marvelous light (1 Pe.2:9), do so in all ways and times, desiring to mimic His approach (particularly as HE walked the earth). Our conveyances celebrate a willful attitude in hospitality with little to no expectation of goodness from those either on their way to being bought by our Savior, or any refusing to be owned, because we recognize our Lord as the only good One (Mark 10:18). Soon we’ll be even more bombarded with political advertisements and the vitriol spewed, along with dissension that invites hateful factions to rise. Would Christ ever be named among these so divisive (Eph.5:1-2)? Jesus’ kingdom is not connected to earthly political and national entities, nor this evil world system. He lived in a time of history’s most corrupt societies; it was as pagan then, as now. I say it often, “Evil is not new, it’s historical” and every time your candidate is known over/along with who you say is your Lord, your doubt of His sufficiency surfaces (cf. Ro.13:1-*2). Our Lord never called us for political reform, even if it’s peaceable, nor to captivate the culture onto a presumed morality; we’re solely to win souls, that they’d be partakers of HIS spiritual order.

Today’s Thought “A Shell of the Man” G. Ward Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him. The war within struggles in spiritual surrender to exemplify kindness amidst myriads of opinions seemingly so clear as insignificant; ultimately translating arrogance when these thoughts persist, to which I’m with periodic set-backs. Thereafter and almost immediately, I’m reminded of the price given on my behalf from such a generous Savior, who so gloriously accepts my repentance for this practiced indiscretion. I cannot rest until His words become my bread to eat – because my recall understands it’s my pursuit of the only Truth that reveals my desired change; causing my broken soul’s deliverance of what’s contrary to HIS example. There’s new demand in such a day provided – to worship. I’ve never feared His presence would escape me, my sole desire is greatest acknowledgment in how HE chooses to live in me; therefore, my character must genuinely seek to present HIM in every way, for my end is near (1 Pe.4:7-10).