Today’s Thought “Church of the Living Dead” G. Ward

 

“So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16

 

I believe that a good, concise presentation that recognizes Holy God as Creator and His sending Jesus (His only Son) as the Perfect Lamb to be sacrificed for our sins is irresistible. The problem is however, the ones of us who say we know Him are contained in selfish regimen. From prayer lines (telephone conferring) to great gospel singing, we’ve utilized every expression as substitution for personal evangelism. The sacrifice of Christ demanded our adherence to seeing that others would know Him also. It’s Thursday on today and if we encounter an individual disconnected from joy and peace, we who attend worship services regularly, will expound on the services they missed on last evening’s mid-week message and invite them to Sunday services. That seemingly epitomizes great hospitality, when in actuality it is entirely antithetical to the prefacing necessary unto complete obedience (“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Mt. 6:34 / For He says,

“At the acceptable time I listened to you,
And on the day of salvation I helped you.”

Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation.” 2 Cor. 6:2).

On the other hand, our attempts at evangelizing others can exacerbate failure when our religious jargon is our primary promulgation. For example, many extend warm salutations and pharisaic responses (from the religious ones) might include, “Blessed and Highly Favored!” Moreover, dialogue is violated with those abhorrent to religion (such as myself) with constant referrals to what your Bishop said. Do you have anything to say? As a pastor, I know my position is to provide tremendous ammunition for every congregant to minister unilateral of my presence (cf. Eph.4:12).

Unfortunately, my un-scientific analysis among my own constituency observes that the ones appearing more religious are perpetuators of more discord in their own families. Their children leave home too early, to never accompany their parent(s) to church. Those same constituents boast about how good God has been to them while not communicating with siblings. They’re viewed in the market-place as obtrusive, divisive and opinionated; while foolishly utilizing a de-contextualized defense mechanism that states, “The Devil Sure Is Busy!” I’m so glad he’s a defeated foe (cf. Jas.4:7)!

Happy Thursday!

 

Today’s Thought “Funeral or Home going?” G. Ward

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

On last week our church hosted a funeral for a family whose 82 year old mother died some days prior. I’m well connected to a local funeral home here and when some request a service within a church, they’ll call me. I’m yet perplexed on why they would request a church when 75% or more of all these cases involve the deceased as un-churched. This service appeared strongly traditional from the onset. The processional involved numerous grievous family members encamped around the coffin viewing remains of their loved one. Secondly, some great preacher dude announces the intent, desirous to set a tone that may or may not be true; “I don’t preach funerals, this is a home going!” The cynic I am always asks, “Really?” If everyone goes to heaven, why did Holy God mention eternal separation unto those who denied Him in the earth (cf. Mt.25:41, Jn.6:63-66, 66-71, 10:28, Ro.2:6-8, 6:23, 8:1, 2 Th.1:9, Heb.9:27, 1 Pe.3:18)?

Our contemplations concerning eternity ought not lead to castigations of others, but should inspire those of us who are anchored in Christ to share unadulterated truth. There are funerals and many die in their trespasses against God. Assuming that we’ll be afforded a chance at repentance before the end is comparable to winning the mega-million lottery…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Peaceably Productive” G. Ward

 

“Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2

 

On yesterday I arrived at my office as ordinary seeking to complete my Wednesday message unto our congregants here and then add to my Sunday sermon. Indifferent from most days I became entirely restless and succumbed to viewing varied clips from news segments highlighting political biases. I must first share that at one time I would have been regarded as a news junkie, so what began as sampling turned into several hours of chaotic observation. I witnessed far more hyperbole than facts. Most sought to stir the waters of divisiveness than to unify. The interviewees were no different (across partisan lines). Their answers were frightening, in that responses were categorically condescending at best.

Our believer-ship demands we be super analytical with what we hear (cf. Ac.17:11). My wish for mankind is that great introspection of one’s mindset would reveal, “Jesus is the vine, we are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:5). The older I become, the less I’m impressed with mankind…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Irreverence” G. Ward

 

God said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun—the Spirit is in him!—and place your hand on him. Stand him before Eleazar the priest in front of the entire congregation and commission him with everyone watching. Pass your magisterial authority over to him so that the whole congregation of the People of Israel will listen obediently to him. He is to consult with Eleazar the priest who, using the oracle-Urim, will prayerfully advise him in the presence of God. He will command the People of Israel, the entire community, in all their comings and goings.” Numbers 27:18-21

 

I’m a fan of the Tom Joyner Morning Show (Radio). It however was disturbing to hear a commentary given by one of their many weekly correspondents that highlighted the heinous events at Washington’s Naval Yard that left thirteen people dead. His reference compelled a better advocacy concerning mental illness (to which is believed to have been the issue of the perpetrator of this crime). He demanded our attention towards bad advice rendered in times past by friends and loved ones that insist going to see the preacher most certainly is not the cure to mental anguish of any kind. He stated many times that these disturbances within people cannot be prayed away. His argument lent a certain transparency needed to solidify his discourse. After admitting to his own mother that he suffered from depression, she instructed him to go see the preacher. He thought her instruction was entirely preposterous and began seeking a psychologist instead, whereby he’s able to attest to having been cured. Moreover, his own mother (years later) suffered in the same to recant her stance by seeing a professional also.

To further his argument he dichotomized a hypothetical scenario. He argued; if one contracts cancer, he visits an oncologist, he doesn’t pray it away. Sincerely so, I complement his efforts, but recognize his exposure to what Christians have offered in times past have been more pharisaical praying than Christ abiding faith. Many prefer greater religiosity, than standing in the gap for others. As a result, those with nominal faith neglect trust in the Wise Savior, Jesus our Lord and place everything in the hands of man (with his limited scope). Yes, get to the doctor if illness should occur, but soul matters belong to Holy God. When we train up in HIS nurture and admonition, peace is inevitable…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Proliferating Mediocrity” G. Ward

 

“Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.

 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:22-25

 

 

It was that candle growing up that carried tremendous significance. It was a three inch glass cylinder, standing 12 to 16 inches, filled with white wax and beautiful religious graphics on the entirety. They were mostly purchased at what was in those days, “the dime store.” Most parents would burn them in accordance to what they needed; mainly a financial blessing. The illumination was captivating and the aroma was pleasantly effervescent. The writing on each side would often indicate that a financial blessing was eminent. It was prompted by a bible passage so why wouldn’t this be true? Seemingly foundational, particularly in view of its inscription being “straight from the word,” what then could be the harm?

The harm is our distortion of scripture that perpetuates idolatry. We haven’t learned how to be content in every circumstance (Php.4:11-13), therefore we treat Holy God as if He were a genie in a bottle granting us three wishes because we bit off more than we could chew! My charismatic friends are now mad with me because their expression of God echoes a de-contextualized reciting of “God will give you the desires of your heart” and “He doesn’t want you poor.” Please note the correct usage in His giving you the desires of your heart only occurs when your will is obliterated and His matters entirely (cf. Lk.22:42). Moreover, if as many or more Believers throughout the world (cf. Jn.3:16) are worshipping Him while living in abject poverty (satisfied with clean drinking water), what in the world are you talking about?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Rebel Without a Cause” G. Ward

“For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:3-4

 

Perhaps you viewed what appeared to be blatant injustice from the Rochester, NY. police force unto a young pregnant woman along with her 16 year old brother (www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNPOn_mkZyM)? Very uncertain about the circumstances that led to the arrest, the video footage began at the point of one arresting officer forcibly attempting to handcuff this vastly overweight young lady. The entirety of the time she resisted while citing to the top of her lungs, “my baby, I’m pregnant!” This two to three minute struggle had both she and the officer exhausted. His commands were clear and repetitive. At no point did the amateur videographer (who appeared a relative) cease taping to persuade the young lady towards surrender. Instead, after rustling with this young lady for several minutes and seeing her brother (who was vastly overweight also) boast loudly and profanely unto the three officers seeking to cuff him of their inability to apprehend him (due to his girth), the officer struck the young lady in the head determined to take her down. Her ranting was heard throughout the city block. The officers finally were able to escort these two violators to the patrol cars whereby the many spectators echoed a sentiment of injustice. I agree. It was entirely unjust of these two violators to disregard authority presented. Did or should the officer have struck the young girl? Absolutely not, but the parents of these two cussing and fussing young people needed to put more strap on these big babies (cf. Pr. 13:24)!

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought G. Ward

Valiant Effort, I Beg to Differ

 

Journalistic prowess has become that pervasive entity establishing more philosophical behavior’s opportunity towards bedlam. When I was much younger we had to await 6 p.m.’s report exacting news (local and global). Moreover, newspapers experienced tremendous success. Now, every loquacious author embraces our relentless, fast pace approach to life and the circumstances therein to establish a school of thought for us. What journalism was said to be; an investigative report with factual information, is not what sells any longer, so the journalist produces speculative intrigue, furthering sensationalism. Ultimately, this is great compromise or unethical.

Unfortunately this school of thought transcends journalism, placating the local church. Replacing the journalist, the theologian now is operative in his attempts towards creating more notoriety or wealth for himself. He knows his audience is un-studied, therefore his preparation precludes an only source motif and more embraces a captivating ideology. His accountability unto chief editors is without regard. He just desires tenure. Insatiably and argumentatively, he’s creative. His prowess is the worse. He was hired by the King of all mankind. He was never compelled to win in accordance to world standards. His dependency and sufficiency would be met entirely by this Great King. He was never compelled in appeasing man, just to embrace then deliver the words of the King. He was promised a most excellent retirement package, exceeding that of Bill Gates if he would stay the course. The King never promised him that it would be easy, just that HE would never abandon him. This theologian could have refused this tremendous opportunity, but agreed impetuously. His zeal had an under-current of self-seeking. He’s more visual than faithful. Experientially, he has witnessed tangible success from all his predecessors, assuming it would befall him. Contrary to popular belief, his is a lifetime as a thespian. He then dies. Yet before, there’s a contemplative review that’s disparaging. It’s entirely lonely. Ashamedly and ambiguously, he is far less verbose and has become so docile. Many visit and esteem his newest characterization as great wisdom, when in actuality his lack of true ambassadorship was practiced so long; he’s become a mindful nomad. His depression has obscured his having delivered a partial message from the Great King that says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Mt.11:28-30).

^{Today’s Thought “Altruism or Ostentatious?” G. Ward}

 

^“And while all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the market places, and chief seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.” Luke 20:45-47

 

Movie mogul and philanthropist Tyler Perry was recently involved in fellowship at The Potter’s House (Bishop T. D. Jakes church) whereby he felt led to give one million dollars toward a youth center to be constructed by that same church. He strongly testified to his being a giver, sharing how many enabled his existence on today. Moreover, he attended the Woman Thou Art Loosed conference the day before (hosted by Paula White), whereby she asked the participants to give $113.00 representative of the 113^th Psalm. Tyler Perry stated that he left his check book at home, but was prepared to give $113,000. *MinistryWatch.com issued a donor alert on many ministries through America, very particularly The Potter’s House. Their mantra expressly states, “Support ministries that provide clarity not ambiguity. Ministries that are not open in providing basic information are obstructing prudent donors in understanding.” The Potter’s House desperately needs more donors like Tyler Perry to give towards their cause, particularly in view of only raising hundreds of millions in dollars annually.

Now whether or not you have great criticism of such a thing means absolutely nothing to me. Many judge the rich regarding what they do with their great wealth, while never with introspection on what’s given them to do. Mostly, they’re “waiting on their ship to come in” before they decide to give anything. Many pastors like me are saddened because Tyler Perry didn’t visit our fellowship on that Sunday (Just kidding, really I am. cf. Php.4:11-13).

When viewing such a thing, immediately it appeals to our insatiable appetites for more (tangibly speaking). Furthermore it uncovers our fascination with those of greater notoriety; enabling our castigations without proper observation. Whether wrong or right, do you think Tyler Perry’s heart saying yes to Jesus prompted this or was it for recognition from man? Only Holy God knows that, so let it be.

Happy Tuesday!