Today’s Thought “Enough Already” G. Ward

 

“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.”  1 Timothy 2:9-10

 

The theological implication in the above passage was/is pertinent to ostentatiously disruptive women in a worship setting, compelling varied listeners digression of “Truth” (cf. Jn.14:6).Upon watching 20 minutes of the Grammy’s on last evening, I found myself echoing a sentiment of my grandparents; “I sure miss the good ole days!” I’ve got a terrible disease according to all I viewed. I recognized very few artists, in that, if an artist hasn’t been around for 25 years or better, I won’t be familiar with their tunes. Musicians of old were regarded as artists because their talent sought social awareness and encouragement. Although current music moguls may seek the same, millions of dollars accompany their endeavors. I don’t believe Nat “King” Cole or Sam Cooke ever made millions. Moreover, if they were invited to the “Grammys,” their hair would have been meticulously trimmed, along with beard and moustache grooming. Their suits wouldn’t have appeared too snug (I despise this new male suit business), and they most certainly wouldn’t have worn the hat “Mr. Ranger Sir” sported on the adventures of “Yogi Bear” (along with a ridiculous Adidas red jogging jacket with jeans).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “For Baby Boomers Only” G. Ward

 

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Numbers 23:19

 

Howbeit that the most esteemed musical duo of the 70’s are getting a divorce after 40 years of marriage? The Captain and Tennille had all the “Baby Boomers” (those born from 1946-1964) singing all their greatest hits. One very particularly was ironically entitled, “Love Will Keep Us Together.” That song really echoed a sentiment sadly familiar to all; “Do That to Me One More Time” Captain and Tennille (as divorce is rampant) because all together it was “Muskrat Love” vs. unconditional in the first place…

It certainly appears that after 40 years matrimonially, particularly in view of both being beyond 70 years of age (cf. Ps.90:10), both the Captain and Tennille could reconcile indifference better than this. I pray this serves as a lesson unto many, making them aware of their vowing unto the Lord, “Till death do we part!” That little “blue pill” is producing all types of hazards for some!

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Advice From on High” G. Ward

 

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

 

The authority of scripture should be the insistence in every believer that compels others seeking resolution, peace, concerning the unrest once experienced. Pragmatic posturing (i.e. opinions, sounding prudent), understands very little about individual’s responses (from opposing forces). On the other side, rarely will one contemplate the advisor to the supposed victimizer. When theirs arrives by ill-advised pragmatists and yours by opinionated pundits; NO PEACE…

There exists a perfect resolve (cf. Ro.10:8), that demands an interrogative process begin (2 Ti.2:15). Clarity about next steps must emanate from seeking Him (the Word, Jn.1:1), then obscurities are minimized (Mt.6:33). Unfortunate for our times, many orators compel us towards quick responses; making the contemplative review necessary in limiting mistakes, something of the past (or antiquated). While our modernity desires speedy deliverance in problem solving, the word of God insists; “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Looking In Wrong Places” G.Ward

 

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”  John 3:30

 

There was a man who Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849, a notable poet laureate) portrayed as searching destitutely for resolve in his most excellent manuscript entitled, The Raven. This gentleman portrayed lost his love along with his closest constituents and found himself amidst a statue (Pallas – a goddess of wisdom) whereby a raven sat. This more or less is the essence of Experientialism (or god became personal experience). Like many of us, some endeavor that mystical epiphanizing (dreams and someone speaking into our lives) over the word of God. Foolishly, some are still demanding a sign (cf. Mt.16:4, 2 Cor.5:7).

This man sat and thought to speak to the bird. He endeavored an answer for his life becoming more peaceable. Over and over again, the raven would reply (to his every line), “NEVERMORE!” This bird’s desire was expressive of keeping this man contained in severe depression, when all the man had to seek was Holy God’s resolve found in the book of Romans, the eighth chapter and the eighteenth verse, “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.”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Hypocrisy Seared” G.Ward

 

“You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me.” Exodus 20:5

 

Oratory contests are soon to present young children reciting the I Have a Dream speech of 1963 by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These contests will unfortunately designate a journey for these based on their gregariousness vs. passion. This holiday time in America calls for a reflection of service rendered by many, that selflessness would be considered in our present time.

Some have recently desecrated headshots of King, placing them on poster boards to announce hip-hop party forums (as if King had any relationship with ostentatious dress and cared a great deal about dancing the night away). While some equate this with a blasphemous type of attitude, seeking to be righteously indignant; their own sin is idolatrously perpetuated. Before and while King was advocating for social injustices for everyone, we must remember that he was a called man of God. Salvation understands that the ultimate sacrifice given man is solely relative to the Person of Jesus Christ (*cf. Mt.10:24). Although computerized Photoshop had not been invented, what He endured was far more than any man historically. Why then are we surprised when idiots of today violate common decency? Moreover, why is a speech the culminating factorization of social unrest in America, when King and so many others before him did so much more?

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Lord, I’ve Tried…” G. Ward

 

Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.”  Zechariah 4:6

 

The Ten Commandments have become a necessary placard for every government building for the politically conservative. Moreover, they estimate it being synonymous with our great exposure to social unrest (i.e. evil, crime, etc.); up to denying others opportunity to persevere morally. Rarely, will one contemplate how the infusion of these commandments given to Moses impacted minimally those intended recipients. The will power of mankind (cf. Ge. 8:21), outweighed the righteousness pursued (part-time). I certainly don’t desire to convey that the words from Holy God are not the panacea in man’s existence. I do however, understand that symbols (regardless of the words written on it) must never be the substitute for our promulgating a more excellent way (Jn. 14:6). Like Zerubbabel (Governor of Judah) was compelled to finish construction of the Temple and would struggle with the magnitude of such an assignment, our resolve, concerning the uprightness in society’s defiant ones, must remain hopeful. It cannot however be contingent on what we offer man, but what has been afforded him; A Wonderful Savior…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “A Proud Detroiter” G. Ward

 

“Remember, O Lord, what has befallen us; Look, and see our reproach! Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to aliens.” Lamentations 5:1-2

 

It’s quite overwhelming to see my birth certificate with no State of Michigan identifiers on it. Where there is ordinarily an expression of statehood, there appears City of Detroit. Moreover, the hospital to which my brother and I were birthed was demolished many years ago. Many, native to Detroit, lament in the way Jeremiah did when it comes to our homeland. What was once an epicenter of hope for the nation’s productive citizenry has now become sensationalized dilapidation for perpetuators of despair. There are multi-faceted views in every large city in America. Unfortunately, competitive journalism seeks more castigation than exciting potential where economic anguish may seemingly plague a once highly regarded metropolis. Regardless of any hurtful press, I’ll remain affectionably attached, knowing vibrancy is eminent.

Wherever you’re from, be unashamed; because you’re without a choice. You however, are given an opportunity towards dual citizenship (heaven) that transcends youth along with the years that may follow (cf. Ps.90:10). In that land there’s no potential for earthly hazards; every need is addressed and no sensationalistic rhetoric permitted (cf. Ro.8:18).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Holy Quietness” G. Ward

 

“My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, Incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5

 

Although I’m very thankful for the liberal arts education many of us have been privy to, I do understand it as the essence of rhetoric and logic existent in man. Furthermore, it can certainly invite more argumentative behaviors than cohesion amongst countrymen; keeping many in a tiresome defensive mode.

My promotion of peace, although subjective, seeks to persuade men towards less discourse and more adherence through greater listening. There’s a Voice existent, Who is life’s denominator. His ways are authoritatively certain and unquestionably beneficial for mankind (cf. Pr. 16:25). That Way (Jn.14:6) delineates total freedom, while inviting every culture, race, socio-economic group and intellectual giants, along with those deficient in the same; REST (cf. Mt.11:28-30)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Attempting to Bully God” G. Ward

 

“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.” 2 Peter 3:8

 

How many prayers are prefaced with, “You said in Your word, or Now God!” We’ve seen it and/or perhaps done this. Since Holy God authored this word (2 Ti.3:16-17) for our guidance, why should He have to be reminded; He’s immutable. We, however are the ones so reliant on practiced behaviors (i.e. free will) therefore, requiring His Truth. Audaciously, we compel His attention on human terms - forgetfulness. This irreverence emanates from our great impatience (narcissism) as a result of perpetuating internal emptiness concerning that in which HE’s established (cf. Ro.10:8). Isaiah, chapter 57, verse 15 says, “For thus says the High and Exalted One Who lives forever, whose name is Holy, “I dwell on a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit In order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Don’t presume identifying with His next steps for you or anyone, just trust and make Him, Shepherd of your heart…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Marginalized Traditions” G. Ward

 

“Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

 

It’s said that bad news travels fast. That cliché has prevailed itself again. We’ve recently witnessed a toddler more familiar with the most profane talk despite sporting a diaper. The video runs at a constant portrayal of this baby amidst a terrible vocalization of supposed adults proposing the baby echo their expletives. It’s certainly created great rift throughout every community. While castigations for this family’s circumstance persist, many remain negligent (*cf. Dt.6:4-7) in their being exemplary concerning their own progeny. There’s been a great sacrifice given by the Most Exemplary Parent, Jesus Christ; and many neglect modeling His perfect parenthood. They in turn teach certain components (i.e. moral standards) relative to His example (which in a sense is spiritual plagiarism), but fail miserably in gifting their children (transcendent of age) with proper pursuits. Jesus answered, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no man comes before the Father, except through Me!”

While many celebrate a Universalist approach with great funerals, tagged as “Homegoings,” you’ll need to know that many are sending their successful (cf. Ro.3:10) children straight to hell…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Obscured in Insatiability” G. Ward

“For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:10

Dennis Rodman (ex-NBA great), along with some other tremendous basketball aficionados (retired) are presently in North Korea (Although the DPRK officially describes itself as a Juche Korean-style socialist republic^[11] and elections are held, it is widely considered a dictatorship that has been described as totalitarian and Stalinist with an elaborate cult of personality around the Kim family, which in 2013 were constitutionally enshrined as the country's hereditary rulers. – Wikipedia). Their presence there has compelled pandemonium throughout numerous sectors globally. Many are questioning what alliance should capitalists like these have with such barbaric behavior as conveyed by North Korea’s leader (Kim Jong Un)?

Let me synopsize this supposed humanitarian effort these gentlemen have expressed. When dependency on tangibles have governed your existence, which shares having much as synonymous with success, compromise is inevitable; particularly when depletion is near.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “A Purgatory of Sorts…”

“So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

At the entrance of each year, television networks do a marvelous job with informing viewers of the many illustrious deaths in the prior year we’ve witnessed. I’m always flabbergasted in having missed varied reports concerning so many. My heart saddens as if I knew them personally; even the more as I too become older. Contemplations of my departure have become more vivid. Unlike many spiritual giants we encounter, this spiritual midget is uninhibited in discussing what is inevitable with man – death. My interposition regarding my end helps to better seize moments somewhat indifferent to that of my youth. My striving in valuing every moment as Holy God’s opportunity through me is truly my heart’s desire. As the acclaimed are regarded at the end of every year, we too will quickly diminish from the contemplations and lips of those who remain. Contrary to popular belief, everyone won’t inherit heaven (cf. Mt 7:21); but thank God, HE remembers those (cf. Mk.8:38) who made Him Lord while life encompassed their beings…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Run Away Slave” G. Ward

 

“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? ² May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?” Romans 6:1-2

 

There’s an American philosophy that’s become so entirely pervasive, disabling a better message of eternality. Moreover, this perception in believer-ship (very particularly in Christ), has been viewed as weak, maintaining a less rigid adherence (i.e. cheapened grace). It (the Word of God) compels us towards a life of total surrender unto Him (cf. Ro.10:9a). Our calling Him Master, or Owner of my life is often equated to slavery of the 18^th century (in America). A limited scope can be eternity’s detriment, causing eternal separation from Holy God (cf. Ro.6:23). Why not surrender to this Great Master? His protection is without parameter. Furthermore, in view of His great sacrifice for you and me, we owe this King a great indebtedness (cf. Jn.3:17).

Happy Monday!