Today’s Thought “The Toy I Never Got” G. Ward

Matthew 5:48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

I believe any in their adulthood are the children they once were with a grown up set of perspectives that lends itself to identifying responsibility that creates sustenance for themselves and family. The time granted them seemingly affords them an opportunity to be in control of the pain administered while they were a child. That kind of divertive recall avoids reality because it never forgives genuinely so; for forgiveness is never genuine outside of the grip of grace Christ provides. Moreover, love remains conditional, even observing who may be favorite, because mankind’s estimation of love is too involved in wrongs suffered to progress unto the highest standard in Who love is (1 Jn.4:7-9). You and I don’t cure because of an intellectual aptitude that appears mature. That superficial stance more seeks to impress on others an attempt to resolve the dysfunction of their youth. Real maturity understands that so many administered in a way that seemed best, although what they possessed was so entirely incomplete. What allows my forgetfulness of the many violations perceived is a practice in realizing how much the Father loves me, despite conditions and people against me. The introspection necessary for me on today wants to apologize to my wife, children and grandchildren for the dysfunction I’ve caused that may perpetuate the aforementioned…

Today’s Thought “Kickin A Man When He’s Down” G. Ward

James 4:7  “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

The struggle in personal desire is readily perceived for every life (Ro.3:10). From birth, we’re taught to endeavor things that carry benefit unto oneself and others. There are however some that teach their children total dependence on Holy God (cf. Deut.6:4-6), whereas difficulty in faith practiced soon encounters predominant visuals of practitioners in pleasure (that influences). There’s an answer that thwarts that crisis in belief; it’s called perfect submission through steadfast pursuit of Holy God’s word. The conscientiousness in salvation’s practice is then first nature when faced with ideas in personal perspectives that limits and denies resolution. The religious, on the other hand, more pervade on others a notion of binding Satan as if Jesus our Lord’s defeat of him needed our help.

Today’s Thought “Because It Is Written vs. Spiritual Transformation” G. Ward

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

The dialogue that keeps giving is the condition of the church; its rudiments, greedy preachers and in-hospitality. Furthermore it invites those less committed to gathering under a premise of corporate worship (Heb.10:25), to more embrace defense as to why they lack participation therein. Believer’s frustration is equally a mis-informed embrace, in that the forgetfulness of the Lord’s relentless pursuit of them discounts their own spiritual obligation unto another who may be less connected.

All would do well to never consider the impropriety of man as synonymous to the Father loving them (Ro.5:8). Worship happens without special days allotted (Col.2:16) and determines that bunches aren’t needed to celebrate HIS unwavering position of love.

Today’s Thought “Chitlins in My Lunchbag?” G. Ward

Isaiah 24:4 “The earth mourns and withers; the world languishes and withers; the highest people of the earth languish.”

The Tribulation period is elaborated on by Isaiah to share Holy God’s sovereignty (ultimate power) in the earth HE created. The lack in compliance of His demands will then discover there’s no place to hide. Altogether, this impending judgment is threatening to those independent of HIS rule (cf. Matt.11:28-30); but any teachable, can avert this tragic reality through a spirit of humility that celebrates the new day’s opportunity (Ps.118:24) in surrendering unto Supremacy.

The items served on last Thursday were welcomed, whereas Monday’s delight insists on meatloaf; while a great preponderance of mankind desires a cup of clean drinking water…

Today’s Thought “Residing On the Plantation” G. Ward

Proverbs 28:26 “Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.”

Slavery or being enslaved carries a horrid connotation due to mankind’s abusive regard in self-centeredness. Jesus, our Lord demanded that we know of His desired gentle proprietorship of any who would confess HIM as Owner of their lives. His rule is absolutely without abuse, yet man struts around in his own thinking, via contemplations of relinquishing only partial control to Him, which empties unto not being known by heaven’s standard. Floating one’s own boat on the seas belonging to the Master may disallow your tools of navigation functionality, whereby your ship will soon sink (2 Cor.6:1-3).

The fool is arrogantly complacent with his relationship in presumed intimacy with the Savior; but his words say so, while his heart ceases in spiritual progression (cf. Lk.6:46). He attends church, but fails to be the church (i.e. refusing discipleship – Mt. 16:24). Victory is his through great promulgation in how good God is unto him and then the end. Matthew 7: ²¹ “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. ²² Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

SEEK SHELTER TODAY! SUNDAY MAY NOT COME…

Today’s Thought “I Don’t Eat Everyone’s Chitlins!” G. Ward

Proverbs 27:3 “A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, But the provocation of a fool is heavier than both of them.”

Food shortages are mostly attributable to countries bordering desert regions that keep us with subliminal visuals in photo opts taken of those standing, appearing highly emaciated with flies swarming about; to forget that America is plagued with visuals of prosperity presumed to be with those next door, precluding their suffering similarly.

Thanksgiving Day is eight days from now and controversial individuals are on their way to pervade on you and me more social improprieties and political distractions without true resolve that carry an insistence that we adopt their perspectives (without wavering). In essence, you’re to drink the Kool-Aid, disallowing the arsenic’s contamination. The well thought of conjuring from any seemingly intelligent, prepares fervently, through studying facts relative of American discord, while teeter-tottering on blessed assurance that Jesus is their Lord; but if that were so, their supplications would more embrace eight days in praying for HIS opportunity for peace that causes tremendous introspection of the grace and mercy that desires repentance, making HIM sufficient.

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.