Today’s Thought “Clear and Distinct” G. Ward

 

“Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.” Matthew 13:13

 

The days of old were very compelling as a child, in that, adults that hadn’t seen you in some time would comment up to two minutes or more on how much you had grown since the last visit. Next, the interrogation; asking what you wanted to be when becoming an adult. If you were a Ward child, what resonated immediately was our Dad’s voice that insisted we speak clearly and distinct from what was typical. Our Mother on the other hand, echoed a heartfelt sentiment of “mess up if you want to!” In other words, the place you embarrassed her, would be the place to which you were embarrassed.

My generation (Baby Boomers, born 1946-1964) was trained to speak when spoken to. The current acceptance perpetuated by many adults, is accepting to children not vocalizing at all when spoken to. Many offer quick defense for their disrespectful babies by suggesting how shy they are. Was shy-ness just invented? Early preparedness (cf. Dt.6:5-7) enables greater comfort (in later life terms). So remember, for some of us, it’s not cute when we seek in aiding their (your progeny) interpersonal skills via what should be dialogue. If you begin training them now vs. relegating that responsibility to other systems, perhaps they’ll land the job and move out of your house…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “The First Thing That I’d Do Is…” G. Ward

 

“You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.” James 4:3

 

I’ve heard it a gazillion times. “When I win the lottery I’ll do this or that!” I’m always troubled to hear that it takes great sums of money to enable some of this to exist. The odds in winning such a jackpot are 1 in 175 million. Therefore while waiting, one could be contacting a travel agent for inquiry to a trip somewhere comparable to prior delusions of grandeur. Moreover, your insatiability (cf. 1 Ti.6:10) with tangibles can undergird great taming until that award comes into fruition. I’m convinced that many proposing eminent wealth as the culmination of life (cf. Jn.14:6), can be compared to an uncle with a drinking problem. Under normal conditions of sobriety, his words and activity are seasoned in peace and continuity; but once he’s inebriated, you’ll discover that what was subliminal thoughts of discord and offense, surface and soon might nauseate you (cf. Nu.32:23).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “You Can’t Play With My Ball!” G. Ward

 

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” Romans 12:18

 

 

The Confederate States of America (CSA), commonly referred to as the Confederate States (CS) or the Confederacy, was a government set up in 1861 by seven slave states (i.e. states which permitted slavery) of the Lower South that had declared their secession from the United States following the November 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln. Those seven states created a "confederacy" in February 1861 before Lincoln took office in March. After war began in April, four states of the Upper South also declared their secession and were admitted to the Confederacy. The Confederacy later accepted two additional states as members (Missouri and Kentucky) although neither officially declared secession nor was ever controlled by Confederate forces (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia).

 

For me, the Confederate Flag is offensive. For the Sons of Confederate Veterans it’s symbolic to their heritage. Remarkably, it’s the heritage for many Blacks who witnessed harassment from racist factions (who at the time of their tyranny carried this rebel flag); up to lynching many Blacks, while their last view was this rebel flag (ask Emmitt Till…). Some Jews in the days of Hitler abhorred the sign of the cross, because many oppressors utilized this tremendous symbol while seeking to annihilate them.

 In my family heritage (because I’m Black), we were without potential as secessionists, because we were regarded as property without last names. Commerce was the driving force of these secessionists while claiming a love for God and Country. Totally captivated by free labor (i.e. slavery), secessionists thought of themselves as innocuously defending their brutal disenfranchisement of other human beings (while creating great wealth for themselves). Today’s Sons of Confederate Veterans boldly defend their heritage by comparatively dichotomizing the Confederate Flag against February’s Black History Month Celebration. Well, Sons of the Confederacy, please forgive the populous in recognizing Blacks for their contribution to these UNITED States (particularly considering very little is taught about it vs. American (White) History). One month’s celebration may preclude journalistic sensationalist’s (i.e. mass media) opportunity to highlight Blacks as welfare recipients who refuse to work and lack educational aptitude to achieve anything. Feeling very militant on today, gregory.

Happy Thursday!

 

Today’s Thought “Monkey See, Monkey Do…” G. Ward

 

 ^“Behold, I have found only this, that God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices.” Ecclesiastes 7:29

 

My youngest grandson, Ethan is as impressed with his older brother Colson as my youngest son was with his older brother (only while they were small children). He watches him run day and night seeking to mimic his ways, but motor skills are limited for now. It’s been a long time since I was a baby, but I too was a younger brother and probably did the same. This now serves as a defense for all I do wrong currently; it’s my older brother’s fault…

Before the fall of man (Ge. 3:1-19), mankind had less propensity towards bad follow-ship (i.e. sin). Since then, we’ve (Ro.3:10, 23) been plagued with improper captivation with what perceivably could be beneficial (self-preservation). Our view of wrong models, disables our inherent morality (cf.Eph.1:11-12) intended.

It’s entirely excusable in being an infant desiring what others have. It however, is infantile for adults to aspire towards things or conditions given man before greater consultation is rendered unto “Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, ²¹ to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Eph.3:2021).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Imitator of Righteousness” G. Ward

 

“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;  not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9

 

Like many of you, I’m growing weary concerning consumer rights in receiving excellent care. Lack of interpersonal skills has become entirely pervasive in every industry. It’s particularly disheartening when personal monies are either exchanged or soon to be. We’re reminded (in the passage above) to contemplate HIS graciousness towards us, by not rendering what’s been established, understanding; 1. It’s not personal. 2. And such were some of you.

In the process of extending niceties, remember reciprocity from others might be as the dinosaur – extinct ( ^“But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled.” 1 Pe. 3:14).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Heretically Erroneous” G. Ward

 

“Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith.” 2 Timothy 3:8

 

I marveled at this story on this morning; asking myself, “are people yet this foolish?”

  The Associated Press

MIDDLESBORO, Ky. —

A snake-handling pastor who appeared on the National Geographic television reality show "Snake Salvation" has died after being bitten by a snake during a weekend church service in Kentucky. Jamie Coots was handling a rattlesnake at his Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name Church in Middlesboro when he was bitten on the hand Saturday night, another preacher, Cody Winn, told WBIR-TV (http://on.wbir.com/1cLrs8A ). After the bite, Coots dropped the snakes, but then picked them back up and continued on. Within minutes, Winn said Coots headed to the bathroom.

You’ll find that a little knowledge about anything could be dangerous. Sensationalists seek Holy God’s word for its visual attributes (cf, Mt. 12:38-39, 2 Cor. 5:7). Scriptures like Luke 10:19, (“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.”) have been de-contextualized for centuries. The actuality of this passage demands focus unto every believer for the task given from on high (Mt.28:19). It has very little to do with actual snakes and scorpions. If you’re yet uncertain, ask Jamie Coots. Oh, I’m sorry, he’s dead…

Happy Monday!

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!