Today’s Thought “Without Grace” G. Ward

“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” Romans 13:8

Stop, drop and roll is the best practice when fire consumes our bodies. It’s so very engrained in our mindsets that if faced with such a crisis it’s probable that our yielding to this would save our lives. The Word of God for the believer is filled with reminders of the Savior’s graciousness towards us (Ro.5:8). Have we sought a practice in reciprocity (Jas.2:13)? Is there one in your embrace needing restoring (i.e. forgiveness) before you die? Moreover, are you with claimants on heaven while pompously not forgiving another; very particularly in view of your being instrumental in crucifying our Lord (cf. Ac.2:22-24, 37)? Without showing mercy, you’re perhaps on your way to a fire that can’t be put out…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Early Winter” G. Ward

He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:2-3

Whether you support political implications of “Global Warming” or not won’t change the fact that I’ve awakened the past two days to the equivalent of late January weather. I listen to the forecasts marveling at these early extremes never to contemplate our dependence on fossil fuels vs. pursuit of clean, renewable energy implementation. My only concern is determining how I should dress.

Furthermore, I believe our earthly stewardship (cf. Ge.1:26-30, Ps.8:4-8) if followed implicitly by the Land Owner (i.e. Holy God) maintained in the mindset of man as his highest consideration, health, economics and inclusiveness would permeate the world…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Reverence, Regardless” G. Ward

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.” Psalm 145:18-19

On last week, former Los Angeles Lakers player Lamar Odom experienced a setback that almost cost him life on earth. His popularity as a professional sports hero along with marrying into a family of notable wealth enabled great media coverage. Social media’s participants implored everyone to pray and very particularly that Holy God would demonstrate His wonder working ability.

Here’s the problem. The audacity in demand from such lowly vessels unto the Creator, Controller, Owner, All Wise, King of all Kings, need not submit to a desperate people for a sign (Mt.12:39); while superficially proclaiming after Odom regained composure that He’s worthy to be praised. I’m troubled about a people told to celebrate a longing for home (cf. Jn. 14:1-3, 2 Co. 5:1-5, Phil.1:21) that desire to live problem free in earth, while wondering if this sports star died, would Holy God be praised then for the Great Things HE Has Done?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Just Got Paid…” G. Ward

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Titus 2:11-12

Is there great fiscal detriment associated with getting paid on the 15^th so very close to Saturday? Are we more subject to visit the pricier restaurant vs. the franchise? The enormity in deeper contemplation with choice may lessen; particularly when one fails to plan, violating needed budget. While being frugal has become synonymous with cheap, frugality’s posturing is rarely depleted…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Pragmatic Assessment” G. Ward

“And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:4-5

Here’s horrible trichotomizing (so please forgive me in advance): The winners of various oratorical contests (for young people) while urged to become preachers, or politicians (in adulthood), could very well choose pimping (of sorts). All seek (vocationally) to persuade men unto captive thoughts. Unfortunately many are reliant on eloquence vs. trusting substance via conviction.

More than demanding speeches in exhilaration (which come and go) that temporarily renders comfort and a pseudo confidence; there’s TRUTH that transcends generations (read our scripture emphasis again).

Happy Thursday!  

Today’s Thought “Looking for Grandmother” G. Ward

“For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten.” Ecclesiastes 9:5

There’s an autumn that many experience in longing to hear a voice of the past and particularly when love defined the relationship more than any other adjective. When loss occurs, genuine words of comfort from others convey what has been for numerous generations that aren’t entirely true (e.g. “Mother is looking down on us,” or “When I get to heaven I’m going to look for _______.”).

Faith under the auspice of Christ seeks to impart to His disciples a unity (Eph.4:4-6) expressive of every believer as family. In other words, “blood is thicker than water” when the premise has become the spillage at Calvary’s cross (1 Jn.1:7-9). Let’s decide that the Fellowship matters more than the superficial approach we’ve all been instrumental in exacerbating (cf. Jas.2:8-9). Holy God has blessed us with a spiritual capacity unto loving so much more than conceivable (cf.Ro.11:33). Bless the legacy of Grandmother by searching out more family…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Church Decline” G. Ward

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:3

Perhaps you haven’t noticed this at your local worship center, but I have; where are all the people? It’s a sort of “peek a boo” kind of relationship (now you see me, now you don’t). There are so many estimations on why this has become so pervasive and all perhaps are with merit. The word of God however has prophetically portrayed the cause of man (self-centeredness, cf.2 Ti.3:1-4) as the main culprit. Moreover, the response to salvation’s call mostly goes unchecked, that is without an intensive, systematic study of God’s word that implores us to not miss opportunity in discipleship and fellowship (Heb. 10:25). Perhaps you’re inconsistent? Is it because the vivaciousness of service time diminished? Maybe the music ministry lacks nuance? We could go further but here’s resolve, seek Truth (Jn.14:6) alone. Inconsistency breeds doubt and the facts state HE (Jesus) never stopped loving you (Ro.5:8). Love HIM back by faith and commitment.

Happy Tuesday!