Today’s Thought “Independent Pursuit” 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

Agnosticism and atheism are on the rise and is notably as ignorant to the contrast in the pervasiveness of persuasive preachers exacting their own success over making Christ known as earthly missionaries (*cf. 1 Cor.1:12-13, 18-19, 2:1-2, 14-16, 3:10-14). While we all are somewhat sickened by the riches desired from these pulpiteers, we’re without answers that refute their promulgations, while generous with criticisms that deny eternity with our Lord. I’m more amazed at the ignorance purported by the atheist; along with the agnostic that refuse deeper interrogation of what is proven by historians of prudence towards the actuality in Holy God’s script. Moreover, I’m equally confounded at the ungodly’s presumption that gathers unto the buffoonery of the American preacher wearing a sky blue ostentatious suit with a white belt and white shoes, selling healing and deliverance for two dollars to finish his shallow discourse and then board his Rolls Royce, to then compare him to any truly appointed by the Holy One to proclaim HIM without regard to earthly remuneration.

All Jesus has demanded was that this Wednesday would find you and me never looking again to examples in futility, but recognize HE alone is worthy, and to know that the “few”  (through Jesus’ sermon) desires you remain vigilant unto HIS return (cf. 2 Pe.3:9).

Today’s Thought “Mercy for One” G. Ward

”A man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had already been a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you wish to get well?” John 5:5-6

Believers have determined to know Holy God based on humanity’s relationship to other men (cf. Isa.55:8-9). Factually and implicitly, we’ve been contained in the words of HIS sufficiency found from Genesis to Revelation. This is not to say that HIS infinite wisdom is contained therein.

This pool of Bethesda spoken of in John 5, witnessed great multitudes awaiting healing of many kinds, but only one was chosen. There is absolutely no theology to reveal why (outside of its ultimate effect – bringing glory and honor unto our King), no matter the interrogation; but what is positively marveling is that January 30, 2018 has me regarding HIS timelessness as Awesome for eternal relevance vs. ever changing like humankind.

I’ve more determined that Tuesday’s opportunity to wait by the healing pool for some, must be the one I dig, then fill (Matt.28:19) to invite any who would splash joyously because their sin sickness has been absolved forevermore.

Today’s Thought “Salvation Without Obedience?” G. Ward

“It came about when Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but they did not drive them out completely.” Judges 1:28

Guilt, although circumstantial, ultimately is categorized as wrong and regretful for those seeking righteousness. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites (after Moses) led by example the actuality of Holy God’s command by killing 31 kings of Canaan (Josh.12:9-24) and seizing the territory promised (Josh.11:23). Joshua set a tone in perfect obedience, but his death left these new inhabitants fearful; causing a presumed spirit of conquering thereafter that introduced chaos for generations to follow (cf. Judg.2:10).

Will our sins in partial obedience visit our great grandchildren (Nu.14:18), or will Monday’s presentation in Matchless Mercy demand reciprocity from us?

Today’s Thought “While We Pray” G. Ward

“All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel.” Judges 2:10

A new Barna Group study recently revealed that atheism has doubled for generation Z’ers (Born between 1999 and 2015). This is entirely indicative of more presupposition stemming from the lethargy in applying Truth from generations prior. In other terms, we cannot regard a generation hopeless when we failed to give them hope. Many, like in the days of Joshua, get to our Promised Land and forget to share how the effort was enabled via the sole strength of Holy God (Josh.2:6-7).

We’re busy in our Temples observing oratorical contests from facilitators of momentary motivations that extract only those things that further my personal agenda (cf. 1 Cor.2:1-5), perpetuating an idolatrous notion that God is theirs, while never hearing that HE wants all the glory.

Will Thursday Welcome Desolation of Future Morality While We Echo Sentiment of What Happened to the Good Ole Days, or Will We Hear Truth and Do What HE says?

Today’s Thought “King for A Day” G. Ward

At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Aram and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Aram has escaped out of your hand.” 2 Chr.16:7

The Wizard of Oz is a classic film worthy of transposed assessment, indifferent from perceived entertainment value only. I’d like to hone in on the Lion’s quest for courage. He felt that imposed courage would match his exterior threat in the forest; to never realize that all he desired was within (cf. Ro.10:8). He along with three others set out on a quest to a place occupied by a source that could enable their urgent longing to be satisfied. Their tedious journey (filled with tremendous obstacles) finally placed them there. Great disappointment ensued thereafter, discovering their anticipated source (i.e. The Wizard) was a fake.

Wednesday is weakened by an Insistence on Speedy Terms vs. Waiting While Watching for Ultimate Wisdom’s (found solely in Holy God) Desire to Unfold. Will you reject the futility found in every quest outside of the Most High?

Today’s Thought “Praying Before Eating” G. Ward

“Who is like the Lord our God, Who is enthroned on high, Who humbles Himself to behold
The things that are in heaven and in the earth?” Psalm 113:5-6

What do you think is the common motive for many who pray before mealtime? Like me, you may assume the best, contemplating their gratitude for sustenance.  At the same time I’ve questioned their mid-day snack they may include candy, a nutrition bar, an apple, etc. Does one bow their head with eyes closed therein or is prayer solely given when multiple courses are presented?

Ritual for believers is without consideration, particularly when one’s soul seeks shelter (without wavering) from The Almighty whether consuming food or not (*cf. Phil.4:11-12).

Tuesday’s Trust Takes Time to Thank HIM…

Today’s Thought “Won’t It Be Grand…” G. Ward

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

It’s very sad to witness despair in the lives of those who say they know Christ; particularly while looking for government resolve with what Holy God said is the problem plaguing mankind (*2 Ti.3:1-4) – sin. Watching politics play out is comparable to the flip of a coin prefacing a ballgame to determine which team goes first, when the portrayal of one nation under God is a guise to more pervade one’s own perspective and the divide soon realized more delights in favorable percentages (even 1 percentile more) that favor a particular view(s), leaving millions without perceived advocacy.

Trust in systems or people as sustenance is idolatrous (*Ex.34:14-15).

Monday Mandates My God as More than Enough!

Today’s Thought “Redemption’s Reciprocity” G. Ward

“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

The annual ecumenical service for the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King’s contribution to mankind, witnessed his youngest daughter Dr. Bernice King appealing to every listener to adopt 50 acts of service and kindness between now and the 50th anniversary of her father’s assassination, in April. The effort was perhaps the motivation someone needed to see another less fortunate; therefore, I celebrate this special call, but I’m compelled not towards the view of what may end in April more than what took place thousands of years ago via a sacrifice of eternal proportion (cf. Jn.1:29-30).

The gauge we’ve utilized in times past is more visual than interrogative in determining who is like the Lord, particularly before rendering aid (cf. Jas.2:1-7). Moreover, we desire a huge ecumenical service that highlights our good deeds vs. quiet recall of HIS grace continuing as sufficient for my life (Mt.6:1-4). The original calling to fulfill derives from perfection demonstrated, discounting sensationalists’ opportunity of what could be entirely cyclical and exasperating (*Heb.12:1-2).

Thursday Has Become “Throwback” Because it’s Reminiscent of My KING as Victorious!

Today’s Thought “Productive On A Snowy Day” G. Ward

“Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.” Ecclesiastes 10:18

I’m from a time where friends and family were found at home (particularly after work and school). Preparation from most was traditional, in other words, I don’t remember long lines with individuals purchasing varied items. Moreover, there was no day to day grocery visits and if a parent needed more baking soda, a kid within immediate grasp would be commissioned so as to walk to the local store (and if a purchase was made outside of what you were told to get, well let’s just say adulthood wouldn’t have been an achievement).

Here in the Deep South it’s amazing to witness the hustle from many emptying shelves as if to say “we’ll be trapped for several days and we must eat incessantly.” What about that closet that needs organizing, or letters that need to be written? From this preacher, “what about consideration of an entire day consecrated to our Sufficient King” (*cf. Isa.40:28-31)?

Will Wednesday Witness Your House Leaking?

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

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

If/when leadership seeks to impose personal conviction on a constituency, some to many will oppose (whether through public demonstrative behavior, or privatized discontentment). Whatever expression is considered via dismay for leadership, rarely will there be impressionable concession from these leaders. If however, our proposed disagreement lends itself to a righteous pursuit, benefitting the whole of man, protest won’t be the best consideration. Holy God’s power to penetrate any heart stems from His loving every man, desiring their turning away from what was, to become brand new (cf. 2 Cor.5:16-17).

Will Tuesday’s Temptation Towards Toiling in Wrong Pursuits Continue, Or Will You Pray?

Today’s Thought “As We Played…” 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

 

My brother and I were typical of most children in this television age, we adored it. One day in many, very monumental to contemplate was June 6, 1968. Five years prior President Kennedy was assassinated and April of 1968 (witnessing Dr. King’s murder) was indeed a very somber, dismal time for  Black boys in Detroit whereby tumultuous race riots (1964 – 1968) of rebellion towards police injustice precluded that the sun wouldn’t shine ever for our hamlet.

While we watched television, awaiting our scheduled program, two Ward boys in a land of justice for all couldn’t be sheltered from a visual in another assassin’s bullet killing another agent of change, Robert Francis Kennedy, Presidential candidate in the 1968 primary. We must never forget that pride in a land flowing with milk and honey, never meant that complacency be the existential hope of man, but that Holy God, who enables the grey skies in one’s soul, more assume an ability to REST (eternally) in a land free of impropriety and pain; and no matter how strong or weak earthly benevolence may advocate for the socially disenfranchised, Heaven’s requirement continues to be implicit trust in the All-Wise Savior (cf. Matt.7:21-23).

Won’t You Enjoin Yourself on This Monday Towards This Precious Reality (cf. 2 Cor.6:1-3)?

Today’s Thought “Beyond Opinion” G. Ward

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Galatians 1:10

We’re under society’s lens in what to share from Holy God’s word vs. judgment from our Excellent Source when/if we seek to distort truth so as to spare feelings or purport blessings unto blatant disobedience. Moreover, our consciences go violated because of a refusal to consider the intimacy intended from Savior to servant that insists HIS guidance bring HIM glory, not us.

Any communication from God’s word is worthy of celebration because it warns, guides, encourages and disciplines (unto any - *Ro.10:13) for HIS name sake. Eternity with Him rests therein.

Will Thursday Find You Faithful?

Today’s Thought “Mouthpiece for Injustice” G. Ward

“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44

The contrast of good vs. evil is without the kind of categorization that finds any in the middle therein. Our follow-ship of Holy God’s demand or blatant refusal is entirely our choice. Echoing personal sentiment, perspective and vain philosophy is blatant refusal to be owned by the Most High (2 Cor.5:17). Moreover, this refusal encompasses pursuits in pleasure, along with unauthorized prognosticating from man that can make simple salutation’s inference (cf. 3 Jn.2) that which portrays Holy God as desirous to have all of His children without sufferings (i.e. even health woes); particularly when HIS only Son was sent to suffer the greatest ostracizing death on our behalf (*Jn. 15:18-20). Perhaps we’re not as unique as some purvey on man, but have become the modern day version of disciples that hear on our terms (*Jn.8:43).

Will I Praise HIM on Wednesday When Faced With Great Misery?

Today’s Thought “Close, But No Cigar” G. Ward

If I had said, “I will speak thus,”Behold, I would have betrayed the generation of Your children. When I pondered to understand this, it was troublesome in my sight until I came into the sanctuary of God;
then I perceived their end.” Psalm 73:15-17

Twentieth Century’s idiom, “Close, But No Cigar” has become attributable to the College National Championship on last evening.  My arrival 37 years ago (i.e. Georgia) insisted my immediate adoption to the slogan, “How Bout Those Dawgs!” I must admit however my reluctance then has now become equal to the native’s support of the home team.

Kudos to what is unprecedented in a collegiate championship game; a back-up quarterback is trusted to lead a team unto victory, particularly when trailing the predominance of the game. Upon winning, the press sought this young man immediately to find him relaxed, yet entirely jovial, whereby the typical questions went answered to then witness the youngster’s pause (apologetically so) unto His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for enabling such moments and furthered that his parents (*married for his lifetime) reared him accordingly (*Deut.6:4-7).

Still Giving Glory and Honor on Tuesday, Wishing All Would As Well…

Today’s Thought “Speaking Your Truth” G. Ward

“Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” 2 John 1:9-11

Are we truly prepared to hear everyone? Religion is deemed as a spiritual inclination that seeks to impose perspective on men. Its authority intimidates, up to causing others in similar conviction to refute claims of absolutism from any. Watching the evolution of religion is exasperating, causing the populous to await the next biggest trend so as to participate.

Let us not forget the magnificence of cult leaders who sought to impose religion on many that became a suicide mission. Conviction was so entirely strong causing those once stable like you and me, insanity.

May Monday Seek to Bring Glory to the Only King!