Today’s Thought “Speak Lord” G. Ward

“But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 2:8

The Prophet Malachi had a most interesting task in sharing with God’s proposed people a practiced defiance that would ultimately cause a recluse from Heaven’s guidance for 400 years. Trying to imagine Holy God’s silence for the life span of any believer seems horrid to estimate, but the actuality of His existence for our era is found in His word (Ro.10:8). Superficial resolve portrays all that Holy God says in accordance to their own intellect; a blatant refusal to be transformed accordingly (Jas.1:22). This kind of mistrust of God’s Way from humanity won’t be privy to another period in witnessing God’s silence, because as one author puts it, they’re too “busy while barren” in allowing His guidance’s penetration.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Perpetuity” G. Ward

For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the Lord of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” Malachi 2:16

Unfortunately scandal is the necklace for America. Furthermore, it lends inspiration for perspective and opinion. It empties into an avoidance of what really matters; that is, what does Holy God say is acceptable? His Name is Immutable and because HE is without change, the observance of His institution must remain. Many watch and sanction the recent separation unto divorce upon hearing the recent news of an ex-congressman exacerbating lewd, photo-graphic acts via social networking’s opportunity for companionship. His wife forgave this indiscretion before, but now is embarrassed by the incessant coverage (through media). Holy God’s institution of marriage demands like-mindedness in faith terms, not cheap faith, but total allegiance to God’s Word first. Perceivably esoteric to believers is the command unto marriage, “Let no man put asunder” is actually transcendent of believer-ship, otherwise, why get married (under the guise of holy matrimony)?

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Incensed” G. Ward

“When your son asks you in time to come, saying, What do the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments mean which the Lord our God commanded you?  Then you shall say to your son, We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt, and the Lord brought us from Egypt with a mighty hand.” Deuteronomy 6:20-21

 

Friday nights maintain an anticipated excitement for small-town U.S.A. High school football is the tradition most families won’t forsake. Seeing the townspeople in mass is with the continuity canvassed by the infamous Norman Rockwell. In the stands the prelude to the competition, spectators await the local pastor’s invocation to God. Many then are fidgety, hats on, ensuring there’s enough popcorn, hearing that little Jenny has got to pee, etc. Here comes the Marching Band! There in perfect formation awaiting the most excellent local vocalist’s rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Everyone is silent, tears welt up in the eyes of many while hands from veterans salute, proud of their service and even the children know this is not the time to announce bathroom responsibilities. Perhaps Holy God in heaven for this dispensational era allows catastrophe for any land to occur because of a soulful misappropriation of where salvation emanates. O say can you see?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “The Thrill Is Gone” G. Ward

“But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 5:1-2

As believers, there has to be a carefulness exercised in giving that won’t echo the criticism the world offers in maintaining that preachers merely want more trains, planes and automobiles. The elation once felt in giving arrived on a more excellent premise, which gave to Holy God as an act in worship. The impropriety of the local church’s administration is with unilateral accountability once anyone gives (particularly from the heart). The couple of Acts 5 epitomized digression in greed, breaking the commitment (unto God first, then the church) that caused their death. We may not be carried away on a gurney (indicating death) for lying in the same, but our subjection unto continued proprietary wickedness, may empty into an eternal abyss not meant for visitation.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Intelligence, Not Needed” G. Ward

 “And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.” Jude 1:22-23

I’m a student of the words from God not to further snares, or traps for men without Him, but I’m expressly His to declare a mercy that is altogether pardoning for any that will surrender their life given to Christ. This process must assure all of my personal lack in conveyance of such a glorious message (*Jn.6:44), while ensuring everyone who will listen that God never stopped loving them. Stay focused on the message and not the anthology of man; our God is a Deliverer.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Diminishing” G. Ward

“Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:1

Most have a family member who has acquired great savings along with numerous possessions. Some from those familial ties who have not attained much (no matter the age) become altogether boastful unto their many acquaintances (concerning the achievements of those prosperous ones) without benefit. Amazingly, those with much rarely offer financial aid to those economically famished (cf. Jas.2:6). The brother of Jesus our Lord after conversion thereunto, never sought to utilize the biological relationship to the Savior of the world as authority worthy to be heard, but insisted on servitude. Are we prepared to go it alone in the same, or will we stand in line to sow dollars into what presumably will yield ten or a hundred fold because our Big Brother is Owner (Ps.24:1)?

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Idiocy” G. Ward

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” Galatians 6:1-5

Wisdom is absolute adherence to Authority proven. I’d certainly be remiss to not share that I’ve been debunk of wisdom’s exercise. I’ve been too involved in the particulars of others lack of cooperation according to my speed in their transition vs. acceptance of personal, spiritual accountability to a commission given by Christ post His resurrection (Mt.28:20). This command compels me to teach them how to cooperate with the temporal position granted them in earth; but not from Gregory’s code of conduct, but from the truth of my own frailty.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Weekend Plans” G. Ward

Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. John 19:30

If someone very close to you passed away and the funeral is Sunday whereby inclusive of great eulogizing your personal inheritance in tremendous riches are to be revealed, would you miss (cf. Heb.10:23-25)?

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Spiritually Disfigured” G. Ward

“Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Proclamations of He’s my Lord (i.e. Jesus Christ) is the sentiment of every proposed church. Moreover, the dedication to every local church process for those professing Christ is unwavering and their knowledge of church polity is thorough. While America boasts of 83% of its citizenry identifying themselves as Christians, that translates 267,892,474 suggesting implicit adherence to the Word of God. Here’s what’s absolutely confounding; if this data is with any truth as believer-ship is synonymous with reproducers of the gospel, then why is it that America is the capital climate in immorality?

Happy Thursday Reproducers!

Today’s Thought “Pursuit In Normalcy” G. Ward

“O God, You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly; My soul thirsts for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” Psalm 63:1

Grandmothers of old echoed a common sentiment of “I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus!” Grandmothers in 2016 may be as young as 36, struggling in confrontation with her eldest daughter’s boyfriend’s wanton eyes. The pace of current societal regard for many forcibly insists on a merging with what’s popular. That can mostly subtract from reliance on the very real Source, Who doesn’t appear fast enough in what perceivably ought to exist. You and I must understand that Grandma sitting in her room very early in the morning with her bible open, singing hymns to the dim light provided, lacks consideration of my late night television programming, along with surfing the web that has me entirely exhausted in the morning. I’d love to awaken to Holy God talking to me, but I’m too groggy to hear (cf. Ro.13:11, Jas 4:14).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Sagacious” G. Ward

“Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:3-4

The role of the pastor, while honorable, is becoming equated as dis-honorable because many fail in perfect surrender. What in the world does that mean Gregory? Glad you asked. Believers altogether share a common demand in representing God’s righteousness (2 Cor.5:20) and the equipper therein is the pastor (Eph.4:11-13). To equip, or to train, one must be trained; both in Word and constraint. He cannot merely be familiar with what is demanded, he must be a practitioner therein. When this is fulfilled in him, he’ll wear proudly the necklace of sufficiency in Christ alone – equivalent to sacrifice and denial. He’ll model non-conformity to the world’s standard of appearances or extravaganzas (Question – Bentley or Ford Explorer?). CONTENTMENT never resolves itself in tangibles, but loves proclaiming “TRUTH” unto any.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Cleft for Me” G. Ward

“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” Psalm 139:7

There are not too many “do-over’s” for man. Many struggle with regret of past impropriety that serves as the blockade for future peace. King David at Psalm 51 sought restoration from horrid disconnect by what appears to be utter despair. At verse 3 we hear, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” This wasn’t an approach that promoted incessant misery (due to having a man killed because he impregnated his wife), but it was intensive confession of sin with categorical recall. David didn’t want moments of reprieve affording him momentary bliss; he needed preeminent intimacy with Holy God. The definition of success for every man is observance in deficiency going it alone (e.g. “No man is an island.”). Success desires Greater; not in superficial matter or pursuit, but through dependence of Omniscience.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Perception Obscures” G.  Ward

Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” John 20:29

Visuals have always been synonymous with Abstract Art. Painting in abstract goes against the traditional, obvious interpretation art has offered before the 19^th century. Shapes, lines and colors can allow an encompassing captivation from viewers to perceive by their own psyche. Transcendent to art forms, perception offers a kaleidoscopic range void of absolutes and while the world may celebrate a prowess in great imagination, Holy God seeks to gather mankind unto righteousness observed (found in His Word). All would do well to more celebrate the greatest canvas given man to perceive; “LIFE”- but only as prescribed at John 14:6, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Sporadic Worship” G. Ward

“Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, ‘On the tenth of this month they are each one to take a lamb for themselves, according to their fathers’ households, a lamb for each household.” Exodus 12:3

Should there be consultation with Holy God regarding the detail of our day? It seems entirely robotic to operate in such a way, subtracting from our liberal arts education promoting critical analysis that demands prompt activity (cf. Pr.14:12). Holy God is Creator of heaven and earth along with its contents. Semantical observances of what the created ones should do with life given them is seemingly with an obvious charge to go to the Source of their supply for everything; instead, humanity, the highest form of creation, determines to leave the nest when the umbilical cord is severed to only return when the meal prepared meets their appetite. Moreover, the giraffe was given a long neck to sup from the trees (from the beginning) and thousands of years later, he’s doing what his predecessors did, satisfied with the Creator’s great provision.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “No Promise for Tomorrow” G. Ward

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Many that heard this prophecy would die before this exile allowed return unto home. This prophecy is perhaps the most de-contextualized for our modernity; furthering false guarantee of perceived deliverance from self-imposed circumstance. Our claimants of control over destiny are antithetical to mankind’s earthly status. Holy God is omniscient, man is full of himself; striving to be his own god (Isa.55:8-9). Moreover, his plans are often violated by calamity and/or indecision (translating empty pursuits). Writings and chants of your control of anything, promotes incessant, repetitive rhetoric disguised as encouragement, furthering misinformation concerning the Beholder of every moment (cf. Mt.10:28). Here’s the fact, Holy God really loves you, desiring the best for every step in the Life HE provided. Trust HIM…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “A Long Life Ahead” G. Ward

“I was very glad to find some of your children walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father.” 2 John 1:4

The local news along with national headlines features demise with young people daily. It includes heinous crimes perpetrated towards children, automobile accidents and disease. The bereaved families of these young victims (like you and me) never anticipated such sorrow. Moreover, it always marvels me to hear the parents speak immediately thereafter with emotional restraint. Others echo sentiments of heaven’s guarantee, to rarely contemplate spiritual accountability existential with everyone. The pervasiveness in what age that might be is argumentative, but the responsibility of the parent to share Jesus each day is not (Deut.6:4-7). Outsourcing these commands unto institutions and others epitomizes ungodliness and mistrust of the demand given parents. A time in reckoning never occurs when calamity strikes (cf. Pr.1:24-29), but is vulnerable to despair when failing to both exemplify and share Christ.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Scantily Clad” G.Ward

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

Most with school age children are greatly impacted by the many expenditures of back to school; it does however take on an entirely arduous process for the single parent. Summer expenses (utility, food and entertainment) were extreme enough, to now recapitulate the monetary depletion of before. What could be if believers like me (empty-nesters) would intentionally discover an adult less fortunate to aid with their back to school endeavor? Unfortunately, the art of care exercises more in partiality than merciful hospitality. The receipt in generosity must transcend “me and mine” reaching beyond biological parameter to attack proposed inevitability of what heaven offers; “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands” (Rev.7:9).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Torn Between Two Lovers” G.Ward

“But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

 

What a tremendous campaign it was - W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do)! It had the comparability of the 1970’s infamous “Pet Rock” in that fads, particularly in America, create millionaires vs. demanding change. The investigation meant for mankind concerning the things of Holy God reveals what Jesus did, making the question (mentioned earlier) debunk (cf. Ro.10:8). The many deductions to which are perhaps the most pervasive struggle for man has exacerbated the foolish cliché of “choosing the lesser of two evils.” This can never be an option for any believer. Moreover, the practice in dichotomizing evil may establish horrid personal patterns making Christ’s sufficiency null (May it never be!).

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “An Honorable Positioning” G. Ward

“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7

The year was 1975 and men who reconciled themselves unto virtue realized the “girl next door” was worth a life-long pursuit. Why 1975 Greg? Glad you asked; it was because the infamous Rhythm and Blues singer Tyrone Davis recorded “Turning Point” demanding (lyrically) that mindsets in promiscuity cease. My personal recognition thirty plus years ago was somewhat obscured by a boy-ish sense of what marriage should be. Having read Final Authority’s best verdict found at Ephesians 5:25, compelling me to love her self-lessly, I shamefully and presuppositionally only heard, “the husband is the head of the wife” (Eph.5:23). Here’s my “Turning Point”; to love her with the grace shown me, making follow-ship from her easy. If you desire the same, the activity of virtue, compels virtue.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “To Be, Or Not to Be…” G. Ward

“For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a terrifying expectation of judgment and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries.” Hebrews 10:26-27

Devotional thought’s authorship must first seek fondest regard for his Maker than appeasement to friends. Moreover, his conveyances cannot exercise in selective appropriation, finding only those passages that burst forth smiles and comfort; the message of the cross is an urgent matter. Warnings (in biblical terms), is the most excellent encouragement any could receive. It’s the promoter in obtaining a “second chance.” Hearing truth demands immediate adjustment and change can be uncomfortable; but discomfort now (in acclimation unto righteousness) is peace for tomorrow. Indecision is apostasy…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Be Careful What You Ask For” G. Ward

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

The majority in presumed founders to this nation were theologians. Escaping governmental oppression from their native land demanded of themselves recognition unto Holy God’s control over this new region. Without trepidation and impetuously, great plans were penned to ensure godly prosperity for generations to come. These plans declared liberty, furthering equality unto all. Did their intuitiveness consider August 1, 2016; when Satanists (The Washington Post reports, Doug Mesner, the Satanic Temple’s co-founder, told the Post it boils down to this: If Christian evangelical groups have already staked a claim in after-school programs, why shouldn’t Satan have a seat at the table as well?“It’s critical that children understand that there are multiple perspectives on all issues, and that they have a choice in how they think,” Mesner, who goes by Lucien Greaves, told the Post.) would become embattled with a small suburb of Atlanta, regarding a proposed after-school club for elementary schools? Or when my kindergarten grandson would have to contend with hearing that his classmate has two mothers at home? *The reverberation of great plans may become a lack in prudence for tomorrow’s citizenry, while Infinite Wisdom (available to all) waits patiently (2 Pe.3:9)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “By-Laws” G. Ward

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place?” Psalm 24:1-3

The original intent of man enabled God reliance. The free will given man was not for the devisement of planning that would establish its citizenry in isolated pomposity; particularly when the governance given is with more allegiance than His commands (cf.1 Jn.5:3). Free will was given that mankind would absolutely adore Holy God and the laws therein not because of its legislation, but due to the pre-meditated, perfect guidance, substantiating love for man. Whenever other manuals have become the substitute applied (particularly with any level of comparability - *Mt.24:35) for daily living that would include joy, prosperity and safety as preeminent to God’s Word, implosion is inevitable…

Happy Monday!