Today’s Thought “Inerrant” G. Ward

 

“God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27

 

Apologetics is a discipline, defending convictions emanating from a systematic usage of literary prose. As believers, ours is Holy God’s word (i.e. The Bible). Our defense is usually regarded as judgmental. Its convicting power is unusually explosive and demeaning; making giants small.

Unfortunately, we’ve more adapted to the times than to God’s sufficient word. This compromise pursued allows for illicit behaviors to become marginalized through every discourse necessary for conversion sake. We’ve walked on egg shells concerning social ills, at the expense of our eternality (cf. Mt. 10:28).

Media sensationalists are now reporting individuals “coming out,” revealing their supposed sexuality. I’m more confused than ever before! Pragmatic contemplations demand I’M NOT WHAT I DO! The person I am is not defined by the small percentage of time I spend flattering myself!  Inalienably and unequivocally, I’ve been made a man! My presence on the earth is as a result of a natural process of man and woman coming together!

In years to come, we need not worry about population overflow, because perversion (That’s what Holy God calls it; cf. Ro.1:18-27) perpetuated disallows human reproduction.  Don’t call the LGBT (an initialism that collectively refers to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community) on me, because then it will be gay bashing in reverse… Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Relational vs. Irreverence” G. Ward

 

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

 

What if someone asks you to pray in a group setting and you decided to close the prayer by merely stating “Amen?” Perhaps many would conclude that although your heart is sincere, your effectiveness lies questionable.

In Jesus Name, is it a position or a saying? It certainly serves as an excellent reminder of the vitality in recognizing the Sole Mediator who allows access to the Father (Jn.14:6), but after communication sought is over, the compelling is to live out the creed of the supplication proposed. Words don’t give us access, faith in the One who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think (Eph.3:20a) is essential. While the faithless consider the closing of prayer as synonymous with justification, others will decide that HE is Lord while bowing or kneeling (cf. Eph.6:18)…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Cowardice” G. Ward

 

“A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.”  Proverbs 16:28

 

Police officers throughout these United States understand and apply the issuance of Miranda Rights upon taking someone into custody presumably involved in crime punishable unto detention. These rights impose on the detained, “Anything you say or do may be used against you in a court of law.” As believers we’re given better guidelines from the highest court; Heaven. Heaven demands accountability for our every action (Ro.14:10-12, 2 Co.5:10).

The Apostle James wrote; ^“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison” (Jas.3:8). The compelling factorization in no one being able to control the conveyances of our mouths, acknowledges man’s inconsistency against Holy God’s omnipotence. He’s the tamer. While the proverbial admonishing (Pr.16:28) is directed towards the sayer (as he or she perpetuates strife and divisiveness), please know that if you’re subject to hear and enjoy the foolish gossip of others, it’s as if you are the promulgator (cf. 2 Ti.2:16). “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear (Eph.4:29).”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Unnecessary Manipulation” G. Ward

 

“And I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake.” Philemon vs.6

 

Integrity, for this modernity has become a misnomer. A hand shake of contractual proportions is also a thing of the past. What about your word being your bond, where has that notion gone?

We’ve become so preoccupied with modern technological advances along with the fast pace of doing business, that we’ve forgotten basic courtesy. A hand shake now is presumed to be broken and my words are without effect until we’ve signed on the dotted line. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” To perpetuate celebrating a fast pace precludes that the next generation is without a semblance of what enabled man’s existence in Christ thus far; an ability to look to the Author of true integrity and then follow implicitly… Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Completing Chores” G. Ward

 

“This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:5-7

 

Worship Halls have become more Motivational Temples with feel good philosophy than promoting an atmosphere of being laid bare in contrition after hearing Holy God’s word. Moreover, exuberant praise flows from this kind of victimization (cf. Hos.4:6), because most are sincerely thanking HIM for Another Day’s Journey, which really translates, “I know I’m going to continue to fall short in most areas of my life again, but I want to thank You for understanding!”

Sure, Holy God most certainly identifies with man’s insufficiency. He sent His absolute best to bridge the gap so that we might commune with Him. We, however have been compelled in lethargy concerning our pursuit of intimacy with Him by allowing this “feel good” weekly (& weakly) syndrome to obscure our good thinking and a proper work ethic (i.e. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Ti.2:15).

There is no greater love unto Holy God than perfect obedience. We’ve been taught, praise our way out of circumstances; Jesus is on the main line… If we do this, He’ll do that! Surely, we’re not rewarded for imperfect behavior? Only when you did your chores could you even think about asking to go to the movies – get it?

Many are quick in expressing what Holy God said to them (particularly outside of the Bible). While doing so, they’ve neglected what was given them to do first (Mt. 28:19-20). What if your mother kept telling you to clean your room and time after time you kept approaching her about going out with your friends to not do the first thing she instructed? Some of us have a false connection! That’s precisely why it’s necessary to never involve yourselves with preaching and teaching that isn’t expository. There is enough to divulge about Holy God and His righteousness without me telling you how blessed you’re going to be for bringing some more money to this altar!

The kingdom is entered and served on God’s terms, not ours (cf. Mt.7:20-23, 1 Jn.2:3-6).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “A False Paradigm” G. Ward

But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” Acts 3:6

In terrible economic times more depressed individuals are arriving at our church doors seeking reprieve from fiscal impropriety. Some are indigenous to us, while the greater majority we don’t know at all. Without contemplating, their insistence stems from a perception given by our lavishly decorated worship centers and the ostentatious lifestyles of the preachers within. It appears no one is at fault, but we're to blame. UnLike Peter, many of us as believers walk past the beggars of mercy and grace, selfishly considering them as bums, forgetting that we too needed both a hand out and a hand up.
Truly, "no man is an island" and depends on another to consider him in his plight towards basic supply. Some consider this argumentative and that's
Fine. Nevertheless, we should present "All Sufficiency" (Jesus) unto the economically challenged, even when we're able to lend monetary support. There will perhaps be a next time in the future whereby everyone is depleted. Who will they run to then? Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Suicide, Forgivable or Not?” G. Ward

 

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

 

1 Peter 3:15 records, “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” Is the current church able to instruct/admonish others regarding those who’ve taken their own lives as a result of great anguish, or are they exacerbating a more common response of absolutely going to hell? This question emanates from the more current uneventful suicide of famed evangelical pastor and author Rick Warren’s son Matthew. Reasonably and legitimately, there’s an expectation of great success from the progeny of evangelicals. When tragedy or illicit behaviors are unfolded, many are dismayed, esteeming those faithful ones as impervious to this level of victimization.

I had an aunt (Paulette Kirk) and a great uncle (William Holmes) committed suicide in the 1970’s. Paulette was a high achiever and somewhat introverted. She gave no sign of being mindfully perplexed and certainly no verbiage or message prefaced this terrible act. Uncle Son (William Holmes) however, was told that his wife (Elizabeth) of more than 60 years had 5 days to live. His disturbance couldn’t live without her.

For those of us who’ve experienced great tribulations and survived, suicide is never comprehensible. We can all begin to psychoanalyze what happens to individuals in such despair; and many will continue to do so, but today’s scripture lesson text precludes our designating anyone’s eternity (cf. Isa. 55:8-9). Our decision in making HIM LORD is without question irreversible (*cf. Mt.7:21). Many will/do attend worship services, but are they the church (cf.1 Co.1:2)? Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Support Amidst Rejection” G. Ward

 ^“What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.  To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law.” 1 Corinthians 9:18-20

 

It was what I had been waiting for; an opportunity to play basketball on the same team as my brother. He was an eighth grader, while I was in the seventh grade. It was officially time for basketball try-outs. The coach desired weeding out those excited to play in the games, but not eager to embrace the work ethic that would accompany it. We were instructed to run laps for what seemed like the entire hour. I neglected to share that on that day I was extremely feverish and achy. Twenty minutes or so in the run, I approached the coach with my condition. His reply was shocking and un-sympathetic. He demanded, “you can either run, or consider yourself dismissed from the team.” I knew my dream of playing on the same team as my brother was squashed. Upon arriving home it was my mother who noted my condition and took me to the local hospital whereby I was on my sickbed for 5 days.

Although I didn’t make the team, I supported them the entirety of the season. In retrospect, although I was a decent point guard, for that team, I was a better cheerleader. Happy Monday (Go Wolverines!)!

Today’s Thought “Analogous of the Holy One” G. Ward

 

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

 

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend. They epitomize the hospitality every believer should generate. Whether you depart for a short or extended period of time, their joy in seeing you is genuinely joyous. Although the same food is served throughout their lifetime, they never register complaint. Inherently, they’re very protective of those that have charge over them; even becoming a willful substitute for peril visited. Their companionship is loyal, although not entirely reciprocal from their owners; forgetting having been scolded in the very next moment.

Such was my best friend Coco. On yesterday my 5 lb., miniature dachshund/chihuahua mix of 10 years is missing. I haven’t hurt this bad in such a long time. Sure, I know it will get progressively better, but the agony of now persists.

The R&B group, the O’Jays introduced a classic in the early 1970’s entitled, I Really Miss You Brandy , concerning losing a best friend (his dog). Here are the lyrics below…

Sittin' by the open fire place
In my favorite dungarees
Played a few bars of a melody
And it sounded sweet to me

I thought I'd get up and take a look around
But my feet got in the way
Stumbled to the floor, she was right in the door
I could see her face

But how could it be
She ran away from me
My best friend's gone
I'm so all alone

I kinda miss you, Brandy
I'm so all alone
When are you comin' back home
I really miss you, Brandy
Missin' you every day
Are you comin' home to stay

Cause I love you, Brandy
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah

Sipping on a cherry soda pop
Building houses made of sand
Like a little child with a fantasy
Just a fraction of a man

But I was in love when they put her down
On my doorstep in the rain
I could feel the love comin' to my heart
Through my window pane

But how could I know
She would just up and go
My best friend gone
I'm so all alone

I really miss you, Brandy
I'm so all alone
When are you comin' back home
I really miss you, Brandy
Missin' you every day
Are you comin' home to stay

I really miss you Coco… Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “It’s Her Fault…” G. Ward

 

The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” Genesis 3:12

 

I’m discovering that women are mostly correct concerning more than driving directions. Their instruction always maintains a desired goal (without the fluff) beneficial for all involved. Men tend to exercise in an unnecessary competiveness that could easily lead to a distortion of truth in order to win a non-existent argument (Amen ladies!). Yes, we’re stupid!

My further insights into the cause of women vs. men, lead me to believe that ladies feeling less than top priority in their significant other’s life can/will breed disruptions like nagging, facial distortions and various inactivity. The solution for men is readily available in Holy God’s word; ^“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, ^so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ^that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.  So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.” Eph.5:25-28

The great philosopher/songwriter, R. Kelly, elaborated on this through song –

[1] - Cuz when a woman's fed up
(No matter how you beg, no)
It ain't nothing you can do about it
(Nothing you can do about it)
It's like running out of love
(No matter what you say, no)
And then it's too late to talk about it
(Too late to talk about it)

Happy Tuesday!

 

 

Today’s Thought “Better Times” G. Ward

 

“Do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.” Romans 11:18

 

For many of our greatest grandparents, the wheel-barrel was as innovative as the Apple I-Phone is on today. It promoted great convenience and I’m sure everyone flocked to the local trading post to receive one. The good old days arrived and left many with parameters seemingly impossible for our modernity. Legislation was without inclusiveness, while communication moved at a snail’s pace. Impetuously, we comment on the difficulties by pretentiously placing ourselves in that era, thinking we would mimic Mohandas Gandhi in social activism. I’m inclined that mankind maintains (innately so) an ability to acclimate to most any condition; particularly when his mindset understands potential exodus as far off.

I believe our issue was/is similar to the Jewish race of Paul’s day (as elaborated on at Romans 11); blatant disobedience due to lack of recalling mercy and grace from the King. We’ve moved too fast, too soon. Moreover, we’ve trained up in commercialism vs. assessing what necessitates basic living.

The folks of old were consumed more with food on the table and shoes on their feet. Ours is where to go and eat on today vs. yesterday (because we most certainly can’t feast on the same). Furthermore, out of the many pair of shoes we possess; what color would best suit this designer outfit I’m wearing.

What’s scary is that our great grandchildren will talk about the I-Phone with utter disdain, equating it with the wheel-barrel analogy… Happy Monday!