Today’s Thought “Though They Slay Me…” G. Ward Titus 1 10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” Still, a massive number of infiltrators exist in this era (even prevalent in our worship spaces) who insist they’re carriers of the gospel of Christ, while pervading rigid rules (contingent on true deliverance - they say) and the godly realm yet requires more Truth tellers who’ll boldly (particularly in view of few who will absolutely adhere to God’s Word) proclaim HIS Sufficiency to guide any onto eternal life and whereas one of Paul and Titus’ day was even able to call his own conniving, rebellious deceivers; we must keep hopeful, always believing, while remembering how HE brought us (1 Cor.13:6-7).

Today’s Thought “Unexpected Visitor” G. Ward Romans 13:11 “Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” Scare tactics utilized to warn many of existential threats are said not to work and while I’m inclined in believing they’re short-lived in an era where most expressions are nuanced by swift change in social realities, messaging and particularly that to which is vital, must be thoroughly explained from a most authoritative script. Instead, the many preachers, beyond the measure of pulpits, more proclaim un-authorized versions from a script deemed motivational, given by authorship unknown, that keeps most satisfied with/in a contrast of the worst in society, to then say I’m not nearly as bad (*Luke 18:9-14) …

Today’s Thought “Secret Agent Man” G. Ward Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” I’ve not exactly been what it means to be “guarded” (a kind of disappointed by many disingenuous attempts in friendship by others) that avoids getting close to some, but carefully inclined to resist giving too much. I say that in view of having been raised in an era where young people were instructed to give your all, along with fulfilling your agreement when others are at watch. I must admit lacking understanding with that implication (early on) and certainly never would have attributed that unto a spiritual base. Maturity now “stands down” while understanding “no, I cannot” isn’t an evil term, but exacts man as limited. Moreover, the aid needed from the inquirer may soon understand the essence of interdependence, as I offer assistance not necessarily from the angle of their supposed need, but from offering additional resources that invites the same desired end result (*Gal.6:2).

Today’s Thought “A Star for One Day” G. Ward Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” How then can any juxtapose aspiration accurately without egoism? I’m with recall of a day wherein my being a kid in downtown Detroit and being approached by an adult with a portfolio in hand, along with a microphone insisting that on whatever day it was I’d star in a commercial. For those skeptics who say this could have been a perverted ploy unto child trafficking, it hadn’t become popular yet. They would usher me 75 ft., or so (nearer to the Riverfront), particularly as I agreed to do so and upon my star gazed mindset in seeing television cameras, along with an entire Hollywood set, hundreds of Gregorys’ stood with the same look. We were there in what appeared all day long and yes, the commercial was aired in what appeared to be a decade later and whereas I was a star in my own mind, the view on television was so short, that those to whom I shared (boast-fully so) would never see me among the hundreds (especially in view of the largest television of that era being a 25-inch screen – with rabbit ears and aluminum foil wrapped around them). While the things of Matthew 6:33 appear a welcomed pursuit of earthen realities, they’re not; it’s so much more. The Heavenly care provided any who acknowledge His will be done, is with full assurance He hears us…

Today’s Thought “Tossing and Turning” G. Ward Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” While mankind is with personal category towards what sins are greater, even imposing on Holy God’s Word as if to say they’re without a few that matter, along with appearing to exist in Heaven’s regard, the Eternal Script given all - portrays ONLY ONE SUFFICIENT and those who rest in that foundational Truth find rest (*cf. Jas.2:8-13).

Today’s Thought “Celebrating Independence?” G. Ward John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Whereas simple public gatherings have been an American actuality, it’s now become another weigh-in for opponents unknown and while many confidently assert we must not allow the potential volatility found in criminal agents so covertly destructive that deters our assemblies in leisure, along with celebratory events (common to man), we must “watch and pray” (*1 Pe.5:8).

Today’s Thought “Weekend of Fun” G. Ward Psalm 119 9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. While we feel as if it’s our life to live, have we considered whether we’re really in control? Our planning only concentrates on those things with pleasure written on it and never pain. Perhaps you’ll pull alongside a funeral procession to remember not long ago I too watched traffic go by as seated in misery’s chair? It maybe viewing a storyline whereby a fire occurred in a home nearby and numerous children died. Our lives can be likened to the roller-coaster (ups and downs) and our denial (where calamity and destruction may occur) could require mental evaluation. We’ve been taught to consider plan A, then B and whereas a storm can upset a picnic that must move indoors, our recognition of where true vitality exists may be short lived. Fun, is relative to peace desired and the hours spent in pursuit thereunto, will soon be faced with me alone in mine own conscious, with no place to hide (*Ps.91:1)…