Today’s Thought “A Safe Haven” G. Ward 1 John 5:18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. While discomfort is an undesired reverberation soon to visit per our insistence towards satisfying momentary pleasures (including that which promotes an easy way out or procrastination), never forget spiritual reprieve’s availability; a loving, merciful, Savior and whereas some may liken Him to be comparable to a doting Mother after her child falls to experience a boo-boo to then place a bandage over it, our Lord will hold you tight with unparalleled comfort, keeping the wound exposed so you’ll never let go (cf. Ps.51:1-4).

Today’s Thought “Hang Em High!” G. Ward 2 Corinthians 5 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their wrongdoings against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. I’ve become a real fan of great movie Westerns on television (where the good guys won). Remarkably and with unnecessary analytics, I question what made the bad guy(s) bad; particularly when the whole of the environment witnessed families (as early pioneers) exercising as agronomists and herdsman and always willing to share the fruits of their labor (?). It (i.e. perceived conditions of peace) will always be with someone dissatisfied and envious, causing mindsets great disturbance concerning that to which they don’t possess (cf. Ps.24:1). When Preacher’s preach to any the only message where true reconciliation exists, all who hear will soon understand that while they absolutely possess nothing, their Savior owns everything to which they’ve become recipients to the fruits of HIS labor (Jn.10:9-10).

Today’s Thought “Distress, Gone Away” G. Ward Luke 6:20-21 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Jesus’ words then were mostly perceived as readily available; for conditions in that society too were with great disparities, including tremendous oppression and our hearing (through reading) can also make the same kind of demand without interrogating what it truly means. Poor (in this case) was not relative to being impoverished, but failure to understand the riches in Christ as guidance that grants peace while suffering and hunger wasn’t longing for porridge, but craving righteousness (i.e. better sustenance). We would do well to build on that foundational Truth, for all (in their estimation) can use more, including that of a diversified menu, but grace keeps giving…

Today’s Thought “Taking It on the Chin” 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.” Being a product of one’s environment can often be the excuse leaving some friendless; particularly when known for challenging things quite insignificant. It won’t stop there, because those so entirely knowledgeable, to feel they’re persuasive because others won’t challenge their discourse, fail to realize the one appearing to listen searched for an exit the entire time. The attitude of Christ however (*Phil.2:1-8), has become the new strand worthy to achieve for any that believe. HE, in all/every way sought bringing attention to the Father’s sufficiency and while He alone would have reason to boast, or insist on being recognized (from every naysayer who would pervade evil towards Him) as God in the flesh (Jn.1:1-5, 14), He instead taught us the essence of denial, while yet desiring the vilest of sinners’ repentance (cf. Lk.23:34).

Today’s Thought “Is There Room for Another?” G. Ward Luke 17 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Even forgiveness from what perceivably is the church is conditional (and we wonder why so many lack faith)! Eyes are wandering towards another worthy in their limited estimation onto great criticism, along with rendering some hopeless and the preachers lead the way (*cf. Hos.4:4-6). Sermons are being prepared with castigations of “John Q. Public” featuring his dilemma in unreconciled sinfulness and the people are on the edge of their seats prepared to shout hooray! It’s no wonder the gospel (marginalized) competes with mindsets from many that determines church folks are the worse. Theirs can mostly look at the vilest of sinners versus deep interrogation of one’s own heart (Ps.139:23-24) and continuation thereunto that portrays this as acceptable violates confidence of being forgiven by the only Judge worthy.

Today’s Thought “Church Posture” G. Ward Galatians 5 1 For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Many things regarded in religion can be the ongoing production from some attributing follow-ship (without challenge) thereunto as godly order and while they perpetuate what it means to be a traditionalist, even up to not being able to tell you where the rule emanated, criticism that refuses investigation is also furthering imprudent behavior (*2 Ti.4:1-2). Truest governance won’t ever be found in another manuscript (cf. Ro.10:8) and those insistent with sharing differently violate faith’s principle.

Today’s Thought “Conjured Obstacles” G. Ward 1 Timothy 2:4 Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. While many proposed believers have not been the epitome of the Christian standard expected (Ro.3:10), it more reveals a pretentiousness from those with claimants of pursuing the Almighty (i.e. their terms along with HIS) while observing the activity in one who’s supposed to be more faithful, determining (through a horrid rationalization) why it is don’t attend worship services; when the only view for mankind’s contrast is revealed through the life of Jesus our Lord, not imperfect men.