Today’s Thought “Personal Nomination” G. Ward

 

 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Howbeit that the very compelling from the Savior of the entire world insists to know Him means to not present any sign of old character into this life given (cf. 2 Cor.5:17). Furthermore He shares that we too have a cross to bear, synonymous with great sacrifice. Others exacerbate a notion that we’re due something and I agree. We’re due a trip to the woodshed for thinking of ourselves too much!

This word “follow” carries a deeper connotation than the liberality (in usage) we’ve pursued. It means to walk the same road. What did Jesus do when overlooked, mocked and abused? Why not investigate and then let the world know of your findings (Mt. 5:16)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Inconspicuous” G. Ward

 

“They love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called 'Rabbi' by others.” Matthew 23:7

 

I thought the objective of mankind was to ensure that Holy God be exalted by men; very particularly amidst believers? A persistence in acknowledgement has become the perpetuation of the ages; preachers still demand notoriety within the marketplaces. Sure, there’s a fine line between honor and worship of men, while the contingency in that should lead to better servitude with the pastor. He must cease to entertain the troops (cf. 1 Cor.2:1). He’s not to be more than Christ in his discourse (cf. Jn.15:20)! Jesus never paraded across a stage seeking to captivate listeners with His eloquence. His authoritativeness (i.e. power – promoting scripture concisely and contextually) was not Pharisaic (cf. Mt. 23) in nature (Mt.7:29).

We’ve got some modern day Pharisees misappropriating passages like 1 Chronicles 16:22, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." They insist that no one should have derogatory remarks concerning them and dare not touch them while or after delivery to then steal their anointing. Can you say false teacher? If they always sought sharing derogatory comments about Jesus up to crucifying Him and able to touch Him often and all the time; what makes mere mortals better?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Man Overboard!” G. Ward

 

 ^“Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.” Jonah 1:15

 

Many times in my life I’ve been swallowed by the big fish. While there, my encapsulation allowed my meditating what landed me there. Categorically, there’s repentance that will never delight in the stench of supposed gastric proportions ever again. I so relate to the Apostle Paul’s message at Romans 7: ^15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Cause and effect must be the future consideration in every pursuit. My problem always invited what seemingly was proactive to endeavor, when in actuality was entirely reactive. The trouble rendered from this vanity demanded I recapitulate the proper mission given man; “Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this” (Ps.37:5).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Impropriety” G. Ward

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.” 1 Corinthians 1:2

You’ve heard it said a gazillion times, “I’m no saint!” While worldly proportions define a saint as one who has been recognized for having an exceptional degree of holiness, the word of God says that a saint is the one who recognizes Who then is holy and strives to fulfill the calling to fulfill. Moreover it demands submission to empowerment from on High to achieve this magnanimous goal (cf. Zec.4:6).

Denying this tag (as a saint) contradicts theology, only as it pertains to believer-ship. It does so because man has fought an un-achievable war with his own soul concerning his ability to be good. Jesus taught the rich young ruler at Luke 18:19, "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.” This young ruler didn’t struggle in Holy God’s commands; therefore he thought he was good enough. Jesus, as Final Authority precluded usage of the word “good” as never being the delineation for any man ever again. In conclusion, the prior, more acceptable definition for saint was having an exceptional degree of holiness, and Truth says having faith in mustard seed proportion is suitable (Mt.17:20).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Order: A Subtle Deletion…” G. Ward

Children of Old; Mannerable, Respectful, Articulate, Proven in Constraint, Able to expound on Ambition, Teachable, Discerners of Right vs. Wrong, Independent Thinkers, etc.

Children Now; Lovers of Self, Self-Righteous, Lazy, Conniving, etc.

Children of Old; Understood blatant obedience had a consequence. Repeated offenses would demand a whipping.

Children Now; Understand Laws governing how corporal punishment is to be administered and will call 911 on YOUR telephone.

Law vs. FINAL AUTHORITY

Law: In every state in the country, a parent can legally hit their child as long as the force is "reasonable." What's considered reasonable varies from place to place and in many instances the question is left up to a jury in a kind of community-standard test. Generally, though, the law draws the line when the force causes an injury. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child defines it as any physical punishment intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light.

Final Authority: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Proverbs 13:24

“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.” Proverbs 23:13-14

*The use of physical punishment to discipline children has been linked to a range of mental health problems and is strongly opposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children of Old; MUST BE CRAZY…

Happy Monday!

 

Today’s Thought “An Empty Storage…” G. Ward

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14

 

My heart aches on today for the many exercising in great knowledge about Holy God, yet the practicality of His precept of absolutely dying to oneself goes violated (Gal. 2:20, Lk.9:23). Many desire fooling themselves into believing that Infinite Wisdom (God) would need their worldly attributes to be seen by men. They offer expressions like, “He gave me a brain didn’t He?” Yes! Although true, it exists for His purpose. While many are seeking Him as Lord (i.e. Owner, Master), they deny Him opportunity to guide them in all ways. Furthermore, they more perpetuate debates on what He’s saying to us along with great study of His word only to find someone who will listen to their impressive discourses vs. sincerely seeking out those in despair to then familiarize them with the Author of hope (particularly in view of their being rescued).

Time will reveal whether or not you’ve surrendered unto HIM. While activity still speaks volumes, great debates incur within on whether or not you’ll even attend worship services (cf. Heb. 10:25, Mt. 6:21). See you at church when I see you!

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Heaven Bound” G. Ward

 

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” Matthew 6:3

 

Most of great notoriety, particularly when accompanied by riches, is monitored heavily by John Q. Public on how benevolent they’ve been in their proposed wealth. Whatever then is reported is never suitable enough for the masses. It’s only when they are the benefactors that satisfaction would become their mantra.

On this week a great friend/brother passed from this strange land unto home. S. Truett Cathy (Founder to the Chick-Fil-A chain of restaurants, 1800 in total) exemplified simplicity while being extremely wealthy. He insisted all his restaurants remain closed on Sunday’s, forsaking greater wealth (cf.Mk.8:36). For 50 years he taught 8^th grade boys in Sunday School at his place of worship. Rarely would he miss that opportunity although business commitments (national & globally) would compel his presence often times. Both my sons in their 8^th grade year were privileged to have him as their teacher.

My eldest son was the type of kid to be impressed by anyone who made over $10,000 annually. He knew of Truett’s success and frightened me on the many occasions he had with him. Truett, in all of his benevolent ways would build relationship with some more than others; and at one point it became my son’s turn. Greg (my eldest) shared with Truett our family history along with what was then our ministerial pursuits (I was a pastor then as well). Then came Truett’s famous line; “What does your family need?” Greg then replied, $2,567,239.28! Truett wrote him a check and we’ve been rich ever since. NO, I’M TOTALLY KIDDING! Greg’s true reply was, “Thank you Mr. Cathy, we have need of nothing.” I was so proud of Greg, but more proud to know Truett Cathy (1921-2014).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “No Justice, No Peace?” G. Ward

 

“But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people.” Acts 17:5

 

Racial and cultural injustice has existed from many centuries ago. Sadly, it doesn’t appear to get any better for mankind. It stems primarily from a disconnect with Holy God. Contrary to popular belief, there’s love, then hate. The categorization therein is indicative of man’s selfish plight to please himself vs. living a sacrificial life of servitude. On yesterday it was reported; Gang of Black Teens Beats White Memphis Grocery Store Employee into Unconsciousness. Categorically, these teens expression in brutal violence began as a game of sorts. According to Memphis police, the group emerged from a restaurant in the same strip mall and immediately attacked a 25-year-old man as he left his car in the parking lot and headed for the grocery store.

Two grocery store employees ran to the man's aide, and the Black mob attacked them as well, brutally beating all three victims into unconsciousness.

Police report that the crowd of up to 20 teens were laughing and yelling "fan mob."

Where is National Action Network (Rev. Al Sharpton), Rainbow Coalition (Rev. Jesse Jackson), or Atty. Benjamin Crump with all their ingathering tactics in resolve? In all of your righteous indignation, along with justifiable outrage, is your militancy awaiting peaceable mobs chanting “No Peace, No Justice” for the victims of this most heinous crime? Will these young people be prosecuted under the hate crime legislative process? Is your insistence of personal jurisprudence without racial bias?

Every level of outrage must be harnessed unto the Author of peace, Jesus Christ. While our motif in resolving social ills may be proactive; life (with its cyclical existence) will more reveal injustice as never ending. Proactivation remains resolute when man considers no other foundation than Christ (Ac.4:12). Run and tell that!

 

Happy Tuesday!

 

Today’s Thought “Stop Judging!” G. Ward

“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” Matthew 7:5

Media dispensations of Baltimore Raven’s running back (Ray Rice) has everyone perplexed and bothered about his pummeling antics against his own wife. The controversial video shows him striking her with such force to cause unconsciousness. Most everyone is appalled by this abuse and echoing a sentiment of reprisal. Most are agreeing to a righteous indignation concerning physical abuse unto anyone as barbaric. Moreover, there are demands of imprisonment for this young man who’s unable to handle aggression properly, up to calling him a coward. Furthermore, they want the NFL to impact his potential earning by dismissing him from the league.

Here’s the synopsis from all who share a perspective with any of this; YOU’RE JUDGING! Although the popular, pragmatic verbiage demands that you or anyone else shouldn’t judge, it’s precisely what you’re doing. Whether you realize it or not, all are guilty of judging all day long. Scripture never precluded that we shouldn’t judge as some suppose, it merely demands our reconciling varied indifference (i.e. repentance) before rendering indictment unto another…

Stop utilizing convenience regarding this foolish paradigm of “you can’t judge me” while then impetuously our personal scrutiny of other’s activity is incessant!

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Our Drunk Uncle” G. Ward

“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.” Leviticus 10:1

 

Alcohol is a most mortifying inebriant that serves mankind in the same as a fictitious truth serum would. Many that want to identify what anyone might think of himself can gain presence unto any alcoholic after they’ve consumed their max (i.e. before the stupor sets in). Be prepared however to hear more than you’ve bargained for. Perhaps if that has been you in times past (needing to be evaluated), you sought a friend or relative who spared your feelings, whereas your drunk Uncle would have given you immediate resolve with your conflict.

I say all this in jest. None shall ever need a drunk to delineate their selfish plights, God has already (cf. 2 Ti. 3:1-5). But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Sa.16:7).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “That’s Entertainment!” G. Ward

 

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

 

The pastoral call to fulfill is notably an honorable positioning (1 Ti. 3:1), while yet requiring more character and intensified intimacy with Holy God (Jas. 3:1). For our modernity, it’s become a prosperous (monetarily so) pursuit before sacrificial servitude. The predominant culture’s contingency in recognizing those called ones (perceivably and ignorantly) is assessing their oratorical presence. Forget their ability to teach (cf. 2 Ti.2:24) and their dedication unto prayer (Ac.6:4); can he preach (i.e. is he a good entertainer?)? Moreover, designations from onlookers (congregants) insist from those who are without trepidation to rise to the pulpit. In other words, we’re too shy, but you’re not; so you must be called! The Spirit realm chooses the faithfully persistent unto surrender of HIS infinite wisdom (Jn. 15:5). Greater surrender will often enable greater flow (i.e. eloquence)… “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All Other Ground is Sinking Sand…”

Happy Tuesday!