Today’s Thought “Who Then Is the JUDGE?” G. Ward

 

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17

 

If I were to engage in intimacy with a significant other every day for one hour, I must realize there are yet twenty-three more hours to which additional occurrences are entertained. I’m seeking an extreme measurement for anything endeavored to share that I’m not what I do. Moreover, there will come a time (perhaps), when libido diminishes and truer perspectives surface (like real love that’s entirely unconditional). Please read the scripture lesson text one more time before going on (slower this time).

Inalienably, I exist from a man and a woman coming together. Holy God created me. Whether or not that union was through fornication, adultery, rape, or marriage, I exist for HIS glory. Therefore, knowing my time as short (Ps.90:10-12), I must determine what script (cf. 2 Ti.3:16-17) I’ll follow. It’s becoming apparent more and more that wrong is right in societal terms. Furthermore, if viewed, you better not say a mumbling word against it or you’ll be tagged a judge! Inasmuch as Holy God compelled us to judge (*cf. 1 Cor. 6:2 / contrary to decontextualized messaging), we’re more followers of societal regard than FINAL AUTHORITY. I’m picking on all of those practitioners of pleasuring themselves (cf. Mt.16:24 / whether heterosexual or homosexual). There’s an inherent morality in every man and if he chooses to extinguish holy living, then he better ready himself for the consequence (Ro.6:23). What you can’t share with your Grandmother is wrong to do! Whether straight or gay, stay in the closet (remembering, that’s not who you are)!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Not Here by Accident” 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

 

Throughout Holy God’s word there exists a contingency for man being recognized as the Lord’s very own. Although available to all (2 Pet.3:9), few (Mt.7:13-14) come to know HIM intimately. The syndrome of adherence to jailhouse legalist’s advice (due to their greater familiarity with court room appearances vs. facts), is synonymous with every false preacher’s suggestion of those who call on His name being the ones recognized by Him. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Mt.7:21). The very inference of calling His name in Romans 10:13, has a better context in that same chapter at verse 9. Making Him Lord, means totally relinquishing custody of yourself by declaring Him as Owner.

Don’t succumb to the modern hype of everyone knowing HIM. It’s time to reciprocate His loving you. What can you give God that he wants that he doesn't have? Something he very much wants. What is it? Here Peter tells us. (verse 9b)

“that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

That is what God wants. He wants you to talk about what he has done for you and tell others what he is like to you; then bring them on to the same (cf. Mt.28:18-19).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Just Another Day” G. Ward

 

“So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

 

I love the Tom Joyner Morning (Radio) Show. There are jokes for more than several hours concerning missed opportunities. One very particularly you can count on every year this time is Valentine’s Day. He and his crew stress the importance of flowers, candy and dipped strawberries delivered personally or professionally to your special lady at her workplace. Without great expansion on why this is so vital, there’s an alluding to a terrible consequence when others (meaning ladies) are in the receiving line, while yours is at watch (to then contemplate how she puts up with your horrible look and loud snoring each night). It’s certainly not a terrible gesture to enable greater “Pomp and Circumstance” before that date (That’s certain to make you the hero!). For those kings of denial, refusing to allow national spotlight on a day in expressing love to dictate their steps; I’ll be sorry for you perhaps 10 seconds while the rest of us are singing "Fire and Desire" by Rick James & Teena Marie, that night (while she is watching your mouth open and close while snoring)!

 

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Rejecting Purity” G. Ward

 

“God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

On last week I shared an experience with another pastor friend of mine at the gym we attend. It was apparent that I was the youngest of the three as we encountered another gentleman who immediately thought using me as a sociological experiment. He was familiar with my pastor friend and asked me if I was receiving any wisdom from him (it was altogether condescending). My immediate reply was, “yes sir, there’s so much to ingest. I however am a little stupid at times, so it may have to marinade a while!” What did I say that for? This compelled the man to preach to me for the next three minutes on how I should never say that! Moreover, he stated, “God hadn’t made anybody stupid!”

My referring to myself that way had absolute recall to Proverbs 12:1. Anyone knowing the way of Holy God and refusing to adjust accordingly is stupid (brutish). Furthermore, those who pompously seek despising the youth of some (i.e. un-solicited counsel) are often contained by stupidity. Many of you want to know what I said after this presumptive one gave his discourse? I would have remained quiet if he was 50% or better in theological matters. He, however, heard from the believer I am. For the following five minutes I shared unadulterated “Truth” with him (cf. 2 Ti.4:2). I hope he wasn’t brutish with adhering to it…

 

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “The Dash” G. Ward

 

^“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:13-16

 

How many eulogies have we heard concerning the significance of the dash representative of life on earth from birth (then a dash), unto death? It certainly ignites greater concern among humanity regarding their works (i.e. character). Those same eulogies will often highlight the deceased efforts as commendable (because you know no one will ever speak negative about the dead, suggesting they died owing me five dollars). If we’re not careful, this kind of eulogizing can/will promote more works righteousness (cf. Eph.2:8-9), than grace given man. From it, many seek the infamy of December 7, 1941 (The Attack at Pearl Harbor that spurned WWII) vs. surrender to the King of Eternity while they breathe. Here’s a sad reality; good people go to hell everyday (cf. Mk. 10:18, Ro.3:10). Stop allowing this Universalist message that says everyone goes to heaven to obscure what Christ demands (cf. Mt.7:21, 1 Jn.5:3)!

 

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “For His Glory” G. Ward

 

“How long, O Lord, will I call for help, And You will not hear? I cry out to You, “Violence!” Yet You do not save.” Habakkuk 1:2

 

Suffering is mentioned more than 84 times in the New Testament. Jesus said, "Remember the word that I said to you, 'A slave is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (Jn.15:20).

As I contemplate calamity, depletion and great uncertainty, I reminisce graciously (Jas.1:2-3), understanding that if it hadn’t been miserable times presented, perhaps I wouldn’t have prayed (cf. Pr.1:24-29)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “I Want to Preach!” G. Ward

 

Then Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel; the land is unable to endure all his words.” Amos 7:10

 

It’s most certainly a question of intrigue while compelling young people to share their life’s ambition. The responses from small children are mostly whimsical at best in that, rarely is one certain of anything while very young. By the time of adolescence, great appeasement is then vocalized from the teenager. Theirs seeks to express character and due diligence, through expressed ambition. If they’re your own progeny, they understand your plight of living vicariously through them and say what you want vs. what’s suitable to pursue.

The minster’s calling to fulfill is marred with a portrayal of monetary success. It’s amazingly the driving force to many who have pursued the righteous code given man and then have an ability to stand in the presence of small and large groups, sharing discourses that must be motivational. It’s said that a little knowledge concerning matter can be dangerous. Although we see prophet after prophet faced with sharing an unadulterated message from Holy God, with great pronouncements of death, gloom and doom, many called supposedly seek to motivate. Moreover, we ‘ve witnessed New Testament church leaders persecuted, stoned, shipwrecked, left for starvation, without monies (cf. 2 Cor. 11:21-29), etc., and fail miserably at seeing that God called them to the entirety of that. But, you’ll wait for your Little Johnny to recite his speech at the next children’s function at church, to echo an ageless urging of, “Dat boy gon be a preacha!” Will he too be commissioned to an eminent death?

Happy Monday!