Today’s Thought “Are Gift Cards Impersonal?” G. Ward

John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”

The commercialization of varied holidays may be an instrument in oversight that denies humanitarian efforts. Moreover, the arduous contributions shared with family and friends (i.e. home preparation and shopping) could be the un-realized promotion of a cantankerous spirit in me after the festivities, particularly when I’m absolutely depleted of energy and resources thereafter.

The controversy of the season continues to question what the reason for the season is about, but words are cheapened by similar contribution of years prior. Perhaps some like me are ideologues of sorts, but it appears a simple transformation is at hand – just do it. There however is expectancy from others who’ve been recipients of our generosity that wouldn’t understand our change. Furthermore, new found positioning in us can/will cause divide from others, whereas the spiritual obligation always loves well enough to invite others unto the Gift that never awaits a holiday (cf. Ac. 20:27). “Why don’t you give love for Christmas Day?”

Today’s Thought “Change the Narrative?” G. Ward

Romans 12:10  “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Veteran’s Day transcendence was/is remarkably perceived by the world on yesterday (by another name -Armistice Day) as political leaders and its citizenry marched throughout America, France, Australia, The United Kingdom, New Zealand and others, celebrating the 100^th anniversary’s end of World War I, along with the sacrifice of those who fought and their families (*cf. Rev.7:9).

While acquainted with land boundaries, with its perceived ownership (cf. Ps. 24:1), have any contemplated Holy God’s intent, particularly the premise of His love towards mankind beyond geographical lines? Moreover, has the celebratory praise of soldier’s commendations that offers kudos to their keeping a parcel of the earth safe, denying their spiritual obligation to come to Jesus on the same terms as the rest of earth’s citizens (because sacrifice, even up to life, regarding unrest from varied nations and the conviction to defend, having never been the standard in being known by heaven – cf. Ps.127:1)? Heroism in earth, shouldn’t lead to eternal separation from the Father. Loving and honoring truly understands our reasonable service as soldiers of the cross, to dispel Truth unto any (indiscriminate to boundary lines) so that peace would compel mankind to lay their weapons down (Eph.6:12).

Honoring my Father Horace A. Ward (United States Air Force), my brother Horace D. Ward (United States Marine Corps), along with every veteran for their service.

Today’s Thought “Corporal Punishment in School” G. Ward

2 Timothy 2:4 “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”

Attending a parochial school for my generation carried a connotation of strong, disciplinary boundaries both educationally and morally. For my siblings and me the threat perceived by fellow students from varied priests or nuns was merely an extension of home boundaries (synonymous with The Gestapo of the 1930’s & 40’s – somewhat cynical). I avoided trouble for fear in being mis-handled (particularly by those instructors wearing those funny looking uniforms), but then there was that dreadful day while I was a third-grader whereby implicit instruction was given that no one should leave their seat and guess who failed to listen attentively to then rise and sharpen his pencil? My early years had personal prognosticators insisting I was going to be small in stature like my father and that woman took full advantage of that (50 years ago & I’m yet upset)! She (and no she doesn’t deserve a name – just kidding – Eph.4:26) snatched my arm practically out of socket (sometimes it still hurts) while my feet were dangling in the air to then throw me in my seat (that my parents paid for). Needless to say educational prowess on that day was extinguished by embarrassment and anger. Moreover, I was far too cute for that kind of handling (cf. Ro.12:3), but it enabled my subordination to my Master, whose rule is gentle and merciful, yet carries a horrid reverberation when any refuse the mandates given, while they can yet be investigated (*Ro.6:23).

Today’s Thought “If I Were King of the Forest…” G. Ward

Matthew 24:35 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

All the political hyperbole is seemingly extinguished as the mid-term elections have been settled. America however is more indicative of particles smoldering in the forest subject for spark that may become an inferno.

The political scope in such a democracy is said to be determined by conviction (social, cultural and moral) from its constituents. While all three remain argumentative (cf. Ac.2:44), rarely is there over-riding contentment with theocratic positioning (1 Sa.8). Moreover, governance imposed from godly mandates for our time desire to merely include arrogant posture (*Eph.2:8-9) that denies abortion and appropriate original intent for gender activity. Then, other factions passionately advocate for social reform (i.e. health and welfare), making that notion a bully-pulpit. Both may be great and many of us have enjoined ourselves both voluntarily and involuntarily over the years to witness little to no change (*Ro.3:4). Our frustrations and joy rise and fall, while peace is forsaken and perpetuation in “what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

Failing to trust in the gentle, merciful rule of the All-Wise Savior is without blue or red tint (cf. 2 Cor.6:2).

Today’s Thought “Appraisal of a Gift from the Wealthy” G. Ward

Isaiah 53:1 “Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

A gift from the wealthy that would arrive at the threshold of our doorway would most certainly be the first package worthy of exploration. Moreover once un-packaged, our immediate interrogation would desire to know the value therein, appealing to our underlying, superficial attitudes (cf. Phil.2:5-8).

I believe that what continues to trump superficial value is the heartfelt, intentionality of the Giver. I t deserves grateful contemplation (from the recipient) in how One so wealthy could ever think of them so highly. If my day granted would embrace this reality (Ps.118:24), my day’s governance would present similar hope to another who has the same gift at their own threshold, but unfolds (traditionally) the sales advertisements first to never realize the greatest gift exists right there in their presence (*Rev.3:20-21).

Today’s Thought “Barry Manilow’s Version” G. Ward

Matthew 6:11 “Give us this day our daily bread.”

I absolutely love every song Barry Manilow produced. There’s one however that’s my favorite (It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve); speaking to the opportunity to seize a new beginning despite mistakes of old (cf. 1 Cor.5:17).

Unless any surrender this ideology unto the One able to truly erase past imperfects, anxieties persist. Jesus Christ desires to be the solace necessary for soul reprieve. HIS love and care is indiscriminate (Ro.10:13). On numerous occasions HE sought to penetrate the mindsets of those disciples who like some of us equated the bread of His discourse to that which would sustain their physicality to do the Master’s will (*Matt.6:30-35). While our appetites remain insatiably driven, satisfying our stomachs, strength to endure emanates from our soul and if malnourished, we perish. Our insistence for those spiritual nuggets must be comparable to the baby’s cry until the bottle is placed in the mouth (1 Pe.2:2-3); synonymous with a doting parent’s care, yet remembering HIM as the Good Shepherd who won’t lead you unto poisonous pastures.

Today’s Thought “Sitting On the Porch Waiting for My Daddy” G. Ward

John 10:24-25 The Jews then gathered around Him, and were saying to Him, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ²⁵ Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe; the works that I do in My Father’s name, these testify of Me.”

I watched a documentary on last night that shared the rise of the great comedian Rickey Smiley. His respectability towards traditional values is astounding and celebratory. This segment was power-packed with points to consider, but there was one that was particularly defining for me. Mr. Smiley’s second son, birthed through illegitimacy, happened with a girlfriend whereby both were soon thereafter estranged from one another. She too had a daughter from a previous relationship whereas that father abandoned his responsibility. Mr. Smiley insisted with passionate conviction, that a failed relationship with a woman won’t ever have a real man retrieving his biological son (upon scheduled visitation) without considering their sibling who’s without similar hope. Adopting this other child for him was unequivocal.

Our adoption in the spiritual realm, celebrates Jesus our Lord; for HIS rescuing us wholly/holy from what could have been a most disastrous journey in depletion (*cf. Jn.10:10b). More imperative to consider is our illegitimacy beforehand, whether we enjoyed a biological father or not.