Today’s Thought “No Matter What the People Say…” G. Ward 1 Peter 2:12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. There’s selective prioritization given from many who indicate it doesn’t make a difference what others say about them and while portions of inaccuracy can be the rendering from some unsteady, we’re called to do our best in all ways. Christ exemplified the best attitude with those fiercest opponents, even knowing of their plot to take His life and yet gave His life freely for them also and whereas we’re called to imitate Him, along with heavenly insistence to love our enemies with a sacrificial spirit, what shall we render?

Today’s Thought “To Be, or Not to Be” G. Ward Romans 7: 15 For I do not understand what I am doing; for I am not practicing what I want to do, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 However, if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, that the Law is good. 17 But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that good does not dwell in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. 19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me. There’s this common expression given by the “super guarded” that insists they hate any who are fake. While I too may be bothered and perplexed concerning superficial portrayals, I must first admit to an unscientific assessment in who I’ve been, particularly with multiple personality disorder (undiagnosed). I however am busy, not assessing my violating others as much, but my failure to consistently present my absolute devotion to my Lord. It appears “fake” is relative to me. What saith you (cf. Jas.2:8-10)?

Today’s Thought “Re-Assessing Defining Moments” G. Ward Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. The term “Evangelical” has become relative to a political/social ideology. Instead, its definition belongs to any who promote the gospel, along with being determined to assist in rescuing the perishing and whereas many think of themselves as effectual therein, they discount being heard the more because the populous first knows their politics, before the Savior and whereas our supposed trust demands we do so implicitly, we fail in the most foundational message provided. Christ has no need to partner with systems – He is entirely Sufficient! Sadly, many who have obtained mercy forget that the world is doing exactly what’s acceptable in their estimation and as we’ve been instructed, even transformed, so shall they – if we’re merciful first by never forgetting “such were some of us…”

Today’s Thought “Lack of Resolve” G. Ward John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” Murder rates in American cities have sky-rocketed and people want answers and whereas there’s a common neglect unto their demand, they yet philosophize the more. Hire more police! No, limit assault weaponry and bring back the electric chair! Moreover, if these people would just watch their kids… Diversionary tactics from many have been the defense mechanisms exercised by man from the beginning and while we were never meant to govern ourselves, having been created for HIS purpose, free will given, can promote rebellion in man (the more) and the categorical judgment unto others leaves him angry when their book of ethics is denied. Disaster of sorts becomes the eventuality when any pompously state “some” just won’t cooperate. Instead and always, LOVE is the answer and the only counteraction for blatant sin and whereas discussions of sorts appear prudent, the saga continues…

Today’s Thought “Turn up the Light!” G. Ward Matthew 16 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Churches are closing at an alarming rate and while you think it’s primarily attributable to the recent pandemic, you’ll need to know the decline witnessed In 2020, pervaded that 47% of Americans said they belonged to a church, synagogue or mosque, down from 50% in 2018 and 70% in 1999. I’m never satisfied to hear the term church, relative to worship centers; because it belongs to people surrendered to Christ and SOLELY based on their confession of Him as Sufficient to forgive and to guide. Therefore, we’re not (nor have ever been) in decline, the world is (*Matt.7:21-23) and while others rejoice in the numbers game, we remain responsible unto the message (re-produced), where few get it (Matt.7:13-14)… I shall not be moved.

Today’s Thought “Spirituality: The Big Assignment” G. Ward Acts 26:16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you. While many are pursuant to their ancestral lineage so as to hear of predecessors esteemed by men that bolsters their own pride, or an unclaimed inheritance that fattens their fiscal posture – remains a spiritual claim waiting adoption. The riches it provides is from One Progenitor and while everyone with claimants in wealth unto their children have died, HE absolutely lives; having endured great suffering and shame on behalf of any that will make Him owner of their lives and whereas being good enough can’t be named among any hereafter, we praise HIM for HIS righteousness; deciding to proclaim this great eventuality to all. There’s still room…

Today’s Thought “Local Freeway vs. Interstate” G. Ward John 14 12 Truly, truly I say to you, the one who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I am going to the Father. Route 66’s original starting point began in downtown Chicago and ended at the Santa Monica pier in California and whereas the interstate system in America enabled a faster travel, it disabled an option perhaps more noteworthy than advertisements on billboards. Our sense in what’s best (as believers) compromises future progress found in others similarly, in that when/if we construct ideas (seemingly prudent) that benefit mankind now, but violate eternality, it discounts the “greater” avenue of the Savior’s discourse for those surrendered to Him and whereas His work while admonishing with these words wasn’t completed, the full price is now paid entirely (but don’t go too fast on that freeway either, or you’ll miss the billboard that invites you to sup on “our daily bread” – so that power will exist.).