Today’s Thought “Mr. Ed, A Talking Horse” G. Ward Acts 10:42 “And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.” As a kid I enjoyed watching the television series Mr. Ed (1961-1966). Mr. Ed (the talking horse) would only talk to his owner (Wilbur). On many occasions Wilbur was caught in what appeared to be talking to himself causing great disturbance in other’s perception of him. Mr. Ed never thought to vindicate Wilbur from appearing absolutely loco to others, but would often challenge his owner (void of an audience) with great perspective concerning life’s complexities. The believer is mostly without a barn occupied with a talking horse, but is with the Perfect Lamb of God who holds every answer and perfect submission thereunto will ensure His presence that vindicates without waver (cf. Jn.1:29). Moreover and finally, the Savior who accepted my repentance desires to do the same for those feeling less than, so He’s called me to this holy ambassadorship that I can proclaim mine own unworthiness apart from His glorious righteousness that was imputed unto me. Each day, along with my thanking Him for His graciousness towards me, I ask Him to make His appointment(s) vivid, so this joy I have may be the presentation for those needing hope (cf. Isa.6:8).

Today’s Thought “Gentle Masculinity” G. Ward Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” I’m reminded of a Father (deceased 2008) who embodied the essence in understanding the necessity to instruct with a great sense in urgency that would help govern a legacy delivering boys onto men. The respectability began before adolescence in that my Dad maintained great respect for us as reciprocated by his children. The relationship would naturally produce desired compliance in righteousness that most certainly didn’t want to disappoint. My Father did the best he could stemming from gargantuan love unrelenting that included hugs even after we bore children. The component of true peace left out growing up was spiritual; not refusal to identify need for a Savior, but a lack in knowledge in how to get there (Ro.10:14-15), that included periodic visits to worship and great prayer before meals, etc. The things of religion (even moral activity) are most certainly not ever a safeguard (*Rev.21:5-8). Missing my Dad with tears…

Today’s Thought “Throwback Thursday” G. Ward Romans 1 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. All that America has become (good and bad) is what I wouldn’t trade for another parcel of land. The Statue of Liberty has been honored as America’s symbol that welcomed earth’s citizenry as the lady carries the Declaration of Independence in her left hand and the first sentence indicates the hospitality from its inhabitants (We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.). Another thesis statement appears on the statue itself (“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”) and these recent years has witnessed its citizens arguing the entirety of its origin. Man’s intent/purpose is entirely inarguable. He’s positioned in earth to do the Father’s will. The exclusivity given is without relent, yet maintains an inclusivity for any desiring “true freedom.” Origins of sorts are proven idealism when plans from man exist apart from God ordained guidance promoting great sectarian/divisive disorder forever evolving…

Today’s Thought “Back to School” G. Ward “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” Proverbs 4:25-27 So what prayer and bible readings have been ruled unconstitutional in schools! That’s been 55 years ago and we’re still whining? Believers of old didn’t allow oppression and societal ills of sorts to penetrate their homes, instead they modeled how essential prayer is/was. Many today would argue people of old weren’t bombarded with the magnitude of work obstacles, along with familial lack in support (I’d rather you keep technological advancement distant from man’s progression in self-righteousness.). Only the cigarette ad states authoritatively, "You’ve come a long way baby,” mankind continues to be on a slippery slope (Jn.15:5b). Those growing closer to implicit follow-ship in being God-ruled, understand that outsourcing parental responsibility to lead and exemplify what prayer and bible study should represent is ordained (for you and I) by Holy God (Deut.6:4-7). Allowing what’s become both a polytheistic and political movement’s dictation (i.e. what was never meant for our spiritual conformity) denies our children their God given right to pause in prayer. Unbelief awaits government regulations (particularly in our time of Covid-19) limiting our assembly even; only “big church” (i.e. not pertaining to size, but mentality) is with that worry, because the rest of us won’t be moved (while compliant). The faithful class are more in touch than ever before (can you say Zoom, Periscope, Conference Call, etc.?).

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Pep Rally” G. Ward Romans 8:26 “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” The sufferings of mankind can be relative to great distress that blinds both sensibility and good judgment. Faith in the Most High may continue even while anxiety becomes the cup to consume, but often times requires great assistance to stand and if no cane or crutch is nearby, collapse may ensue. The Lord’s faithfulness insists that we saturate ourselves with that which is written and to treat those words as a life document. It’s then that we’ll remember how to rest assured of His lovingkindness that seeks to shelter us from uncertainty. His love is astounding and no matter the extremity presented, I’ll trust Him…

Today’s Thought “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” G. Ward John 15:7 “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Jesus’ persistence in generosity desires every man to know Him as “The Vine” and mankind as branches therein. This agricultural terminology remains familiar to the world He loves, while insisting the science that recognizes nutrients spread throughout those capillaries (i.e. branches) keeps them alive (and if there’s no dependence or disruption occurs in the flow, the branch dies). When we are expressive of a self-governance, particularly when exercising with a pseudo allegiance (by calling Him Lord – Owner), Heaven won’t hear. Moreover and finally, our dictates away from the Word of life (*Jn.1:1-5, 14) given us to follow (often referred to as prayer) are violated when desire trumps reverence thereunto (Lk.6:46)...

Today’s Thought “California Wildfire” G. Ward Nehemiah 1:4 As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. Lightning appears to be the culprit to the burning in California that’s impacted hundreds of thousands in acreage along with tens of thousands having been called to evacuate their homes. In an election season it matches importance with all the political reporting rather than supersede it. These United States won’t pause for kindly adherence to those citizens afflicted because unity goes compromised. Instead our compassion (particularly as we view these realities on our flat screen televisions amidst our posh surroundings) is limited to the next sensationalistic storyline soon to compel us to echo sentiments of “Those poor people!” Biblical mercy given more compels a halt that addresses Holy God immediately and includes desired directives from Heaven as to how I can become most effective therein.