Today’s Thought “Divisiveness Furthered” G. Ward

“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.” Romans 8:18

Have you been in line at your local food outlet patiently waiting for the customer ahead of you to complete their purchase while the person behind you is breathing (literally) on your person? Without words and more than often, they want you to proceed to a place whereby they can begin placing their items on the conveyor belt (surely that will compel the cashier unto perceived efficiency).

The world’s many perspectives desire us to cling accordingly and when our conformity therein lacks consideration, the people of the cause hate you (*cf. Jn.15:18-25). The rest needed for every man exists in Truth (the Person of Jesus – Jn.14:6).  A search for reprieve that gathers many unto what seemingly is a rightful perspective, will soon reveal hatred’s ongoing cycle from other factions considering their cause as best to pursue (Ac.4:12). The rest needed for man is dependency on the All Wise Savior; that advocacy concentrates on the few who will trust implicitly…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Horrid Misappropriation” G. Ward

 “ If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:17-19

My wife and I are proud of our three grandsons. We’ve watched every educational impartation seek to make them intellectual giants (even up to learning foreign language). Our witnessing this presumed progress (although very much needed) in math, history, etc., must insist they embrace (even more) what is spiritually deemed “life’s purpose” that is Knowing Christ as Lord (Deut.6:4-7).

Deciphering the Theory of Relativity and reciting The Preamble is a side bar in contrast to the WHO that enables breath for every task (cf. Jn.15:5).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “My Opinion Matters” G. Ward

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matthew 4:4

 

Jesus, after His wilderness experience demonstrated tremendous spiritual endurance at a time in physical exhaustion and vulnerability to share how we also can embody resistance when dependant on Holy God (cf.! Pe.1:16). Perspectives divide, creating ideologues. Moreover, it’s with the demand of a bully who insists on a crowd while he bashes the victim (*cf. Ac.2:44). There’s no resolution to myriads of perspectives any different than the predominance of America agreeing on lunch this afternoon.

The wholeness in the gospel message does not celebrate man’s ideology; but insists that mankind begin working on Holy God control (honoring HIS omniscience over our limited scope – cf. Jas.2:14-20). When quarrels persist, faith is absent (Jas.4:1-5).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought  “Either Or vs. Both, And” G.Ward

“No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Luke 16:13

 

No matter how exhilarating worship services were on yesterday, the truest response is the activity of today (Jas.1:22). Monday for America is often a paradigm that demands more; particularly comparable to last week’s lack. Moreover, the very promptings in effort depends more on every process, making Holy God last; devising a plan to then seek a blessing from the Creator. Next Sunday is quickly approaching and the conditions presented this week will soon be the visitation on the same date even for 2018. While arguments seemingly prudent may purport monetary gain, contemplations of long term illness (whereby monies cannot purchase ultimate healing) along with inevitable death (meaning you can’t take it with you), is rarely the consideration when assumed prosperity answers to no one (cf. Jas.1:2-4).

Let worship be victorious in this moment given you via an on-going question posed unto Sufficiency: “What will present my Lord the honor due Him as You seek to lead me?”

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “De-Sensitized” G. Ward

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.” Romans 12:15-16

 

The Richter scale is used to express the magnitude of an earthquake. Days ago the world witnessed Mexico’s tragic earthquake registering an all time high (7.1 – Richter Scale = seismic quakes instrumental in killing more than 230 people and they’re still pulling bodies from the rubble). Then there are our own countrymen in Puerto Rico, who are currently experiencing Hurricane Maria with category 3 and 4 winds wreaking havoc in the entirety of the land.

Religionists are confounded as they search for answers to provide the masses and when there are none, many mis-appropriate Holy God’s word to fit their own prominence among the people. When the same occurred in Haiti (7 years ago), spiritual zealots made it relative to their sin as if America is not more sinful. Perhaps we’re guilty of watching blow by blow accounts echoing chants of “what a shame” and the most heinous statement ever “with all these hurricanes and earthquakes (as of recent), maybe God is trying to tell us something!”

Holy God, the Maker of heaven and earth and all of its contents isn’t “trying” to do anything! HE alone is Sovereign (HE rules the universe, when and how HE desires)! His will must be honored among men before another prayer is given (2 Chr.7:14, Mt.7:21).

Have A Contemplative Thursday.

Today’s Thought “My Feelings” G. Ward

Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge." Romans 3:4

 

Let’s all agree that we need several more perspectives concerning circumstances of this world enabling this ugly monster (forever under construction) to be completed. The wholeness in the gospel message does not celebrate man’s ideology; but insists that mankind begin working on Holy God control (honoring HIS omniscience over our limited scope – cf. Jas.2:14-20).

Contrasting the worse practitioners of what life should represent against my own that seeks to live a quiet, moral existence is an improper gauge (cf. Mt.5:44, Eph.6:12). Every life given should ask how theirs compare to the greatest KING ever – Jesus (Eph.5:1-2).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Sin’s Journey” G. Ward

“You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

Buddhist and Hindu religions celebrate Karma; it mandates that your life lived until dying determines the journey after reincarnation (cf. Heb.9:27). Howbeit that believers support such heinous philosophy amidst saying God’s grace is sufficient? A prostitute is listed in the lineage of Jesus our Lord and a zealous, murderous Pharisee was used by Holy God to record two-thirds of the New Testament (cf. Ro.8:33-35). If/when killers, liars and thieves like you and me receive redemption, yet perpetuate this notion of “what goes around, comes around” mentality, you more portray that some things are too difficult for God, prioritizing judgment over sharing gospel truth (cf. Ro.3:10,5:8,6:23,10:9,13). God forbid!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Subtle Reminders” G. Ward

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. ¹² Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:11-12

 

The new Christian misconstrues the actual message of Christ when they adopt worldly fables in peace without strife. There would be no need for peace if strife didn’t exist. Hurriedly moving beyond what perceivably is negative forgets “we were God's enemies” before our reconciliation (cf. Ro.6:16-18). I’m so glad Holy God is nothing like our nature. He pursues us with an un-relenting love. If HIS mercy lacked endurance for every generation (whereas ours more persists in conditional love), mankind wouldn’t exist (Ro.3:10, 23).

Running from individuals pervading negative unto you more than likely reveals unfaithful fortitude to pray and imitate the Savior (*cf. Lk.23:34).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “The Vanity In Expression” G. Ward

“Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a good conscience, desiring to conduct ourselves honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:18

Our recent storm damage at our church defied Newton's law of universal gravitation causing every local news network’s fascination with our dilemma. The interviews conducted sought my elaborating on this uneventful occurrence. When the bright light went on (emblematic of “live” TV) I didn’t remember the big pimple on my face (and yes old folks still get them), nor did I prepare a preliminary discourse that would impress, but I began contemplating the viewers of those telecasts by insisting that our souls think on the ones from both Hurricane Harvey and Irma whose walls came tumbling down (our hole in the roof won’t compare).

Frivolity awaits the checks to pour in (as compassion with prayers and alms become the expression), while humility seeks to bring honor to the Creator when given the chance (cf. 1 Pe.4:11, Col.4:6).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “A Fascination With Food” G. Ward

When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household. John 19:26-27

 

My wife and I are empty-nesters now that our sons are adults with children, but it would have been a shame in considering the house to which we live currently (it’s on a rural route) while they were growing up. Both their Mother and I were privileged to interact with others through subdivision life. The relationships we established with those years of interdependence still exist; we were family.

I’m reminded on today of such relationships considerate of Mrs. Adrienne Stewart’s passing on yesterday. Her son and I attended kindergarten together, leaving for college from the same group of homes. Our kindergarten years involved attending half days and there was trade-offs between parents when appointments would arise. The year was 1924 and one such a morning happened (parental trade off) and Mrs. Stewart stepped in to receive me no different than her own. My Mother couldn’t have chosen a better time, for these were the days when parents would arise early preparing a full breakfast. The whole time she was preparing this spectacular breakfast my stomach was in knots, but I was determined to suffer while eating this bacon, eggs, grits and toast. The moment arrived and my calling to fulfill wasn’t arduous. My immature mind however couldn’t navigate running to the bathroom, therefore the bacon, eggs, grits and toast with jam quickly became covered with a special gravy consisting of regurgitated gastric juices. Mrs. Stewart without hesitance commissioned her son to finish eating while she bathed me to then offer me crumpets suitable for a queasy stomach. She became my Mother too. The spiritual realm in our truest existence is without biological parameter.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Assessing the Damage” G. Ward

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24

 

Warnings from meteorologists, government and others that sought to keep communities safe (i.e. discouraging travel) during remnants of Hurricane Irma was for some unavoidable. I was successful in remaining at home until receiving a dreaded telephone call from one having witnessed our church steeple having been blown off to pierce our roof in several places. The damage we’ve experienced won’t compare to the tens of thousands traveling back to the southern region with great anxiety uncertain about the residual damage from the storm.

We’ve all been exposed to great storm with horrid residual damage and there’s no insurance adjuster that can prompt comfort for rebuilding. There is however an assurance of peace that demands our repentant heart recognizes the holy absolution of the Father’s care. HE alone is the Shelter needed for every storm.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Trials In the Tribulation” G. Ward

And Jesus answered and said to them, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.” Matthew 24:4-5

The horrid Tribulation of the Bible prophesied from as early as Abraham’s call from his homeland unto great warnings from Jesus, demands a spiritual proactiveness from you and me that proves our regard of the Savior’s sacrifice. Believers in Christ won’t endure this seven year reality in desolation; Jesus will first come back to remove the church (1 Thess.4:13-18), then the Tribulation. The Remnant class of 144,000 (*Jews – 12,000 from each tribe of Israel) will then identify their opportunity to serve mankind (via gospel’s presentation unto any). Truth proclaims that these 144,000 will be instrumental in the greatest evangelical reality found at Revelation 7:9-10, After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

If 144,000 who are current believers serve our Lord in the same (Mt.28:19) as that future remnant class will, what will our world look like (cf. Mt.7:13-14)? Moreover, in every sector of our nation (exponentially beyond 144,000) are those who say they know HIM to never exercise accordingly…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “The Best Fried Chicken Is At the Local Church” G. Ward

“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

 

Many are still alarmed at the hypocrisy found in the church that subtracts from their commitment. Moreover, they even convince themselves in presupposition (regarding the handling of the word of God) that demands they can endeavor Holy God at home as well as any who may attend consistently; although God demands regular attendance (Heb.10:25). It’s comparable to having an aged parent who loves us and strongly longs for our presence with them to hear our disgust with our siblings who constantly visit, avoiding them like the plague at the expense of not seeing my father (cf. Mt.22:8-14).

Approaching the word of God with speculation vs. great interrogation unto obedience, will lead to the ultimate denial unto an eternity with HIM. Furthermore, devotional thoughts, televangelists, books and periodicals can be accentuations of the initial pursuit that demanded intimacy with the Father above all (*Col.1:15-20).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Residual Improprieties” G. Ward

²⁵ And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” ²⁶ And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” ²⁷ And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁸ And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” ²⁹ But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29

Lack of empathy regarding social ills promotes a categorization of people groups that perpetuates hopelessness; which is antithetical to knowing God. The Chicago Tribune for example has reported 42 souls impacted by gun violence on this past Labor Day weekend. It appears that several have perished.

The only consideration to behold is what Final Authority has conveyed unto mankind; to know that when man was created, culture or ethnicity wasn’t a mentionable. Moreover, Holy God’s wrath unto mankind via the Great Flood witnessed Noah and his family being spared, whereby God insisted, “These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated” (Ge.9:19). Shall any continue deciphering a code outside of what Truth admonishes (cf. Jer. 17:9) through castigations of “those People” or seek to win them to the Lord’s care?

Happy Tuesday!