Today’s Thought “Turn All Devices Off…” G. Ward Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, we must fear if, while a promise remains of entering His rest, any one of you may seem to have come short of it. The serenity of the night (particularly as I opened our front door to look out at the beauty of the sky, along with witnessing a blessed quietness) before my slumber invited thoughts of Jesus’ return to surface (1 Thess.4:13-18) and while I thanked the Almighty for His rescue of my soul that granted me rest, meditations of others who’ve not enjoined themselves to this great surrender had grief encapsulating my being. Immediately, I conceded to a dutiful response to more share how what appeared to be a man (i.e., myself) born at the altar of the church house, was an angry, embittered without constraint, selfish (with many bouts in immoralities), that’s now transformed (spiritually) so as to exemplify orderly behaviors acceptable by Heaven’s standard. Moreover, my gratefulness is unrelenting because mercy now encapsulates me because I’m yet shamefully submissive to periodic bouts of who I was and whereas my godly sorrow is genuinely the supplications unto my Redeemer, He never fails to restore me onto His salvation. That’s what I’ll tell em…

Today’s Thought “People Need People” G. Ward Romans 12:3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. The measure of faith begins with humility to never forget the greatest sacrifice ever, that granted rest FOR ANY weary. Moreover, it compels our availability unto any owned by lack of constraint (i.e., addictions, mood swings at a constant and selfish, those perpetuating divide, etc.) and whereas the Almighty is without categorization on the particulars of evil, our natural construct continues in sinfulness (Ro.3:10,23). This actuality absolutely nullifies our ability to deem others hopeless and while any remain guarded after receiving the gift of redemption, disallowing an exemplar witness, IS OPPOSITE OF WHAT THE SAVIOR DEMONSTRATED and mandated we’d pursue. We’re busy listening to unjust philosophies that pervade, rid yourselves of anything or anyone negative and if/when applied, will absolutely keep you out of the marketplace altogether and those begging children and grandchildren of ours most certainly won’t see us again. We’re also told to follow our dreams and desires and to pursue happiness, although we’re bought with the most significant price and our Creator sent HIS BEST, not for personal acclimation in euphoria, or that His will be done, but to DIE FOR OUR SINS and to know HIM compels us to imitate HIM (Eph.5:1-2). Please go see about my kinfolk and stop with this vain philosophy.

Today’s Thought “When NO Is the Answer” G. Ward James 1 2 Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. An age-old question of why the Almighty allows such afflictions can be confounding to mankind, until he realizes his grandmother, or aunt who lived in/for the love the Savior offered lent them endurance, never believing they would ever be exempt from great sufferings. Some of these reality, spiritual stars would die a tumultuous death; even suffering convalescence whereby cognizance of who you were was obscured by sickness. While many count on a “thief at the cross” kind of experience that found salvation upon his imminent death, confessing his sins after witnessing Jesus’ praying and witnessing the world go dark, certainly proves the Savior’s mercy is everlasting and those before us who exhibited faithfulness while trials flowed like a river are enjoying an eternal inheritance not because they’ve done anything correct, but knew of Christ Sufficiency (cf. Heb.11:13-16). Will your fervent prayers exist mostly when tragedy or calamity occurs, proving unfaithfulness (*Pr.1:24-29)? Will you keep living a life HE proposed through insisting your directives are sufficient? Are you listening to prognosticating from the unlearned regarding so much ahead (in earth), while the uncertainty of next moments lack guarantee? Slow down and embrace Truth (John 14:6).

Today’s Thought “Pulled Over, No License” G. Ward 1 John 1 1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was revealed, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was revealed to us— 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. Intimacy with God is a must to know HIM. This involves personal study of His Word (outside the realm of sermon, teaching series and devotional thoughts), along with hearing HIS directives for the life He’s given you that enables devotion onto doing the will proposed by HIM and while this includes unceasing prayer, it was never meant to embody so many words from your limited insight and sectarian supplications (Eccl.5:1-2, Matt.6:7-8). While I applaud the many attempts from devotionalists, their discourses are given so not to make you dependent on them, but their God residing within and a practice unto these writings (from others) formulate inevitable embarrassment (2 Ti.2:15, Heb.4:16) and shame as any pervade what they say is most important, yet without answers (while others look at you, viewing what’s typical). Let’s cease being owned by mediocrity.

Today’s Thought “A Whooping Promised” G. Ward Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Perhaps you’ve heard of the prophet swallowed by a large fish after refusing to share with people absolutely violating righteousness, even deemed hopeless by those appearing good (Jon.1:1-12, 15-17)? The Prophet Nahum one hundred years later is commissioned to the same people that once repented of their wrongdoings, to then be found arrogantly defiant of Holy God’s standard. Nahum however is not the minister of chances, but doom. While we deny a love relationship intended with our Creator, through perceived, rightful complaint in all the church, pastors and people (concerning their hypocrisy), I’d beg you to obtain a proper contrast. The Author and Perfector of our faith (Christ), remains the only view worthy to emulate and when we persist in an early spirit that Jonah embodied, there may be no fish available that can engulf us; instead, the Almighty remains merciful (*Ac.3:19).

Today’s Thought “Ritualistic” G. Ward Psalm 143:8 Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. We’re mostly guilty of making plans and then asking the All-Wise God to bless them; which remains antithetical to His demand. HE alone is said to be All-Knowing; identifying what was/is best for us, before our earthly presentation, along with being knowledgeable (solely by Himself) on future pitfalls and perceived success we’ll encounter. Therefore, doesn’t it appear necessary for any considerate in living a productive, effective life to embrace a preliminary guidance (through study of God’s Word and prayers for endurance) from the ONE who loves you most? While everyone is resolved to so much, precluding New Year resolutions as useless are synonymous with some who’ve taken birthday out their vocabulary, to now include “Born Day” as its newest expression; regardless, it’s still that day my parents say I entered this life. Let us all resolve ourselves unto what’s most important for our lives; it’s Holy God who issued (inherently – Eccl.3:11) the consciousness embracing our recognizing HIS omnipotence. Truly, “morning by morning, new mercies I see” …

Today’s Thought “Eating More Fiber” G. Ward Hebrews 13 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. 9 Do not be misled by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. Salesmanship from varied manufacturers can often tamper with an original product line to unfold a “new and improved” version that sends subliminal messages to our psyches demanding (in everything) compliance of new as best and whereas everyone will be faced with Holy God’s impartation of eternity in the heart of man, we must build on no other foundation.