Today’s Thought “Strangers In the Night” G. Ward 1 Peter 1:13-17 Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile. I’m often challenged with how to express to a people the absolutism of God’s Truth as some insist on owning themselves along with saying He is Lord. It (the challenge) will often include questions on lifestyles, alcoholic beverages, perspectives, etc., and whereas Heaven’s demand is not obscured, self-absorption/abasement remains; so let’s be clear. Holy God is all knowing, everywhere and with unlimited power! Therefore, looking for clearance from others is always bogus (cf.Ro.10:8). Whatever you do, imagine doing it in HIS presence. Now what?

Today’s Thought “Over-Thinking…” G. Ward Proverbs 11:17 A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Many are quick to judge a book by the cover and whereas they’ve experienced periodic bouts in being correct, assessing failures is rarely entertained. Moreover, one unnecessarily analytical can often limit blessings that forbid genuine relationships by this same attitude to render grace, forgetting their own time of improper, even confusing statements, to never be afforded a do-over because the other party left the room (permanently) to forget mercy afforded them. We must work while it’s still light.

Today’s Thought “Gifts for Grandchildren” G. Ward 1 Kings 11 37 However I will take you, and you shall reign over all that you desire, and you shall be king over Israel. 38 Then it shall be, that if you listen to all that I command you and walk in My ways, and do what is right in My sight by keeping My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, then I will be with you and build you an enduring house as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you. While children have little to no appreciation for unraveling gifts revealing cute clothing, the men they’ll become will. Legacy building is similarly felt and best considered not through standards that deliver potential frivolity silver and gold may pervade, but a holy example from ancestral obedience granting peace on earth, along with a promised eternity onto our Blessed Hope.

Today’s Thought “Lost Without YOU!” G. Ward Matthew 1 22 Now all this took place so that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE AND GIVE BIRTH TO A SON, AND THEY SHALL NAME HIM IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” If I awaken more to the news of the day, including that which I deem motivational and surround myself with only those estimated as favorable, I discount HIS sacrifice. If all my anticipation of this momentous weekend (including the next) forgets HIS return, my living is in vain. If I’m caught up in me-ism for the predominance of the day, my refusal to imitate HIM denies the very premise of HIS existence and whereas there’s been guilt concerning my own shortcoming(s), HE yet hears my contrition and is there to restore me onto best…

Today’s Thought “The Salvation Army” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. The quintessential ministry organization that renders unconditional benevolent care is The Salvation Army. Their greatest annual campaign involves bell ringing outside of major retail stores with red buckets, inviting generosity from others for the cause of many less fortunate. My years in the pastorate have witnessed many in need and whereas we’ve done our best in meeting their deficiencies, some have returned to say the local Salvation Army church was there to aid. I’m grateful for their service; first unto our Lord and then others. On today I want to celebrate my Dear Brother/Pastor Kendall Mathews and lovely wife Katrina for their unwavering ministry in this very fine organization. I hope that you’ll consider giving generously, for theirs is beyond this season…

Today’s Thought “One Is A Lonely Number” G. Ward 1 Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. Imagine if every season embodied the hospitality of the two weeks in late December where greetings in the marketplace flowed without provocation, including intentional acts of benevolence sought to find some less fortunate became a daily mantra? While this may appear to be idealism at best, it’s mostly fairy-tale because most will await the populous to move on this versus letting it begin with themselves (1 Thess.4:13-*18)…

Today’s Thought “Dual Dependency” G. Ward Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. When I was growing up many tampered in wrongful spirituality, seeking something strongly desired and while it appears to have diminished greatly, those exercising therein are more covert with their consultation unto mediums of sorts; even up to suggesting they belong to Christ. While Madame Zenobia (indicative of fortune telling), gambling (justified), consultations with insistence that false spiritual leaders read into your life when our Lord demanded we receive spiritual bread (His Word) daily and particularly when many of these same leaders fail to possess an ability to know whether there’s to be a next moment, along with quick advice record from those outside of faith in Christ, has become a foolish straddling on a barbed-wire fence.