Today’s Thought “Did YOU Know?” G. Ward Romans 8 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. We’re in a time where sufferings are more questioned than the expression of old – great sorrow with immediate praying. It’s almost with a sentiment of this isn’t supposed to happen and whereas Holy God remains “able” through every crisis, HE desires we know Heaven cares (1 Pe.5:7). We must remember that generations of man too were shocked as they witnessed tremendous devastation of sorts and while collapse appeared an option, the Author of faith prevailed as their Comforter and calls for our surrender also. If we persevere in Him, all our troubles will soon be without remembrance, as we inherit eternity (Ro.8:18). Stay faithful.

Today’s Thought “The Subtlety of Reminder” G. Ward 1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you. As we journey through grief, always being reminded of loved ones once able bodied, visible and loving, let’s not forget those disciplines that enabled our submission unto the Almighty; thanking HIM (often) for an outstanding plan that included us before the foundation of the world (cf. 1 Ti.2:3-6).

Today’s Thought “Gaining Momentum” G. Ward Revelation 21 4 And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” Oh, the many chants of birthday well wishes and ideas of rest in peace aren’t necessary for those who’ve inherited Heaven, but are indicative of humanity desiring more mercy from the Administrator thereunto and whereas we’ll all soon visit another mortuary again to pay homage to a loved one, our hope of an inheritance for the deceased can’t designate with insistence how any made it over; but can increase in total dependence onto the All Wise Savior’s absolute rule, versus proud knowledge of many particulars about HIM (*Lk.6:46).

Today’s Thought “No Friction, No Traction” G. Ward Nehemiah 2 2 So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 And I said to the king, “May the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the site of my fathers’ tombs, is desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?” For Nehemiah, going before the King in sadness was the capitol offense that could have ended his life, but prayer answered more sought to make the Name of the Lord, Great (1:11). May our prayers subtract from the vain exercise of self-gratification, knowing how the Savior Himself taught each of us through greatest synopsis that mandated from self, “Not my will be done, but THINE…”

Today’s Thought “Training Day” G. Ward Mark 11:25 “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Our terms for forgiveness mostly denies restoring another back to best moments experienced with those offenders/oppressors and while their repetitive foolishness will often not relent, causing distance, I’m glad for today; in that the Savior keeps receiving my sorrow without condition.

Today’s Thought “Trust Equals Satisfaction” G. Ward Deuteronomy 15 5 if only you listen obediently to the voice of the LORD your God, to follow carefully all this commandment which I am commanding you today. 6 For the LORD your God will have blessed you just as He has promised you, and you will lend to many nations, but you will not borrow; and you will rule over many nations, but they will not rule over you. The Sabbatical year would culminate per seven years of Divine rule for Israel after their deliverance to the Promised Land. It would include their forgiveness of debt and a release of servants; also (and as many were dependent on agriculture) they would be compelled to not grow or cultivate crops in that seventh year. It would help set a precedent for our time in that, refusal of the Almighty’s rule enables a plethora of immorality to circumvent “good living” for any significant period (i.e.to be happy), causing more mourning than ever before and whereas HIS grace and mercy remains available (*particularly as any would repent of their sins), there are “Few” preparing to share “the Way and the truth, and the life. Will the New Year find a few more willing to promote real prosperity as being known by Heaven?

Today’s Thought “New Year, Same Me?” G. Ward Ephesians 4 23 And that you are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. At the end of every year our church phone rings aggressively with inquiries on whether we’re having “Watch Night” services and when I politely say that we are not, but offer our worship service time, they too are polite, but I sense they want to hang up because choice furthered will unfold their anticipation elsewhere. I’ve explained to our congregation a need to watch, but not according to man’s calendar and although I understand (with celebration) its origin, it’s become this “be it resolved” session with comparability in starting a diet next Monday versus now. The demand for spiritual renewal won’t involve your and mine working alongside of the Almighty, but is established through a daily, intimate pursuit of HIS Word and whereas many attend these spectacular services, some leave immediately thereafter for a new dance floor, diminishing prior worship sought.