Today’s Thought “Motivation” G. Ward

He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” He gave him a tenth of all.” Genesis 14:19-20

Every convenience is extended Americans on this week to ensure their loved ones have flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, or even chocolate diamonds from local jewelers. Great incentives of free delivery accompany purchases if considered four days (or more) before this illustrious holiday upcoming. Moreover, aisle ways throughout most retail distributors (even hardware type outlets) are with massive displays of holiday paraphernalia, tempting souls towards early purchasing.

Do you feel it necessary to opt for extravagance in what should be a day recognizing love and appreciation? Tennis bracelets, pendants and gold rings tarnish, but tremendous efforts (outside of holiday mandates) in love shown, shed testimonial and exemplary peace. The reciprocity from the recipients therein compels others towards an un-superficial striving in a pursuit of un-prompted affection.

After you’ve visited tangible assertions of love year after year, you’re with containers of chocolate diamonds, while your peripheral scope views this fat, pot bellied guy doing heinous things on your sofa while watching every sports program available, awaiting a next holiday to say he loves you.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Botched Botox” G. Ward

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.” Proverbs 16:31

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccl.1:2)! I’ve come to a better understanding of what insatiable behaviors found in man meant for King Solomon; particularly after watching 15 minutes of the 2015 Grammy Awards on last evening. Amidst a variety of stars I’m not acquainted with, I witnessed some of old (literally) who have become a plastic-surgeon’s delight. Moreover, Clairol, Grecian Formula and other hair care moguls (specializing in hair dye) bask at the exciting possibility in other’s adopting this genre of denial. While I’m certainly not a friend to frivolous lawsuits I must admit that some of these greedy surgeons should be subject to malpractice violations in that they’ve perpetuated cranial mishaps simulating what a face may appear to be in the strongest wind tunnel. Okay! Enough already Gregory!

The actuality of this life given may be without a cosmetic parameter in spiritual proportions; but may certainly offer question to the concocted metamorphositic narcissism I witnessed in some last evening (perhaps I’m jealous?)…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Now and Laters” G. Ward

“For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, while it is said, "TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS, AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME." For who provoked Him when they had heard? Indeed, did not all those who came out of Egypt led by Moses?” Hebrews 3:14-16

Five or ten cents had great meaning when I was a kid. It meant going to the local store to scan the candy aisle absolutely torn on whether to purchase a chocolate candy bar or some of that delicious hard taffy called “Now & Laters.” Amazingly, candy companies manufactured a standard size pack or bar almost double to the existing delicacies. “Now & Laters” became the choice for so many because it lasted a long time and was a most excellent manipulative tool. Your peers would stand at bay in mean spiritedness knowing your pocket revealed something they desired. When you ran out, abusive behavior would return hastily.

The word of God cannot be purchased (1 Cor.6:20) but comparatively lasts a lifetime. Its sweet, savory guidance is comparably ingestible (cf. Ezek.3:2-4), yielding peace and joy for the children of the Most High (cf. Ro.10:8-9). Contrary to entreating selfishness, the children of God realize it’s enough to give away to everyone, never subjective, but entirely factual. There’s no seeking to employ temporal joy unto those troubled souls; it ensures security for believers to exemplify righteousness for the new life given (Ro.6:4). Hastily, I’ll run to it…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Generational Mishap” G. Ward

“Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.…” Galatians 6:1-2

 

The jury is still out on what really happened to Bobbi Kristina Brown (Daughter to Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown) that caused her to be rushed to a hospital, regarded as a victim of drowning. Ironically, she was found unconscious face down in a bathtub, similar to how her mother was found almost three years ago. Her family remains vigil at her bedside while life support mechanisms keep her functioning. This open ended kind of devastation yields terrible speculations from every facet in society. There’s absolutely no resolve given by John Q. Public via castigations or speculations. Prayers of comfort are what’s necessary. Holy God allows this kind of tragedy for His own reasons (cf. Isa.55:8-9). I choose, with a great intentionality to make my salutations unto many (transcendent of age) more genuine an inquiry. In other words, my “How are you today,” will seek to offer myself (through greater listening and a preparedness in activity) although it may serve as an interruption in what has become my plight to a day afforded me by our Great Redeemer (Ps.118:24).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Life, A Bout In Difficulty” G. Ward

“Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-8

Why so much trouble? Seemingly, I’ve just conquered something major to now have another crisis enter. Is this supposed to happen to believers? I ascribe to so many devotional thoughts that share otherwise. They couldn’t be wrong; tens of thousands support them. I have to remain quiet with my troubles because it may reveal my lack of faith. I’ll not stop worshipping because the many I encounter weekly seem as though they’ve gravitated to understanding the denial in these incessant sufferings.

Old Testament’s Job said something more substantive to realize concerning life; "Man is born unto trouble as the sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7). Job’s following expression more reveals the herbicidal antidote for the thistles and THORNS in his garden - "But as for me, I would seek God, And I would place my cause before God” (Job 5:8). Job was more sharing how life’s trouble, although inescapable, seeks to establish reprieve from the Proven Deliverer. The Apostle Paul in our lesson text echoed the same sentiment (But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Cor.12:9).

My best retort unto the irreligious zealots, who in all their eloquent discourses make me feel unfaithful for many troubles experienced, is a perfect counteraction in individual pursuit of the Holy One first! He’ll surely be my Comfort (cf. Ps.46:1)!

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Lord, I Tried…” G. Ward

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

“I need a new attitude.” “I’m going to begin a total health regimen.” “Those relationships not beneficial for me – gone…” The practicality in change is perhaps the most wavering aspect of our lives. I want to offer on today hearty congratulations unto each of you who have endeavored an ongoing need to change. I’m certainly not extending kudos for our attitudes ever evolving – that can be entirely cumbersome. Those insatiable drives more yield to an ideology of “I can fix it.” My admiration stems from the essence of obliterating great problems or addictions, realizing first that there is a problem. Most know more about the pervasiveness in societal expediency that rarely slows down enough to know of a problem.

It’s been given us definitively to understand the meaning of insanity as doing things in a like manner expecting different results. Absolute surrender unto our Sufficient King guarantees PEACE enough to stop trying in my own might. “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil.4:12).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Baby It’s Cold Outside” G. Ward

“And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.” Jude 1:22-23

Our Great God of provision is most certainly worthy of all honor in view of allowing our rescue from perishing. While we may rejoice in our surrender as a servant of the Most High, cognizance with others mocking must not drive more defense, but proaction. Criticism of what seemingly is relinquishing an intellectual posturing common to man, is ultimately a misunderstanding of our very existence. In other words, “God gave you a brain, now use it!” While it certainly sounds prudent, particularly in view of the success with so many including us; quiet moments may reveal a necessary contrast of success vs. failure; unmasking our evaluations of failure as painful. The Apostle Paul desired the world to know that his soul accepted a redemption for himself and others, but persistent practice in surrender is a must: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Phil.3:12). In his day the Roman Empire embraced a plethora of intellectualisms to which he also was superior (cf.Ac.22:2-3), but the newness of life (Jn.14:6, Ro.6:4) afforded him demanded he give to others that to which he received (Phil.3:7-8).

Happy Monday!