Today’s Thought “Beef Ribs Over Pork…” G. Ward

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  Galatians 5:14

Understanding the death, burial and resurrection given by our Lord, looks to the historical, along with mankind’s current inability to walk in perfection concerning Old Testament law. The mercy from Holy God allowed a more excellent sacrifice, enabling greater intimacy for any who would recognize that atonement as permanently sufficient to govern their own life.

To question the particulars on what may be permissive, edible or ethical unto another made in His image assumes that what they’ll share is absolute Truth (*Ro.10:8). This is not to say that prudence in a bible lesson presented by another precludes being beneficial; while it most certainly should condone a systematic, independent search of what should be the most important instruction ever. When/if this actuality is perceived by any, consideration for others adopting the magnificence of HIS love will become the insistence from the redeemed.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Louder Than Words” G. Ward

“Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.” Proverbs 20:11

“Caught in the cookie jar” is the phenomenon beyond ascertaining something sweet. It involves an undeniable expose of the character (i.e. witnessed behavior) of any viewed. In adulthood, it’s generally discoverable through presumptive words from some too loquacious and unfortunate for them, they’re stated without an ability to take back. Many hearers unfortunately hold the victimizer hostage to their conduct, failing to recognize their own impropriety of times past; considering none are exempt from this unfortunate reality (i.e. the foot in the mouth syndrome).

Life given any, very particularly a new day presented, has our Glorious Presenter awakening us to the potential in newness; not great reminder of yesterday’s inaccuracy (cf. Phil.4:1-3).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Church Fight” G. Ward

“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.  Indeed, true companion, I ask you also to help these women who have shared my struggle in the cause of the gospel, together with Clement also and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:2-3

The first century witnessed believers so enthralled with Holy God’s grace as sufficient that contemplations of differences were squashed by a need to more model the gospel than opinion (Ac.2:44). Reminders of this message in eternal proportion was an insistence to gather more than on Sunday and Wednesdays that would maintain their accountability to the precepts mandated (Heb.10:25).

Believers, transcendent to every generation, are subject for disastrous disunity when focused on that experiential ideology of how life should be presented by another, over the Author of mankind’s desire to transform lives (indiscriminately so).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Heart Transplant” G. Ward

“Indeed, I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion, and I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not “mine,” but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 (The Message, Eugene Peterson – A Paraphrase)

The Adventures of Superman witnessed an ordinary citizen (Clark Kent, a journalist), passionately consumed with the aversion of crime enough to then find a closet or storeroom departing from ordinary to extraordinary, a Superhero. Our lives as believers in Christ are no longer ordinary because we are carriers of the Superhero (Jesus our Lord) within. HE alone however is our Magnificent Warrior and the biggest crime (of our time) is pure neglect in seeing HIM as LORD of all. If/when we present our abilities as sufficient, we must be prepared for the world’s  Kryptonite (the ore form of a radioactive element or compound from Superman's home planet of Krypton) to diminish our perceived strength. In other words faster than a speeding bullet becomes pierced unto death, More powerful than a locomotive maintains a ship without a sail and Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound watches the fish jump from the pond into the fry pan!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Hidden Danger” G. Ward

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

Evil is with creativity ever evolving (2 Cor.4:1-4); seeking attack on the whole of mankind that involves danger upon believers not only in physical proportion, but also in the spread of philosophy over Holy God’s demands. It’s now become so prevalent that the predominance of earth’s citizenry relies on systems of sorts, shutting down an idea of better guidance from the Creator (cf. Ps.127:1).Moreover, mankind’s exposure to the subtlety of evil’s influence forgets that Holy God will not accept this “co-pilot” status some men perpetuate; HE’s either LORD or not.

My prayer is that the few (Mt.7:13-14) aware of the truer reciprocity needed that recognizes the vitality of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection would make teaching others (Mt.28:19-20) an urgent duty before departure of life or assumption from another accepts ideology over what “Thus Saith the Lord…”

Happy Monday!

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

“Remember Lot's wife.” Luke 17:32

 

Leaving Sodom and Gomorrah had to be immediate. Sexual sin, very particularly homosexuality had grown so intense that it necessitated God destroying the wholeness of its existence. The LORD sent warning unto Lot, that he should gather his family to share this actuality. Although Lot appeared vigilantly compliant unto this warning to leave, his first appeal to these illicit villagers was to share his daughters with them for sexual favor (Ge.19:8). Secondly, you’ll need to know Lot hesitated (Ge.19:16), exercising doubt, to then become witness to Holy God’s compassion in getting them out before destruction took place.

Lot was an alien to that region. He traveled with his relative Abraham whereby both acquired great wealth causing foolish discord among all their servants. Abraham gave Lot the choicest portion of land to exist in. Lot’s selfish choosing went with appearances of what seemed most prosperous (Ge. 13:2-10). Selfish choices today can be tomorrow’s misery.

Lot’s wife grew so entirely comfortable (particularly in riches) that when forced to leave it all she kept looking back.  The region to which Sodom existed embraced the Dead Sea whereas the salinity (i.e. concentration of dissolved salt) is the highest. Along with the brimstone from heaven, the salt stirring in the air built such a crust on Lot’s wife that it most likely asphyxiated her being.

The Word of God compels us in total reliance of HIS ways, even in perceived absence of blessings presumed.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “I Do…” G. Ward

“If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:2

 

What if marriage lacked an inability to divorce, even up to mandating the couple remained together (no matter what), with checks and balances comparable to taxation; would the month of June still be the most visited in matrimonial attempts? Although arguable, what remains inarguable is a practice  in contempt that’s entirely perjurous unto our Great Judge.

Superficial obligatory agreements are customarily tweaked as they’re pronounced, particularly when hasty actions later reveal heart matters didn’t accompany practicality. Solomon’s words (Eccl.5:1-2) best deciphers this kind of frivolity: “Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.”

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Watch Your Testimonies” G. Ward

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

 

Proclamations of how Great our God is should be deliberate, but is not the factoring necessary to develop souls detached to the Master’s rule. Development in Christ must remain solely in the words from Genesis and Revelation. Moreover, it must exemplify the instructor’s implicit dependence on no less than Holy God’s word. The production of praise expressive of having been healed from great sickness and materialism without denial (emanating from God), is with segmented categorization that subtracts from some ever feeling as though they could ever be recipients of such gifts. The gospel disseminated (unto any) more reveals that the worst sinner is equated with (i.e. without categorization - *Ro.3:10) the best earthly citizen and the common denominator for any esteemed (in worldly and spiritual terms) good or bad, needs to repent for their sins (*cf. Mk.10:17-27).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Broken Pattern” G. Ward

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

Physical conditioning of sorts along with diet has become the ideological pursuit of most; longevity in earth is the ultimate desire. Contemplating departure from earth remains taboo; therefore visual and wellness is ever encompassing, precluding spiritual well-being as secondary.

The actuality in prioritizing spiritual conditioning as preeminent an endeavor to anything is two-fold: 1. It is a necessary habit forming conditioning that guarantees intimacy with Christ, furthering assurance that HE must remain in control as the most excellent shelter from imminent storm. 2. This journey in surrendering to the All-Wiise Savior maintains peace and comfort as my anxieties becomes HIS (1 Pe.5:7).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Living In a Bottle Soon to Pop” G. Ward

Yet you say, “The way of the Lord is not right. Hear now, O house of Israel! Is My way not right? Is it not your ways that are not right?” Ezekiel 18:25

While faith may be difficult, it cannot become the excuse that exacerbates a refusal towards identifying the righteous code of Holy God. A consistent and authentic approach to utilizing the name Lord affords everyone desirous of righteousness, a pursuit worthy in adoption; whereas inauthenticity stifles, pervading feelings of inadequacy.

Salvation’s call refuses to acclimate to what others may not be doing, but looks interrogatively at one own’s compliance, and if found deficient, pleads to the Savior where restoration exists (cf. Zech.1:3-4).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “It Not Too Late” G. Ward

“Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord,
and He will have compassion on him, And to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:7

The beauty of intimacy with Christ is His incessant invitation to be cleansed of all wrongdoing. It should never be a reckless abandonment of confession in the individuality of transgression. There’s a foolish persistence sanctioned by the best in our spiritual society, violating Holy God’s omniscience by going to HIM hurriedly, seeking reconciliation by painting a broad stripe unto the All-Wise God through a common admittance prevalent with the whole of humanity, pleading unto Sufficiency to forgive them of sin. Don’t swallow the hype that’s been pervaded on some by many that maintains my exterior remorse is synonymously established in the heavenly realm, but take the time necessary to confess every impropriety. Joy is on its way!

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Shedding the Old…” G.Ward

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Although we’re called unto a transformation emanating from Holy God’s ability, we can often disrespect the process of that surrender’s potential. The journey desired wars against the pervasiveness of a D.I.Y. (i.e. Do It Yourself) mentality that witnesses many seemingly successful therein. Rarely will some share the kind of transparency that conveys their frailty (cf. Jn.15:5b); instead the facade of self-sufficiency has become the practice that violates true salvation’s reign (cf. Mt.23:1-7).

Humanity’s reality should aspire as planned by the Creator of heaven and earth; that mankind would love and trust HIM to lead them in the way everlasting (Ps.139:23-24).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Jane! Stop This Crazy Thing!” G. Ward

“However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20

My birthday was yesterday and like others I’ve enjoyed the long tradition of birthday cake and delicious ice cream; but I’ve reached an autumn whereas cake digests slow and remains at my waistline and I’m so entirely lactose intolerant. My family is so very marvelous each year; they find a restaurant they like and invite me to come along; it can’t be too expensive because they’re incurring the bill; they really love me. When you’re older, many send great correspondence, only after social networks reveal it was your birthday, because very few remember; while our response demands our ignorance to them that appear to have known the whole time, even though they’re horrible actors.

Contrary to what this annual day promotes with all the festivities, many of us (who are compelled in rendering aid with hospitality all week) just want to do is to curl up with a book or periodical of sorts and take a nap to the Bonanza or Gunsmoke theme (isn’t cable TV awesome?). Moreover, every second Sunday of the month at our church we recognize the birthdays in that month. I thought our congregation would be different this year and purchase me a car like the big churches lavish on their Pastor; but there’s one lady who never forgets and purchases two gifts; one on behalf of the congregation and another from her personally. I can’t wait until next July; perhaps they’ll get me the car I wanted! Reality insists on the better gift being their consistent presence in worship each week. Signed, Mr. Excitement

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Prefacing In Humility” G. Ward

“For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3

 

Many are with questions on what the Word of God says; with strong critique on very few who profess knowing Christ as the kind of exemplary leadership worthy to follow. Unfortunately, as many regular attendees of corporate worship hear these castigations there is a general offense to such talk. Jesus Christ on the other hand encountered no less for the entirety of His life in the earth and sought declaring (with utter clarity) a more authoritative instruction (cf. Eph.5:1-2).

Success in disseminating Truth is yet mysterious to unbelievers, but for believers who maintain implicit trust unto Holy God’s standard, there’s a preparation without pretense of that same code emanating from them. Therefore, being offended is never optional, but proper appropriation unto God’s word a must; for the believer first, then whoever desires following Christ thereafter.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Back to the Rat Race” G. Ward

 “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:46-47

Gathering points with friends and family have tremendous health (including psychological reprieve) benefits. Next day’s ability towards transparency is with constraint because I’m then exposed to people unfamiliar, with myriads of perspectives. My gatherings however, are with a greater intentionality; they include believers and unbelievers. The objective is to pervade on unbelievers a climatic controlled environment in great fun and food without criticism of an uncooperative society. This environment does not preclude believers are not astute to global chaos, but more delights in discussions that uncompromisingly unites. Be sure that your next gathering involves other strangers, you owe that (Ro.12:1).

Happy Wednesday!