Today’s Thought “Get Up, Then Go Back to Sleep!” G. Ward

“I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.” Psalm 119:147

Our impatience for Holy God’s guidance is evident with all men (Ro.3:10, 23). Discomfort, whether physical or emotional, has a pill that sheds relief and circumstances in uncertainty needs an answer that obliterates problems; while thoughts of reoccurrence are shunned (no matter how many times the words from God share the servant is not above the Master – who suffered).

The purity of the dawn’s insistence of blessed quietness appeals to the recesses in one’s mindset, forcing transparency that admits powerlessness that contrasts his Maker’s ability. Chants of “I’m just not a morning person” denies his own predecessor’s account of no choice in awakening early; because the day’s activities were rigorous that undeniably forced darkness to be equated with slumber (not staying up on social networks and late night movies).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Flares On the Highway” G. Ward

“Set up for yourself roadmarks, place for yourself guideposts; direct your mind to the highway, the way by which you went. Return, O virgin of Israel, Return to these your cities.” Jeremiah 31:21

Spiritual destitution won’t ever rely on money nor geography for its rescue. I’ve witnessed more people pack up and move to another city, synonymous with sleeping away misery then awakening to the same grief. There is however a way of riddance achievable: It trusts a process in faith that begins with repentance for assuming a role never given as king over the life given by the King of all Kings. Secondly, it abhors the desolation in times past when facades of well being were seemingly the only defense mechanism that kept me from being embarrassed. Moreover, it determines a patience in fervent practice of a transformed life that emanates from Holy God control; refusing other philosophical guideposts (no matter the eloquence, cf. Ac.4:12) via daily study of God’s will (HIS word). Then, the ugly duckling on a beautiful lake becomes the majestic swan not impressed by its new found beauty because its lens looks within one’s own soul to marvel at Holy God’s mercy.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “News Flash” G. Ward

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

 

The unfortunate headlines read mega-pastor refuses to open doors to hurricane victims in Houston. Moreover, amidst all the tragedy there, some sensationalistic videographer finds numerous delinquents looting a local store. These visuals lend credence in the shallow mindsets of many, perpetuating social and cultural divide. A refusal to adopt the authority found in Holy God’s word that furthers “In the beginning God created man in His image” didn’t share that some classes would be derelict of common decency over another; nor was His intent that categorization of people groups become a factor in considering an interdependence intended (*cf. Ge.9:18-19).

The actuality in this day’s presentation demands that we don’t have long to either conform unto Holy God’s reality or reject it. The latter includes our perspectives and opinions; neither are agents of peace, guaranteeing eternal presence with HIM (Mt.7:13-14).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “No Wine Before Time” G.Ward

“No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.” Mark 2:22

Faith practiced disallows failure; while periodic consideration of surrender to Christ invites loss. This kind of defeat is transcendent of the kind of visuals that may cause public embarrassment; but permits vulnerability unto despair found when submission to one’s own pattern becomes preeminent to proven righteousness (i.e. Holy God’s word).

Although our salvation is not attained via our offerings, we’re compelled towards a pursuit therein worthy of recognition by the Distributor first (Eph.2:8-10) and others purview thereafter (Mt 5:16). You certainly don’t want a trail of drippings (particularly after the container bursts) reeking of intoxicants emanating from following worldly standards soon to pass away (Mt.24:35)?

Happy Monday (Praying for Victims of Hurricane Harvey)!

Today’s Thought “Wandering Eyes” G. Ward

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Romans 16:17-18

 

The term “dead church” is both oxymoronic and widely misappropriated. The pervasiveness in its portrayal of what may be deemed a dispirited worship service boasts of a time when exposed to service time whereby another expression was louder. So louder, rhythmic music, along with gyrations from HIS people gain Holy God’s attention vs. developing some through gospel efforts, ensuring outsiders are taught in the same whereby future generations would know HIM (cf. Judg.2:10)?

When/if a believer sits or stands at service times, carrying forth with spiritual compliance in reproducing the message given them, while showing hospitality unto everyone through tremendous prayer along with holy living, but lacks proposed vivaciousness assumed by others comfortable with their emotional outburst of praise, are they any less God’s? Castigations from immature (cf. Mt.5:48) believers insist there be prototypes of what/who they perceive as righteous worshippers, while neglecting a personal pursuit of what Holy God demands.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Highway to Heaven” G. Ward

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

The discourse our Savior rendered unto His disciples (Mt.5-7) was/is very opposite of any perspective from mankind. There continues to be frowning regarding the definition of what it means to be perfect; it’s utilized more in an ugly attempt in criticism towards one whose aim is to establish task or character without error. The bible definition, although similar, is relative to its contextual review. The prior demand has every believer with an earnest pursuit in loving every enemy (cf. Jn.3:16). This speaks more to exemplary living that imitates his Maker.

How difficult can/could it be seeking to love (particularly in view of the sacrifice by Christ – who died for those believing to have killed Him) the worst oppressor found in society unilateral of Holy God rest? Moreover, who are we really, when in the very presence of God, we continue in the perpetuation of our way over His excellence?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Flowing With Milk and Honey” G. Ward

“The word of the Lord which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.” Hosea 1:1

 

The American plight awaits the next festive event that promotes a gathering point with others indicative of a longing for something more substantive to displace one’s own miseries. Thousands of years ago the message from Holy God unto the Prophet Hosea sought to extinguish a notion of anticipatory prosperity enabled by earthen kingdoms vs. absolute adherence unto their Maker.

The struggle in two opinions perceived (Mt.7:13-14) is the ultimate disconnect precluding an eternity with our Mighty King to contrast the magnificence of the next “big show”. The message of God is still with insistence from His priests of this era (you and me – 1 Pe.2:5) in sharing an avoidance towards an adulterous spirit found in man that subtracts from consideration in being more thrilled over venues of excitement vs. when God cracks the sky; sending Jesus along with the dead in Christ, for those of us who insist HE is LORD (Rev.1:7).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Watching and Waiting” G. Ward

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

 

After Walter Cronkite’s ( 1916-2009, anchorman for the CBS Evening News for 19 years ) retirement, Frank Reynolds (1923-1983, anchor of the ABC Evening News from 1968 to 1970 and later co-anchor of World News Tonight from 1978 until his death)  became the voice in articulating news for the whole of America. We’re now more exposed to even greater sensationalistic journalism that subtracts from the 50’s-60’s infamous show “Dragnet” whereby Detective Joe Friday’s redundant admonishing unto victims and witnesses upon his interrogation of them that mandated, “Just the facts”.

Reynolds (via a current television campaign disseminating insight) has now become the face relative to announcing the next solar eclipse (today, August 21, 2017).  It was February 26, 1979 and as I recall there was tremendous expectancy then also; even up to varied mystics’ portrayal of some apocalyptic phenomenon.

Over 2000 years ago, a real, factual, eschatological warning was/is given man; be ready when Jesus comes. Promulgations of “I’m ready” without intimacy stemming from repentance will block the SON enabling an eternal eclipse.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Hide and Seek” G. Ward

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

 

Our Lord began with 12; warning them of the inevitable danger in discipleship. This imminent danger never proposed hurried, vehement opposition from His disciples, but implicit trust of love and care from the Savior that would grow His church. Jesus didn’t rush through His discourse in general terms, but dispelled small particulars as the gospel is portrayed as a sword. This wasn’t an attempt in contrived division, but an expected one from some who would/will deny love and guidance from our Wonderful Savior.

Our Lord’s first communication with 12 is with same pertinence for today, and there are some that fail to understand His loving them also (cf. Hos.4:6) . Will you tell them of His goodness, or continue with promulgations of religious irrelevancy?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Undivided Loyalty” G. Ward

“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:24

 

The Lord Jesus, after being baptized by John, was ushered into the wilderness seemingly alone (Mt.4). The wholeness of this actuality was given for our preparedness as Holy God intended that His Beloved Son convene with the Devil to be tempted. Altogether, what could have been perceived as vulnerability at its best (particularly in view of having fasted 40 days and 40 nights), more epitomized implicit trust in Holy God’s eternal presence never departing.

This is what it means to “walk with God.”

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Change My Heart O God” G. Ward

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

 

Some of us (Preachers of the gospel) are with a discipline that seeks to establish our spiritual community ability to grow others along with disdain for mediocrity (in cultural terms, cf. Eph.6:12). I, like many of the brothers, preach in series; helping to more establish doctrine for believers that lasts beyond national and global impropriety. We maintain this calling to fulfill understanding peace exists solely in Holy God’s grip of grace (Ac.4:12). Moreover, we recognize an unending cycle of divisiveness that calms for a season to then repeat, realizing that our great-grandparents witnessed the same.

It appears very exhausting to expect new results from facsimiles of old, furthering the definition of insanity (*Mt.11:25, 28-30)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Proposed Absolution” G. Ward

“Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it.” Ezekiel 16:49-50

 

Our learning from history is with personal subjectiveness that disallows current/future peace intended (Ezek.16:52). Injustices perceived is not something new for mankind; therefore it lacks resolution or compliance from violators of righteousness because hearts are with refusal to be owned by their Creator (cf. Pr.1:24-29).

When any proposing to “Know” Holy God is with insistence unto a legislative process (which includes policing or government) for a unity rarely demonstrated from the whole of mankind (historically), they refer to our God as insufficient (1 Sa.8). May it never be!

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “The Science in Conjuring” G. Ward

“Now the sons of Noah who came out of the ark were Shem and Ham and Japheth; and Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated.” Genesis 9:18-19

Believing in Holy God is total acceptance of HIS words. Moreover, while HE is the Master Technician, our personal stewardship of HIS world demands exploration (worthy of celebration) that seeks to accommodate (cf.Jn.14:12-14). It never however demanded science opposite of His written code. We’ve explored the differences in race long enough without consideration of the original plan. Contrary to popular belief, Asians (in general terms) are not more foundational at mathematics. We must never relate generations of social improprieties to become the stigma perceived for a people group. The objective for the three son’s of Noah (being dispersed in a multitude of directions) was/is testimonial unto a whole world that when free will in man goes beyond the parameter from their Maker, you may find yourself rolling down a river without a lifesaver (Ro.6:23).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Temporary Dwelling” G. Ward

“For he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10

The buffoonery in nation against nation has recently placed threats of missile attack, making terrorism third a threat to perceive, as earth’s citizens remain vigilant. With nuclear weaponry as a consideration, the days of soldiers fighting one another in a rain forest has become medieval. The fear mongering tactics emanating from other government forces more perpetuate anxiety from commoners like you and me. I however failed to mention what might be second in the chart of threats for the reasonably compliant ones; we’re more subject in America towards fatality in traffic measurement, than Kim Jong-un (North Korea’s Leader) launching nuclear missiles on our shores. Our theme on today is to be broadly perceived, in that if there’s a city (i.e. Heaven - and only that city) regarded as foundational, then every other city is not (cf. Ps.127:1).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Without Border” G. Ward

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13

As believers, our dual citizenry awaits the permanency of heaven (2 Cor.5:1-4). Shamefully and without cognizance many considerate of the message in predominance that demands total allegiance to land, fail to understand Holy God’s desire to receive all praise from man regardless of geography (Jn.3:16).  The very term “God and country” continues to inhibit proper priority unto His sovereignty. Holy God along with anything or anyone purveys ability along with the Maker of heaven and earth. When John recorded how necessary it is to worship HIM in “spirit and truth” it spoke to a reverence not found in anything or anyone. Therefore, the illustrious and inevitable “homegoing service” is compromised when reliance and security maintains my land is better than yours (cf. Ps.24:1).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Team Sports” G. Ward

“An enemy might be able to defeat one person, but two people can stand back-to-back to defend each other. And three people are even stronger. They are like a rope that has three parts wrapped together—it is very hard to break.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

I must confess that I’ve contributed to the success of many weight loss gurus by purchasing their plan, guaranteeing a svelte look in record time. Like many, intelligence is thrown out of the window in vain desire to capture the swan within after disenfranchising my ugly duckling status via constant ingestion of “Twinkies” and “M&M’s”.

Partnering with others deficient at self-control is perhaps the mechanism of accountability that can promote desired results; so there are four of us (whereby I’m the only male) who officially are vegan for the next two weeks (along with minimizing salt and sugar). We began at 12:01 a.m. At 12:02 a.m., I began craving a thick, juicy steak, a bowl of Froot Loops and a large bag of Lay’s Potato Chips. “I am weak LORD, though art Mighty, Hold me with Thou most Powerful Hands…”

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “The Saga Continues” G. Ward

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Matthew 18:1

Have you been guilty of dialogue compromised by listening to another while conjuring immediate rebuttal? In most cases, this kind of disregard for another is the beginning of great discord that suffers. Unfortunately, the whole of man is with selfish aptitude in hearing (consistently) without presumption that causes immediate, reactionary plans stemming from uncertainty.

Jesus our Lord had just shared how much suffering HE would endure at the hands of many who would oppose HIM and the best of the appointed constituency desired arguing over who would be recognized as best…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “True Devotion” G. Ward

“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

The Rabbi of old was recognized in the market place, perhaps causing those inconsistent with attending worship services to offer defiled defense as unprompted verbiage unto their bishop with echoes of false narrative on why they missed. I know it all too well. I’ve become quite the public figure also (via funeral officiating, weddings, invocations, etc.) and being greeted by many unfamiliar is quite normal with immediate sentiment of “I’ll see you on Sunday Pastor!”

Those who know (intimately acquainted) the Lord never need a wake-up call or awaken to conjured illness and impromptu family visitation; there’s Saturday preparation that anticipates great Sunday fellowship (*Let’s not forget mid-week services.) forgetting about the arthritis and headaches via ingestion of ibuprofen, while clearing the house of every human, demanding an adoption of Joshua’s stance that maintains, “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh.24:15).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Never Alone” G. Ward

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Being encouraged in the Lord is the most essential component of our existence on earth; but it should never extend kudos to the All-Wise Savior for how great HE is without surrender unto His mastery over us. A wavering appreciation for being rescued from difficulty is/can often be attributed as blessings from On High, when in actuality it’s happenstance over certainty (*Jas.5:16). Holy God desires our unadulterated praise and the consistency therein (i.e. in good and bad times). He is not our Maker and more importantly the Creator of past generations to be unacquainted with man’s tactics in shrewdness; HE alone knows our heart’s intention. We would do well to act in accordance with our belief (Jas.1:22).

Happy Tuesday!