Today’s Thought “Setting the Record Straight” G. Ward

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10

A first impression is said to be lasting. Rarely will a witness of misappropriated behavior from another afford a violator the restoration given them; but for the believer, we’re without choice. Our spiritual duty in restoring relies solely on the message of hope (forgiveness) shown us. Testimonials (from the redeemed) however, can border boasts, lending ability in carnality’s accompaniment to a song soon forgotten; so remain in the script (*cf.2 Cor.9:8). Moreover, as “iron sharpens iron” there must be insistence from recipients of recompense to impose on others these same spiritual realities (Mt.18:15-20). The more we see momentary accountability unto righteous pursuits, propensity towards sin diminishes (Mt.5:16). The frailty of every man calls for immediate and foundational care that promotes preparation for a next moment, if there be one…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Forced Immanency” G. Ward

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5

Persuading men unto an eventual reality (i.e. facing his eternality) can be a magnanimous task equivalent to encountering a grizzly bear at your local park with no where to run. Those administers of the gospel may soon be devoured by expressions that more inflect cultural resolution than God possibility (cf. Gal.6:9). The wholeness of man violates moments, assuming another will permit itself (cf. Isa.57:1-2). Moreover, his impatience in allowing God’s work to prevail soon turns into unconscious defiance, then reliance on presumed provenness from society’s philosophical giants that keep the wheels in frustration rolling.

Help this week to be established in peace by submitting to the Most Excellent counsel that guarantees rest. I’m praying your success…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Not As I Suppose” G. Ward

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27

Great rationale from man has become the imposition unto “All Wisdom” that demands HE be there on my own terms.  It more demonstrates a practice in man that establishes a ridiculous confidence to even persuade Holy God (Isa.55:8-9); proof that the journey of man is more comfortable in earthly pursuit over dependence (i.e. implicit trust) unto his Maker.

The autumn of chronologics hoped for by any man, particularly when/if age unfolds great limitation, will prayerfully reveal proper assessment in what their own existence meant (cf. Ps. 139:23-24); substantiating the finality proposed “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall swear allegiance” (Isa.45:23b). We too must remember that ONLY GOD SAVES (Ac.4:12).

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “True Conversion” G. Ward

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; ¹⁴ and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel.” Acts 9:13-15

 

The drudgery in a group of pastors meeting together contrasts the secularism of business managers convening at a sales meeting. Rarely will one share the actuality in production. While church decline is generally attributable to the pastor’s neglect in so-called “vision” response from congregants wane. Vision in this case is about 5% spiritual vs. 95% tactics involving growth mechanisms outside the realm of “equipping the saints for the work in ministry.” When any spiritual leader prioritizes imposing their charisma along with Holy God’s message, it becomes opportunity for congregants to be tagged more a seeker that looks for the most exciting venue available within their hedonistic scope. Furthermore the insatiability in their search translates empty pursuits, entirely exhausting; and the modern day preacher (although regarded as most intelligent) fails at true ambassadorship.

The Ananias’ of the world doubt the usefulness in some prospects based on such horrid practices in religion that lends an unfortunate tag in despair. I’m inclined (not in despair) towards believing that the majority of those reading this thought are like the predominance of our congregants who have been members (of our local fellowship) that rarely (if ever) frequent our mid-week services and struggle on most Sunday mornings with attending worship services, while shouting from the rooftops, “He’s my Lord!” He’ll use you when total surrender is your mantra…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “In My Father’s House…” G. Ward

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone.” Ephesians 2:19-20

Impartations in righteousness pervaded normalcy for my generation, and yes identified with a time when I could leave my father’s house. Having experienced the same from their own parentage, my parents understood the necessitation for discipline with love at a constant, even if/when it had appearances of over-kill.

The blessed assurance Holy God offered mankind (cf. Ro.8:3), seeks to gather us unto generations of those past believers who have inherited heaven’s reward as a result of their surrender to the Righteous One. God’s household of redeemed sinners has become the family reunion anticipated and its premise embraces personal recognition/reconciliation of the foundation in Truth that insists on discipline with love at a constant. While the world says I’m too old to remain at my Father’s house, I maintain that it’s HIS wisdom that I need.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Absolutely Nothing Is Too Difficult…” G. Ward

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” John 14:27

On many occasions we’ve had family and friends prepare for great excursion unto their home or vacation and our well wishes sincerely desired familial welfare.  Indifferent from the gods of this world is the Great “I AM.” His calling to fulfill is a superior standard in care, demanding that every one professing His ownership be personified via the most unusual hospitality unto everyone and circumstances. While “self-help” books seek to contain you in individualized pursuits, the book of eternity is all the help you’ll need.  My encounters with it bring to my remembrance that my Suffering Savior endured the cross because of my persistence in sin (Ro.5:8). Therefore my boast in personal redemption must embody service unto another needing forgiveness. There’s a great excursion soon to take place for every man (Ps.90:10-12) and our delight in having a ticket to get on board, pays the way for every stranger desiring to sail (cf. Mt.28:19)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Marching Unto Devastation” G. Ward

“Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14

 

Unfortunately many seek false advocacy to establish their own selfish plight revealing trust in systems vs. Holy God (*Ps.146:3). Our little ones are at watch, viewing great discord and divisiveness, soon to forcibly juxtapose whether there could be a time (futuristic) where any demand in euphoria can be met in America (LEADER of the free world), keeping this cycle in pretense cyclical, even with your great-grandchild’s children. The double-headed monsters we’ve become boasts (from one head) of a democratic process, and the other head spews intolerance where philosophical indifference (antithetical to our standard) seeks to convince portions of humanity unto it. My lifetime witnessed change (from advocates in vain philosophy) synonymous with Britain’s “Changing of the Guard” to note how temporal this is. The wholeness in humanity’s existence can do away with their own compromise in reverencing the Maker of heaven and earth via an urgent return (Zech.1:3) But will they? WHY IS THERE INSISTENCE FROM ANY PROFESSING TO KNOW HIM TO BE MORE FAMILIAR WITH MY POLITICS BEFORE KNOWING MY GRACIOUS LORD AND SAVIOR (cf. Mt.6:21)?  It’s called unbelief; and it’s answerable through a horrid experience of eternal proportions in a hot place. It’s not “Both, And” it’s “Either, Or (Ex.34:14)…”

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Imposition” G. Ward

“For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

Contrary to popular belief, Holy God is without need to use a single attribute of yours before conversion. Salvation is synonymous with being made over. Old parts in new machinery are sure to hinder viscosity.

The wisdom of Dr. Frankenstein had many of us witnessing (on television) what was his idea of a masterful creation that had short term compliance. That same creation interrogated his own abilities (away from the commands of his maker) to then become a monster. Our Perfect Maker had us in mind before the foundation of the world (Eph.1:4); regarding all His creation as good (Ge.1:31). We then awakened to abilities independent of proposed intent, destroying so much around us, to then hear our Master say come back to the laboratory so that I may make you over again.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Inexplicable” G. Ward

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

While maintaining preference in worship (i.e. insisting on charismatic leaders, along with outstanding musical attributes), IT happened. “IT” on today will be determined as an attack unbeknownst for nominal believers, insisting Jesus and the prophets as allegory. *More atheistic commentary is surfacing on social networking than ever before. While many believers take offense with these perpetuators of doubt, I’ve chosen (in my own believer-ship) to have answers, not argument or mediocrity that insists, “You believe what you believe…” Our Wonderful Savior didn’t avoid expounding on religion and politics as we’ve been taught, but insisted His Father’s business be the precedent in all things. Atheists, agnostics and polytheists didn’t arrive at their own conclusion because facts weren’t available, but progressed naturally so because there was no preacher (Hos.4:4-7, Ro.10:14-15)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Unreasonable Demand” G. Ward

 “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:4

In metropolitan Atlanta a county commissioner spoke vile words (through Twitter.com) concerning Congressman John Lewis’ (a Civil Rights icon) insistence that President-Elect Trump is an illegitimate candidate. There was an unfortunate rebuttal initialized by our President-Elect that questioned the congressman’s lethargy in the district he’s responsible for, highlighting its crime ridden status that sparked this uprising. Unfortunately, great divide has the elephant forbidding the donkey’s presence in a forest with acreage enough for all to exist.  This commissioner sought to recant his earlier position, equating it with a child-like emotional outburst. While many are with great protest, precluding that the inaugural ceremony on Friday will be void of their presence (exercising their right), it’s the subjectiveness personified by believers that’s entirely disconcerting. The gospel didn’t arrive for social well-being, or to extinguish potential wars; it furthers the recipients therein to insist preeminence of the good news as the CURE-ALL.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Antiquated” G. Ward

“Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.” Psalm 93:2

Perhaps like me you’re a fan of great books? Strolling through a book store is fascinating; particularly so with all the captivating titles. Many times my commendation of such excellent outer covers (with books) is soon extinguished by discovering that another narcissist is seeking to impose another manuscript on “self help” tips (sadly 400 + pages of variations therein).

Although this scenario seems esoteric to books, it’s now become the wearisome paradigm of spiritual proportions from many desiring quick resolve (i.e. from Holy God); favorable to their psyche, and when it fails to occur on their timetable, abandonment unto righteousness ensues. More religion is established as individualists’ place demand on the Creator of mankind (cf. Isa.55:8-9); furthering false notions of my intellectual prowess as sufficient to carry me through (Jn.15:5). The scholarship of man was once the manuscript of the hour at the local bookstore, until another with a title more relevant displaced it…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “King Day” G. Ward

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

We must remember that social injustice pre-dates the 1950’s. Every generation has been plagued by unrighteous proliferation in divisiveness and pomposity, devaluing people groups via illegitimate reasoning. While democracy here allows for legislative process to disquiet pundits promulgating sectarianism, it doesn’t change hearts. While tears welt in my eyes upon viewing great marches, speeches and sacrificial lambs for civil rights for every American (as should exist), I maintain that while protest may be a viable choice, mankind soon forgets the efforts in great struggle from their predecessors; nullifying the continuity sought, to soon see the same disparity surface. The gospel perceived, obliterates discord and every generation refuses first adherence to this command, violating resolve.

Happy King Day!

Today’s Thought “It’s the Weekend Baby!” G. Ward

“Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!” James 5:3

“He’s coming back soon” has been the chant of generations for thousands of years. The Apostle Paul anticipated the Lord’s return during his own lifetime as he penned 1 Thessalonians 4 regarding the coming of the Lord ( vs. 15 ”For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that WE who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.”). This anticipation from the Apostle and James demanded that their lives in earth reflect understanding this advent. They both sought to impose this prescription in holiness (a self-denying devotion to God) unto any who would hear. It was a message of urgency then and continues to be. What it didn’t support was a wanton life in personal pleasure.

While many persist in personal struggle in study of God’s word along with violating worship’s demand on Sundays (and Bible Study times), there continues to be frivolous claimants of Knowing HIM…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Incomplete Pursuit” 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?” John 3:4

Lack of passion disinvolved with any endeavor, is synonymous with standing by the riverside fishing without supply.

Worship is an exercise (individual or corporate) that gives praise unto HIS sufficiency. Reading the Bible, along with devotional thoughts and participating in worship services (no matter the commitment), denies intimacy with the Holy One when repentance is not the prefacing. While it may be true that faith unlocks the door to relationship to Holy God, it must first reverence His eternal existence and power. That recognition demands of oneself great, but not lengthy plans for a funeral; with insistence that you be the corpse (Mt.16:24). WE MUST CEASE CALLING WORSHIP THAT WHICH MEETS OUR DEMANDS (i.e. preferences and presumed delight). You can walk away (like Nicodemus), refusing adherence, but when you attend services on Sunday and feel obligated to enjoin the rest, singing “I Surrender All” you better change the lyrics to I surrender SOME; because you alone deny entry (cf. Rev.3:20)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Standing Amidst Giants” G. Ward

“Now then send and gather to me all Israel at Mount Carmel, together with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:19

Solace seems so very distant when my garage door closes and my car engages to meet my destination. It’s the period in between that carries great uncertainty; my plan is minisculed by the demand of the Holy One. Rarely will my contemplations reveal potential tragedy on the way, or HIS interruption that advocates on behalf of another.

The Prophet Elijah was commissioned to duty of gargantuan proportion. A ruthless king and his wife were with a demagoguery that sought infamy of their fortitude recognized for generations; deciding their power be considered over Holy God’s (cf. 18:21).

There is great duty owed in view of ONE standing, then crucified on our behalf. Let us not construe places or time that appear more significant in letting this light shine; all are HIS (Ps.24:1)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “A Do Over” G. Ward

“For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.” 1 Peter 4:6

Declaring another as hopeless more reveals unbelief found in the very one proposing they know HIM (cf. Jer.32:27). The lessons we employ against one plagued in sin cannot be considerate of a different mercy for their (those comfortable in sin) infirmities vs. what our deliverance provided. The categorization of sin’s practice doesn’t belong to man, but loving by prioritizing the gospel’s reach is essential. In other words, daily reminders in castigation and ostracization via sharing with the “fat kid” how necessary it is that he lose weight without walking alongside of the victim (in diet and exercise), forgets their own defiance (cf. 1 Ti.1:15).

As you endeavor to love, remember Holy God pursued you (cf. 2 Pe.3:9); and HE is with capacity for others. Softly and Tenderly, Jesus Is Calling…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Centrality of Meditations” G. Ward

“The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Many years ago upon coming to faith in Christ, I witnessed numerous preachers expounding on moral decay along with the erosion of absolutes. Like so many, I perceived every discourse as promoting hopelessness; after all, this is America the hub for hope. Moreover, the gospel is synonymous with the “Good News” right?

Here’s what I neglected to see: Prophets were necessary in conveying moral consciousness unto a rebellious people long before our modernity (cf. Isa.6:9-10). Even the wilderness experience (of the Israelites) and the deliverance therein witnessed great resolution unto adherence to Holy God’s commands (cf. Deut.8), to then witness forgetfulness soon thereafter.

The visuals perceived, have been the promotion in aspirational selfishness altogether distant from what pleasures our Great King (cf. Phil.2:12-13). If we’ve been made brand new, along with not being our own, haven’t most of us really sought emancipation from the greatest Parent ever? GO BACK HOME…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Wintry Sunday” G. Ward

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1

We’re being teased in the Deep South for our approach to 2 to 4 inches of snow anticipated late this afternoon. For my friends exposed to several months of snow, it’s common sense for municipalities therein to invest in equipment that would aid citizen’s travel. However, the preparation here is with a different demand; when snow is said to be on its way, citizens are called to great action – Get to the grocery store and purchase high-caloric, poly-unsaturated foods. Can you say “LOCKDOWN”?

As a pastor, I’ll begin receiving telephone calls later this afternoon with inquiry on Sunday worship (that is, whether it will exist). Forecasts are with prognostications of cleared roads by Saturday. True worshippers sit on pins and needles, contemplating the horror of Sunday cancellation, others weren’t going anyhow…

Happy Friday! (Emmanuel, there will be church on Sunday!)

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

But he said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” Luke 16:31

Offense upon hearing great concern and question pertinent to your faith should present answers first (1 Pe.3:15). The proposed antagonist is ultimately the beggar merely desiring truth and as you were once the outsider allowing the hypocrisy from others guide your indecision, they too need an authoritative presentation; then deeper interrogation of the facts offered.

Unfortunately, great multitudes of spiritual warriors neglect personal and corporate study of God’s word that enables confidence. While it may be okay on today to not have an answer, it’s shameful when proclaims of “I Know Him” continue (cf. Ro.10:8), presupposing what scripture might be saying, making the antagonist a terrorist…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Follow the Leader” 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

On yesterday we witnessed great induction from varied legislators into our House of Representatives. The first order of business that gained their entry by numerous constituencies went violated; while ironically denying a process promoting even better ethical accountability among legislators.

Although controversial and horribly divisive to perceive, it may lend discount to credibility with some that subtracts from follower’s trust of due process. When governance is with disrepute, anarchy may soon become a consideration. On the other hand, when Christ alone is the demand from humankind, righteousness is un-questionably the objective for the beholder of grace “and the world can’t do me no harm”…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Limited Scope” G. Ward

“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Matthew 3:11

Being responsible in task or people can truly be ever encompassing. Success for the mission is best perceived more through inadequacy than conceit. When humility becomes the pursuit, the one responsible in carrying out the task is less prone to error, recognizing importance towards the initial message given. Over confidence may produce artistry only appreciated by the sculptor; while others gaze at what’s supposed to be a masterpiece, confused (ultimately) as to what it is (*2 Cor.5:20)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today's Thought "The Candy Jar" G. Ward

 "And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance." Romans 5:3

The illustrious candy jar was perhaps the most cherished phenomenon for children of my generation. It caused salivary gland's immediate secretion, comparable to an American's pursuit in winning a lottery. Money however was the great separator and although it was regarded as "penny candy" most children were depleted of one cent.

The indiscriminate terms of salvation is without economic parameter and when pursued righteously, understands life given is additionally without guarantee of a consistent ability to ascertain the finer delicacies (indicative of 363 more days in utter happiness without strife), even with means to purchase; but more demands a permanent joy in knowing that the sweetest Name I know, knows me...

Happy Monday!