Today’s Thought “Internal Threat” G. Ward Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. The grip of grace given believers through Christ won’t call for a false accompaniment from us that creates an awareness unto others for our satisfaction. Instead mercy, patience and kindness remains a greater spiritual tool that spurs any towards the same Shelter desired of you when there was lapse in better judgment. Peace is soon to become the end product when we cease to juxtapose lives never meant for our governance, including our own (cf. Ps.90:10-12).

Today’s Thought “A Religious Society, Void of Truth” G. Ward Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. American pastors have failed miserably to convey how necessary it is to imitate Jesus Christ who dealt with civil unrest in perhaps greater proportion than our era (cf. Hos.4:6). Therefore what could be completely devoted citizens of Heaven are taught to merge their faith with active participation in worldly disparities that establishes more advocacy and furthers a potential resolve achievable in/through other men (cf.Ac.4:12, Col.2:16). If any know my politics along with my Savior, they’ll never identify HIM as sufficient. Moreover, if exposed to my many perceived, righteous indignations, theirs will also increase, particularly as they hope in a future without accomplishment from global systems of times past. Instead, faith in Christ trusts in His rule and understands this evil world is operationally opposite of Heaven’s delight, then seeks to win a few onto peace found in Him.

Today’s Thought “I Got This, I Think…” G. Ward Numbers 15:30 “But the person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, reviles the LORD, and that person shall be cut off from among his people.” Willful sin presumes a posture of arrogance; believing that my ability in covert exercise of appearances in peace, while truly hoping (with extreme anxiety) that no one unfolds my intentionality to deceive and whereas this worry concerns itself with other men, being my own blind guide forgot the wisdom from the Holy One can’t be shook (*cf. Matt.10:28).

Today’s Thought “Listening to the Radio” G. Ward Proverbs 20:11 “Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” Innocence with children is often lost when they arrive at school whether they attend parochial or public education due to other children’s exposure to things not befitting for them and can be likened to our adventuring towards righteousness in a world oblivious unto a similar pursuit. Our conscious is filled with both good and bad ideologies. It’s therefore incumbent on any endeavoring to be known (i.e. owned) by Heaven to displace things unbecoming with prudence found in the only script seeking to usher us from childhood to adulthood and whereas consideration of total dependence thereunto is a joyful venture, always providing tremendous wisdom that won’t relent, while absolutely loving the peace promoted as HE leads (cf. Ps.139:23-24).

Today’s Thought “Broken Rules” G. Ward Romans 7 8 But sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead. Great advocacy from many (including other Olympians) is plenteous as empathy towards what perceivably was grievous a period for the world’s fastest female runner after the death of her Mother. The drug ingested was seemingly the device this young, educated lady supposed could lend solace (even legal in the home state of this champion) and while many embrace a sentiment suggestive of “One without sin, cast the first stone,” I’ll ask where o where was the believer’s posture in all this? This sprinter’s starting point (i.e. this opportunity) could have been potentially thwarted, comparable to the sympathetic care many of us received upon hearing of the death of a loved one; whereby so many refused to let us go it alone. I too am saddened by the choice she made, particularly with this level of training endeavored. May the position of the believer in Christ reign and rule (very particularly those closest to her), introduce, or re-invigorate her in knowing that HE is the Lover of her soul whereas every device outside the spiritual pursuit in knowing HIM squashes presumption.

Today’s Thought “My Inheritance Now Please!” G. Ward Jeremiah 23 1“Woe to the shepherds who are causing the sheep of My pasture to perish and are scattering them!” declares the LORD. 2 Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel says concerning the shepherds who are tending My people: “You have scattered My flock and driven them away, and have not been concerned about them; behold, I am going to call you to account for the evil of your deeds,” declares the LORD. It appears the Creator wasn’t fast enough in mankind’s attempt to make a genie out of Holy God’s sufficiency then no different than now, causing many to establish trust elsewhere. Chants of “He may not come when you want Him, but He’ll be there right on time” syndrome, perpetuates a similar notion of still believing as a little child would that suggests if I ask, I’ll get it. *Instead, we’re called to grow up and more understand no one is exempt from sufferings, along with denying proprietorship of all that any insist they need, to then acquire, that will soon demand the newest version (Can you say like the Apple Phone and which version are we on?). Contentment, most certainly is a better aim (Phil.4:10-13). To meditate more on the Almighty’s merciful kindness towards you, while being patient with us as we journey on building an unwavering faith in Him, enables praise. Will we be found faithful in allowing HIS perfect guidance versus false hope from others?

Today’s Thought “HE Sees the Best in Me” G. Ward Jeremiah 29 4 “This is what the LORD of armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and father sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may give birth to sons and daughters; and grow in numbers there and do not decrease. 7 Seek the prosperity of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD in its behalf; for in its prosperity will be your prosperity. Warnings from Holy God confirms His love for us and our accepting this Divine regard determines whether we believe it or not and although time to reconcile ourselves to this is extremely short, we live more vicariously through our plans versus HIS. We may look at Israel’s plight given from Heaven in abstract, as they too were in a strange land, until we slow down well enough to witness the pervasiveness of slavery so common to this era that denies God’s peace among a chaotic, dangerous world. Saying “yes” to His rule calls for an exercise very challenging. Get to a quiet place, then close your eyes and feel your motioning as you’re still. If our Great Creator chooses to stop the next breath, where are your plans?