Today’s Thought What a Fellowship G. Ward

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17

An English poet from the 17^th century (John Donne) graciously constructed a most excellent proverbial expression of the interdependence meant for mankind. His sought to establish a reiteration for some, while yet revealing to others the brevity of life’s journey. Intellectually, many understand their time in earth as short, while the practicality of viewing oneself as deceased goes diminished due to unfamiliarity with passing from this life unto eternity. I’m convinced that if contemplated more often, many will begin to seize more peace and joy from each day vs. worrying about the uncontrollable.

Unfortunately, subliminal messaging from others determined to hermitize (e.g. “I don’t need anyone!”) themselves from so many obstructs our better application of knowing the impossibility of achieving greatness apart from someone helping.

Happy Friday!

No Man Is An Island

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

Today’s Thought Common Expressions that Could Lead to Heresy G.Ward

“And they wandered about from nation to nation,
And from one kingdom to another people,
 He permitted no man to oppress them,
And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying,
 “Do not touch My anointed ones,
And do My prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:20-22

A youthful King David, although like many of us, plagued with selfish will, desired to exalt the LORD for not only Holy God enabling him, but (as witnessed in 1 Chronicles 16) also His protection  for the ancestry once enslaved, then given over to a new land. This protection given was indicative of the promises established first through Moses, then Joshua. Moreover, it was entirely esoteric to those chosen ones in Egypt once in bondage.

Modern day theologians have run absolutely amok in exacerbating a notion that demand Holy God’s protection because of an appointment. Songwriters have composed melodies of heresy that distort meaningful passages like those found in Isaiah 54:17, “No weapon forged against me shall prosper…” Clearly and prophetically this was a hope unto future prosperity as once experienced by God’s own; but those hearing Isaiah’s message then would be absolutely troubled for a long time. What about the disingenuous craze that disenfranchises Jabez’s prayer at 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 that pleads, “Enlarge my territory?”  Let’s be reminded of the stated nobility of Jabez that solely desired exacting the message of Holy God and continues to be synonymous with King Solomon given wisdom to remain in the parameters to lead a people.

Our constant adherence to traditional sayings loves the world’s standards and denies intimacy with Holy God as attainable. Last night’s Powerball purse of over 500 million indicates our insatiability to please ourselves (cf.Mt.16:24). Rather than perpetuating self-absorption, seek today to echo the sentiment of the Savior, “Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought Preparing for the Commission G.Ward

“Then David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab,  and said to them, “You are the heads of the fathers’ households of the Levites; consecrate yourselves both you and your relatives, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place that I have prepared for it.” 1 Chronicles 15:11-12

The ministerial assignment from Holy God is never to be regarded as either an arduous task or ordinary. It must first stem from tremendous appreciation from the mighty acts of God in our life. In the lives of many involved (Pastors-Teachers, Ushers, Choir Members, etc.), the vain contemplations of their mindsets more regard notoriety than sacrifice; therefore, a great murmuring resonates throughout the corridors in our temples, allowing others (lacking spiritual maturity) to perpetuate the phraseology most abused in Christian dialogue – hypocrite. Although these promptings from others may be true, it most certainly conveys a false premise in thinking there is someone able to attain towards a life void of hypocrisy (cf. Ro.3:10, 23). Biblical hypocrisy is merely indicative of one who pretends. Our will exercised over what we know as perfect will, pretends we’re greater in power than our Creator (cf.Jn.15:5b). If this becomes a paradigm widely regarded by unbelieving factions, then how will many come to know Him as Lord? Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Absolute Best” G. Ward

Then the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, When any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of animals from the herd or the flock.  If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord.” Leviticus 1:1-3

Have you noticed upon visiting churches their perspective on times of offering? Some make it a ceremony within the boundaries of worship services, while others categorize it as the most important segment to attending church. Personally, I’ve been to numerous churches to view this segment as entirely un-appealing and super invasive. On many occasions, I’ve viewed both Deacons and Ministers beg incessantly for more; even up to mis-quoting and de-contextualizing passages to bolster more funding. You would think that leadership as submission to unadulterated doctrine would be pervasive enough to hear a scriptural sentiment found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

*Greed obscures truth, thus circumventing rational thoughts that would lead to proper discourses. Our perspective should always be considerate of a member(s) of an audience that could be unfamiliar with supporting a local congregation. Sharing the good news (i.e. the gospel) is the panacea for not knowing how much one should render, and although a repentant heart in the moment of realizing Holy God’s loving them can be resolved immediately (cf.Eph.3:20-21), the process in learning truer reciprocity must be regarded.

The problem perpetuated by the local church is making the preaching point (11 a.m. services) the culminating factoring in the lives of believers vs. discipleship (i.e. equipping – Eph.4:12), that demands altruism from every believer, outside the realm of a great crowd. We’re often viewed as un-blemished while amidst many that seemingly desire Jesus as Lord, yet in our heart, particularly when contrasted with the greatest sacrifice given, must question whether or not ours is the absolute best… Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought Honor, Without Regard G. Ward

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother named him Jabez saying, “Because I bore him with pain.”
 Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from harm that it may not pain me!” And God granted him what he requested.1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Pastor Bruce Wilkerson is best known for his best-selling (and, in some circles, highly controversial) book The Prayer of Jabez in 2000. This particular manuscript highlighted this prayer unto many that would perhaps have been overlooked by those pursuant to reading God’s word. Unfortunately, so many solely embraced Jabez’s cry of “Enlarge my territory,” leaving a prefacing paramount to a potential blessing behind. Jabez was recognized as being more honorable. Furthermore, it is conjectured by Jabez that glory and honor unto Holy God would be the end result.
Since this manuscript’s production, insatiably driven believers have developed songs, vain philosophies and pseudo spiritual paraphernalia to designate blessings un-sought by God’s children. It’s a dirty, lowdown shame when our Savior had to prevail upon earth 42 generations of disconnect and blatant disregard from man unto Holy God’s righteousness, to then decide that the entirety of scripture given was so we could have what we desire over what He desires. Moreover, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt.6:19-21). Sadly, that meant nothing to some! Immediately their rebuttal strongly suggests, “Yeah, but…” If God’s word won’t convince you, then who am I? Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought Postmodern Contemplations G. Ward

“You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?

 This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you.  A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough.” Galatians 5:7-9

Today I pursued my annual physical examination. I awakened, prepared to dispel a militant stance of the gospel as a result in watching a televangelist mix truth with deception so very early in the morning. Then I arrived at the doctor’s office whereby he exclaimed, “Mr. Ward, I believe it’s time for your annual prostate exam!” First, why was he so enthusiastic? Second, why didn’t he dim the lights and turn on some soft music? Third, my militancy has been reduced to softer, kinder, expressions…

My question on today concerns our grandparents and those inhabitants of third world nations. You’ve heard about them haven’t you? Well apparently quite a large percentage of televangelists have not. Most are busy with narcissistic words that exacerbate a notion that Holy God exists to establish Americans in better health and more favor that would lead to more money. Immediately, charismatics want to refer to me as a heretic when I insist on proper context from the Apostle John’s letter found in 3 John: 2, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”

The Apostle clearly was encouraging Brother Gaius in the perpetuation of disseminating “Truth” (Jn.14:6). Moreover, this congratulation was synonymous with a blessing that would help keep him healthy in doing so and would include the necessary provisions to exact the message of the cross.

Our grandparents were perhaps new immigrants to this land, others, slaves unto it, would absolutely marvel at such a school of thought. They understood Holy God as timeless (The Ancient of Days). This new theology for them would have arrived a century or more too late. What about our third world friends? They just want some clean drinking water. Their stomachs are inflamed with poisons because they're drinking from the same troughs as the animals excrete in, and their food rations are so minimal that their bone structures are altogether too vivid, revealing severe malnourishment. Here come the charismatics in great denial by saying, God blesses us so that we can be a blessing. Unlike a snake, humans don’t philanthropically undergird a metamorphosis in their giving. If you don’t give now, you probably won’t give in future terms (even if Holy God drops bundles of currency from the sky)! The over-riding question is, when the Hebrew writer declares “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (13:8), does that ever imply His changing according to the modernity presented?

 Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought Sugar and Spice G. Ward

“When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

I’m proud to say that my Sister has a birthday on today. There are four of us and we’re all able to recall various incidence of more than 50 years ago (that renders us “old as dirt!”). Amazingly, we all had unique personalities growing up. The sister celebrating a birthday was indicative of the Mother Goose nursery rhyme as a little girl; What are little girls made of?
Sugar and spice,
And all that's nice;
That's what little girls are made of.

As my sister got older all of our negative influences began rubbing off and you began to see some characteristics unbecoming for a young lady. I’m reminded of her early ambition in advocacy. It was Christmas time and my Brother and I received a Mattel Hot Wheel Racing Track with all the accessories. Our neighbors celebrated Hanukah (that would make them Jewish for all my challenged friends) whereby they too received the same. The entire boy faction thought to create a super version of Hot Wheel mania by placing our racing tracks together, thus making a city of fast car motion. Our interactivity (with these boys next door) was daily and so there was no ambivalence on the part of my brother nor myself in taking our track to their basement for play. As typical in that day, we were abruptly called home and prior to our departure demanded our track accompany us, in that it appeared our opportunity in returning would not occur on that day. How many know that amicable is not a word little boys are familiar with? Can you say violent argument? Mrs. Levy, our neighbor’s Mother sought to diffuse that by insisting we go home. You must remember the time; children then listened to adults without question. Upon getting home, our expression of sadness and disgust drove our sister (the un-credentialed attorney) into such a frenzy, that she felt it necessary to go next door and demand from Mrs. Levy that our portion be returned immediately. Mrs. Levy sought to correct my sister’s tone by threatening to share with our parents the blatant disrespect given by our sister. My sister, and I quote, said, “I’ll roll out the red carpet for you!”

Next scene: my brother and I weeping profusely while seeing my sister get the spanking of her life. Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought Regrets G. Ward

“But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20

It was 5 a.m. this morning when I awakened. I prepared a most excellent cup of coffee and two pieces of toast. While sipping and eating, I began to contemplate the goodness of Holy God. I was entirely repentant for my blatant disregard of the spiritual regimen I normally experience. My prayer reflected that sorrow and I was refreshed (cf. Ac.3:19-21). Amazingly, I was immediately given an opportunity to reciprocate such a restoration comparable. Upon searching through my email I discovered a correspondence from a relative who was apologizing for some remarks she made more than six months ago that could have been construed as offensive. I assured her that no offense was taken and that my loving her meant no future apologies would ever be necessary.

Awakening each day should birth great exuberance in the lives of believers, in that it strongly substantiates His words; “He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
 Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.
For He Himself knows our frame;
He is mindful that we are but dust” (Ps.103:9-14).

*Had Joseph been impetuous with bringing public shame on Mary, the story of Christ could have been marred, but thank God for His infinite wisdom.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Lk.22:42).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought Children at Play G. Ward

“Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18

Time has a way in revealing how uncertainty will soon be made clear. Most however, rarely are considerate of such when facing an uncertain future (dilemma obscures peaceable potential). Unknowingly, many have been perpetuators (even up to antagonism), regarding other’s ability to recover from uncertain moments. I’ll refer to this on today as an unnecessary competiveness. My eldest son (for example) was walking at 6 months old. Moreover, his vocabulary was quite extensive at 1 years and he was fully potty trained shortly thereafter (no embellishment). Many of our comrades marveled at his progression and prognosticated his future as in-ordinary, including an aptitude higher than most. Our second son (4.5 years later) demonstrated some of the same characteristics, yet didn’t desire walking until he was 14 months old and wasn’t potty trained until he was 14 (I’m kidding of course)! Today, both are equally as successful although the first group of cheerleaders diminished with the second birth. Our compelling as parents to these, determined that our guidance must continue regardless of outside factions (cf. Dt.6:4-7).

Altogether, what we discover is our pursuit in life is environmental (i.e. what we’re exposed to); if strongly encouraged while young, productivity in our later years are less arduous. As believers, we have great responsibility to help (via sharing the most excellent message of reconciliation) others see that Holy God desires (cf.2 Pe.3:9) a love relationship with them individually that supersedes our adopting the heaviness in life’s circumstances (cf. Mt.11:29-30), by considering “Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, ²¹ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever” (Eph.3:20-21). Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought Usefulness G. Ward

As they were going down to the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Say to the servant that he might go ahead of us and pass on, but you remain standing now, that I may proclaim the word of God to you.” 1 Samuel 9:27

Did your candidate win on last evening? Like most of you, I’m certainly elated that it’s all over, win or lose. The traps of political behavior can be utterly exasperating. There is very little unity desired (politically) in a democratic society; it’s mostly a selfish conveyance of ideas imposed, isogetically (morally and ethically), that demands immediate adherence, or tags you (the non-compliant) as obtrusive to American values. Americans seemingly want to be upset with other factions (socio-economic, gender, religious, sexual orientation, culture or race) representative of America. While countries like Serbia may have practiced ethnic cleansing (a policy designed by one ethnic or religious group to purposely remove by violent and terror-inspiring means the civilian population of another ethnic or religious group from certain geographic areas), our partisan behaviors (thanks to our party system) invites a similar heresy. In America, we’re prepared to serve (via military) as a universalist police force to disable the kind of cleansing mentioned above, while yet guilty in the same kind of divisiveness; particularly contradictory when remembering our origin supports a plethora of freedom expression including religious, gender equality, sexual orientation, race and economic divide. Like you, I don’t agree with the behaviors of many involved in these group listings, but I don’t want to kill them, or have them fall off the face of the earth!
We find how necessary it is in hearing from Holy God independent of great crowds and sensationalistic cheerleaders in 1 Samuel, chapter 9. Waiting to be assigned without selfish promptings, Saul runs into the man of Holy God (Samuel the Prophet) who shared with him how God selected him to be first King unto Israel (Wow!). Saul, endeavored (1 Sa.9:3) what seemed to have been an ordinary task, to be anointed by the Prophet Samuel that same day as King. Independent of crowds, God spoke (“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” Ro.13:1). Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought Geriatrical G. Ward

 “Now King David was old, advanced in age; and they covered him with clothes, but he could not keep warm. ² So his servants said to him, “Let them seek a young virgin for my lord the king, and let her attend the king and become his nurse; and let her lie in your bosom, that my lord the king may keep warm.” ³ So they searched for a beautiful girl throughout all the territory of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought her to the king.

⁴ The girl was very beautiful; and she became the king’s nurse and served him, but the king did not cohabit with her.” 1 Kings 1:1-4

I was privileged to know my grandparents. They all have died, yet the memory of them is still overwhelming. All that grandparents were supposed to be (i.e. loving, encouraging, etc.) was who they were. So why am I so dysfunctional now? That’s another episode for later.

Today I want to focus in on my maternal grandfather. He was approximately six feet tall, slender and masterfully socialable. Every time he would come around, we (his grandchildren) were proud in calling him “Big Daddy.” He sought being generous towards us, but was unable because he had so many grandchildren (approx.36) and there was always so many around; particularly in a time where economic depression was rampant. We however thought of our “Big Daddy” as close to perfect. Amazingly, he gave nicknames to so many of us in accordance to how we looked; mine was Uncle John Whitfield. Apparently we had some relatives with the surname Whitfield in our genealogy. I was glad to be equated with our family in physical terms, because prior to the nickname designation, I thought they found me behind a rock or something.

The paradigm given us as children from grandparents rarely takes into account the misgivings of their youth. We see the elderly as very cognizant of extending niceties towards the many they encounter. We call them reserved because expediency is a thing of the past; retirement means slow down. Frivolity, in a general sense can’t be tolerated, because no energy drink, or any other stimulant, could incite the inducement of endorphins necessary to commit some behaviors.

That’s what happened to King David in our scripture lesson text above. It wasn’t that King David or “Big Daddy” was immune to great sin as such, Viagra wasn’t invented yet. Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought Hostess Snacks G. Ward

“From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.” Psalms 119:104

Do you recall your very first time eating a Hostess Twinkie? Well, I guess you’re like the rest of us (in other terms, no.). It however, was a very compelling thing; a spongy golden cake with a marvelous surprise of sweet white delicate cream in the middle. The Hostess Company most certainly understood the compelling for more, so they inserted two cakes in one package (knowing that consuming only one was next to impossible.).

Our lives simulate the layers of the Twinkie. We often appear a particular way, until one pulls back a layer or two discovering more personality traits. Perpetuating indifference, or adversarial for example can often be a characteristic of many, until the assignee becomes open (or compassionate) towards empathizing with the supposed antagonist enough to discover that their whole life was filled with very few examples of peace, keeping them in a mode of defense.

The term dysfunctional has been tossed around to indicate that some lack resolve regarding past indifference. Personally, I’m troubled about this unnecessary designation, because I believe no one as exempt from such a status (cf. Ro.7:15-18); therefore more imperative to adopt is a merciful perspective (cf. Eph.5:1-2). The emotion expressed in the moment may be the lack of resolve in the past. Holding individuals hostage to perceived unrighteousness, mainly blocks your being blessed (cf.Mt.6:12, 14-15) and pompously suggests you’re not, nor have been a violator. Have a Happy Thursday, Ms. or Mr. Perfect!