Today’s Thought “Seeing is Believing” G. Ward

 

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.” Matthew 12:38-39

 

The Scribes and Pharisees mentioned above had a hatred for the Savior and conspired earlier to kill Him (cf. Mt.12:14). Jesus while in the earth was Divine. His ability to see beyond appearances (vs. 15) enabled furthered productivity. Innately and compassionately, His presentation of absolute surrender unto His Father without religious piety was/is a must. Moreover, His desire was to see every Scribe and Pharisee repent and follow Him. He met one such Pharisee on His way to Damascus and saved him (cf. Ac.9:1-19).

We’ve come to know Him solely by faith in His word. Although His allowing healings and miracles to take place in this modernity may be present; salvation’s contingency demands adherence to His commands (1 Jn. 2:3-5). Once we hear the gospel and say yes to His will, we become servants to the Most High. When the postlude of salvation demands a sign from the Master, it says His words aren’t sufficient for eternality sake. Will you still demand a sign? Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Seemingly Insignificant” G. Ward

 

“So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night.” Exodus 14:20

 

How many times have we hurried through Holy God’s words seeking context to miss its strongest point? I’ve learned that every article, noun and verb, carry significance for the reader. Infinite Wisdom (God Himself), didn’t chronicle every historical fact that took place amidst His people and others, just those to be ingested and applied; and no matter how much we’ve endeavored concerning it, there are nuances to embrace each time.

The storyline given at Exodus, chapter 14 cannot and should not be approached with familiarity. The children of Israel were fleeing Egypt (their captors) unto freedom’s land under the direction of God’s servant Moses. When it appeared as though Holy God abandoned them, based on their viewing Pharaoh’s army from afar they murmured against the entire concept of God’s rule. Their faith was with the cloud by day and the fire by night(Ex.13:21), not the Creator who supplied assurance.

It’s become the perfect witness for modern day believers, emphasizing walking by faith and not by sight (2 Co. 5:7). We must never demand a sign (Matthew 12:39, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign!”). HIS presence has/will be sufficient forever and ever, AMEN.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Squalid Conditions” G. Ward

 

^“Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” Jeremiah 29:5-7

 

"Village Ghetto Land"

Would you like to go with me
Down my dead end street
Would you like to come with me
To Village Ghetto Land

See the people lock their doors
While robbers laugh and steal
Beggars watch and eat their meal -from garbage cans

Broken glass is everywhere
It's a bloody scene
Killing plagues the citizens
Unless they own police

Children play with rusted cars
Sores cover their hands
Politicians laugh and drink-drunk to all demands

Families buying dog food now
Starvation roams the streets
Babies die before they're born
Infected by the grief

Now some folks say that we should be
Glad for what we have
Tell me would you be happy in Village Ghetto Land

Village Ghetto Land

One of my favorite albums of all time would have to be Stevie Wonder’s Songs In the Key of Life (1976). This particular song, Village Ghetto Land asks a great question for the ones of us lacking empathy, and then quick to share with those in despair, “things could be worse” or “count your blessings!”

Words most certainly be encouraging, we however can cheapen our verbal expressions via our inability to remain vigilant with those distressed an oppressed victims. The Apostle James recorded, “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (3:2). When your time arrives to stumble, what is it that you want to hear? Happy Monday!

Today's Thought "Greater Intellect" G.Ward


"And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” Matthew 16:7


Men, we just don't get it. Valentine's Day was last week, but the celebration isn't over. There must be a concerted effort to establish a periodic time each week to say "I love you" more than with words. Perhaps you're like many who blame fiscal impropriety with why dinner outside of home isn't
possible. Well arranging dinner preparation together might be the solution. Maybe a walk through the park, even on a cold day, hand in hand could serve two fold; 1. Great Romance. 2. Tremendous Exercise.
More imperative, we'll need to listen more with our hearts, than our limited intellects.
The disciples of Jesus had a similar
problem (lacking insight). The Savior's warning of a complacency that would promote divisiveness, became understood in tangibilities. The intimacy intended for every man is violated when our reliance lies unilateral of Christ rule.
Keep the fire burning! Learn to listen with your heart, to never allow another national celebration's dictatorship to charter a course that should be ordinary. Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Small Beginnings” G. Ward

 

“A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.” Mark 15:21

 

Simon of Cyrene is depicted as a spiritual hero. While walking the streets of Jerusalem, he was chosen by a bunch of antagonizing Romans to help an inconspicuous Savior to the world carry a cross soon to become His method for dying. Why Simon? I wasn’t there, so I don’t know! Moreover, every historian is speculative. Perhaps he looked strong enough? Maybe he was the only man around? Whatever the reason, great obscurity via the bible passages indicating his help, assist us in knowing that today’s manufactured mishaps can become tomorrow’s salvation for others.

The Apostle Paul regarded Rufus’ Mother (or Simon’s wife) as his very own (cf. Ro.16:13). We don’t know if Simon of Cyrene was a devout Jew in Jerusalem for the Passover, or just visiting; but surely the Apostle’s great interactivity with her involved some early proselytizing to enable her to be equated as “Mother” (cf. 2 Co. 6:14)?

From this storyline I’ve learned how to take life’s frustrations and assume that Holy God may utilize these for His glory (cf.Ro. 8:28, Jas.1:2-7). Furthermore, our lives really don’t belong to us, we’re instruments of His. When we ask to be used of Him, it may not be as palatable, but necessary.

Finally, don’t pursue frustrations and anticipate abuse because of your desire towards heroism. Just understand that set-backs are as ordinary as seeing the sun rise each day and our Gracious, Sufficient, God, won’t ever leave us to fend for ourselves (Mt.28:20, Heb.13:5)! Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Climatic Veracity” G. Ward

 

So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes.” John 12:35

 

Well it’s here ladies and gentlemen! This day designated for expressions of love to flow heart to heart. Men of frugality echo an abused sentiment heard time and time again; “I don’t wait on the world to tell me when and how to say, I love you!” Although your opinion may reflect this sentiment, is it a bad thing to reiterate loving those around you? Yes, perhaps the commercialization is out of hand, but it doesn’t mean our succumbing to the entirety of what’s presented. Hand-made cards or letters can be far more sentimental than Hallmark Collections.

Heartfelt expressions of great care are often the encouragement necessary to endure life’s trials. There certainly exists a blessed assurance that Jesus is our Savior and His presence should be Sufficient; but He’s given us one another in a spirit of true interdependence (cf. Heb. 10:25), that encouragement would be incessant until His return. So if it means saying Happy Valentine’s Day for the many standing in the gap of despair, I’ve determined to share how elated I am for such care! Happy Thursday!  

Today’s Thought “Interpretive Challenges” G. Ward

 

As they danced, they sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.”

 1 Samuel 18:7

 

On last Saturday, our church hosted its third annual Valentine’s Day Banquet. I was a true fan of the syndicated shows, “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Waltons” and our church social lacked resemblance to either. The cadence of the music had me desirous of soft string quartets for the next two days. Cultural line dancing such as the “Wobble,” The Electric Slide” and “The Cupid Shuffle” enabled those recipients of knee replacement surgery, cancer survivors and victims, along with a few ladies who need their husbands assistance in entering and exiting their perspective vehicles, opportunity to never depart from the dance floor.

Although your place of worship is without this type of celebratory event, is it appropriate to offer castigation against others having fun? Many are quick to reply how synonymous that is with worldly standards. I would ask, “Did the world invent dancing, or was it historically an outpouring ceremonial, elative rejoicing? Moreover, are there intramural sports played within varied churches and would that be classified by some as “worldly?”

As a Pastor, I must share my opinion concerning church socials. I cannot condone any congregant exercising in dances of old like The Cabbage Patch, The Bump, or The Funky Chicken, but The Wobble is fine! Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “My Funny Valentine” G. Ward

 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5

 

As a child, I demonstrated an aptitude towards being a romantic. Valentine’s Day was a favorite way to expressing the love I had for a variety of little girls without intimidation. Year after year my parents would purchase those small paper cards that children trade and I would find the ones containing the strongest love expression to generate throughout the pretty girl region, never receiving any recognition from them at all. It is definitively stated that insanity is doing the same thing, yet expecting a different result.

Many of us grow up trading cards in the same. Moreover, Jared and Kay Jewelers will keep the lights on for this week until the last customer departs. Altogether, this anticipated day expresses conditional love for true emotional attachment. Impetuously, many are saying not true. I give on a “regardless” basis. What if the receiver doesn’t smile or say thank you, are your efforts then re-evaluated?

Loving Holy God first is the holistic approach/antidote for life’s expectations. The intimacy with HIM shares an ability to remain impervious to what might be deemed as reactionary from others, allowing me to render tokens of love, never looking back… Happy Monday!

Today's Thought "Unpardonable" G. Ward



"And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil." 1 Timothy 3:7


The National Football League's Baltimore Ravens celebrates 2013 SuperBowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Although Joe Flacco received the posthumous most valuable player award, the spotlight was on their notorious linebacker Ray Lewis. He gained notoriety not on his accolades in being notably one of the best linebackers who played professional football, but for his alleged involvement in a murderous plot during the 2000 SuperBowl held here in Atlanta. He pled guilty to obstructing justice in exchange for testifying against 2 defendants.
Sadly, many political conservatives exacerbate unforgiveness for this man by insisting his guilt.
High profile murder cases immediately formulate opinions from viewers. Moreover, television networks like Fox News (the supposed unbiased network), reek divisiveness and hatred of any opinion outside of political and social conservativism. It is the absolutism that shouldn't be regarded as principle that President Obama declared in his recent inaugural address.
Our modernity's fixation on media awaits pundit's expression on social or political values to then adopt them unto our philosophical stance. We preclude entirely a notion of independent thought.
Ray Lewis, upon being interviewed after this year's victory, was faced with a journalist's questioning his involvement in what transpired 13 years ago, whereby he was totally exonerated. FORTUNATELY, he avoided the question like the Bubonic Plague. The truth is that no matter what he says, opinions have become actual. Many embracing a life of perpetual castigation will never forgive. Ray Lewis will need to say what they need to hear. I thank God that Lewis' confession of Jesus as Lord is sufficient.
Until our Redeemer returns, here's what HE has to say to the rest of us murderers; "Commit murder’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell" (Mt.5:21-22). Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “R.I.P.?” G. Ward

“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. ⁵³ For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:52-55

On this morning I have a funeral to preach. A dear friend (mostly) and congregant, Contrail Kitchens, passed away. I know the services will be well attended in that he was in his early 40’s. If he were 82, I couldn’t leave work… Many will arrive early to see his remains, reciting the traditional funeral rhetoric; “He looks like he’s sleeping,” or “Rest in peace Brother Contrail.” Both of these expressions have stemmed from our inability to discern Holy God’s word over what’s traditionally acceptable. With the passage above it’s as clear as stained glass in a Catholic cathedral. It’s imperative we slow down well enough to see that Christ’s return has Contrail with Him along with others who have died in Jesus, then our change (those of us yet living) is eminent (vs. 52, 1 Th.4:14).

Rest is not a factor for those uncontaminated by flesh (cf. 2Co.5:2-4). Absence from flesh is immediate presence with God (2 Co.5:6-8).

We’re in an era now where word games are necessary to establish a hope in desired effect. For example, fat people like me don’t say diet, we say eating healthier (that will surely help me lose). There are no more funerals, they’re home-goings (will that comfort Contrail’s children, particularly after all the festivities are done and it gets quiet?).

Here’s our reality; “This is the day which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps.118:24). Holy God included you in His today because you have purpose in Him. It’s not so that you’d be insatiably driven by your desires, but to please the Master (2 Co.5:9) is my goal.

I’ve got to go now, this funeral, oh, I’m sorry this home-going is shortly to begin… Happy Thursday!

Today's Thought "Who Am I Really" G. Ward


"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all." Proverbs 22:1-2


In the bible there are numerous examples given whereby names of men were changed based on their new pursuit in Holy God.
Frivolously, in today's moments, some men seek escapism from past imperfects by creating a new identity for themselves. Although both appear plausible, the latter lacks an ordination from Holy God that may cause man's conveyance of super paranoia as he travels
throughout the marketplace seeking ambiguity from who he once was.
Many of us frequent a similar ideology (i.e. seeking ambiguity from a past perception from others) from time to time. Our mouths have opened and bad words, attitudes and opinions violated others. Had we contemplated the essence of what Jesus referred to in Matthew 16:24 ( deny yourself), there would be very little need to "climb underneath a rock."
The beauty with our proverbial theme for today is that we've been chosen. His pursuit of us is entirely sufficient and serves as adequate
shelter (Isa.4:6).
Allow Holy God to change your name. No, not from Mary to Jane, but from a paradigm of dim or darkness, to light and joy; remembering only HE can do that. If like me you've put your foot in your mouth in times past, His awakening you in this day reveals His purpose for/in you.
Happy Wednesday!