Today’s Thought “For HIS Glory” G. Ward

“When the queen of Sheba perceived all the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, ⁵ the food of his table, the seating of his servants, the attendance of his waiters and their attire, his cupbearers, and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her.” 1 Kings 10:4-5

New Testament believers are/were required to not only share the good news of the kingdom, but to remain (through teaching God’s commands) with these new disciples until they’re able to disciple another. This ultimately is your answer as to why society’s lack of moral cooperation continues; because believers just want to have church vs. being the church.

In the Old Testament, Holy God demonstrated His splendor through incomparable feats and the unlimited magnificence of created things. When the Queen of Sheba (who was Bill Gates rich) visited Solomon to have all her planned questions in complexity answered, to then see the divinity in Solomon’s possessions as unattainable, she was floored. Do you think his discourse boasted of his accomplishments (cf. 1 Ki.5:7-9)? Holy God is the Grantor of abundance via no subjective favor other than to see Himself celebrated; and Yes, HE alone is worthy!

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “The First Time Around” G. Ward

“When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli fell backward off his chair by the side of the gate. His neck was broken and he died, for he was an old man, and he was heavy. He had led Israel forty years.” 1 Samuel 4:18

Eli didn’t run to frivolity, but neglected to discipline his sons for their selfish plight. The Philistine faction overwhelmed Israel in war killing the two sons of Eli. It’s said that a young Benjamite (a youthful Saul – first King of Israel) delivered the bad news to God’s man (Eli – cf. 1 Sa.3:13-14). At the end of his life in earth, the greatest loss was not his sons, but the rovering Temple where God abided.

Personal aspirations and material wealth is miniscule for the aged; particularly for those cognizant in Truth. The greatest emphasis is the preparation in departure (Ps.90:10-12). While so many soak up so much life in earth, they neglect to understand that life’s defining is without tangibility (Jn.14:6) and there’s a potential young king watching our reaction as sufferings pervade.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Preventive or Scared Straight?” G. Ward

“Who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other. And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.” Nehemiah 4:17-18

Copy-cat crimes like home invasion and random shootings have enabled a social paranoia of maniacal proportions. Furthermore, safety mechanisms, at the insistence of loved ones communicate (verbally – without texting) an awareness of surroundings perhaps forsaken in ordinary living (cf. Ps.127:1).

While believers pray in general terms like, “heal our land, bless our children, keep us safe, obliterate cancer”; is it Holy God they speak unto (Ge.18:27, Eccl.5:1-2), or a genie in a bottle (cf. Jn.15:19-21)? The cure-all was given, then violated by US that call HIM Savior (Mt.28:19). Holy God, our Heavenly Father insists we clean our rooms and not to exit until it’s complete and our manipulations vacate periodically to exclaim, “Hallelujah, You’re Great and greatly to be praised!” It won’t get better until you consider the BEST (Mt.16:24)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Desiring Peculiarity” G. Ward

“It happened that when He went into the house of one of the leaders of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, they were watching Him closely.” Luke 14:1

We’re 26 days into the New Year with a variety of resolutions violated. It’s clear with all the advertisements, that weight loss is the greatest consideration for resolve. Some however, maintain they’re on the battlefield to slay fat. Moreover, their current weight loss (not much), echoes great loss before your inquiry can happen. Much estimation for the hearer speculates (internally so) there’s been weight gain for the conveyor.

There’s nothing more spectacular than others witnessing your transformation (cf. Gal.6:9). Allowing discipline’s transformative power to manifest quietly so, inspires…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “An Improper Reference” G. Ward

“For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Oh, the expectation pursued is often soon extinguished as we endeavor camaraderie with others of common pursuit. Our minds desperately needed regulation from societal ills of many kinds and we thought once we enjoined ourselves to the absolutes presented by the organization pursued, our need would be met. Instead, we slowly discovered that although a manual existed (for the cause), the chaotic behavior of others desiring recognition (through usurping existential authority) ruined our hope in peace and continuity from others.

Sin exacerbated relies on a standard outside the best Example ever (cf. 1 Jn.5:3-4). When we opt for momentary bliss (whether days or years), it reveals resistance to establishing discipline that attracts others unto righteous pursuits (Mt.5:16) vs. delusional happenstance. When the body is afforded an opportunity in old age, the rush to outsource peace and joy is slapped upside the head, knowing there’s soon to be an eternal reckoning (Ps.121:1-2).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Misplaced Modifier” G. Ward

His wife said to him, "Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!" Job 2:9

Grief is that tumultuous experience that visits every man throughout his lifetime. Jesus Himself was on many occasions grieved, so it shares no one is exempt (Lk.19:41, Jn.11:35). Emotion and the demonstration therein can either be the opportunity for others to rejoice with us, or to enjoin (via influence) empathetically so, unto anger mode.

Students in Truth are warned about tragedy and the demand for trust in God. Although we’ve witnessed spiritual giants like Jeremiah and Job scolding Holy God in their great grief (Jer.20:14, Job 3:3, 11), we fail to experience their resolve, the sovereignty of Holy God. To what appears to be our end, implicit trust must become the practice (2 Ti.2:15) that uncovers the answers within our soul perpetuating Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Weather Restrictions” G. Ward

Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31

Thirty-five years ago I arrived on the portals of the Deep South amazed at what mid-January’s weather presented. I yet marvel, particularly when awakening to reports of proposed heavy snow for the entirety of the eastern seaboard, while here embracing 40 degrees with chances of rain. I’m certainly not boasting, but with absolute recall of what snowy days presented. Most homes were filled with great smells of soups, stews or casseroles available to any who would grace your threshold. Moreover, there were some determined to reach their destination in a vehicle, soon to become frustrated because wheels spun, but no movement ensued. Without hesitance, 3 or 4 engendered to rescue those distressed was the calling to fulfill for every community.

Constraint’s perception is seemingly with great hindrance until the joy of interdependence is calculated (Gal.5:13).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “It Was There the Whole Time…” G. Ward

“Then Asa was angry with the seer and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him for this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time.” 2 Chronicles 16:10

My dreams on last night revealed the actuality of my heart; my first love, Christ. My yesterday was filled with great convening with His word, whereby I marveled at the characterization of so many portrayals of abuse unto God’s commands; humbly including my own. Like other kings, I too have looked for many sources outside of what is notably proven. My impatience demanded resolve on my terms.

Our decision making can/will carry a reverberation not worth visiting (while entirely unavoidable) when reaching beyond the righteous requirement (Ro. 10:8). It broods more unbelief than trusting Holy God; particularly when advice given by self-imposed proprietors of intellect (through books, television shows and social media) has become more urgent to pursue than Holy God’s word. The vibrancy perceived through our living currently is short lived (Ps.90:10-12). When the lights are turned off for you and me, what would you prefer a self-help book or for your name to be written in the Lamb’s Book (Rev.21:27)?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “They’re Here…” G. Ward

“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22

That little Carol Anne rendered a line unforgettable regarding ghosts inside a television crying out for the souls of man, to inevitably receive hers in the epic horror film Poltergeist. She warned her family of their arrival (i.e. “They’re Here”), but her sphere of influence was compromised because of her youth (cf. 1 Ti.4:12).

The message of the cross for every believer competes against a predominant misuse of Holy God’s intent (Ro.12:2). The dilution of righteousness presented (in God’s word) prevails due to a usual practice of self will; translating, we don’t trust HIM (cf. Mt.16:24). I know it’s a bitter pill to swallow, but every man is guilty (Ro.3:10, 23). You don’t transpose a thwarted mindset by neglecting to prioritize correctly; it can only be conquered through an intentional practice. Try partnering with another who is equally determined in allowing God’s will full authority for the life given (and it certainly won’t happen with inconsistency at your place of worship – Heb.10:25).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Supplications Jeopardized” G. Ward

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27

Prayer without a doubt is available to everyone and is the greatest weapon against spiritual warfare. At the same time prayer, meant as a dialogue, with mankind as the lesser, has become more a monologue, lacking full disclosure (cf. 1 Jn. 1:8-9).  The familiarity of response from us unto others could be the potential irreverence of Holy God. Ours has to be less expedient to speak to God (Ge.18:27), while desperate for His presence and certain that His way is perfect.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Giving, Is Receiving” G. Ward

“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” Proverbs 14:15

As a Pastor I’m called on to help many desiring spiritual guidance. I always delight in these sessions although my words are few (cf. Eccl.5:1-2). These counsel sessions are mostly prompted from women; they tend to offer the transparency necessary to promote solvency. Upon their arrival they’re greeted and invited to know that the Kleenex and bottled water belongs to them. Getting to the heart of the matter is expedient and without contemplation, answers become manifest through God’s word. I say that because psychological profiling compels man to ongoing indecisive care; whereas unadulterated Truth makes demands on your soul that lead to peace (1 Pe.5:7). Moreover, it’s (i.e. Truth) quick to acknowledge lack of cooperation from systems and others, yielding opportunity for those willing, to surrender to great, perpetual care (Mt.11:28-30). Furthermore, it serves as a reminder for me (and particularly with the magnitude of the dilemma presented) to remain faithful to Infinite Wisdom, not experiential probability.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Fear Not” G. Ward

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

I’ve been a fan of great horror until Halloween’s Jason and Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Krueger weird, illicit antics afforded them numerous revisions on the big screen. My disgust of these two, misses a day when every villain would ultimately lose; these guys survived too many movies. One teenage girl, once terrified of Freddy Krueger turned fear upside down by realizing how this villain was empowered by everyone’s fright of him.

Believers can/should be more impacted by Jesus’ defeat (Mt.25:41, Jn.12:31, Col.1:13, Rev.3:21) of Satan (along with his partnerships) vs. seeking to bind (heretically so, cf. Mt.18:18) what already is completed by our Wonderful, Wise, Savior once and for all!

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Me; Not Us” G. Ward

“Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!” Psalm 80:19

Jesus modeled what it means to be intimate with the Father with numerous echoes of “Not My will, but Yours be done.” His early morning approach (Mk.1:35) demanded no interruptions as the safeguard in hearing without misunderstanding, but more desired to reverence the Father. Our prayers in this generation say a lot (cf. Ge.18:27, Eccl.5:1-2) without consideration to hear more. Therefore and ultimately, our own steps receive precedent over His; so as to say, “I’ll endeavor to do this and that, while You (Holy God) bless my plans” (i.e. my wisdom surpasses Infinite Wisdom). This pervasive practice has to stop immediately. Don’t partner with anyone on this! Go now and repent unto the Lover of your soul (Jer.33:3)!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Follow Through” G. Ward

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 1:1-2

There’s been a variety of applications (i.e. online) I’ve endeavored calling for electronic downloading of an additional application attachment soon to enable great frustration, even blocking completion. It reveals a side of me I’m not proud to admit – lethargy. Without a physician’s prognosis, proper introspection of self-imposed lack is a must and particularly on a road towards spiritual improvement. Spiritual transformation takes great discipline and avoidance of common life matters (due to frustration) that appear difficult may be the abandonment ultimately in the complexity of dying to the sin found in me (Mt.16:24).

Independence furthered is not the answer to overcoming weakness. There’s a whole family in believer-ship available to help extinguish a notion of going it alone (1 Co.12:14). Troops are ready for deployment when you as captain over your will relinquish custody unto Righteousness (Heb. 10:25).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “My Bible” G. Ward

"You shall have no other gods before Me.” Exodus 20:3

I’m remembering a great man on today, Papa Sims. He was a faithful member of my Grandmother’s church; a quiet man, always dressed impeccably, with kind words and tremendous listening skills. As a boy, I wasn’t exactly sure whether he was a family member; for his presence became synonymous with seeing our Grandmother. Papa Sims appeared to be 100 years old for all my childhood. Wherever he journeyed, that old tattered, black Bible would accompany him. His impatience to worship Holy God was remarkably exemplary, commanding great regard from all.  His patriarchal impression for my soul insists that a copy of God’s word remain close at all times. Some spiritual pundits may reply, “It’s to remain in your heart vs. toting an actual copy.” Is it really “either, or, vs. both, and?” Perhaps you’d prefer for me to wear a turban and carry an assault rifle (low blow Greg!)…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Holy Convocation” G. Ward

And Abraham replied, “Now behold, I have ventured to speak to the Lord, although I am but dust and ashes.” Genesis 18:27

Mercy rendered for any of us could be the work of another (cf. Jas.5:16). There were many of past generations (like me) that truly believed in Holy God, but failed miserably in contrition unto repentance (cf. Mt. 7:21). There however were praying grandmothers, aunts and uncles that understood our selfish plight (1 Ti.6:17-19) by patiently awaiting our change, while still modeling godly behavior.

Many of our generation await mentors for their young people that more reveal impatience than provenness (1 Ti.2:1). The best spiritual role model for the many destined for repentance is you.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Soul-Food” G. Ward

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” Psalm 51:12-13

Many restless nights and deep contemplations have accompanied my calling to fulfill in Christ. It’s not the magnitude in responsibility that’s overwhelming, but more the challenge to remain in the centrality of real hope (cf. 2 Pe.1:20, Rev.22:19). I keep getting in the way; my thoughts and foolish conclusions reveal mistrust.

The beauty of repentance lifts the greatest burden to man; SIN. I’m so eternally grateful for my Author of peace (Jn.14:27) as the Perfect Offering given that I may rest and won’t need a song sung or music to play to shout on that…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “No Turning Back” G. Ward

“But his wife, from behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” Genesis 19:26

The illustrious Interstate Lottery known as “Powerball” is now available to a single winner, in excess of $400 million. My spiritual friends offer little to no commentary on this matter but are believed to have purchased a ticket. Then there’s the pastor fellow, praying that one of his congregants wins; so many are captivated until a winner is announced. Prior to that great announcement, many plans for the winnings may be the most popular conversation. Miraculously, the discourses from some assume the role of a masterful philanthropic humanitarian. They’re going to be the one to obliterate the conditions of the late night infomercial’s portrayal of those living in abject poverty (Mk.14:7). Moreover, the supposed local church they attend on special occasions will want no more and streams of homes will soon be purchased for their loved ones (cf. Mt.6:21).

Determining Holy God’s sufficiency must be paramount to proprietary venturing. Burdens are lifted when surrender unto Christ is our resolve (Mt.11:28-30) and solace becomes ever encompassing.

Happy Tuesday!

 

Today’s Thought “Imitation of Life” G. Ward

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10

Imitation of Life was a film released (initially) in 1934, yet reached greater popularity in 1959 when the voluptuous actress Lana Turner portrayed a widow raising a young girl on a meager salary yet needing domestic help as she endeavored employment. The Black lady she hired had a daughter also and both began to live in the home of the widow. The relationship all shared quickly became more familial than employer-employee. The daughter of the Black maid acclimated in a way towards denial. That is, her complexion (as Black) didn’t reveal her race and was furthered societally. Her denial of race (very particularly, Black) included rebellion for her own Mother. Time lapsed, the daughter becomes older and her Black Mother dies and her shame (or denial) insisted she miss the funeral. As the movie concludes, the young Black girl is found running to the flower draped coffin as the mortuary specialists load it in the hearse unto burial; her weeping is profuse. Only then does she come to grip the magnitude of her Mother’s love and patience with her. 

As the death, burial and resurrection happened for you and me, we’re fortunate to have a Living Savior to run unto, never to deny His lordship over our lives and desiring to be useful for HIS GLORY…

Happy Monday!