Today’s Thought “WRONG, The New Right” G. Ward

“As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.” 1 Timothy 5:20

We were told to expect it many years ago; a day to which morality would be compromisingly diluted. Our nation leads the world with its voidance in moral absolutes and the primary governance therein is sadly the Constitution. Pretentiously, the redundancy in recitation of what the Founding Fathers were proposing with their illustrious composition, has our modernity departing from the strongest component in its literary expression, the Word of God. While every document will remain argumentative, the Word of God is unchanging and completely authoritative. If those original constitutional proponents could view the impropriety given (by this era) their effort, there would be great weeping and gnashing of teeth. My presumption leads me to believe they would regret their lack in insistence to make the Bible sufficient governance for a land that gave them freedom to worship. Enough Gregory with all that idealism! Our reality persists, you better adapt to a modern principle of not tagging illicit behaviors as wrong, or you’ll be tagged a judge! JUST SEE WRONG AND TURN YOUR HEAD: THE NEW RIGHT…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “If; A Big Expression” G. Ward

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5

Monday morning challenges routinely are discerned without consideration of Sunday’s vow (cf. Jas. 5:12). Moreover, the motivation received emanated from the authority found in Holy God’s word. It’s always there that creation encounters selflessness. Painfully, it discourages my presumptive efforts in exercising what could be potentially hazardous and alienating. Frankly, it’s offensive unto the practicality presented by my earthly predecessors; furthering an implicit trust of my new ownership (cf. Ro.6:4, 1 Cor.6:19-20).

The contingency for peace will never reside in self-sufficiency. Hearing righteousness (cf. Heb. 10:25, Jas. 1:22), without a pursuit therein is futility.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Genie In A Bottle” G. Ward

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.…” Galatians 6:7-8

Worship is the responsibility that believers extend to Holy God. It’s without the paradigm created by man, who seeks to more extract than give unto our Great King. It perpetuates a notion of going to HIM for all He’ll give vs. what HE desires. Amazingly, our regression in presumed worship demands music that stirs, preaching in great exuberance vs. exegetical and authoritative (yes, you can have both, but it shouldn’t seek to entertain). Howbeit that Holy God gives great instruction on how HE is to be worshipped, but we feel a need to create our own brand? A major component in worship is obedience.

Castigation of others, who seemingly are plagued in lethargy at your place of worship, reveals you’re not worshipping. Why should any pursue being a proto-type of another when the experience in their deliverance was uniquely their own? This is not to say Holy God needs you to highlight the particulars in where He brought you from more than where He’ll redeem another (cf. Mt.28:19). Spiritual diversity (1 Cor. 12:4), although acceptable, boasts with a common expression (cf.Ac.2:44), “How Great Is Our God…”

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Seizing A Moment” G. Ward

Do not say, "Why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions.” Ecclesiastes 7:10

The ones of us who have perfect recall of 50 years or more ago will often share great critique concerning the erosion in common decency with current circumstances. How is any of that working for this generation? Where is the resolve? WE’VE forgotten about the interactivity that promoted better community. Our parents knew their neighbors. We’re now with a foolish paranoia of infringement in privacy that perpetuates alienating ourselves from neighbors. Mealtime was a family’s insistence for gathering, promoting exemplary behaviors worth following and conversing with one another vs. finding fault with another, rendering them hopeless and texting our every conveyance.

Decades in frivolity practiced have dire sociological ramifications. Welcome to what WE allowed as the most shameful, pervasive, conundrum in history! Don’t worry about where WE go from here. You begin working at your home and I’ll do the same…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “An Illogical Journey” G. Ward

“Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:20-21

Hoarding something great is the essence in self-serving pomposity (cf. Ac.8:26-40). There’s great mental disorder equivalent to delusions of grandeur guaranteeing tomorrow’s opportunity before it gets here for the unfaithful. Moreover, the mercy shown its receiver is impenetrable to certain segments in society because their redemption vs. others categorically wasn’t as difficult for God to restore. Although Holy God gave His Son for the least, unjust determinants from His very own delineate the less than as hopeless. In other words, the blessing stopped with me, or even God can’t change them.

This mentality from believers is more apparent now than ever before. Very self-righteously their pursuit of Temple meetings forgets others on the outside begging to come in, yet feeing too unworthy (cf. Mt. 16:18, Jn.6:44). Shamefully, more believers prepare in boasts or definitive claimants of how wonderful God is without equipping others to know the same, exacerbating FACEBOOK religious jargon and slogans. The same 20 passages of yesteryear keep going round and round, while no one guilty therein goes any higher…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Shatterproof” G. Ward

“Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, including his sword and his bow and his belt.” 1 Samuel 18:3-4

Lasting friendships never lends itself to promulgations of the way we were, but rejoices in the continuity of unconditional, currently. Although respectful of schedule indifference (with its variances), friendships don’t consider questioning how long it’s been since last corresponding and why; it resumes from the last point of contact. Furthermore, it’s without promptings, giving generously without reciprocal demands.

These perspectives are proprietary to those seeking maturity. If, or when feelings of desolation should occur in your life, cease being too analytical through admittance. Holy God’s compelling doesn’t promote isolation from others, but interdependence. Make the telephone call or send a written correspondence (electronically or hand written) that will ONLY share how important they are to you. The dividends are incalculable.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Cultural Captivity” G. Ward

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

Howbeit that so many seek to justify sin’s attempt in conforming predominance over historical righteousness? Wrong has a new determinate now; its contingency more supports what the masses deem acceptable. Truth is now a code with respect to one’s own interpretive power and its influential sphere becomes the more pervasive dependent on the purveyor in popularity.

Perhaps you’ve been guilty in ascribing to presuppositional behavior? Many that do so aren’t necessarily weak, but lazy. The pursuit intended is not conquering a Shakespearian sonnet with the aid of “Cliff Notes.” It’s a lifetime pursuit in intimacy that’s entirely rewarding. Moreover, although many interpretive challenges exist with Holy God’s script, it’s authoritative transcendence of culture remains relevant.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Odious” G. Ward

“For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:8-9

Righteous indignation is the most daunting, subjective term in American culture currently. It rarely wars alone. It seeks an audience of great protest to substantiate its cause, while bringing to surface potential disparity from its followers. Riotous behaviors might ensue causing what was an original perceived injustice to become thwarted by passionate constituents. In the name of peaceable protest there’s always a cowardly rebel hiding amidst the great crowds seeking to infuse his heinous work. In an era of great communication (i.e. media, social or otherwise); sensationalistic editorials forget the peace in protest to highlight the buffoonery. Final Authority seeks to intercept: “But all things should be done decently and in order” (1 Cor. 14:40). Run quickly and teach the importance of submission unto authority before another utilizes civil protection via laws as a flimsy shield for their lack in cooperation that may cost them their life!

Happy Friday!  

Today’s Thought “Memories Worth Pursuing” G. Ward

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church WELL are worthy of double HONOR, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17

Unfortunately man is guilty in extracting more from the life given than seeking to infuse an unprompted righteousness. Furthermore, he wants a name that echoes notoriety among men to rarely contemplate his grandfather’s status as forgotten (cf. Lk.10:20). There’s an autumn in life that reveals spiritual maturity. The barometer of knowing this reality only happens when one digresses as less so Eternality is not obscured for the many struggling to be known (cf. Phil.2:6-8). Points of greater introspection are what’s necessary to adopt. Mostly, our pursuit in adoption is eisegetical (one’s own bias); while quick to say HE is LORD (Master, Owner of my life). If uncertain as to directives of future realities, seek the voice of Holy God. You do have a copy, I pray?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Exasperated” G. Ward

“She, greatly distressed, prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.” 1 Samuel 1:10

Forced reconciliation, although filled with great tumult in mindset, is the opportunity from the victim to discern an impasse of bedlam vs. prosperity (cf. Mt.7:13-14). It’s been said that resolve to problems sought is first recognition that one or many exist. Unfortunately, more perpetuations in bandaging oneself (euphemistically speaking) becomes a temporal comfort we’ve enjoined through a practiced behavior for our lives vs. implicit trust in the Beholder of eternal peace. Deranged is the title synonymous to any who after great distress forsakes godly peace over external control, soon to revisit (Phil.4:5-7).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Transcendence” G. Ward

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

There’s a foolish propagation by many believers regarding superior status in knowing Holy God. Authoritatively, the word of God is with incessant reminders (for mankind) that keep man from frivolous familiarity with the Author of the Universe with its contents (cf. Ps.24:1, Isa. 55:8-9, Mt.24:36, Jn.4:24, Ro.3:3-5, 1 Cor.2:11). Our existential reality more demands an exemplary attitude in availability unto some that apparently don’t feel the love the Father has bestowed on them (1 Jn. 3:1-2). Moreover, this proposed pursuit of the neglected abhors pomposity in personal redemption and shouts chants of God’s grace as sufficient for every man, because HE became the Captor of their own sinful soul and will do the same for you (Ro.3:23)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Impervious” G. Ward

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19

It’s always disconcerting when what was intended to be dialogue becomes battle. Every participant begins with equality in expression, while the buzzard of the dialogue encircles until the vulnerable slips. A barrage of castigations loudly emanates from the presumed victor. The once regarded duo of persuasion has now become the victimization of one. Sadly, the supposed successor of confrontation furthers their attempt in asphyxiation without throwing a lifeline. The victim, seemingly able bodied, hasn’t experienced their demise, yet departs wounded, whereby joy is impenetrable for the day remaining.

We owe others, the mercy we’ve received…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Cyber Church” G. Ward

“The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man.” Acts 17:24

When culture seeks to interpose its idealism alongside of Holy God’s word, another religion is invented. There’s a mandate from Holy God for His people to physically assemble in worship. Today’s culture offers an antithetical liberality unto such a mandate contingent with modern technology’s advancements (i.e. conference calling & social networking). That same mandate (Heb.10:24-27) implicates man with his responsibility to touch another as the exposure to a worldly disdain of righteousness pervades his soul. Inevitably, almost daily, his exposure unto the wintry element of discord (from his own); will make him run to peace. The objectivity in his sprint will prayerfully end at the finish line drawn by the Master. Otherwise, that sprint, with an aimless scurrying, requires a robotic sized endurance; as the road becomes longer and impassable.

See you at church on Sunday…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Potential Anarchy” G. Ward

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Romans 13:1-4

Unintelligence is reactionary, selfish and precariously pursues similar views no matter the organizer. Howbeit survivalists from generations ago including Native Americans, who unselfishly presented a land vast enough to occupy myriads, became a subjective threat to an empirical system perpetuating a discriminatory exclusivity? What about the Chinese Immigrant from the days of the early pioneers? They received improper delineations as useful in building America’s railroad and tagged efficient launderers, only to be remunerated unjustly while being mocked for their hospitable compliance. Early Irish and German Immigrants were pummeled throughout city scapes for dialects unfamiliar to the insecure. Jews and Muslims ousted for their religious garb and expression, while early Blacks in America (post-slavery) endured Jim Crow Laws, regarded not in citizenry. All of these and more witnessed authoritarians, whether rightfully sanctioned or not, as empowered over their civil existence. These were compliant and familiar with the grip of oppressing mandates from these authoritarians, teaching (warning) them unto their young, while pride-fully exhibiting peaceable practitioning therein. If protest was necessary, it most certainly wasn’t given in the moment of indiscretion. We were taught hands on the steering wheel and “yes sir, no sir…”

We now have a bunch, rebels without a cause, virulent warriors, gathering incessantly, shouting chants of “no justice, no peace” and “hands up, don’t shoot” at the expense of safety with those responsible in their protection, precluding that every predecessor (mentioned above) wasn’t infuriated with injustice also. How utterly selfish and unintelligent! God Bless these police officers…

Happy Thursday!

 

Today’s Thought “Take Me Back” G. Ward

 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:4-5

Without cognizance as children we had great protection from our parents from vicious global and societal woes. I’m considering on this morning the security that my own parents shared with my three siblings and me. Growing up in the sixties and seventies for little COLORED (the ethnic description on my actual birth record) children could have been a tumultuous experience. Our acquaintance with racial disparity and injustice as children shouldn’t (ideally so) have been circumstantial unto any child’s development; therefore Black parents, very particularly, had to be very excellent teacher-motivationalists. Just think, at that time, we were without media and entertainment’s visual of hope. While the good guys wore white hats and the bad guy black, none were Negro. Moreover, radio was huge, but White stations didn’t highlight Black music, or perspective.

Seemingly, we’ve come a long way in a short time and there are appearances of great parenting in the same currently. My question continues to be for the motivation given children post the “Baby Boomer” (those born 1946-1964) era. Is a society of less parameter (i.e. government imposed freedom, along with equal protection) the neglected instruction from modern day parents causing more social permissiveness that leads to moral decay? The panacea for every man awaits what’s been a God ordained positioning from every parent unto their own child (cf. Deut.6:4-7). More substantive than preaching what lies ahead in exciting possibility thinking for young people, is an insistence in knowing The WHO behind both life and death ( Mt. 10:28)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Holy – Day Significance” G. Ward

“Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:7

An under-current of rebellion has seeped into another decade with an eroding idea of what Holy Week which culminates into Easter Day represents. Rationally, yet without interrogation, many echo what they’ve heard concerning Easter’s paraphernalia as the worst false premise given man; after all, rabbits don’t lay eggs, they’re mammals.

I believe this more lends itself to contrived defense in view of exorbitant spending’s irreconciliation of three months ago. In other words, most haven’t paid the bills of Christmas (ironically, this holiday has the same false premise – i.e. flying reindeer, Santa Claus, etc.), while now having to consider a new suit of clothes for the entirety of one’s own house along with going to that place of infrequency, whereby we have to place additional monies into baskets so our preachers can gain more notoriety on reality shows, boastful of their lavish lifestyles. Moreover, what is it with this building fund that I’ve been contributing towards for years without having witnessed any construction?

Although these may have cultural truths to deny or accept, they most certainly lack a reciprocity demanded from the Source of our existence. His sacrifice and very particularly recognizing what is the greatest day in the life of every believer (Resurrection Sunday) is without a physical preparation and most certainly doesn’t need YOUR money, but wants your heart. “HE gave His life, what more can He give? Oh, how He loves you. Oh how He loves me. Oh how He loves you and me…”

Happy Tuesday! (Personally, I love Easter Baskets)

Today’s Thought “Non-Compliance” G. Ward

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26

Have you seen a cow in the field eating a steak? What about a tree; have you viewed it seeking to uproot to swim amongst the fish? Throughout the history of their existence, there has been no deviation from its original purpose. Mankind however, was given superior knowledge than animate and inanimate along with authority over everything and shamefully (from the beginning) sought independence from the Source of his supply. Condescendingly, his reply continues to exacerbate that Holy God, regarded as the “Ancient of Days” is definitively antiquated and has lost cultural relativity. Ironically, mankind (without scientific data) demands from their intellect that Holy God is Infinite Wisdom. All of this analytical behavior, particularly in contrast to the brevity of life (cf. Ps.90:10) is utterly exasperating! The truth is/has always been that Holy God in His great orchestration of the world and its contents was gracious and merciful in revealing a handbook of TIMELESS proportion enabling a peace comparable to the cow (who he’s been given authority over) grazing in the field, looking to its Author to grow the grass, while appearing perfectly content within the parameter set.

"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?”And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these…” Matthew 6:27-29

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Beleaguered” G. Ward

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18

Life appears to be this crazy cycle of travailing through great difficulties. It’s comparable to riding a roller coaster; you’re very relieved in getting to the pinnacle of the great curvature to know sudden descent will follow.

There’s been (historically) an unnecessary religious movement with the passage above that pays more attention to Peter vs. his confession of Jesus as fully Divine and altogether Sufficient. Most in that same environment sought more guess work concerning Who Jesus was for what He could lend them (i.e. immediate reprieve) on their terms vs. exercising in patient trust. The “I WILL” in the passage reveals this as a process that man shouldn’t become involved with, but a pursuit in righteousness concerning HIS exemplary leadership first and then doing what HE says. When you impatiently pursue personal prudence vs. God ordained values, never expect victory, joy, peace and prosperity; because that emanates from HIM alone…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Fiscal Misconduct?” G. Ward

“If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?” Luke 16:11

We’re experiencing an economy upward bound, yet I marvel at a potential mismanagement by consumers therein. I witnessed tremendous retail activity with this past weekend’s first of the month. Urbanites stood outside restaurants awaiting seating arrangements, while retail outlets were without adequate parking. Sure, I believe it’s two-fold; most states have recently experienced frigid temperatures along with that white stuff and ice (travel inhibited) and most received their paychecks.

With great uncertainty about tomorrow, were you guilty in over spending? Sadly, this kind of misappropriation rarely contemplates a reverberating effect that can contaminate the next six month’s budget. Great planning understands personal addictions and limitations, whereas traditional planning will lend itself to impetuous self abased satisfaction. If that’s been you in times past, create better accountability with a trusted Source. You’re thinking carnally. Categorically, another may not be AS bad… “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, ¹⁹ because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Ro.1:18-20).

Happy Monday!