Today’s Thought “Stay Out of My Pocketbook!” G. Ward Romans 13:7 “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” To embellish is in a sense a re-design of something actual and generally regarded as permissible, particularly when the substance belongs (seemingly) to you and whereas the greatest, most authoritative, inerrant script is provided man by the Only True Owner of all (Ps.24:1), it’s not given so as to rely on our limited artistry of interpretation, but implicit follow-ship thereunto that ultimately concerns our being viewed by others lacking compliance, to then marvel at uncommon perseverance in us, as belonging to the Almighty.

Today’s Thought “Confessional Booth” G. Ward Psalm 66:18 “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” It was what appeared to be a typical day at school in the life of a third grader and the joy for being called upon to clap the erasers and clean the chalkboard was the anticipation for every student. Without greater enunciating, the teacher most assuredly called Greg (not Craig) to the assignment. As understood for the life of an 8-9 year old boy, violation of clarity unto the teacher went violated, causing conflict with these two. Here’s the greater problem, although I was a tough kid, this other apparently had been left behind a couple of grades. GOLIATH’S resolve was a settling of this affair after school. Not having enough sense to be afraid I accommodated him. Being a masterful egoist helped in this endeavor (along with a little girl I liked, who would watch). Round one found my victory in what seemed an effortless rumble, whereas the next round witnessed my gasping for air to find his wrestling skills superior. Where were the adults when you needed them? Oh, I didn’t tell you I was then Catholic and attended their schools and as I squirmed underneath this giant all I could see was the rectory (the Priest’s Home) along with the huge, palatial church to think, “God if you love me, You’ll rescue me!” Craig (a.k.a. Goliath), I’m bigger now and that may be the problem still… “Pray without ceasing” so as to thwart costly indecision.

Today’s Thought “Excel Beyond the Preacher” G. Ward Matthew 18 21 Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” The kindergarten teacher instructs so as to not keep us joyfully singing the alphabet in our latter years, but more to embrace a greater foundation for dissecting soliloquies collegiately. Jewish rabbis offered extra writings, speculative about the mind of God, even equated with where sole Truth exists (i.e. God’s Word) that offered a number for Israel to consider regarding how many times one should forgive their enemy. Peter questioned Jesus on that presumption with a far-reaching amount. Thereafter, Jesus would offer what we know to be an innumerable measure of forgiveness paving the way to His perfect example. Have we as modern day professors sought adding to what forgiveness entails outside of what the Lord demanded just as the extra-rabbinical writings professed, or will it more embrace forgiving as we’ve been?

Today’s Thought “Simon Says…” G. Ward John 3 31 “He who comes from above is above all; the one who is only from the earth is of the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 What He has seen and heard, of this He testifies; and no one accepts His testimony.” Logic is with a varied expression, primarily exercised from that to which is both experiential merged with personal agenda and while society is seemingly enlarged by the explorations appearing prudent to follow (even with tremendous accolade), the simplicity in Heaven’s regard for their soul may suffer; particularly when they feel they can have both, and…

Today’s Thought “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered” G. Ward 1 Corinthians 2:14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. We live in a world where credentials through a varied field study sanctions practitioning of sorts regarded by most. The Word of God however won’t allow a graduate recognition similar, in that no matter the educational prowess, understanding the highest spiritual guideline requires you and me to first die to self, to then allow the Savior’s sole ability in resurrecting us onto denial of a position once held that said it’s my life and I’ll do with it as I choose. The approach to Holy God is further marginalized when pre-supposition (i.e. determining what it says with mere intellect) demands we read His script as we’ve ingested information before, but demands the holiest, reverent regard as if the Almighty is speaking (audibly so). May you all be determined to hear before it’s too late (*Matt.24:35).

Today’s Thought “Square Peg, Round Hole…” G. Ward Luke 10:42 “But one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Great planning that soon becomes physical enactment should first count the costs to determine if help is needed and when assumption unto a lone work seems possible, then endeavored onto exhaustion, great criticism of others seated while you scurry promotes a disdain for all who watch. As Mary and Martha anticipated Jesus visiting their home, Martha was such a one aforementioned, while Mary determined not to leave the wisdom of this Wonderful Savior. This actuality remains unfortunately argumentative among believers as any seek to juxtapose who was right (Mary vs. Martha). It’s more written/recorded that we’d see both refreshments as necessary for guests (i.e. task), while their purpose (more paramount) should’ve acknowledged the Supremacy of Christ (in their presence) over food (i.e. duty). *Now substitute food for any plans you’ve made and adjust accordingly (Lk.11:28).

Today’s Thought “Trapped Cat in a Tree” G. Ward Romans 12:19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Understanding grace is an ongoing pursuit that more unfolds unworthiness from its reader, but rejoices how pardoning from On High looked beyond one’s own contempt in view of the sole work Christ provided (*Ro.5:7-8). For any recipient thereunto to persist in condemnation of others may prove misunderstanding (i.e. grace never applied), because love desires all be included in the greatest phenomenon available to mankind; as they “rejoice with the truth; keeping every confidence, believing all things, hoping all things and endures all things” (1 Cor.13:6b-7). The opposite scope belongs to Holy God.