Today’s Thought “Holy Week” G. Ward Colossians 3 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. I’m reminded of a preparation taken by most at Christmas and how it warrants an almost two-month ordeal, considerate in being the greatest holiday and whereas very little effort is lent for Easter (particularly for these times), it’s subjectively the lesser. While any of this may be arguably stated, we'll all need to know the vitality in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ for oneself and to believe this most imperative tenet in faith prepares no matter the designated day of man (with all its accoutrement) by seeking to do as the Savior exemplified (cf. Col.2:16).

Today’s Thought “Prayers for Putin” G. Ward Exodus 8 32 But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also, and he did not let the people go. We’ve watched the heinous, proliferating mindsets of varied world leaders institute crimes upon its own citizenry, along with blatant disregard for those outside their borders also and rarely are campaigns synonymous with efforts that supply necessities for the innocent victims of these imposed atrocities considerate of acts in duality that will pray (fervently – Matt.5:43-45) for the same maniacal leader’s surrender to the Holy One who desires his repentance too (2 Pe.3:9).

Today’s Thought “Utter Clarity” G. Ward Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” While the predominance of our countrymen seek to know the way seemingly prudent to follow and whereas there’s consensus that God will lead them, forgetfulness, along with blatant neglect of HIS script with every directive necessary that will lead them is forsaken. Our world too is geared towards embracing what’s automatic and whereas a reasonable spiritual investigation remains every individual’s responsibility, it too is relegated unto those deemed eloquent who seemingly know best; whereby all in this unfortunate reality remain confounded as to why sufferings increase (cf. Ac.17:11).

Today’s Thought “A Praying Grandmother” G. Ward 1 John 1 3 “What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” Recently, I was given over to some statistical data regarding young people attending church and while it may have been alarming to some (for failure to assess their own consideration when younger), I know of its science that more seeks to spur campaigns of vigilance (i.e. incentives outside of urging parental responsibility – cf. Deut.6:4-6). Church decline reveals what’s in the heart and whereas questions appearing sincere that ask why attendance (weekly/weakly) is necessary and whereas seasoned Christians immediately adjourn to singular passages (Heb. 10:25) with demands of compliance, it’s misappropriated discipleship; because the beholder of Truth failed to take them to the Throne where pardoning exists. If the Apostle John were living in our era, he would further his message to any by insisting, “You have to know HIM for yourself!”

Today’s Thought “I’ve Got a Hang-Nail” G. Ward Matthew 26 36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” We’d all do well to remember what our Lord would endure as He anticipated mankind’s freedom from sin. The example reveals an order necessary to thwart potential pain of loneliness while misery is ever-encompassing: It begins with prayer; not that to which insists Holy God obliterate conditions, but assurance of HIS plans that grants strength for endurance. Furthermore, it won’t relent because other men seek to intimidate and even if their ploys are with appearances of success; the Lord is faithful. The trouble of undesired experience WILL ultimately culminate with great thanksgiving when we remember that we as servants are not greater than our Master (*John 15:19-20)…

Today’s Thought “Whatever My Lot…” G. Ward Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Mine own guilt can be etched in the new day presented, to further stress, which can translate mistrust of the One I never dreamed could accept me as I am, to then make me over towards what He’d have me become, or accept the entirety in what is written and gain rest and whereas the answer appears obvious, I must convene with HIM daily to believe that (*Matt.6:10-12).

Today’s Thought “Unrecognizable?” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 14:40 “But all things should be done decently and in order.” Worship is now equated as a democratic process embodying the freedom in expression of musical and dance drama that has its member feeling good and whereas that same showmanship only celebrates what they perceive as God’s compliance towards what they desired (cf. Job.2:4-10), disgust for the extreme view of the variants don’t have a leg to stand on, because every style would lie in error as they would forget the OBJECT of their presumed faith and how HIS demand in our being separate from the world’s ideologies/philosophies would be necessary for an intimate walk with HIM (* 1 John 2:15).