Today’s Thought “An Acquired Taste” G. Ward

 

“If a man dies, will he live again?
All the days of my struggle I will wait
Until my change comes.” Job 14:14

 

I never understood the essence of what wisdom personified until recent events invited my participation in what ordinarily I would deny as opportunistic.

 Wisdom is calming. It recesses unto understanding diversity as enlightening. It’s without competition, while it values societal champions. It recognizes nature’s conditioning as un-rehearsed and seeks stronger regimen. It’s tolerant, yet without compromise; willing to await progress as a process with its own timing. It never regards failure as optional, because it despises reprimand and recapitulations. It’s without contempt for the actuality of life; there’s an end soon to occur and my promptings had nothing to do with my reward (cf.Ro.5:8, Eph.2:8-10, Heb.11:6)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Church Hyperbolizing” G. Ward

“What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26

 

What if on the next worship experience it involved no music, mundane singing and monotone speaking took place (cf. 1 Cor. 2:4, 2 Cor.11:6), but all recited was positively true; would you categorize that as worthy of great praise? Corinth, with its many churches experienced more of the Roman Empire’s religiosity than necessary. Ecstatic speech (understood by no one) was indicative of pagan worship. For the sake of individualized idolatrous worship of varied deities, Gentiles exercised in pseudo languages at the top of their voices (as to drown out other’s chant). Unfortunately, this church age (in contrast) has done poorly in what took place over 2000 years ago. The imagery for an unbeliever most certainly should be our concern (cf. 1 Cor. 14:23); yet we have the most in-authentic appearance in our local fellowships. Teachers exacerbate mediocrity among their members (cf. Hos.4:6) by neglecting to truly define each passage without philosophical impartations (i.e. catchy verbiage). Have you ever thought about the many teaching scenarios of the New Testament without Gentile (or worldly) influences? Ninety percent or better involved individuals listening attentively, without shouting, ecstatic speech and dancing, leaving many convicted (of their sins) then to do the Master’s will or to run from it (deciding their own way was good enough)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Marching Orders” G. Ward

 

“Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.” Proverbs 4:1

 

I’ve not been well (physically) for almost two weeks now. With the seasonal transition, my allergy intolerance arises. Strangely, this condition generally ushers some flu like symptoms into being. What I’m discovering is the body isn’t as cooperative in this autumn. I’ve heard so many over the years share their own parent’s demise. The age of their parent’s death becomes relative to their perceived end. Although I wouldn’t verbally contest their prognostications, I would question what to me was entirely pessimistic. I’m now viewing in me, all of my Dad’s complicated digestive system’s rejection of many food items, along with other ailments. Moreover, my frequenting medical visits are as most men, rare, until vitally necessary.

Prior to my Dad dying he shared how necessary it was that I heed every opportunity to regular medical exams. In him was forced reconciliation to that fact. He died of complications with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My prayers on last evening (as my suffering was greatly felt) was expressive not of deliverance from that agonizing that took place, but more of gratitude that the Holy Father would hear my prayer despite my unworthiness (cf. Jer.33:3)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Throwback Thursday” G. Ward

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” Ephesians 6:1

I miss the days when it was proper to awaken your children from their slumber because they neglected to wash the dishes before bedtime. Moreover, parents would have company until late and children upon coming indoors for the evening would be so entirely exhausted from enjoying varied sports, bike-riding, to then culminate into forgotten games like two-square (e.t. finding a line on the driveway and simulating tennis without a racket), red light, green light, and whether boys want to admit it or not, chants of rhythmic songs like “Ms. Lucy had a baby” while clapping hands in synchronicity through great cadence.

Our parents entertained often. They would insist we come in and show them the latest dances (to which they were too old to grasp – in retrospect, I now realize they were much younger than I am currently = OUCH!). In our home there were four of us. We are all 16 months apart (almost to the day) and our eldest sister participated in ballet, tap and jazz at a very early age but was yet a horrible dancer. Our brother, well let’s just say either he was far more intelligent than us; because he would just spin the 45’s or 78’s (young people, that’s indicative of vinyl records vs. cd’s or cassettes) insisting that he couldn’t dance at all. Amazingly when girls entered his scope, he became a regular Deney Terrio (an American choreographer, host of the television musical variety series Dance Fever). Our younger sister and I were dancing machines, particularly when money was on the line. This sister also sang very well. Although I too could carry a tune, I never revealed that growing up; I was entirely too shy.

What happened to the days when parents embarrassed their children? I’m now so very thankful for that era along with foundational insistence that children did what their parents instructed. I can’t wait! My grandsons will be arriving on late tonight. I believe their flight comes in after 10 p.m. When they arrive from the airport at 11: p.m. or so, I’m going to blast some music from the “Hi-Fi” and insist they teach me how to do “The Bump,” “The Hustle,” “Funky Chicken” and “The Robot!” I don’t care if they are just 3 and 1 years old!

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “How Do I Match Up?” G. Ward

 

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, ¹³ even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” 1 Timothy 1:12-13

 

Unfortunately, individuals seemingly well acquainted with God’s word have been tagged scholarly. I say unfortunately because man has been impressed (historically) with man’s knowledge over the All Wise God. Scholar, in this sense more demands unattainable superiority. Furthermore, it delineates lack on the part of fellow believer’s spiritual aptitude in understanding “His yoke as easy and burden as light” (Mt.11:30).  It’s Him and only He that empowers, equips and commissions. What we then dispel is most certainly not more literary prose, but solely His words. Anything less is disingenuous and inauthentic.  Some theologians feel a need to dress it up, making it more entertaining. On the other hand I’ve come to realize that creativity runs a short course (Eccl.9:11), whereas “Truth” is a marathon. The older I become in grace, the less sufficient I am and also not impressed with man.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Mesmerized” G. Ward

 

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

 

My first bout in full time ministry came with very little instruction. The church to which I was a part of sought me to enhance diversity (racial and cultural) in what was a predominantly Anglo membership. They depended on me to share every opportunity to include the masses without compromise. I recall the first day. After being assigned an office, I sat in that big chair, without the first file or case to settle. I then took a walk around the huge facility, praying for Holy God’s guidance with first mission tasks. Absolutely nothing was clear. I vacated the building to then seek a shoe store. The dress shoes I wore were too expensive to walk throughout the community to endeavor resident’s perspective on Christ and His church. For the next week it became my daily ritual.

I understood the more, that the essence in hearing from God is to never seek a commission from man. More important to do, is to not violate what’s been given to administer from the Master long ago. When/if I contemplate job security, notoriety or acceptance, over recognizing the mercy shown me, and how there’s enough to dispel unto others, I preclude HE’S not more than enough. Since that’s not an option, I’ll rejoice in seeing other’s lives transformed unto spiritual maturity, while deciding to remain a missionary for Christ.

Happy Tuesday!

Today's Thought "Rare Contemplations" G.Ward

"Then David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David." 1 Kings 2:10

I didn't have the pleasure in knowing either of my Great Grandfathers. I did however hear of their many contributions to our family's perseverance. I'm so very thankful for the positive identifiers existent in me today attributable to my patriarchal predecessors.
I'm wondering about the potential adoption of familial values by many of this modernity perceiving these historic expressions as antiquated.
Very particularly, what will my grandson's children know of my best approach to life? I could establish a legacy to ensure of my remembrance, it would most certainly have to involve a financial distribution of sorts (and they might still forget). To ensure a secure foundation, I must remain exemplary and true to my conviction in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-5). "Heaven and earth will pass away, but His words are forever" (Mt.24:35). Inevitably, all of our greatest grandchildren will face eternality's question. Can/will we on today, help their decision to prevail in the affirmative?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Brood of Contempt” G. Ward

 

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Do we really understand this “all” factor? “All” in this case is indicative of implicit trust in the Spirit of Christ (Ro.8:9-11). We’ve practiced a way in mortal life that seems good to pursue, but proves insatiable. The components of a Spirit-filled life are only manifested when total dependence on our Inventor is exercised. Only then will the treasure hunt cease to exist, because you’re more aware that IT (the True Treasure, cf. Ex.20:3) was present the entire time of your existence (cf. Ps.46:1)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Unequally Yoked” G. Ward

“Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked,
And this is the place of him who does not know God.” Job 18:21

Listen to these most heinous statements; “What comes around goes around!” “You’ve got to be careful Karma, is real!” In a sense, this was the sentiment of Job’s three friends. These friends were troubled to see Job suffering so very greatly and attributed his great dilemma to sin in his life. Although the agricultural terminology utilized over and over again that demands “’you reap what you sow” is very true and can produce dire consequences, such was not the case for Job (cf. Job 1:8-12).

When many contemplate Job, they think patience. I more identify faithfulness, even on a regardless basis. While great destruction plagued Job, his greatest testimonial was, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him” (Job 13:15). Job’s three friends expected collapse. Those same friends sought convincing Job through many discourses echoing a same sentiment of great calamity plaguing him because they perceived he sinned greatly, not realizing that Holy God gave carte blanche to Satan himself to tear Job’s world apart (even though Job was considered “a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil” Job 1:8b). Hey, don’t ask me why Holy God chooses to do His work that way! Just understand that if I had to endure the penalty of my past imperfects (i.e. what comes around, goes around) or entertained Karma (Karma is a theological concept found in the Buddhist and Hindu religions. It is the idea that how you live your life will determine the quality of life you will have after reincarnation. If you are unselfish, kind, and holy during this lifetime, you will be rewarded by being reincarnated (reborn into a new earthly body) into a pleasant life. ) as a Christian reality; Christ’s sacrifice for me would be terribly obscured, making it virtually impossible to gravitate towards. I’m so glad however; “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Ro.5:8).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Promotion, Soon to Come…” G. Ward

 

“Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.” 1 Peter 5:1-3

 

In the old traditional church you could always tell who had aspirations in becoming a minister. They practiced all the liturgical behaviors of the church and would always be eager to announce anything. Moreover it was the deacon who also made this obvious. His prayers became more intense than ever, his chants of supplication (from ordinary moments) now introduced authoritative statements synonymous with what a pastor would say. Foolishly and frivolously, they never calculated the cost of ministry. Their aim was notoriety from men vs. a calling to fulfill from Holy God. They more rehearsed Kevin Costner’s starring role in the movie “Field of Dreams” (i.e. Build them and they’ll come!), than observe an undesired phenomenon depicted in Alex Haley’s “Roots”, as a slave to Christ (cf. Phil.1:17).

If the pursuit is money and fame, the self-imposed clergyman will soon be forced to identify the days of frequenting worship facilities is slowly becoming something of the past. We now allow social networking to become our church. The sincere however, don’t need prompting. They’ll remain faithful to the eternal perspective found in God’s word: 1. “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. ² Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; ³ and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep” (2 Pe. 2:1-3). 2. “Not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Heb. 10:25).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Desperate” G. Ward

 

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Psalm 42:1

 

With the varied substance abuse programming, admittance of dependence is the prelude to the greatest concert ever.  I’ll pretend on today that we’re in session by admitting to you on today; “Hi, my name is Gregory, and in times past I was a news junkie” (along with being an emotional eater, Andy Griffith and Bonanza fan also). The news for me (regardless of the network) was absolutely captivating and more revealed sensationalistic manipulation of their viewership. Many lack independent thought well enough to discern what is actual or hyperbolized (in their estimation). I viewed the various networks because I marveled at the ploys of every network to violate the number one rule in journalism; to assemble and verify facts.  

My temporary psychosis in contemplating change in the networks was delusional at best. I was “desperate” to see change, while exposing my lack of faith in the Author of real change, Holy God (cf. Pr.3:5-6, Jn.14:6)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Magnificent Love” G. Ward

“God’s angel went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, “I brought you out of Egypt; I led you to the land that I promised to your fathers; and I said, I’ll never break my covenant with you—never! And you’re never to make a covenant with the people who live in this land. Tear down their altars! But you haven’t obeyed me! What’s this that you’re doing?” Judges 2:1-2 (The Message)

 So mature we thought, as we endeavored what appeared to be our soul mate while so young. If Jesus Christ were to have manifested Himself to share its unfruitfulness we would have doubted His insights. The plight of man is primarily consumed with self-centeredness (i.e. blatant narcissism, cf. 2 Ti. 3:1-5). Our visual impairedness falsely identifies possessions (positionally & tangibly) as immediately attainable and the world confirms our insatiable drive. It’s only then (pursuing the supposed object of our affections) that our best discipline is exacted in our lives. When we’ve either saved enough or climbed the appropriate ladder, we park next to the vehicle we really wanted (back in the saddle again!). Then, we reach a certain autumn (if Holy God affords us time, cf. Ps.90:10-12); so very thankful that our First Love waited patiently (cf.2 Pe.3:9).

 

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Phil.4:11-12

Happy Thursday!

Today's Thought "Impractical" G. Ward

As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist." Romans 4:17

I've had numerous opportunities to visit the country of Haiti. What I've enjoyed best is utter dismay concerning the paradigm given that country of rampant voodoo practices. While it continues to exist as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, theirs (the inhabitants) is an unawareness comparable to many throughout America growing up in various districts in a time whereby everyone in the local areas were entangled in the same social plight. Many yet comment, "we had no idea we were poor growing up!" Contrary to our free educational system, theirs is with tuition (regardless of economic status). Although I could speak on France's disenfranchisement towards Haitian's independence from them that caused total economic sanctions from the U.S. and Europe for more than 60 years, I'll digress to share I've witnessed a very spirited country. Moreover, I've seen more palm reading (along with demonic worship & practices) in this country than Haiti. For the many times I pompously sought to be a great spiritual envoy in Christ (in Haiti) my reflections understand that although I arrived to give, those already intimate with Christ encouraged me. Food, money and medical may be scarce there, but they're yet trusting (implicitly so) in Holy God without tangible parameters of demanding He deliver them in an American way. All of you great charismatics ought to get there to share your un-theological impartation of "don't claim that (i.e. famine, poverty, etc.), just speak a word!" While your Bishop becomes more wealthy, you're furthered in spiritual constraint ( *cf. Phil.4:11-13)...

Happy Wednesday!