Today’s Thought “The End of Summer” G. Ward

 

“And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.” Zechariah 8:5

 

Another Labor Day is upon us. It’s that holiday that will soon introduce autumn. As a child, it marked an anxiousness for every young person (particularly in Michigan); because school would begin on the day after. The celebration would always begin on Friday eve. There was good food for several days (a fat boy’s delight). Laughter seemed a norm and anticipating more fun went without prompting.

Now we’re in a day whereby incessant commercials warn those celebratory ones to not drink and drive. Many have forgotten the essence of congregating with punch and soda pop. Many allow for alcoholic substances to decide where real fun begins. The sobriety in man is estimated (in these circles) as constraining. When some are allowed ingestion of spirits, it immediately promotes gregariousness in even the most recluse. While the kids play in the streets, coming in periodically for a drink of punch, what are they seeing you do or say? While vicariously living through them with an expectancy of greatness as they grow, will they too think it’s necessary to enjoy the same, allowing the thoughts of the subliminal to prevail (even if it’s not beneficial or edifying)?

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Dancing In the Streets…” G. Ward

 

“But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” 1 Corinthians 14:40

 

The Apostle Paul was more or less scolding the church at Corinth for their adoptive practice of religion that emanated from the pagan Graeco-Roman religious practices. Those false worshippers would drink and dance themselves into frenzies until semiconscious or unconsciousness would occur. Moreover, they would echo these unintelligible utterances esoteric to their god’s understanding. This was considered to be the highest form of praise unto their god/gods. Sadly, our practices haven’t changed much in our local churches. The variety of things offered as praise/worship could emanate from pagan origin. Many would deny such a thing until they investigate (cf. 2 Ti.2:15, Ac.17:11). Holy God’s intent is that we would maintain total cognizance of all we do. Holy God confounded all the languages (Ge. 11:7-9), therefore He knows all of them (including English, cf. 1 Cor. 14:23-25). Contrary to popular belief, our walk in Christ should help someone weaker, become more dependent on Christ and His righteousness. If our words and actions are unintelligible, how will they help build anyone up (1 Cor.14:16-17)?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Seeing Outside the Box…” G. Ward

 

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

Remember late night television?  Most everyone was sound asleep and you sat there in a comfortable chair with your Dagwood sandwich and a cold glass of soda pop and very rudely and abrupt, the network aired the most compelling commercial; Feed the Hungry. No matter the appetite, it would cause the worse glutton absolute halt to stuffing his face. Those commercials highlighted third world scenarios of abject poverty. Individuals were hairless, emaciated and scantily clad (frayed garments only covering genitalia). Flies would swarm, then land on the individuals and because of their being terribly malnourished, they were depleted of enough energy to combat them. The facilitators of this ministry would beg the audience for minimal support monthly/annually.

With all the narcissistic garbage we’re exposed now, do you perceive they’re cursed? Perhaps the ministry you frequent perpetuates a pseudo notion of Holy God wants you rich? Moreover, some ministers have declared that they (the impoverished) exist that God can “enlarge our tents” enough to lend a hand to the less fortunate.

If they’re cursed with very little, then we’re cursed with so much; because we violate the message of being content in every circumstance (no matter rich or poor, cf. Php.4:11-13). Furthermore, if you’re not giving with the meager abundance you’re experiencing, metamorphosis making you a generous soul (because you’ve attained towards wealth) isn’t reality (cf. Mt.6:21).

“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." 2 Corinthians 9:7

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “An Indictment” G. Ward

 

“Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel,
For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land,
Because there is no faithfulness or kindness
Or knowledge of God in the land.” Hosea 4:1

 

I love the hymn Great Is Thy Faithfulness. The refrain is cathartic in reciting; “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!“
  Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
    “Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!

Amazingly, Holy God’s alarm clock enabled my existence on this His most wonderful day (cf. Ps.118:24). Howbeit with my pure neglect in His yesterday has HE done it again? Assessing why may be futile, particularly with its ability in promoting more lethargy than contrition. There’s a soul on today needing great reprieve from the many woes life may present. I’ve determined to “present my body a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is my spiritual service of worship.” Perhaps I’ll encounter a relative or friend of yours. Won’t you help me in this endeavor; for I’m concerned for those I love also…?

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Zero Tolerance” G. Ward

 

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

There’s a pervasive sentiment of “do what you want as long as it doesn’t hurt anyone” that’s rampant and antithetical to perfect servitude. What truly are our desires? Is it world peace (a presumed, common response given by beauty pageant contestants)? Most of our desires have selfish components to them. The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church found in 1 Corinthians chapter 6, vv. 9-10; reveal some selfish, sinful components plaguing mankind. Considering any of us are subject to one or more of these, what then is the way out? It’s absolute surrender unto Christ as LORD (i.e. Owner of my life, Master). Why Greg did Holy God give me a brain if He desired a puppetry mode from man? It takes a great brain power to undergird a lifelong pursuit of His righteousness; demanding that we stick with the script. His words are entirely exhaustive, and when sought diligently produce peace.

We don’t know Holy God outside of His forgiveness. The many violations must be confessed unto Him before forgiveness takes place. It cannot be representative of traditional repentance that’s disingenuous. It must be real; having a hatred in re-visiting it. The book of James says it best, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (Jas.1:22).

 

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Familiarity With God” G. Ward

 

“Jesus went out from there and came into His hometown; and His disciples followed Him.  When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these performed by His hands?  Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him.” Mark 6:1-3

 

I’ve been a resident of Georgia now for 32 years. I was born in Detroit, Michigan and like most Detroiters, very proud. I’m always amazed when having the opportunity to journey back there to see change. The economy there has caused such stagnant growth due to it once being the capital to automobile manufacturing and that industry downsizing. Currently, the city is renowned for their bankruptcy status. Although many problems persist, the spirit of its residents continues.

Growing up there enabled my great sense of direction. As children we had early exposure to every sector of the city. Every trip was adventurous. My Dad would often share some historical or personal facts concerning various locations. Now that I’m older I understand that some storylines were embellished. My familiarity with the city yet remains intact, but it’s said “everything much change,” and it most certainly has.

Holy God’s promises for man are and will be a constant.” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forevermore” (Heb.13:8). Our joy should emanate from this reality alone; seeking elsewhere sheds futility (cf. Mt.6:21). While many approach Him ordinarily, I’ll choose to reverence the “Ancient of Days” (cf. Isa.55:8-9, Lk.12:5)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Doctrinal Praying” G. Ward

 

“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector.” Luke 18:11

 

My early days as a believer were filled with great perplexity concerning both church polity and protocol. Black culture for an example (i.e. culinary, church and social) is transcendent of this modernity, including practices emanating from our African and slavery roots. Therefore, one must identify with history before authenticating membership.

Today I’m contemplating the traditional prayers of the deacon (for my Hispanic, Asian and Anglo brethren, please remember I’m referring to Black culture). The opening in worship services invited several deacons to assemble in front of the congregation to sing and each would pray. Although this appeared more sporadic (prayers, that is), it was often very liturgical in presentation. They would sing this most excellent song, “A Charge to Keep.” For over a year, I was particularly intrigued on why the first verse in this song celebrated Ray Charles. It wasn’t that at all! Negro musical genres in times past neglected proper enunciation because it served as communication esoteric to other Negroes. While many have perpetuated legitimizing “Ebonics” as linguistically acceptable I beg to differ; understanding  as the great philosopher/comedian Redd Foxx once said; “We arrived on these shores speaking perfectly good Swahili (get it?)!

Then there was this constant thanks unto Holy God for allowing great slumber on the night before and gratefulness for not awakening on “my cooling board.” Note; the question un-asked is yet stupid. Well I finally got around to asking. The cooling board is referring to the gurney to which a corpse is positioned before a body is prepped before a funeral.

We’ve come a long ways in a short time as Black Americans and many of us still have “A Charge to Keep and A God to Glorify!” Moreover, we’re still thankful that although our bodies may inevitably rest on a “cooling board,” we have a home eternal, not made by human hands…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Invincible” G. Ward

 

“In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26

 

So many calls arrive at my desk conveying utter distress each week echoing a sentiment of “I’m very troubled, even to the point of not knowing how to pray!” I’m so glad that Romans 8:26 has become first nature in my approach to their dilemma. Moreover, I encourage them to know that if Jesus wept, their feeling as though they shouldn’t, lacks authenticity. If Holy God said weaknesses exist among humans, are any of us exempt?

Perpetuating slogans that seek to encourage can be altruistic, yet damaging. This essence of our being strong contradicts our very composition (“Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.” Ge.2:7).  If we were to gather an astronomical amount of dust, it would yet convey a physicality soon to blow away (cf. Ps.90:10). Howbeit that our constant admonishing leads others to think of themselves as strong while the New Testament identifies 84 individual declarations of sufferings? I’d rather introduce two other substantive passages that better expounds on ultimate victory; 1.) “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Ro.8:18). 2.) “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb.13:5).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Didn’t HE Preach?” G. Ward

“When Jesus finished saying these things, the people were amazed at his teaching, because he did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like a person who had authority.” Matthew 7:28-29

 

The Sermon on the Mount, chapters five through seven in Matthew are most excellent discourses given by our Savior that have become the centrality of our efforts in Christian discipleship. My reading time embraced these chapters on this morning, and I began to think about the audience then vs. the congregant now. The authority in Jesus’ teaching demanded an attentiveness that required no feedback. Jesus didn’t require any one to stand after making an eloquent point, nor did He require a periodic “amen” or “hallelujah.” As I read the entirety of this living word, I found it so compelling that my desire was immediate change. There are numerous components to these discourses that are antithetical to what the predominant message of today represents. Most preachers perpetuate superiority in themselves vs. Holy God. Expressions like, “I’m speaking in the prophetic” (cf. Heb.1:1-2) and “touch not my anointed” (entirely de-contextualized from 1 Chr. 16:20-22), preclude that every answer lies in whatever they say (cf. Mt.7:15-16). Howbeit that Jesus allowed Himself to be touched by the masses (even up to being persecuted) and our blatant narcissism says days ahead will be exempt from this?

I prefer adapting to Paul’s message to a young preacher named Timothy; “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: ² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. ³ For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, ⁴ and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths. ⁵ But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Ti. 4:1-5).

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “It Takes A Thief” G. Ward

“For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh.” Romans 8:3

It Takes A Thief was a television series that ran from 1968-1970 starring Robert Wagner. His character began as a cat burglar, seeking selfish gain by invading commercial and private institutions for high-end items. After being caught, a government faction embracing espionage, negotiated with him by offering him freedom if he would utilize his brilliant breaking and entering schemes for his country. In the days where the good guys would always win, perhaps that’s why it (the telecast) only lasted two years.

On today, I’m seeking to remind every listener to contemplate the expression, “There but for the grace of God, go I.” Have you stolen anything? Perhaps you’re not a thief that would burglarize a retail outlet or someone’s home, but maybe your home or vehicle is loaded with company stationary, pens and the like? Could it be that your breaks exceed the mandated time slot? Are you guilty of not totally devoting yourself to your employment while there (like reading this devotional thought while at work)? All are plagued with some of these. Our scripture lesson text is antidotal. It negates our categorical defense in wrongdoing by portraying our fleshly deeds as inept and making Jesus’ atoning sacrifice as entirely sufficient.

When on today you encounter others not exemplifying gratefulness for such a gift as this (grace), please remember that their recall of this important set of facts may be temporarily impeded by selfish motives, or they just haven’t heard that Jesus truly paid the price and need you to shed greater clarity (cf. Mt.28:19-20).

Happy Tuesday!