Today’s Thought “Last Words” G. Ward

 

“For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.” James 3:2

 

It’s been more than 5 years ago since my dear cousin Terri was gunned down before her two boys by her husband. Unfortunately, her last words were recorded via a voicemail message left for her husband who apparently suffered with marital infidelity. The expletives utilized were entirely reactionary and became threatening. Without going into greater detail, it serves as a reminder of how impetuous we allow ourselves to become when we neglect realizing life on these shores are without guarantee. We’re admonished through Holy God’s word to be gentle and peaceable at all times (Eph.4:2, Php.4:5). The very culmination of our exuding these characteristics was strongly and perfectly exemplified through our Savior. We must learn to reciprocate total humility if we expect to see HIM face to face. This in no way suggests Terri didn’t know HIM, it merely conveys that in the moment, lack of greater surrender went un-noticed.

As we endeavor Holy Week, very particularly, Maundy Thursday (It commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as described in the Canonical gospels), let’s endeavor to remember Christ and His un-ambivalent sacrifice for you and me; and yes remember Terri’s story. I miss her terribly… Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Beyond Opinion” G. Ward

 

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6

 

Eternity contemplated will always present circumstances as inconsequential. Like me, you’ve probably have noticed that no one remarks terrible things about the deceased at his/her funeral. I would imagine that with the majority of those who’ve died, something negative could be said concerning their life; but at departure, it’s easy to forget they owed you $20.

Our spiritual plight is certainly similar to the under-takings of those traveling with the Savior (cf. John 14). Although some of the disciples had the Father with them physically (Jn.14:8-10), they failed because of what they needed to perceive from such an occurrence. That, my friend, is the essence of where opinion can take us. Our insatiability with perceived righteousness (2 Co. 5:7) is the very lack of faith both Thomas and Phillip demonstrated. Their demands have become our faithless portrayal. What makes ours so much more ridiculous is, we now have the entire script that shares victory now and forevermore (Ro.8:31-39, Heb.13:5)!

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Delayed Abandonment” G. Ward

 

“But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.  For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,  unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good.” 2 Timothy 3:1-3

 

 

Published March 26, 2013

FoxNews.com

The gay marriage debate lands before the Supreme Court Tuesday morning, as the justices weigh the first of two cases that could have sweeping implications for the states.

Tuesday's historic arguments will center on California's Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriages. Spectators have been waiting in line since Thursday for the chance at being in the room while the two sides try to sway the court.

Shame on every believer awaiting an interpretation of Holy God’s ordination of marriage (cf. Ge. 2)! Relegating responsibilities given by our Creator regarding man’s endeavoring righteousness has become governmental authority. I’m so glad that some of our fore-parents didn’t await the Emancipation Proclamation to decide that they were free although earthly boundaries persisted. Moreover, where was the Constitution then? Furthermore, in my lifetime, as being exposed to Jim Crow laws, did the Constitution promote equality?

Here’s our reality; Holy God is the same, yesterday, today and forever (Heb.13:5). Unalienable rights in His Son are without parameters. The Sanhedrin, or no court (whether the highest established for this land or not) is able to persuade me towards an antithetical view of what our Father has said. I’ll not watch and wait for man’s calculable notions of what the fore-fathers of this nation meant with the script in governance for this nation. We can all assume, but they’ve died. It is amusing however that man has existed (thousands of years) thus far without a consideration of this preposterous argument. If we’re not careful, we’ll hear it so much; our staunch position will loosen because we’re failing in discipling those coming to Jesus… Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Biblical Indifference” G. Ward

 

“One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:5

 

As if marriage isn’t difficult enough, I received a disturbing telephone call on last Thursday (here at our church office) from a young lady seeking to simplify it. She needed someone (preferably a Pastor) to decipher/diffuse an ongoing issue between her fiancé and herself, relative to the bible. The topic was abortion. It was the ongoing argument on for or against. There exists a conservative view of absolutism (against) and liberal view of it may be necessary in the case of rape or incest. Although these terms are more relative to politics (i.e. liberal vs. conservative), it most certainly can/should include theology.

This young lady’s expression encountered such periodic argument pertinent to religion that it made her second guess this potential union; to which I echoed a sentiment of “Amen!” “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed” (Amos 3:3)? Furthermore, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness” (2 Co.6:14)?

This young couple also desires to maintain separate church fellowships (Doomed from the start!). She stated her dislike for the doctrine disseminated at his church and he said the same of hers. We as believers, can never disagree about what Final Authority has already said when our studies are more inductive than deductive (Eph.4:5, 2 Ti.2:15, 3:16-17). Variances are always subject to raise its ugly head when our desire is to gratify lusts of the flesh and mind. Holy God isn’t doing a supposed “New Thing” when the old goes un-reconciled! Give me that old, good religion… Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “If I Could Turn Back the Hand of Time?”  G. Ward

 

“If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint,
I will change my expression, and smile,’
 I still dread all my sufferings,
for I know you will not hold me innocent.
 Since I am already found guilty,
why should I struggle in vain?” Job.9:26-29

 

Spiritual maturity’s gauge is not repeating some of the same offenses of the past. Like some of you, I’m without innocence in this matter. Many times, compassion takes over, allowing obscurity to overshadow cognition towards righteous judgment. Surely, all are sinning and falling short of His glory (Ro.3:23)!

Although I’m familiar with every man suffering in the same, it yet sheds no reprieve in my mindset. Foolishly, I rehearse these self-inflicted impositions many times over, which becomes sin exacerbated. Holy God awakening us to HIS day (Ps.118:24), is indicative of granting a second chance. Sin absolved by Holy God is so marvelously freeing for every believer (“As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Ps.103:12 and He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19), so walk therein! Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Reconciling Indifference” G. Ward

 

“Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.” Psalm 51:4

 

 

Indifference can be subjectively exasperating. Our road to reconciling those things that aren’t quite right, particularly with how others perceive our many mishaps, is/can be the wrong avenue for truer recovery. Some others look for venues to criticize those with mistakes. It allows them opportunity in removing focus on their improprieties (cf. Mt.7:3-5).

King David knew something about this after having committed a plethora of heinous sin. It was after being exposed (2 Sa. 12:1-7) that great conviction permeated every part of his being, causing him to cry out unto SUFFICIENCY for immediate reconciliation. It doesn’t suppose in this storyline that apology wasn’t necessary to those living who were violated in all his greed and selfishness, it merely conveys they may never forgive, but Holy God will (1 Jn. 1:9)! Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Lifetime” G. Ward

 

“By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.” Genesis 2:2

 

You probably would never guess it, but I’m a true fan of the “Lifetime” Network. It’s a cable television station that features bogus romantic scenarios whereby someone ends up dead behind some psychotic individual perplexed and bothered. Before you begin assessing my subliminal thinking, I entreat myself unto this viewing as anyone would a good mystery (and yes, perhaps I’m a little violent, but I haven’t killed anyone lately.). This entertainment has been entirely restful for me. Unfortunately, I’m unable to remain awakened long enough to enjoy these movies as once before because planned rest for me is a constant violation to my rigorous schedule.

Holy God, nothing like man (Isa.55:8-9), didn’t assume rest because HE was tired (Jn.4:24). His rest was the model necessary to enable man to see that exhaustion would accompany him from time to time. Good plans enable consistent rest (Ps.119:133). We must remember however, our Creator’s insights are unlimited. Therefore, great consultation with Final Authority (cf. Mk.1:35) diffuses caseloads of incessant mishaps that keep us working overtime. Anything less, is sinful… Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Irreverence” G. Ward

But the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Matthew 8:8

Taking the Lord’s name in vain is abhorrent. We however, allow our mindsets to go to the worse expression of that vain thought. In the book of Exodus 20:7, there is a stern warning unto Israel for this abusive futility in calling on HIM as Holy Father and not regarding HIM for His righteousness and power. For us of this dispensational era, when we call HIM Lord (Master, Owner of my life), while refusing adherence to His commands (1 Jn.1:5-6, 5:2-4), it’s the same as utilizing the terrible expletive many exercise in today.

I really don’t know that in the days of Israel (wandering through the desert in pursuit of God ordained land for themselves) whether or not the profane verbiage in taking God’s name in vain existed, but I do know blatant disregard for His grace and mercy is equally abhorrent.

Before becoming terribly offended the next time you hear someone cussing and fussing that leads them to this horrendous expression, check your own (cf. Mt.7:3-5)! Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Folklore” G. Ward

 

Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Matthew 8:20

 

You know you’re getting old when you go for a general medical visit and depart with three prescriptions. Moreover, when your recall has to do with something society hasn’t utilized in more than 30+ years or more. Although the things of life once thought of as resourceful diminishes, innovative substitutes have been a more excellent replacement (making life simple).

Flatter me on today as I reflect on a time when homelessness as we know it wasn’t a part of America’s dialogue. Growing up in Michigan allowed tremendous exposure to the harshness of winter. My dad would force his contemplations on us by sharing on some of the coldest days, “Think about all the stray dogs and cats without shelter.” My siblings and I would always become very sorrowful and speechless. Amazingly, human beings naturally clung to a better notion of facilitating their own relative’s needs (Although Uncle Bubba may have been a nut-case, he was still accommodated in the basement).

There was however a homelessness with some. These were insistent about life as nomads and no one could usher them into normality. They were referred to as “hobos.” Mostly they would hang out near the railroad tracks, seeking shelter in empty train cars.

We unfortunately have become oblivious to past accountability towards each other. Technology, although greatly appreciated, has become the formulative perspective most need. It’s promoted simple living, yes; but it insists on reckless expediency. Exercising in this vain thought process promotes great oversight vs. Independent thinking causing a contemplative rehearsal that asks, “Did I overlook anything?” I miss the good ole days… Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Lack of Resolve” G. Ward

 

“They speak mere words,
With worthless oaths they make covenants;
And judgment sprouts like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.” Hosea 10:4

 

On last evening it was reported that our President met with key legislators across his party line to shed resolve on spending cuts that would enable Americans potential reprieve from fiscal improprieties of the past. Forgive my pessimism, but what’s absolutely amazing is how educated men and women, representing a constituency of affluent, overlooked, liberal and conservative voters can’t agree to disagree without resolve. Every partisanship represented seeks to distort media’s opportunity to promote facts by the more acceptable, pervasive option that sensationalizes news. Listeners then decide whose ideology to adopt; not based on researching facts, but on presentation.

In the days of the Prophet Hosea, Israel had to be reminded of Holy God’s faithfulness. HIS faithfulness was transcendent to those contemporaries of Hosea, but also prevailed among those in times past. Forgetfulness from those recipients of greater grace contains a penalty (cf. Ro.6:23). Therefore our resolve must insist on what’s eternally rewarding; knowing and then doing the will of God. As practitioners (of following God’s will), we’ll not opt for loquacious advocacy that promotes more idealism. We’ll insist on promotion of what Final Authority demands (cf. Heb.13:8).

 Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Peace On Earth?” G. Ward

 

“Why are times not stored up by the Almighty, and why do those who know Him not see His days?
 “Some remove the landmarks; They seize and devour flocks. “They drive away the donkeys of the orphans; They take the widow’s ox for a pledge. “They push the needy aside from the road;
The poor of the land are made to hide themselves altogether. “Behold, as wild donkeys in the wilderness They go forth seeking food in their activity, as bread for their children in the desert.
 “They harvest their fodder in the field and glean the vineyard of the wicked. “They spend the night naked, without clothing, and have no covering against the cold. “They are wet with the mountain rains
and hug the rock for want of a shelter. “Others snatch the orphan from the breast, and against the poor they take a pledge. “They cause the poor to go about naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaves from the hungry. “Within the walls they produce oil; They tread wine presses but thirst.
 “From the city men groan, and the souls of the wounded cry out; Yet God does not pay attention to folly.” Job 24:1-12

 

Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela died of Cancer on yesterday. He was regarded as a tyrannical dictator for years by capitalistic nations like ours; particularly after his failed coup attempt against Venezuela’s government in 1992. Through a democratic process he was elected by his own countrymen in 1999. Moreover, by his own he was regarded as a “champion to the poor.”

Venezuela is the fourth largest exporter of oil in the world. Therefore their elitists have benefitted greatly at the hands of the poor. Chavez’s blatant objection to this disenfranchisement stemmed from his growing up in abject poverty; a witness to this travesty. Perhaps his means to the elimination of abject poverty in Venezuela was somewhat mis-directed, but it was his conviction; right or wrong. Moreover, where is our boast with a two-party system that perpetuates more divisiveness than continuity at the expense of citizenry?

Job, like many of us bombarded with media disseminations of Chavez as tyrannical, found those violators of Holy God’s law as contemptuous. Furthermore, he was overwhelmed with how their blatant disregard goes unpunished (cf. Ps. 73). In this New Testament era, our charge emanates from God’s word found in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Deciphering Truth” G. Ward

 

But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship,  and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” ³¹ And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” Acts 8:26-31

 

I recall my first experiencing salvation. Like some of you, I was totally enthralled with all things involving church life. I would show at every kind of meeting (with most there was no general invitation extended). I, however, would delight myself in the prayer that prefaced each meeting (and that was fine with me). When Sunday morning would arrive, it was unquestionably the best day of the week. There was an older Minister of the gospel there who taught Sunday school each week (an adult class). My attendance altogether was sketchy during some seasons, in that I worked retail and some days called for my presence. This gentleman missed me every time. One Sunday he approached me regarding my inconsistency. Upon my sharing the exactness of my dilemma, particularly in view of my strong desire to never miss, he asked me if he could pray that I would become free to worship every Sunday from that point. I agreed. Needless to say, Sunday work became a thing of the past.

Because this gentleman was elderly, he missed a Sunday (due to illness). Apparently no correspondence was given until before the Sunday school time began. Unfortunately, no one felt confident to teach the class, so a group approached the Pastor to facilitate that morning. Immediately, the Pastor made his ambivalence to teach known, yet the many congregants insisted. He sat there within the classroom and read every word from the periodical, sharing no exposition of his own. Of course my sentiment of “anyone of us could have done that” prevailed itself. I thank Holy God for that experience, in that it allowed me to see the vitality in always being prepared. Like the Ethiopian eunuch many need believers to remain prepared as exemplar servants of HIS… Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “A Fatal Commissioning” G. Ward

 

 Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” ²⁶ And although the king was very sorry, yet because of his oaths and because of his dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. ²⁷ Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison.” Mark 6:25-27

 

When Holy God assigns, does safety accompany it? That notion presumes the Father needs you vs. you needing Him. Parents in times past would chastise their children by reciting country euphemisms like; “I’ll kill you and make another just like you!” Well, our Creator has that ability. It won’t necessarily mean that we’ve been unproductive and ineffective as some suppose. Many ask, “Then why?” The answer lies solely with Final Authority. It however remains perplexing when the Savior allows a servant-leader to experience great peril (even up to dying) while they’re nearing the pinnacle of an assignment (from HIM) and following implicitly. John the Baptizer, Isaiah, James, Peter, Paul and Stephen, were a few martyred for their implicit faith in the Lord Jesus. Is your ministry as productive as theirs?

Holy God’s reply to the issue of safety is two-fold; 1. Heb.13:5b, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you.” 2. John 14:1-3, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.” Happy Monday!