Today’s Thought “Reading Is Fundamental” G. Ward Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Acknowledgement (of personal directives) that primarily participates with slogans, along with methodologies deemed successful from others is ultimate refusal to be owned by Heaven and a practice thereunto reveals a conscience occupied by mistrust of the Holy One and while we’re all guilty (in periodic lapse), we celebrate a way out through our awakening (once again) that regards this moment where change is made possible via the Blessed Redeemer.

Today’s Thought “Eating Without Hunger” G. Ward 1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” A good prayer life reveals dependence onto the Almighty; determining His wisdom, power and plans for all of creation as sufficient. Contrary to what’s popular, every disciple is given the exactness for approaching this spiritual actuality and while so many embrace liberality of words, it can mostly purport irreverence. Jesus, our Savior exemplified what communion with the Father should represent with an incredible trust that insisted “not My will, but Yours.” We, on the other hand preface ours with how great He is, along with His many names (indicative of His merciful generosity), to then arrive at what we want (as if that juxtaposition has any lasting quality – cf. Ps.90:10-12). A refusal towards spiritual conformity violates proposed dependence and without total reliance on Supremacy, there’s no shelter for the storm (soon to visit).

Today’s Thought “Looking Through the Spy Glass” G. Ward Matthew 23:25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.” Seeking to juxtapose a variety of personalities in accordance to company kept may find you confused concerning the jargon used last. Instead and best for presentation is a position less conspicuous that understands notoriety among men is short-lived.

Today’s Thought “In the Name of Love” G. Ward Psalm 53:2-3 “God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of mankind to see if there is anyone who understands, who seeks after God. Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.” There’s not enough said about God as Creator along with our inferiority as His creation. Moreover, He purposed we’d be in earth for His purpose and not self-designated. Instead, every generation seems to more gravitate towards independence from His gentle rule (cf. 1 Jn.5:3). Despite our rebellion, His pursuit of us remains and while many have determined they initiated the love relationship intended, every prompting emanated from HIM alone (*Ro.5:7-8). Altogether, Heaven’s pursuit will soon be over and while some hope many will determine their lives never belonged to them, activity emblematic of desired citizenry is the guarantor (cf. Phil.3:20).

Today’s Thought “Walking and Chewing Gum” G. Ward Matthew 25:35 “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me…” Saint Vincent and the Grenadines island chain is located in the Caribbean Sea. Recently, their citizens (less than 120,000) were uprooted from the island in escape from an erupting volcano. They’re without a robust economy (particularly the more in view of Covid-19 and reliant on tourism), causing very low wages across the country and few job opportunities, leading to a poverty rate of 30.2 percent. Sadly, much news coverage sought to encourage aid for the evacuees and little was lent. Many will suggest we have so many problems of our own to solve, so “let the United Nations deal with them!” This un-spiritual portrayal is synonymous with Christ’s reprimand to imposters of faith in Him, which disallows not caring for those genuine followers with varied needs. The “my land” mantra has become extremist in its proprietary way in perpetuating the “have and have nots” and best instruction demands we identify the Real Land Owner before it’s too late.

Today’s Thought “Mirror In the Dark” G. Ward Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” While advice from any sounds prudent, there’s only one record in absolute reliance for our consideration and humility to apprehend safe passage to peace is its requirement. Moreover, when a conscience is seared in part-time adherence (against where Final Authority is found – *Pr.2:6), particularly as self-preservation (same as, continual protection of a life instituted by God, yet portraying abandonment to that same reality) is at the helm and while the world teaches us to follow our dreams and whims, we own nothing – Ps.24:1 (= the definition of a fool).

Today’s Thought “Coffee and Bacon Brewing” G. Ward 1 Peter 2:5 “You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” Whether you enjoy bacon or coffee almost won’t deny its aroma as pleasing in the morning. So it is with believers who portray their Lord in humility, that is putting others first, while being kind-hearted and inconspicuous. Even the bully is without provocation, because absolutely no fight exists in one belonging to the Lord. Moreover, they’re willing to be wronged and refuse to acknowledge wrongdoings demonstrated by others because greater grace was given them when they too were helpless. Their sole objective now rests on hope for other’s deliverance because they know their Creator can transform the vilest mindset. Sarcastically, many are asking, “Gregory, where can these be found, because the church folks I know are no different than the rest?” I’ll plead with you to disallow contrasts on who may be categorically worse and understand that we’re being perfected by His love and change is imminent; while inviting you to join us while HE utilizes Heaven’s scalpel to remove these malignancies that kill…