Today’s Thought “Tornado Warning” G. Ward Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble.” Sufferings of sorts, although common to man and often without warning, is with remedy, but won’t involve a geographical place of refuge, nor comforting words (particularly involving another who limits their time as an accompaniment in brotherhood). The security that lends confidence to troubles vanquishing must be with comparability to learning the alphabet. Through song and verbal reciting (repetitiously), I must learn it with help from one proficient in knowing this security (spiritually), until I absolutely know HIM for myself (in particular – when no one else is around). Trouble is coming and there’s a Way out (cf. Pr.1:24-30)…

Today’s Thought “Delivery Unexpected” G. Ward Galatians 3 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.” God’s way only remains confounding for those denying research; who insist on having every answer “on demand” and when one fails to receive it, they’ll defer to another plan (Isa.55:8-9, Ac.4:12). We’ll hear the term “blessings” and absolutely discount the greatest, most foundational message of deliverance – the gospel and its entirely indiscriminate (i.e. for poorer or rich) and whereas vocation (rendering extreme amounts of money), tremendous entrepreneurial ventures, high-end cars and homes (that exist beyond gates) are deemed being blessed, there remains the incorruptible, surpassing value of being known by Heaven (cf. Eph.1:3-4)…

Today’s Thought “Awakening to More Troubles” G. Ward 2 Timothy 4 2 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction. Do you think President Warren G. Harding (1921-1923) experienced great controversies similar to our times; particularly as he was a strong proponent of technological advancement, along with being a sympathizer towards minorities and women? Unlike many, I believe the Word of God, particularly upon it inviting us to know that there are 18 delineations portraying the problem with mankind – he loves himself first (2 Ti.3:1-4) and while our world sanctions this activity, our Creator abhors it; after all He sent His own Son in an antithetical and unselfish way. Therefore, our perspectives continues seeking to lend answers to an age old problem that ultimately introduces more troubles. Let’s all decide today to cease with answers outside of what our Lord has already said and just trust His guidance. If/when believers are guilty with how they feel and the necessitation to be heard, along with Truth – it’s then that Truth is diminished due to a predominant acceptance of words seemingly prudent and whereas “heaven and earth will soon pass away”, let’s remember “God’s Word is forever (Matt.24:35)…”

Today’s Thought “Granny’s Cakes and Cookies” G. Ward Ephesians 3 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Perhaps you recall one who demonstrated love when it appeared that no one else cared and how it is they’re known for being generous in spirit, while placing others ahead of themselves and available at any hour? While this a un-common reality, the few have absolutely aided our receptivity in understanding the highest Love of all – Holy God and whereas His Word is often forsaken because others portray a dual approach to knowing Him (a have your cake and eat it too mentality), even rationalizing a periodic adherence to His commands (as the populous exemplifies), eternity with Him won’t happen because you tried real hard to meet that holy standard, it’s confession and then placing absolute trust in the Only One who did (*Eph.2:8-10). Christ remains Sufficient…

Today’s Thought “Prayer Journal” G. Ward Ephesians 3 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. I’ve yet to meet a strong person (only God is) and while kudos are extended unto some for appearances of such, strong in a general sense is relative to confidence, even certainty of moments presented and then activity that follows. Therefore we owe absolute reliance on the Owner of every moment. The tag from others can often presume upon some this complimentary posture, disallowing those same, bouts with weakness (to which no one is exempt) and while “envy” remains un-spiritual (Gal.5:19-21), causing man’s estimation of others worthy to attain towards, looking to Jesus is marginalized (*Heb.12:2-4).

Today’s Thought “Known for Pleasantries” G. Ward John 17:22-23 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. Having answers in a premeditated sense, particularly as any are expressive of life’s difficulties cancels a similar care shown by our Savior and whereas “Jesus wept” ours must learn the essence of walking alongside of one another in view of the common denominator given man called sufferings. Those profoundly aware of the Savior’s suffering on their behalf will often begin a discourse of complaint to find their way to recalling His Sufficiency as the Grantor of peace. Let’s do our best to afford the brethren an opportunity for a return unto greater by the highest standard of mercy that found us…

Today’s Thought “Desiring What’s Best” G. Ward James 4 7 Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Pursuing the love relationship intended with God through Christ submits entirely to His authority and although bouts of slippages exists with/in the whole of humanity, the believer remembers the comfort and joy in being hidden from the world’s vices and runs for cover. Some waver through an exercise unsanctioned that involves pursuing their own plans and will soon discover such a practice empties onto an eternity without goodness and mercy. Let’s decide today that HE alone knows what’s best…