Today’s Thought “Smothered Pork Chops and Rice” G. Ward

Mark 7:20-22 And He was saying, “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness.”

I’ve been vegan for 1 year, 3 months, 5 hours and six minutes with periodic bouts in missing varied food items. My having been a member of AARP along with qualifying for senior housing, endeavored this change for health reasons only. As a pastor I’ve been interrogated about catfish, shrimp and pork incessantly. While the answer remains too simplistic for many due to pre-suppositional thoughts that deny conformity, the answer is two-fold: Israel was given law, both moral and dietary to portray them amidst a society purporting their own governance, to be a distinctive people belonging to Holy God for His purpose. Secondly, while Jesus removed evil spirits from two men casting them into a herd of swine whereby immediately they were thrust over a steep bank to drown, that never implied that Mama’s ham was tainted. Every portion of God’s word compels us towards “Perfect Submission” that renders “Perfect Delight!”

Today’s Thought “Wake Up Call” G. Ward

Psalm 121:2-4 “My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.
 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.”

 

"Rip Van Winkle" is a short story by the American author Washington Irving first published in 1819. It follows a Dutch-American villager in colonial America named Rip Van Winkle who falls asleep in the Catskill Mountains and wakes up 20 years later, having missed the American Revolution (Wikipedia).

The swiftness of modern times seeks to pervade on us a similar slumber (cf. Rip Van Winkle), in that we’re now forced to think that prayer efforts unto Holy God obliterating cancer and the like, is that which should awaken HIM to the pestilences of today. Has any diagnosed with this horrendous disease suffered and died; particularly when they’ve lived a life devoted to our Lord? Where then is their suffering now (*1 Cor.15:55-57)? Castigations of political figures who in the name of partisanship seek to convince a populous even while sounding incredulous, exercise masterfully in diversion tactics, subtracting from greater issues that truly advocates their constituency’s concerns. The so-called believer avoids (similarly) the masses with the gospel truth (through concise presentation), ensuring any (who will listen) that Holy God never lost control.

Today’s Thought “To Be or Not to Be…” G. Ward
James 4:17 “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”

If I’m unfamiliar with a particular word, I don’t retrieve a magazine of sorts for the definition; particularly when a dictionary may be within my grasp. Many grapple each day with whose philosophy they’ll adopt to govern their outlook. Moreover, the consensus from these purveyors of motivation agrees that if circumstances and people are disagreeable, venture in an opposite direction. It’s no wonder that the predominance in humankind subject themselves to a merry-go-round syndrome (that is a quest unending); looking for love and acceptance from a populous who embraces selfish pursuits. It’s the very opposite of what TRUTH (*Jn.14:6) personified. Our MAKER delights in our interdependence, but only when we seek out others to encourage; not unto a worldly perspective that keeps us running aimlessly, but scurries towards HIS shelter knowing that the storm is imminent (*Ps.91:1).

Today’s Thought “In A Long Line Without Money” G. Ward

Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Another day granted is without merit from Heaven, especially when any awakens unto one’s own plans. Purporting ideas taken from the whole of society that mandates you can remain as you’ve been (i.e. personality and preference) while compelling Heaven’s embrace, defeats Christ’s sacrifice that desires to own you. Jesus insists, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt.11:29).

Today’s Thought “Punishment Can Be Favor” G. Ward

Revelation 1:9 “I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.”

When choice given man becomes so familiar, he may soon be subject to doom. Moreover, too much preference offered, then perceived, lends more concentration of my own desire over Holy God’s pleasure. John the Revelator sought to uphold his Lord’s selfless-ness by sharing vigorously an urgency to walk accordingly, unto any who would listen. The government exercised in great jealousy, desiring to be all the peace the people would need, while John demonstrated who the real Prince of Peace was, causing him to be banished from the whole of society. Seemingly an impossible loneliness to endeavor, until any by faith perceive the eternal presence Holy God offers. Our observation of Holy God’s word through John’s banishment has become favorable to our today (*Rev.1:1-3).

Use me LORD for Your glory…

Today’s Thought “Just Add More Water…” G. Ward

Hebrews 9:27  “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”

The opportunity given in the name of being awakened more demands a compelling awareness than operating as I’ve done in times past; any less a thought process is contemptuous. Moreover, man’s assessment on how good I’ve been through my own perceived achievements won’t matter against an Eternal regard; that’s regardless of what’s written on my obituary page and how I appeared sleeping peaceably in the coffin afforded me (*Mt.7:21).

Today’s Thought “Social Degradation” G. Ward

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Every impropriety (i.e. political, economic, social) given man is inherent (Ge.8:21); but Jesus saves. We cannot allow tags in permanency to occupy those appearing un-constrained, particularly in view of having received mercy. While the hypocrite remains critical on others, he’s soon to miss a peaceable end (*Heb.4:16, 1 Pe.2:10).