Today’s Thought “El Otro Lado” G. Ward

If you say, "See, we did not know this," Does He not consider it who weighs the hearts? And does He not know it who keeps your soul? And will He not render to man according to his work?” Proverbs 24:12

Our entitlement on today lends itself to the other side – what are those with different perspectives thinking? With all the recent events of Baltimore, MD., the organized protests, church leader’s advocacy and fervent media coverage, are any preemptive measures in compliance given those feeling oppression? While peaceable protests are said to be a social fabric (In a democracy) leading towards resolution, I believe leadership (self-imposed or sought) is failing miserably in observing historicity’s success. As violence begets violence, peace compels peace.

We know that no matter the approach in professionalism, carnality can subtract from my juxtaposition in rendering professional standards, particularly when I’ve been given a position of authority over others. If then you give me weaponry and blatant disrespect of laws are shown me – I pray my day remembers professional standards. Some, more want to critique police officers, I say this transcends those seeking to protect and serve and includes doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. How then do you teach young people to respond in their lack?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Costly” G. Ward

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:9-10

 

There’s an autumn in life many enjoy that more relies on the intangible, appreciating a peace therein. Although I’d love to tell you of an age where this might/should happen, it’s without regard of chronologies. The Apostle Paul said it best; “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.4:12).”

I, like you am witnessing a hurried society. Shamefully and on many occasion, I too have capitulated unto this same syndrome, often missing my mark. I’ve more exemplified a common defining of what insanity is. A better road was given me to pursue so many times (cf. Mt.7:13-14) and yet I constructed my own; it led me nowhere. The autumn of peace has now become the object of the Savior’s incessant pursuit of me. I’ve determined to never walk alone again; HE’S more than enough…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Cowardice” G. Ward

“That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 1:9

The Pharaoh of Egypt insisted the Israelites make bricks without straw, indicative of greater injustice unto a people desirous of freedom and peace. Years of ethnic and religious homogeneity (ethnic cleansing) in the former Yugoslavia, carried out by means of murder, torture, arbitrary arrest and detention, extra-judicial executions, rape and sexual assaults. Redlining (a practice of marking a red line on a map to delineate the area where banks would not invest), a practice propagated by banks, insurance companies, denial of job opportunity and access to proper healthcare.

Here’s the point; Injustice is not new to mankind. Pompously, many still seek perpetuating their own brand of righteousness (cf. Judg.21:25) at the expense of another. Moral decay is the necklace of man (cf. Ge.8:21). Idiocy reigns from some who feel a need to set flame to buildings and throw stones at police officers. Truth; a great preponderance of man understands proportional means to resolve begins with proper negotiation or debate. Some of this generation are rebels without cause. They more seek to hyperbolize this era’s conflict via unrestrained behaviors (cf. Eph.4:26). Our attitude in superficiality forgets we’re responsible for a message given us long ago; it gave us permission to be angry, but without wrath. Seek with strong intentionality a young person to impart a perfect gift in reconciliation (Deut.6:4-7, Mt.28:19)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Kathmandu, A Real Place” G. Ward

”Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.” Jeremiah 29:7

South Asia’s country of Nepal is known for its highest mountain, Mt. Everest. Rarely do we contemplate a nation of more than 27 million souls. Many of us are awakening to another day after a huge worship day to now juxtapose adherence unto traditionalism vs. the message shared at their place of worship that should have exacted denial, sacrifice and surrender. These are central tenets in our existence throughout this dispensational era.

Every television network seeks to saturate our thinking concerning the very recent, tragic earthquake in Nepal that’s responsible for 3700 (and climbing) deaths. I languish at what inevitably will be foolish criticisms from the spiritually pompous who will seek comparing this to what occurred at Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge. 19). Why, you may ask? It’s because Kathmandu, the capital, has a mazelike old quarter filled with Hindu and Buddhist shrines (in excess of 81% are expressly Hindu). Their disconnect to the only Deity (Holy God) delineates their culpability towards calamity. Question; with all the illicit behaviors in this Western society, along with all its false religious practices, howbeit that a perpetual monsoon is not the substitution of where the United States used to be? Pray for the Christian missionaries for Nepal.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “A Sinking Life-Line” G. Ward

“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.” James 3:1

My early pursuit in intimacy with Holy God was intense. I desired knowing all I could regarding this Wonderful Savior who redeemed sinful me. Years in this quest afforded me great opportunity to share with many. Although my discourse was unadulterated, it lacked the kind of compassion that was my recompense. My overly zealous approach lacked sociability insisting everyone identify with the best message ever. The problem with this was my appearing as having fallen straight from heaven. This stern approach had many repenting (seemingly), perpetuating my disconnect. The actuality in their decision desired my disappearance. They would have said Buddha is lord to get me out of their face.

Our seizing moments understands that’s all we have (cf. 2 Cor.6:2). Content, although imperative, must be an accompanist unto mercy. Uncompromisingly, our prayers for guidance must seek to extol Christ’s righteousness and not our own (Ps.145:3). I’m now a pastor and I’m yet learning how to maintain passion with patience. Although my heart remembers the mercy shown me as I share, many still want me out of their face…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Trouble In Serving” 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. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also.” Acts 17:5-6

I heard from a dear friend who at 60 years young will soon receive an undergraduate degree from college. Although retired, she desires re-entry into the work force and stated that her prayer is that Holy God will place her amidst other believers – for peace’s sake. This most certainly sounds reasonable, asking our Lord to grant us safety as we endeavor to serve; but the actuality of our existence (as bond-servants) surely understands our position to impact a people void of a Savior? Could danger be imminent? If we’re not careful to better interrogate scripture, we’ll begin to equate our spiritual journey as synonymous with a voyage unto the Caribbean on the most prestigious cruise ship. When Jesus our Lord said that a servant is not above his Master (Jn.15:20), the guarantee wasn’t indicative of safety, but HIS presence (Mt.29:20, Ac.7:55-56). Our endeavoring to trust HIS words must cease extracting those passages that are seemingly uplifting without considering these words found in John 15: 18"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. 19"If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Gone, But Not Forgotten” G. Ward

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” Titus 2:3-5

Springtime is here! I know very personally because everywhere I venture others tell me so. My question for many I encounter is, “who are you wearing” (euphemistic for interviewers for the stars at the Academy Awards)? In this case their reply could very well say, “The Devil Wears Prada!” So scantily clad, there’s nothing to imagine and their various markings (i.e. tattoos) marvelously hide what could be a blemish of sorts. Jenny Craig, Weight Watchers and Dr. Atkins are outraged due to the exhibition of stomach overhang as socially acceptable.

I miss the sensibility afforded past generations in having senior states-people question vehemently so, young folks regarding their every action. The checks and balances given promoted a self interrogation that sought exemplary behavior. Finding Nemo is a 2003 American animated film and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It tells the story of the overprotective clownfish named Marlin who, along with a regal tang named Dory, searches for his abducted son Nemo all the way to Sydney Harbour. Along the way, Marlin learns to take risks and let Nemo take care of himself (Wikipedia). This film is now representative of how arduous it is in finding mature individuals to pursue the lost-ness of younger ones, because they too need to be found (cf.2 Pe.3:3-7)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Unrestrained” G. Ward

The Lord then spoke to Aaron, saying, “Do not drink wine or strong drink, neither you nor your sons with you, when you come into the tent of meeting, so that you will not die—it is a perpetual statute throughout your generations— and so as to make a distinction between the holy and the profane, and between the unclean and the clean, and so as to teach the sons of Israel all the statutes which the Lord has spoken to them through Moses.” Leviticus 10:8-11

Drunkenness at every level is a sin. It alters consciousness, rendering a lack in control (cf. 1 Pe.4:3). Liquor is and has been the most controversial discussion throughout history. For those of us in this modernity, we justify our drinking by incessant claims of Jesus turning water into wine (*The term wine, or oinos in the ancient world then did not mean wine as we understand it today, but wine mixed with water or from a paste, completely without any intoxicating power because it had all been boiled out.”); thus sanctioning drinking. Moreover, to utilize Old Testament expression given to priests as a perpetual statute no longer applies to us – Jesus paid it all. You’re correct! It’s because Jesus and His culminating gift unto us that we now have that same priesthood (Heb.1:1-2). The commandment given by Holy God compels us to discern spiritually (with total cognizance), good and evil and teaching others how to be available in the same (setting the highest example in holiness).

Some don’t care about any reference utilized in warning against such behaviors. They’ll choose to parallel another bible story of what appears to contrast the admonishing presented; in other words they say Holy God words aren’t completely inerrant, proving one doesn’t believe at all… DRINK UP KNUCKLEHEAD!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “When We All Get Together…” G. Ward

“In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, "This is what the LORD says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover." Isaiah 38:1

Howbeit that Holy God sent His messengers to warn many of sin’s consequence to now have blatant refusal from believers in the same (cf. 2 Ti.3:16-17)? Seemingly, every song or sermon now affirms sinner’s practice in self-absorption vs. total change (regeneration) via the perpetuation in seeking those motivational scriptures to highlight; leaving those with proposed condemnation. Moreover it furthers a pseudo belief that Holy God’s plan for man changed (cf. Ro.6:23) with the introduction of the Savior (in earth).

Many are thrilled to enter Monday because Sunday’s adherence unto holiness neglected seeing them (Heb.10:25, Jas.1:22). Plans to violate scripture’s demand in total surrender have begun; because there’s a notion existent of this god of liberality identifying with our ingenuity (cf. Gal.2:20). The popularity in motivational speeches leans heavily on individual pursuits independent of Holy God as reality. AIN’T CHU TIRED YET? Where is the fear (in this case – being scared) of eternal separation from this Gracious God (Ps.118:24) who extends another chance to call HIM LORD (Owner of my life)?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Lost In Relevancy?” G. Ward

“We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.” 1 John 4:16-17

Why are believers shocked in hearing that since 2007 Islam is the fastest growing religion? The cultural tolerance (i.e. acceptance) in our churches demand entertainment vs. unadulterated Truth (cf. Jn.14:6 – God’s Name is not Allah, nor is it the same). Our worship is more ecstatic than planned and purposeful; which is utterly contradictory to scripture (Holy God shared explicitly how He was/is to be praised). Our music mimics secularism, with impartations of the Name above every name (Ac.4:12). Our teachers seek exacerbating a notion of Holy God appealing to our greed rather than denying ourselves (Mt. 16:24).

Altogether, we’ve maintained a privatized club in exclusivity vs. inclusivity; violating the very first command given every believer (Mt. 28:19), refusing to lend an outsider the whole counsel (cf. Ac. 20:27), because we don’t know what it says… All that doesn’t matter Gregory because everyone who dies goes to heaven; Facebook reveals that (e.g. R.I.P. & R.I.H.)!

I can’t wait to get to church on Sunday (cf. Mt.6:34)!

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Technological Misappropriation” G. Ward

“If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

I’m recalling a time when television was a limited vehicle of entertainment. Prior to cable television, most had 3 major channels (unless you’re from Detroit where we boasted of channel 9 – the Canadian network). Receptivity revealing a clear picture in the same was questionable; some days allowing old school pundits to place aluminum foil around those “Rabbit Ears” (i.e. antennas). We’re now exposed to 300 + channel selections 24/7 (cf. 1 Cor. 10:23).

Limited technology promoted more verbal communication, along with reading and writing. Formulatively, it promoted independent thought and caused great introspection on every thought produced. It minimized the cultural pervasiveness in moral anarchy (e.g. Out of sight, out of mind…).

There’s a recapitulation in view for every believer to seek (expediently so) being impenetrable with an underlying acceptable view of what’s socially prudent. The barometer is and always will be the document of transcendence; the Word of God (2 Ti. 3:16-17).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Tricky Jurisprudence” G. Ward

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” Proverbs 28:13

(CNN)There was nothing routine about a sentencing hearing Tuesday in Atlanta that wrote the final legal chapter of one of the most massive school cheating scandals in the country. Educators were convicted April 1 of racketeering and other lesser crimes related to inflating test scores of children from struggling schools. One teacher was acquitted.One by one, they stood, alongside their attorneys, before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jerry Baxter.

The problem in perceived jurisprudence is the hypothesizing that may render prison time for some (evidenced in this horrible scandal). American Law (in its delineation) is comparable to how Holy God views sin; it’s without categorization. Any guilt demands conviction.

Unfortunately there are a host of victims to this crime. This elderly judge is with a global recognition for what may be interpreted as unrighteous sentencing (this has now become his legacy). The convicted educators, refusing an admission of guilt, potentially separated from their families 7 years. Other professional educators once terminated for a non-complicit stance (tarnishing their resumes). The children in the system; suffering with very little to no exemplary leadership. Finally there are the viewers of this scandal, who now have more to critique, than an inward observance of their own sins (cf. Ro.12:3, Gal.6:3, 1 Ti.4:16).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Blessed Insurance” G. Ward

“For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4

 

Children of my era shared great delusion in being trapped in a candy store for an extended period of time (particularly without restraint). When exposed to extreme amounts of sweets in our day parents were with great similarity in expressing that too much would promote sickness. Although a repetitive message of constraint is embedded in our subliminal mindset, self-centeredness can/will obscure proposed safeguards (cf. 2 Ti.3:1-5).

Day after day, pursuits in happiness obscure the brevity of man (cf. Ps.90:10-12). An unfortunate paradigm in modern culture more seeks a “candy store” scenario representative of American opportunity, than contemplations in sickness (i.e. eternal separation) that assumes my way has relationship (or Holy God accepts the blending of His salvation with my personality traits) with the complete transformation demanded (2 Cor. 5:17).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “This Is Jeopardy!” G. Ward

 “For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.” 1 Thessalonians 1:5

The game show Jeopardy invites great intellect from viewers to compete alongside television’s contestants. Mostly, those participants viewing this telecast are without an answer until the question is proposed (the essence of the game first proposes the answer, and then the contestant responds with the question). There’s a great deal more post certainty when the proper response is given vs. when first challenged. The appeal for this show (and its lasting power) is largely due to man’s approbation of knowledge.

There’s such an unnecessary competiveness existent, and throughout the ages with mankind to more exhibit his aptitude vs. Holy God’s omnipotence through him. We must never forget that we are created beings and our MAKER never proposed a severing insistent of independence from HIM (cf. Jn.15:5). Humility is the best definer of brilliance because it boasts of INFINITE WISDOM…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Drudgery” G. Ward

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Colossians 3:23

Think on these words: Ordinary, Routine, and Regimen. How do these terms invite a day promoting God rule? Certainly these words wouldn’t carry a great significance if I lived on an island all alone, but since I don’t my daily practice can/will impact another. While some of this can translate a discipline worth pursuing for others, ultimately it can also preclude total surrender unto our Great King as impractical. On the other hand if my contemplations more embrace the mercy of God shown me moment to moment, I’m far more intuitive to His plan for the life given. Worldly castigations regard this as robotic, violating ingenuity; I say that my implicit trust in our all wise Savior is my peace and besides that, “We don’t need another hero…”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “The Church Universal” G. Ward

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

The Apostle Paul penned a letter unto the Philippians to thank them for the generosity shown him when others refused. His encouragement sought to keep the gospel message progressive, even if at the expense of his personal welfare (Phil.1:13-14). As we celebrate another Resurrection Day today, I believe it’s incumbent on us to reflect on yesterday’s continuity shared in messaging from church house to church house. What is the most important celebratory, eventful day in believer-ship causes great invitation unto those who wouldn’t worship ordinarily. The after-party’s contingency for success (i.e. witnessing furtherance in worship from the infrequent) is follow-up through hospitality (cf. Mt.28:19) from believers. It’s fervent prayer vs. castigation that will help usher a proposed practice in fellowship (Heb. 10:25), vowed by the infrequent on yesterday, that will demand from all the actuality in 364 more Resurrection Days ahead…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Modern Day Kamikaze” G. Ward

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Do you know the name Andreas Lubitz? He was the co-pilot responsible for crashing Germanwings Flight 9525 in the French Alps, killing 150 others. Great speculations have led this into tremendous water cooler talk with the workplace. These speculations mostly translate a great fear as a lack in result from intensive investigation persists. Boarding a plane now invites many to interrogate (visually) the cockpit to the left ensuring that more than one navigator exists.

These occurrences drive fear and ultimately reveal unfaithfulness (cf. Mt.10:28). On the other hand, there’s a confidence that no matter who, what, or where, I’m personally prepared whether calamity or peace exists knowing that earth is not my home. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn.14:1-3).

Good Friday!

Today’s Thought “Insoluble” G. Ward

“No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes.” Psalm 101:7

Oil and water won’t blend. Truth, against embellishment won’t either. Although Holy God is patient with us concerning His transforming power in those desiring Him as Lord; there must be earnest intentionality (cf. Gal.5:16) that would propose less carnality, leading to spiritual conformity. Every need to either defend oneself or glamorize one’s position becomes the unfortunate promoter of potential deceit. If any walks circumspect of their new ownership (cf. Ro.6:4, 2 Cor.5:17), regret can be obliterated. Ultimately, many understand your plight in masking the actuality of your personage; it’s become very dangerous however (as adults) to call another a blatant liar. Hey, you be careful out there…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Miranda Rights” G. Ward

“Now Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned Him, saying, "Are You the King of the Jews?" And Jesus said to him, "It is as you say." And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He did not answer.” Matthew 27:11-12

In 1966, The Supreme Court enacted a protective measure (or warning) that was to be administered by every police officer making an arrest. Over 2000 years ago our Savior, amidst government and religious leaders, was interrogated viciously and without advocacy, for what may have been offensive to some, but contextually innocent for Roman government.

I believe this to be monumentally symbolic to a plight of defense for us. Our lives must be a facsimile of our Savior – exemplary (cf. Mt.5:16, Eph.5:1-2). Living within the parameter of holiness, brokenness and absolute surrender unto Jesus may not guarantee one won’t be persecuted (cf. 2 Ti.3:12), but most certainly guarantees peace beyond the calamity presented (cf. Phil.1:21).  What will you say when/if it should happen?

Happy Wednesday!