Today’s Thought “Before Sunday” G. Ward

“But as for you, son of man, your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses, speak to one another, each to his brother, saying, ‘Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the Lord.  They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them.” Ezekiel 33:30-32

They were instructed by their families, “Do not go down to those rallies marching anywhere with that man!” Moreover, all this man represented was anarchy and great trouble; followed by a sentiment of, “we’re fine where we are!” This man was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s certainly hard to imagine that any of this could be a sentiment of a Black parent, but it was. Jim Crow laws throughout our land could demand a stay in jail, along with barbaric beatings and potential death. Without equal opportunity employment, Blacks in America couldn’t afford to bail their people from jail, extended hospitalization (i.e. exorbitant costs), or funeral fees. Hindsight allows us current perspective in viewing those defiant ones as heroic.

Seemingly digressive, many are to encounter great speeches along with huge theatrical productions in the name of church this Sunday. It will spurn them unto emotional certainty, allowing their decision to link immediately to ANOTHER philosophical approach. More captivated by eloquence than content, wavering commitment makes its entrance. Pastors, along with their staff and many congregants applaud as many culminate their day’s presence by walking the aisle to give the dynamic preacher their hand in pledge as a servant to Christ (LOL!!!). What fellowship did they come from and if another acquaintance should invite them to their perspective place of worship and that Preacher is even more charismatic, WHERE IN THE WORLD WILL ALL THIS END???

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “70 Years Later…” G. Ward

Afterward Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. And Job said, “Let the day perish on which I was to be born, and the night which said, A boy is conceived.” Job 3:1-3

CNN’s Wolf Blitzer helped produce a most excellent documentary featuring Holocaust survivors entitled Voices of Auschwitz.  I marvel at the courage of the many Jewish survivors to forgive their persecutors, particularly when one reported having lost 87 members of her family. The brutality by the Nazi’s had absolutely no regard to their humanity as they corralled thousands into gas chambers, ripping parents away from their children. The deplorable conditions in enduring frigid temperatures while naked for extended periods of time, while no food or water was considered are vividly depicted in the photos of emaciated bodies we’ve viewed time after time.

 How does man arrive at any stretch in his imagination of thinking himself as superior in contrast to another, particularly enough to consider annihilating those he perceives as inferior? Most assuredly this hatred isn’t inherent.

• We all have the responsibility of greater stewardship towards obliterating systemic racism by insisting our young people view such heinous depictions not only with what was one of the greatest tragedies of modern times (The Holocaust), but also those genocidal injustices imposed throughout our world in modern times; Bosnia-Herzegovina: 1992-1995 - 200,000 Deaths

·       Rwanda: 1994 - 800,000 Deaths

·       Pol Pot in Cambodia: 1975-1979 - 2,000,000 Deaths

·       Nazi Holocaust: 1938-1945 - 6,000,000 Deaths

·       Rape of Nanking: 1937-1938 - 300,000 Deaths

·       Stalin's Forced Famine: 1932-1933 - 7,000,000 Deaths

·       Armenians in Turkey: 1915-1918 - 1,500,000 Deaths

Perhaps you’ve awakened with great complaint (e.g. headaches, common cold, job impropriety, economic woes, etc.)? I would ask that you re-evaluate why it is that Holy God allowed you another day and thank Him for His great mercy.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “I Live for YOUR Love…” G. Ward

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.” Ephesians 1:3-4

Despair is an ugly reality for mankind. It’s entirely lonely and without regard to share particulars. It’s a sort of mindful lock, awaiting a locksmith very far away. Experience most certainly won’t reveal an answer for this quandary and while some of our closest constituents identify our gloom, their ploy of encouragement is futile.

While suffering is an acceptable reality (cf. Ro.8:18), it should never empty into despair. It will prove more unfaithfulness (doubt, from us) that God is… Vain philosophy shares the impossibility in this (despair) condition not frequenting every human. Holy God’s word insists, “These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (Jn.16:33).

The way of avoidance to this sin is a practice in intimacy with Holy God. Moment to moment submission allows His permeating your soul. Now you’re trusting Him more and more; knowing that He loved you before the foundation of the world.

Happy Wednesday!

 

Today’s Thought “Weather Woes” G. Ward

“Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways!”You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways!” Haggai 1:5-7

As it were, there’s a forced reconciliation when inclement weather pervades you and me. Perhaps when bad weather stifles our travels, we should prepare to re-construct our mentalities synonymous with how the Prophet Haggai admonished those of his day regarding the re-building of the Temple?

The northeasterners on today are either in the snare of the unknown hunter or with great delusion of tropical beachfront posturing. The snow and winds have been pummeling them, disabling their expediency to nowhere. While we who are able to view the entirety of this in abstract, we’re as guilty of never slowing down enough to take personal inventory; and for the ones who endeavor to do so, it’s done in too short a moment. Therefore the garbage that’s removed is comparable to having a garage sale – you’ve gotten all you’re to get from what was once useful and rather than give it away, you’d rather sell it exorbitantly, while furthering a terrible notion of helping others…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Misconception” G. Ward

“And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law.” Acts 6:12-13

What does Holy God need from man, except that he maintains resilience in his servitude? In that same compliance, He never guaranteed that others would be elated with a practice therein. Moreover, He may allow for persecution (including death) to occur as He did for Stephen.

Just recently (here in Atlanta), the Fire Chief was fired for his un-authorized distribution of a self-published manuscript in which he called homosexuality “sexual perversion” and compared it to “bestiality” (cf. Lev.18:22, Ro.1:26-28, 1 Cor.7:2). Some have alluded that our Mayor is guilty of political posturing because his city’s great homosexual community exceeded that to which San Francisco was once prominent. Whatever the cause and effect, religious leaders have expressed outrage in what seemingly is an infringement on religious freedoms facing Christians and other people of faith.

Some, even within the believer community are yelling “foul!” They further a FALSE notion of judging others, while making judgments all day long themselves. Holy God’s words sanctions judging (particularly when studied properly. Cf. Mt.7:1-5, Jn. 7:24, 1 Jn.4:1, 1 Cor.5:1-13), it simply demands you be pursuant to righteous behavior. Just remember, in your observances, they’ll hate you for it (Jn. 15:18-19), even up to killing you! Will Heaven stand for you as HE did for Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)?

Happy Monday! 

Today’s Thought “Pseudo Inquiry” G. Ward

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.  For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-4

                           

Perhaps you’re regarded as the level-headed one, or perceivably a good listener? Many may call on you with pretentious salutations of, “how are you on today?” While you share your task at hand, great presumption enters the room. Why? Because their own plight is too huge to consider anyone equally or more troubled.

Life’s challenges are forever present. Authoritatively, leaders in a many regard share a pursuit of happiness with their captive audiences, to forget man’s war in carnality is driven first by self-absorption (2 Ti.3:2-4). Furthermore, their (leaders of sorts) seeking notoriety among men rarely shares, there’s more inability towards contentment when any forget where real joy and peace emanates (cf. Phil.4:12).

 Rather than scurry to another in expressing varied woes, why not consider HIM without task (Ps.46:1, Phil.4:6-7)? To make HIM last resort is indicative of what got you in this mess in the first place…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Permissible, Without Benefit” G. Ward

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

My mornings are the more interesting as I view the morning news (headlines primarily). Strangely, my approach in optimism (where news is concerned) is expecting the absolute worse. It allows me to subtract from the shock sensationalistic journalism produces. On today, here’s my discovery - Georgia State University students will have the option of selecting roommates of a different gender in the fall. This legislative process seeks to accommodate both opposite gender friendships (including partners in romance), and special accommodation towards the homosexual community’s comfort. These accommodations are sanctioned by administrators of the university that are either capable of having college aged young people or grandchildren alike. The advancement in educational prowess from young people is most certainly commendable. While producing greater occupational potential, it’s also introductory towards adult accountabilities. As many of you know, adulthood offers very little accommodations and is a great accentuator of parameter. Although the entirety of this may violate your moral perspective (as it did my own); it can more lend itself to a teaching opportunity unto young people (cf. Deut.6:5-7). Share the moral compass acceptable unto every generation, Holy God’s word (cf. Pr.22:6, Mt.24:35)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “An Empty Jar” G. Ward

“You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.” James 2:22-23

We’re often the terrorist unto our souls. It’s due primarily to perceived un-fulfillment. It can also be equated with empty behavior. It can make a kitchen visit occur at 2:30 a.m. for just one more slice of cake. Perhaps it can dictate the long way home to purchase that “new and improved” electronic gadget. All of this is attributable to a secret society of sin’s disconnect in Holy God as more than enough.

If the garage has become the dumping ground for an extended period of time; re-arranging, or cleaning it becomes a task of gargantuan proportion. Although winter is here now, our consideration to addressing this huge task won’t really involve resolution until we can’t park our vehicle there next fall. Let’s seek to annihilate the “Bin Laden” of our mindset. It must not become the covert operation synonymous with capture of a villain of sorts, but must be met with a perfect surrender “to HIM who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Eph.3:20a). Our working towards greater surrender must regard process at a continuum (“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong.” Eccl. 9:11a). A considerable amount of prayer must be the ammunition utilized…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Once A Beautiful Baby!” G. Ward

CINCINNATI — A 20-year-old Ohio man's Twitter posts sympathizing with Islamic terrorists led to an undercover FBI operation and the man's arrest on charges that he plotted to blow up the U.S. Capitol and kill government officials.

Christopher Lee Cornell, also known as Raheel Mahrus Ubaydah, told an FBI informant they should "wage jihad," and showed his plans for bombing the Capitol and shooting people, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Ohio Wednesday. The FBI said Cornell expressed his support for the Islamic State. By LISA CORNWELL, Associated Press

I haven’t given much thought to what my 3 grandsons will become when adulthood presents itself, but as a Pastor/ grandfather I’ve had the distinct honor to dedicate (ceremonially) one (Colson Ward) unto our Lord (on behalf of their parents, in the presence of our congregation) and the other two (Ethan & Bryson Ward) upcoming on Sunday, February 1, 2015.  All of this “Pomp and Circumstance” will not determine their plight for the future. As they grow, achieved academia, great little league participation, faithful church attendance, fabulous birthday celebrations and eating supper at 6 p.m. each evening are most certainly excellent in its traditionalism, but doesn’t mean they won’t grow up to be terrorists.

To believe is to support preeminently what Final Authority ensures as the blessed hope. To outsource what is your personal parenting responsibility (i.e. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deut.6:5-7) might have your little Cinderella on the World News purchasing high powered rifles and six hundred rounds of ammunition…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Although Forgiven…” G. Ward

"Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink. Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.” Numbers 20:8, 11

Familiarity with Holy God should never be the objectivity of man (Isa.55:8-9). Our familiarity may seek to please Him, but more than likely become frustrated with those outside the realm of servitude; forgetting that Holy God while patiently pursuing you, pursues others (cf.2 Pe.3:9).

We’ve witnessed Brother Moses as such a one. After receiving careful instruction as God’s leader, his compromising the details therein disallowed his entry into a land promised. After exposure in the same violation, his trust in the Maker of heaven and earth sought to remain exemplary to his end (cf. Deut.33, Nu.20:12). We too have been violators (Ro.3:23), but it doesn’t preclude our usefulness. Don’t you try cleaning up what it is that you messed up! You’ll end up where you began; starting your life over and over again. Regeneration is from on High. When Holy God washes and restores, you’re clean and dressed without corruption. Although you may not see earth’s opportunities much longer (cf. Heb.11:13), there is a promised land for you and me…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Intimate Referral” 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

Spiritual Presupposition is amazingly on the increase. It imposes personal thoughts on what scripture means. In times past, it’s been responsible for denominationalism spread throughout our world, including world religion. Moreover, it’s the promoter of vain philosophy that leads to narcissism furthered.

We are called to cease in our varied interpretations and submit to prudence (Gal.5:1, 2 Ti.2:15). Shamefully, we’re more impressed with man’s impartations in eloquence, more than the eternality found in Holy God’s word (Mt.24:35). What’s become obvious is the lazy behavior in man (very particularly in the days of www.google.com). He more desires a quick response in his plight, than proper investigation from his Maker. Irresponsible authorship persists in making this about all your days getting better, while soaring to greater heights; and all of this is at the expense of your eternal soul (cf. Jn.15:5); because the Lord desires to be OWNER of every step you take (Ro.10:9)! You’re called to be a SAINT (cf.1 Cor.1:2)! It’s not because of our own perfection, but that our influence of the Holy Spirit would be rendered, through holiness as partakers of salvation in His kingdom. STOP WITH THE NONSENSE IN SAYING NO ONE IS A SAINT! PERSONALLY INTERROGATE!!!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Distress, Not Despair” G. Ward

 

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

 

The sovereignty of God (i.e. His unquestionable ability to do anything He wants and whenever…) is often stated by many, while grossly misunderstood. To think any could gravitate towards comprehending the magnitude of His activity (cf. Isa.55:8-9) is the essence of confidence in the flesh (pride).

The man Job was said to be blameless in his walking with Holy God (Job 1:1). This more reveals his surrender, or character. In contrast to most men, he contemplated God’s way before personal activity.

Faith is easier in times of normalcy, but when distress comes (and it will), what will our reaction be (Pr.1:27-30)? Despair is diffused when our individual pursuit of His way is constant (cf. Ps.1:1-3). If calamity should happen, our sentiment could be the same as Job’s. Things (or tangibles) are not what define man; they’re given him temporarily, and then he departs (Ps. 90:10). What then is to be valued?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Too Analytical” G. Ward

“And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:3

I’m reminded of my Father’s words when frigid temperatures persist. While our furnace at home never failed to blow extreme measures of heat throughout our home in winter he would say, “Think about all the stray dogs and cats enduring the elements with no shelter.” Each time my heart would break in that we were taught early the love for pets. Amazingly, homelessness (as we know it to be) was non-existent. Sure, there was the “Hobo” who through insistence embraced living among the railroad cars, but he knew he could return home.

Selfishness, or pride of life, obscures an ability to view others along with adoptable principles until our supposed need is met. Sadly, man’s impropriety in considering Holy God’s demands (particularly that insists “I am my brother’s keeper”) enables homelessness to become even more rampant than before.

Every other Friday our church travels throughout varied districts of homeless individuals to offer durable clothing, blankets, shoes, hot soup with cornbread and coffee. Although commendable, not one of our regular missionaries demanded we break our traditional cycle (knowing Metro Atlanta is to endure temperatures below freezing for the next four days). Perhaps it was too cold…

I’m so glad that Jesus (with whatever the weather conditions were) at Calvary’s cross, endured great crucifixion on my behalf! What shall I render unto this Great King?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “What Saith Thee?” G. Ward

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

There’s a strong compelling from ministers that feels it necessary to insert great quotes during their discourse each week. Although there’s nothing wrong with this kind of incitation, it should not be at his insistence as he contemplates his eloquence portrayed. How dare any of us utilize vain philosophy to portray Holy God’s word unto man? It’s the very thing that stagnates our congregants in their seeking to be heard from a standpoint of what “Bishop” had to say vs. what Holy God desires to say unto them (personally). Just in case you don’t know, it sounds very cultic when any are known for their exacerbations in what their minister has said. After all, his personal ambassadorship should delight solely in Holy God’s word. His promulgations are not even his own; so why are you giving him credit (that’s blasphemous!)?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Study Habits…” G. Ward

“ I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9-11

 

More than a Shakespearian sonnet or a prolific novel is the word of God. I’ve witnessed so many endeavor reading it with an intrigue that would bolster their pride rather than be the life guide proposed for all men ( cf. Ps.119: 105-106, 2 Ti.3:16-17). I’ve witnessed believer’s approach unto it with familiarity that’s contemptuous. I’ve seen theologians expound on it presumptuously and pretentiously, leading many towards destruction (cf. Hos.4:6-8).

If we’re careful to follow the precepts of Holy God, peace and contentment is near. Ours must be more interrogative through greater investigation. When we begin to esteem Holy God’s words for its perfection vs. just another good book, we too will be compelled to write those things down of greater significance for the day presented. While some seek to read it cover to cover, they’re without scholarship that would make them authoritative therein. IT MUST BE STUDIED…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Book Club” G. Ward

“For the word of the Lord is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.” Psalm 33:4

I heard it proposed to me again this morning, “Greg, what book are you reading currently?” It more suggests that varied ideologies sustain mankind. Moreover, it contradicts independent thought, while being impressed with authorship from scholarly individuals seeking to either improve man or portray what ultimately is hypothesis at best. I say this in contrast to what “Final Authority” (Holy God and His words unto man) offers (Mt.24:35). "May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged” (Ro. 3:4).

A society more captivated in intellectual prowess than spiritual conditioning is regressive (doomed for destruction). Birds, flowers and grass flourish within the parameter of their purpose. Mankind however, is seemingly on a quest to further separate from their proposed existence (cf. Jn.15:5).

Happy Monday!