Today’s Thought “Questioning Gluttony” G. Ward 1 Peter 4:9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. Inviting someone to the dinner table can be likened to the invitation received by God through Christ unto riches where mercy, grace, strength and peace presides without limit and whereas dinner’s invite unto one appearing voracious in appetite may witness unbecoming behavior from one invited, a believer’s remembrance to imitate their Savior is the spiritual service required that remembers their own need for the Bread of Heaven’s unending presentation similarly (*1 Cor.6:9-11).

Today’s Thought “Table Talk” G. Ward Psalm 119 41 May Your favor also come to me, LORD, Your salvation according to Your word; 42 So that I will have an answer for one who taunts me, For I trust in Your word. Post pandemic Thanksgiving (2021) will witness greater gathering than before and let’s not forget that the lay-off from so many of our considerations that involved inability for corporate worship with others. Moreover, this lay-off deeply impacted the number of worshipper’s return to their worship institutions, causing many to re-calculate gathering’s vitality; perhaps questioning their pocketbook’s savings while away (*1 Jn.2:19). Meanwhile, preparation unto the great gathering may permit subliminal critique and can become the necklace from some and while it appears they just desire Truth, perspective is confirmed that suggests even believers don’t have answers. May the few who know HIM prepare accordingly (1 Pe.3:15).

Today’s Thought “Lost in a Weary Land?” G. Ward Psalm 119 19 I am a stranger on the earth; do not hide Your commandments from me. The days of the compass has been replaced by G.P.S. (global positioning system) and is available on almost any electronic device and many of us are thankful for it being invented, along with a refusal to leave home without this convenience. Have we however put much thought in not making it to our proposed destination, particularly in view of unforeseen events? What then shall we do when medical prognosis are grim, or calamity/tragedy strikes? Is earth the end? Intellectual knowledge from most understands life will soon be over, even upon one’s entrance to the world, but the practicality that instructs how to live so as to inherit eternal life is commonly forsaken. Spiritual pause unto the Way, Truth and Life – Jesus, lives as our Great Compass and desires you and me know that our confession of Him as Sufficient a Leader (given by Heaven), is a beginning to a worthy pursuit (Ro.10:9, 13).

Today’s Thought “Antiquated?” G. Ward Hebrews 13 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold, yet I’m as familiar with my constitutional rights with an unholy equivalency? Will He provide my needs or not? These are questions for the church (i.e. believers) in view of our anticipation in hope for the world and while Jesus prayed for the world, particularly those Heaven knew would conform to the Way of the Lord (Jn.17:9), He alone would know of everyone insistent on governing themselves, ultimately rejecting Him as Lord. If expectations in grey skies clearing up presumes it’ll get better, it’s probable some have forsaken the Truth of God’s Word (cf. 1 Jn.2:15-17). Believers however, embrace His promises (and share that Truth generously), understanding afflictions are the unfortunate accompaniment in life on earth, but (*Jn.14:1-3)…

Today’s Thought “Good Intention: Not Enough” G. Ward 1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written: “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” My yesterday involved taking even more time in confronting mine own sinfulness (as my contrast wasn’t against other’s indiscretions, but my Sinless Savior’s example). My un-intentional marginalization of God’s Word determined the activity in my selfishness must never come before His omniscience again and whereas oil is displaced by adding degreaser, I must envelope His Truth the more. My confession unto repentance didn’t share with the Almighty in general supplication with plea that said Father forgive all my sins (particularly when I’m alone in the Throne Room) but revealed my meditations one by one where refreshing would soon enter the room. While HE would clean me, then restore me onto greater spiritual health, my reciprocity would demand I reconcile every point of indifference that would involve another, potentially leading to their being dispirited and this new day welcomes HIS opportunity.

Today’s Thought “Challenge” G. Ward Acts 20 33 I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34 You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and the men who were with me. 35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This time of year burgeons thoughts about the needy and while needs among the less fortunate are without relent, my joy suggests that if this season strikes a pose in the lives from some concerned enough to aid, I’m thankful for their service. In a time where many desiring to fulfill their appetites observe a familiar arrival at their refrigerator/freezer filled with what they perceive as un-exciting possibilities for consideration to then take a drive unto convenient food choices. It’s therefore my challenge, that you become personally and financially involved in some organized food/clothing distribution, or homeless shelter, so the words of our Lord Jesus may saturate your hearts and grant you security in HIM, Amen.

Today’s Thought “Celebrating Duty” G. Ward Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Eulogizing another member of our congregation on today is not easy, particularly when/if my persuasions become something to be grasped. Knowing my powerlessness apart from Holy God, it’s therefore incumbent on my greater consideration of Who’s best at comforting encouragement. That same consideration also witnesses potential sin found in me. How dare my preparation be so involved because many will hear, whereas the few given my encounters each day violates a similar preparation (cf. Gal.5:16-22)? Even so, we’re admonished “Whoever speaks is to do so as one who is speaking actual words of God…” Duty calls.