Today’s Thought “A Must Read” G. Ward Genesis 9 18 Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. 19 These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated. The realm of the Spirit is without sectarian perspective and while mankind exists, his way is conjuring (*Jer.17:9). Moreover, his continuation in pride of life will most certainly lead to destruction (Pr.16:18). He’s been given over to the world, yet his banner in a strange land is raised with an allegiance synonymous with who he’ll say is his Lord (1 John 2:15-17, Heb.11:10,13). Tears flow while singing the land’s anthem to never break cadence, to lack familiarity with one complete gospel hymn. All are guilty! They won’t search for Truth, yet have a demand for justice. They know not what they ask, because annihilation is due all and whereas our Savior gave His life on behalf of our rebellion, our vitriol reigns because of man’s improprieties (as though our Savior endured less and what was HIS response?). More than misappropriations imposed, we block our complete surrender to this GREAT KING of every king; because our faith is SMALLER than the mustard seed.

Today’s Thought “Can I Get a Witness?” G. Ward 1 John 1:3 “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.” Indisputable, has been the conclusion from many notable historians and archaeologists regarding varied events from God’s Word, yet it still hasn’t made believers of those experts (altogether). There remains some miraculous phenomena like the parting of the sea, entirely confounding to science; notwithstanding the virgin birth (unequalled from the foundation of the world). Our demand for proof to believe remains historical; it’s therefore incumbent on those of us who’ve placed our faith in Christ to absolutely consider the Way of our Lord in all we do and say (*Col.3:16-17). Many are at watch and doubt such devotion can exist and while many offer prayers to stay the course, the greatest, most resolute plan unto faithfulness is a daily pursuit of HIS Word that obeys.

Today’s Thought “Desert Thirst” G. Ward James 1:17 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. To be clear, this passage merely proclaims the Creator as unchanging throughout every generation and if any were perfect, they too would extinguish necessity to change (cf. Isa.55:8-9). We who regard His words as final authority, are witnesses to this actuality numerous times in the Word of God and whereas generations of mankind have sought cutting the spiritual umbilical cord (indicative of what it means to follow Him), one will absolutely choose to remain parched, even that to which promotes a dehydration unto death (Ro.6:23). So, here we are at another day and if there remains appearances of the days presented prior, that is, seeking what’s best for me (i.e., outside the grip of His grace), it violates what faith represents and whereas many are ignorantly confident that HE speaks to them, HE will ask, where can that example be found in MY SON I sent for your salvation (*Eph.5:1-2)?

Today’s Thought “Living Out Belief” G. Ward 1 Thessalonians 4 13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed the rest of mankind do, who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, so also God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. We’ve compared humans to angels, even portraying heresy by suggesting some who’ve died to earth are watching over their loved ones (cf. Ps.23:1), as if the permissibility of pain, tears and sorrow are an accompaniment of being in the presence of our Eternal King where comfort, rest, fellowship, glory, praise, and joy exist. The apostle’s fortitude in Christ exemplified a total dependence on our Lord’s Way; demonstrating a preparation the church should assume; even that attitude that absolutely longed for Heaven and whereas these times witness so many preoccupied with endeavoring to “live their best life,” it more services them over others – which is a spiritual violation (*Phil.2:1-4). The joy of such an eternal posture that affords any man presence forever with the King of kings cannot merely say they believe, but must observe the activity of faith thereunto (Jas.2:14), along with readying themselves for HIS return (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Could that be today, or do you have something better to do?

Today’s Thought “Graciously Considerate of History” G. Ward Romans 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. While the elaboration from mankind is ongoing regarding the Almighty’s generosity towards His creation, there are some moving entirely too fast, enabling obscurity onto things of natural phenomena that should search their souls provided for what ought to be vigilance onto acknowledgement of Holy God by doing as HE directs and whereas their view is contained by personal determination in achievements that won’t satisfy, there’s a soon forced reconciliation that maintains hope for these disconnected by those of us insisting we know Him, and whereas we’ve obtained a lifeline at the precipice in their proposed cliff diving, our selfish practice in praise won’t throw it…

Today’s Thought “Are You Sure?” G. Ward Luke 6 46 “Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” The study required to understand God’s Word unfolds what it means to call Jesus, Lord (the owner; one who has control of the person, the master / In saying, “Jesus is Lord,” we commit ourselves to obey Him. He therefore has the right to tell us what to do.). Our considerations (in all ways), must intentionally invite His control. It’s never mere acquaintance with all He did, along with ability to quote it. One cannot govern themselves and say they know Him. Moreover, one owned can never hear the Truth of His Word presented, to then offer what appears to be a contradictory verse, because they must believe HIS Word is perfect and whereas great struggle is the mantra for many in attending discipleship opportunities is forsaken and whereas there’s a periodic visitation in the same that primarily desires to feel good about the life HE gave them, they’ll need to know – “No one is righteous, not one.” Stop trying and do (Jas.1:22).

Today’s Thought “Look at Me?” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 13:1 If I speak with the tongues of mankind and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. Spiritual gifts given shouldn’t settle for some listed, but all potentially provided; because they’re given to make our testimonials concerning the Almighty’s sole righteousness as attainable to any who will proclaim HIS sufficiency to guide every life HE created and whereas our words insist, “To God Be the Glory,” we’re often found trying to steal the show. Instead, our promulgations must really believe we’re failures outside of HIS perfect guidance. That’s what love does; it’s action that portrays, “I need Thee, Oh I need Thee! Every hour I need Thee…

Today’s Thought “Frostbitten” G. Ward Psalm 91:1 One who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will lodge in the shadow of the Almighty. Almost daily, I witness a horrid discourse given from some, so entirely defensive that absolutely in the presence of Holy God shares that HE is not enough and I’m so glad you asked “How” (?). There’s spiritual imbalance each time echoes of great endeavor desired, first sets the plan and then asks the Almighty to bless it. Moreover, when there’s a mixture in what perceivably the Lord provided for those He loves and some equate that SOLELY with materialism; including a quest towards wealth that occupies most moments – leaving very little time for greater consultation with who they say owns them (cf. 1 Ti.6:10), it’s a farce; because soon what they perceive as an eternal guarantee with Him, will find them spiritually bankrupt (where redemption offered will be discontinued), because they absolutely violated HIS criterion (*Mark 10:17-22).

Today’s Thought “Lazyboy, More than A Chair” G. Ward Matthew 5:8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” A life that testifies to having added to grace shown by the only Savior, particularly and confidently going to His Holiness upon maintaining hostility with other countrymen (cf. Eph.6:12) that furthers divide (as though He won’t know), along with lengthy prayers that ultimately order the Almighty unto things they need done, versus acceptance of His will be done and then guilty of self-preservation and conjuring magnificent plans for what seemingly is their life to direct, will establish a practice entirely disagreeable with salvation’s precedent; repentance unto redemption that truly knows my only contribution to the cross at Calvary was my sins.

Today’s Thought “Seemingly All Alone” G. Ward Psalm 139 1 LORD, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I get up; You understand my thought from far away. 3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, LORD, You know it all. Father God, there appears no escape from Your presence and we absolutely thank You. Our endeavors however, have been mostly selfish, even defensive; desiring recognition for our worth and whereas others war similarly, they’ll fail to acknowledge us, but thanks be to our God, for HE is faithful and having the King of Eternity as LORD, causes our repentance for failure to recall that tremendous phenomenon, particularly as our struggles persist with visions gratifying to flesh; we more want to be overcome in the Spirit and we know the road tagged steadfast and immovable convenes with You to diffuse thoughts and actions unbecoming of Your glory. We ask for change, seeking our Lord to impose at an instant the perfection that was found in HIM, forgetting He’s now on the inside of us. Forgive our unbelief and thereafter, as we adjourn to Your Word, may its compelling be the change that blesses Your Holy Name, through Jesus we pray, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Without Partiality” G. Ward Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons and daughters, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises; Lord God, another day in diligent faith will prove Your sovereign plan; particularly when those of us who absolutely place our trust in You, makes ourselves available to Your commands and whereas they’re truly not burdensome – because we’re witnesses to its peaceable resolve, we thank Thee for using us as lowly vessels. As Christ would awaken early in tremendous convention with You, HIS being Perfect in every way, sanctions our assumptions as to what He would say and our imitating HIM echoes the most welcome sentiment from us, that emanated from our Savior - genuinely indicative of our daily and deepest desire that says, “Thine will be done.” We’re refusing to allow what could be a best regard for our believing in Your supremacy, without unwavering application and therefore ask Your forgiveness, then restoration, so that our standing in the gap for those either too confident in perceiving they know You, or many feeling as though intimacy with You as impossible, due to their great sin, can be an eternal reconciliation because our Perfect Lamb of God – Jesus, desiring to have them enjoined unto His church and that’s why we praise You – because every meditative posture from our soul understands Your goodness is Your loving mankind in offering the Best and Only Conqueror/Deliverer, Jesus our Lord – in whose Name we pray, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Intentional” G. Ward Hebrews 13 1 Let love of the brothers and sisters continue. 2 Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. 3 Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are badly treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. Father God, we’re often without enough pause in the days provided that imitates Christ. His life in earth embodied selflessness, while ours mostly identify what we perceive we’ll need. Our sorrows are greater when we neglect repentance in Your presence, even that to which flippantly begins what’s mostly a monologue with You, informing the Only, All-Wise Creator of earthen miseries. We further in embarrassment when consulting Your words that clearly share even greater sufferings from our spiritual predecessors, particularly as we catch colds and stomp our toes, calling for prayer meetings. We know You as a present help in our time of need, even maintaining a continued vigilance unto us because of great care, even while we’re with appearances in being unmerciful. Our thanksgiving more embodies the things and circumstances You allow, than humility that conforms to Your will. Altogether, we thank You; mostly for a pardon that won’t relent. We thank You, for a patience while You make us productive. We thank You, for teaching us how to love indiscriminately and allowing our view of Home with You an actuality. Yet, our focus on this fine day is that we’d turn this overwhelming gratitude, towards Your multitudes who haven’t heard these genuine platitudes in how excellent is our Lord for loving us even while we were/are entirely unlovely and give them lessons on how they’re included. May glory be Yours as we endeavor to be owned by Majesty! Through Jesus we pray, Amen.

Today’s Thought “No One is Perfect?” G. Ward Deuteronomy 30 6 “Moreover, the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul, so that you may live. There’s a psychological actuality referred to as a shield unto some level in guilt (i.e., defense mechanisms) and while there’s no one exempt from error (even that to which is committal), our Creator’s supply of Himself warrants our pursuit of His words that establishes a transformation (spiritually) none other can give and it WILL allow sorrows (particularly those more embracing modes in self-preservation) to diminish and the love from above will encompass all our steps in the earth.

Today’s Thought “Only A Test” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 13 5 Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test? As teachers won’t tolerate a student’s periodic viewing of another’s work during an exam, our Lord’s demand, even greater, is not impressed with any knowing most particulars concerning His regard (as it is written), along with quoting it on demand, without absolute follow-ship of what HE says (Luke 6:46, Eph.2:8-10, Jas.1:22). Moreover, external compliance, while inhabiting a practiced trust of self, including desire unbecoming of HIS will also disqualifies (Matt.6:1).

Today’s Thought “Blowing Out Candles in Heaven?” G. Ward Matthew 7 24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. The word funeral, for this generation has become taboo and whereas many interpret God as solely merciful, kind, loving and patient, there’s refusal to acquaint themselves with HIM as just (Col.3:25). Slogans have now become a replacement theorizing without merit. We now have everyone going to Heaven, even sanctioning necromancy (through a kind of conjuring the spirits of the dead clearly forbidden in scripture); with great chants of Happy Heavenly Birthday, as if Heaven’s regard from those departed from earth are in tune with our earthly posturing (cf. Rev.21:4). Believers are said to be exiles and strangers to earth. If any are away from home for a considerable time and no train, plane or automobile could get you back, wouldn’t your days long for home (Heaven - *2 Cor.5:1-4)? Instead, many professing Christ, more love it here. They’ll insist numb sculls like me know that our Lord’s abundant grace, mercy and love meant bigger things to possess “and by God” they’re aiming for that. They’ll forget the gospel’s intent never meant stuff, but substance; forgiveness from sin and an eternity with our Creator and many that honor HIM lack clean drinking water.

Today’s Thought “Convincing Proof” 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. Many seek to capitalize on our vulnerabilities to be recognized equally in a society so divided; even that to which pervades societal anarchy to particular ethnicities. Perhaps some of you have been given over to observances (like I have) that says you’re different and while we knew exactly what was being conveyed, many believe racial makeup in some have a predisposition towards greater unrest. Holy God, our Maker, is without such categorization. He created mankind and thereafter we decided to more adopt culture(s), than His governance. Altogether, days are presented us, so a return to Him is immediate (cf. Ps.118:24). If we won’t, we’re subjects of ever-evolving religions (even atheism) that has no resolution, along with promoting greater earthly hope that insists “peace on earth and good will towards man” (*Matt.10:34-36) and whereas the Distributor thereunto is denied lordship of the life HE gave them, unrest continues. Please remain with the unwavering message of our Lord, its transcendence of generations still saves…

Today’s Thought “Crystal Ball; Unnecessary.” G. Ward Mark 3 29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin”— 30 because they were saying, “He has an unclean spirit.” Many years ago, there was actual fear in regarding Holy God irreverently. There was even a slogan very familiar to most that insisted, “don’t play with God!” Comedians of sorts have now invited others to play with God and while that may not be unpardonable, a practice thereunto can/will develop great distance to total surrender to the same Lord utilized frivolously. Jesus’ discourse would state a fact needing clarity because He would direct His followers towards viewing the super religious leaders so entirely disconnected with clear evidence of the Lord’s work; even that to which had them conjuring blatant deceit, refusing to admit reality’s visit (that was irrefutable). Followers of Christ then, are like those who desire following now; there’s immediate interrogation of one’s own soul that asks, “could I be guilty?” Confidence in Heaven knowing me is given no other way than a daily pursuit of God’s Word (Matt.6:11) and that remains His greatest testament for our lives and blatant neglect of it, translates unbelief.

Today’s Thought “In the Laboratory, Again?” G. Ward Genesis 1 28 God blessed them; and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Apple, the world's largest technology company, has broadcast another costly device soon to be available to the public and while it appears to be a facsimile of Meta’s Oculus (a goggled, game headset), it’s far more. They’ve received 500 new patents to ensure their superiority remains. This device (Vision Pro - $3500) will pioneer “spatial computing” and whereas my Apple cellphone is a basic one, without a number attached (that I’ve had for years and will hang up on you when it gets ready), it will fall apart before I consider another. Many lie in unrest with technological advancements as such, while enjoying air conditioning in their homes and cars, along with having more than 3 to four television channels (as it was when I was a boy). Our God sanctions science; as HE is the Master Scientist, giving us a rightful interrogation/exploration of things that could be beneficial to mankind (*Phil.2:3-4). So many instead, are on great quests (individually) that bolsters their own selfish regard and it too breeds and the fruit of its labor more creates an unavailability to who is any’s neighbor (Lev.19:18), along with another patent (of sorts) soon applied for by another, replacing a laborious effort given by one…

Today’s Thought “No Pressure…” G. Ward Luke 14 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. A great illustrative depiction of old recalls a young maiden with a single stem of a flower, picking one petal at a time while asking herself, “He loves me, he loves me not.” This illustration was clear for many of times past and merely desired to know if the way the beholder of desire certainly felt great passion towards a love interest, could they perhaps think of them similarly (?). While Christ is Lord, the contingency to be known by HIM demands there be no literal hate of any, but to certainly love them less than HE who made Heaven and earth, along with everyone that is loved (John 1:1-5) and whereas humanity mostly enjoins their deepest affections towards people and things they can see and touch, those of faith in Christ are compelled to live not by an insistence in seeing HIM to believe, but confidently abiding in HIS standards, realizing HE won’t ever leave them, nor forsake them; but others we love cannot be such a presence. Therefore, a rightful appropriation from us should love the Only ONE who granted all that we love an existence in HIS earth and to do so supremely more.

Today’s Thought “June Bride?” G. Ward Hebrews 13 4 Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. The pastorate many years ago witnessed couples who in the midst of courtship, fell in love and desired an exclusive, matrimonial presentation that mimicked their foreparents’ longevity in the same; embracing an intentional “till death do we part” posture. Pastors can now mostly plan vacation time in the month of June (more common a month for weddings). Courtships now, have become absolutely frivolous; even with a license towards experiencing a multitude of partners. Sadly, remnants of old occur, yet sinful, particularly when some decide to live together as they audaciously bring children in the world (exacerbating sinfulness); desiring all to be celebratory concerning such spiritual malfeasance. Moreover, these are insistent the more, through great gala that even imposes on their local church for christening these innocent children while unmarried. My defensive friends are frowning (with such a discourse) as today’s acceptance of such is commonplace, discounting Final Authority’s unchanging mandates. No matter the numbers, one stance presented is still with eternal implication and at some point (very soon) is answerable to the Owner (cf. Ps.24:1).

Today’s Thought “Good or Bad Politics = Oxymoronic” G. Ward Isaiah 5 20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes And clever in their own sight! While submission to authorities won’t generally harm us and whereas many were established in great parameter, limiting our rulings even when we were children and formulatively necessary for receptivity (as adults) in a world where charge over conditions and people wouldn’t be final authority unto us, we, as believers are yet accountable to Heaven’s rules while in a strange land. Therefore, and because generations before us weren’t overjoyed with an unruliness from many who governed in their era, yet were compliant; we’d do well in understanding that “a servant isn’t greater than his Master” (cf.*Ro.13:1-3). Jesus, may have rode on a donkey, but truly wasn’t overwhelmed with joy in the Empire to which He lived, as they pervaded wicked politics at the expense of people. He however refused to accommodate any onto a false hope that said another source could ever satisfy (Ac.4:12).