Today’s Thought “License to Kill” 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

 

Ms. Pomerantz was my tenth grade teacher in a class regarded as “Communications.” It was very apparent (appearances only) she was from the era of those regarded as “Hippies” (The hippie (or hippy) subculture was originally a youth movement that arose in the United States during the mid-1960s and spread to other countries around the world. The word 'hippie' came from hipster, and was initially used to describe beatniks who had moved into New York City's Greenwich Village and San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district. Wikipedia ). We covered varied genres of great literature and music. Like most 15/16 year old numb skulls, I failed to see any merit to understanding an Author’s intent (i.e. through composition), yet retaining enough therein to receive the appropriate grade. As I matured, I realized the importance of contextualization.

While liberal arts (such as what I was exposed) has become the mantra in American education, it can more promote great philosophical redundancy (i.e. perpetuate lack of originality). Knowing this helps me to identify that which is most important to pursue (Mt.6:19, 24:35). Although our analytical antennas rarely view the origin of our own sayings, be assured you weren’t the inventor. Rather than to seek greater intellect, follow tremendous Professor-ship as students of the Most High; demanding from yourself, “No More Plagiarism!” I’ll be authentically HIS forever…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Restraint” G. Ward

“No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:27

 

Yo-yo dieting is more ordinary today than ever before. Now for all my fast metabolizing friends without body pockets, I would imagine this would apply to you also. Dieting can more than encompass seeking reduction by demanding proper eating habits. Unfortunately, I battle with both these efforts. From one gallon of milk weekly (many years ago), I’ve now come to a point of being lactose intolerant. Moreover, most foods now lends itself to great investigation in that, my probing seeks to know how acidious every item ingested might be (can you say reflux?).  Many that accompany me in dining out are quick to congratulate my choices, when in actuality it’s forced cognizance. I really want the cake Annie Mae!

My Saturdays are quite indifferent from most, particularly regarding how some may splurge on high fat (caloric) foods. Sunday is a work day for me. I have to stand and share a discourse of perhaps 40 minutes or so each Sunday. My ambassadorship demands absolute surrender unto HIS message. If gastric impropriety invades my discourse, its effectiveness could be marginalized.

Many years ago I learned this the hard way and at the very beginning of my sermon I called for intense prayer as I sprinted towards the lavatory. Perhaps many didn’t notice for that 5 minute break, but my wife and sons knew and wouldn’t let it go; so I killed them. My second wife got wind of my indiscretion so all she does is sit and smile…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “To Thine Own Self…” G. Ward

 

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24

 

From a monologue delivered by the character Polonius in Act I Scene III of Hamlet by William Shakespeare appeared these words, “to thine own self be true.” This expression is most certainly transcendent to greater philosophy; but more demands applied introspection from all.

On today, I’m contemplating my eternality. All men are eternal beings and whether we desire addressing it or not, we make the choice (i.e.whether heaven or hell, man is immortal and lives forever). My question for everyone on today is, what qualifies you for heaven? Sure, HIS mercy is great and His grace is entirely sufficient; but is trusting that HE is greatly to be praised good enough to enter? I would imagine that if we were to take a poll (scientifically or otherwise), most would admit to this (His greatness, that is). Throughout the New Testament and leading to it, no mere human qualified (or was good enough, cf. Eph.2:8-9). Implicit trust in the Savior unlocks the door to heaven (Ro.10:9, Rev.3:20). Yes, He’ll receive you just as you are, but making Him Owner of your new life demands CHANGE (2 Cor.5:17)! Whatever is, or has become preeminent to pursuing the love relationship intended with Christ is your god (Mt.6:21, 24)! It’s not too late to say yes…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Far Too Costly” G. Ward

 

^“Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.” Colossians 2:16

Sadly, Easter is regarded as the “Superbowl” of every holiday in Christendom. I say that because every believer is responsible for promulgating the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, daily. Unfortunately, we’ve viewed a variety of schemes emanating from many local churches. One of my Pastor buddies decided it would be a perfect day to dress down (jeans and tee shirts); to have his many congregants “sow” ( I almost despise misuse of this terminology) what it was they were to spend on Easter garments and accessories, unto the church.

I miss the days of when the people were more proprietary in the local church vs. “Founder-Pastor status. Certainly there’s nothing wrong with this status until these overseers perpetuate compromise by sharing an un-exciting possibility (along with being scripturally erroneous) of one being able to give anything to Holy God (cf. Ps. 24:1) to then receive something back. HE never moved based on man’s presenting HIM with tangibles. You would think by now many would have done away with a “works righteousness” concept (cf. Eph.2:8-9). Congregants are now inviting friends and family to their services, contingent on their receiving a new flat screen television? I thought our inviting them unto salvation was everything (Mt. 28:19)? We’re now having congregants playing a sort of “Price Is Right” game.

“Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech: "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you.” Proverbs 1:20-26

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Betrayal” G. Ward

“All who hate me whisper together against me;
Against me they devise my hurt, saying, “A wicked thing is poured out upon him,
That when he lies down, he will not rise up again.” Even my close friend in whom I trusted, Who ate my bread,
Has lifted up his heel against me.” Psalm 41:7-9

 

It’s been said “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I say, “sounds catchy” but more sketchy than accurate. Adopting some of these philosophical principles precludes our mistrusting what Final Authority demands (cf. Pr.3:5-6, Mt.5:44). Moreover, for those with special insights in knowing who a potential enemy might be; can you say SOOTHSAYER (Dt.18:10)? King David’s very trusted advisor/friend betrayed him after years of loyalty to then join his son Absalom’s plight to overthrow the kingdom (by any means necessary) through vicious plotting (cf. 2 Sa.15-17, Ps.41).

There was a young girl in the fourth grade who appeared a slow learner. She towered over the entire class. Her girth indicated how much stronger she was over the typical 9 year old. She was reluctant in sharing her age, but believed to have been 11 at that time. Ordinarily, she didn’t encounter too many challenges from her classmates (i.e. no one teased her because they were entirely intimidated). Periodically, there was one who’d forget. Why did I open my big mouth and demand it was my time to clap the erasers while she insisted I sit down quickly? I was as loquacious then as I am now. Seemingly winning the argument, while receiving an invitation to get a beat down after the last bell would sound. Somebody say, “get a plan quick Brother Greg!”

Fortunately, it may have been the second hour (in our session that day), with 4 more to go. This afforded my creativity to flow miraculously. Before she could threaten me per hour, I began to antagonize her publicly. Although at that time I was small in stature, my reputation as robust was proven. By the last hour, all our classmates strongly anticipated the fight of the century. I sought one last effort; sharing how I would defeat this Philistine. Upon my completed discourse, I looked her way smiling nervously. Wait a minute! What’s that? Yes! She smiled, even chuckled back! Some idiot would say that I mimicked King David’s victory over Goliath. I say I did what it took not to get my behind whooped! “Don’t let your mouth write a check that your behind can’t cash” may apply here – you think?

Evil is without the constituency enough to destroy what’s intended for man when his trust is implicit in Holy God. For my charismatic friends, it most certainly doesn’t mean they won’t be successful at taking you away from earth’s equation, it simply echoes the Apostle Paul’s sentiment found in Philippians 1:21, “But to live is Christ and to die, gain!”

Happy Throwback Thursday! (True Story)

Today’s Thought “Stormy Monday” G. Ward

 

“For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.” Psalm 51:3

 

The implications of road rage can/will have very little to do with its victim’s lacking proper driving techniques. Unpreparedness (i.e. running late) most certainly could be the catalyst that embraces common decency exemplified; but I’m more inclined to believe that this kind of rage mostly emanates from lack of reconciliation from current or past relationships.

So many forego the training regimen necessary that lends itself to peace personified (cf. Eph.4:26). Instead, their presumptive attitudes demand you just move on command or decipher their calculating mindset. When that fails to happen, angry looks, finger gestures and obscenities flow from their beings. Moreover, there exists training for the victims. It’s comparable to an exercise taught unto us as small children; “stop, drop and roll!” While a literal fire may not be eminent, unnecessary confrontation will/can promote great combustion (cf. Pr.15:1, Jas. 4:1-6). Some would perhaps love to share a desired perspective (regarding how one should address road rage) with you, but they’re dead…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “As It Should Be” G. Ward

“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24

Little House on The Prairie was one of my favorite television series. I have this longing to see this modernity return to a basic understanding/appreciation for that to which gave them foundation. I’m imagining on today varied church excerpts from the show. Ordinarily, there was a great congregational hymn sung that sought conveying how great Holy God is. It didn’t arrive with great falsettos from three part harmonization, nor was there a soloist who sought transposing the lyrical content into an entertaining format. They just sung how great HE was/is.

It appears that now every generation seeks to make hymns and praise more ecstatic. They rule out non pretentious (i.e. traditional) worship, because it’s not captivating, or would potentially bore someone. There’s this seeker-friendly mode that’s become so entirely pervasive, leading to great compromise that blatantly forgets that only God can grow His church (cf. Jn.12:32). We’ll yet congratulate every local church exhibiting great talent through what Ed Sullivan (The Ed Sullivan Show. Broadcast for 23 years from 1948 to 1971, it set a record for longest-running variety show in US broadcast history.) coined as “A Really Big Show!”

The believer’s perspective is that of maturity and realizes; we go to church to worship God, and that's done by giving, not getting. We go to offer something to Him, not to receive from Him. Moreover, where do we find a biblical representation of what we now see in our local assemblies (cf. 2 Cor.5:10)?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Small Church” G. Ward

“Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” Acts 2:37

 

In accordance to those identifying as belonging to Holy God, the local assemblies should all be without space for another. Although manuscripts have benefitted (seemingly so) many concerning identifying their purpose (particularly as it concerns their faith walk); it more reveals how absorbed they are with their selfish plight (cf. Ro. 10:8). Inasmuch as Holy God demands denial (Mt. 16:24), sacrifice (Ro.12:1-2), availability (Isa.6:8-13) and re-productivity (Mt. 28:18-20), we insist HE become our servant. In His presence we say no. Yet, if it’s not raining outside, or I awaken to ache, I very well may allow my countrymen opportunity to see my magnificence on Sunday morning, whereby I’ll praise Him as if I’d never consider missing services.

As you ascribe to everyone’s blog, listen to gospel melodies and view religious programming a great preponderance of your day, I’ll need you to contemplate His demand found in Hebrews 10:25. Through my paraphrase, it demands, “NEVER MISS A WORSHIP TIME WITH THE BRETHREN BECAUSE IT’S THE VERY PREPARATION YOU’LL NEED TO ESTABLISH YOU AND OTHERS IN ACCORDANCE TO MY PURPOSE.”

Until then, I’ll see all your religiosity on Facebook that embraces all your spiritual rhetoric while your local assembly awaits your presence. Can you say hit and miss?

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Runaway Train” G. Ward

 

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.” James 3:8

 

Adam-12 was a television series from the early 1970’s that I enjoyed. It was all we had that simulated what is now reality TV. Its melodramatic events allowed police officers opportunity towards societal resolve. One thing stood out each time I viewed this telecast. On the side of each patrol vehicle was the words, “To Protect and Serve.” I’m contemplating this as it relates to my position as a pastor.

Believers have a constant referral by Holy God as being sheep (Isa. 40:11, Jn.10:3, 10:14-16). Therefore, an overseer (cf.1Ti.3:1-7), such as myself, has a responsibility to shepherd them. In all I suppose, I’m yet without an ability to protect one when they feel very comfortable in a field of uncertainty and although they know many snares are prevalent, theirs is impervious to being trapped. It’s said; “you can’t outsmart the fox,” but their little knowledge of the field’s contaminants render them protected prey (seemingly). In Vegas they’d bet on black as it’s relative to playing roulette (although other colors exist for betting).

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (Jas.1:19). Holy God’s admonishing understood there would be some who take a little knowledge and become, “faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings at a single bound!"

"Look! Up in the sky!"
"It's a bird!"
"It's a plane!"
"It's a Dummy that Talks Too Much!"

Happy Throwback Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Unconscionable” G. Ward

 

Whoever says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person.” 1 John 2:4

 

 

When becoming a believer in Christ, there’s supposed to be a spiritual metamorphosis (cf.2 Cor.5:17). This very act of surrender precludes my agenda (Mt 16:24), including advocacy of the many causes of man that have become obviously preeminent to Christ rule. Calling HIM Lord delineates His cause as absolutely sufficient in every circumstance.

When I know of your social club or political affiliation (particularly with your incessant invitations) before being invited to know HIM intimately, it most certainly reveals your prioritizing HIM as secondary. Therefore, our loquaciousness unfolds what’s in the heart (cf. Mt.6:21). In other words, you can make your mouth say anything. Moreover, for the ones that boasts of their tenure in Christ, including faithful participation in worship; where is your protégé? Furthermore, I’m sure your perspective place of worship, boasts on how many new converts accompany you each week because of your personal witness in knowing Christ (i.e. Not saying how good He’s been to you or sharing how much scripture you know and who was on the prayer line this morning.). That means every believer is compelled to definitively receive the un-churched by sharing a plan of salvation, then personally equipping them, until they’re prepared to equip others. Gregory, I wish you would be more encouraging…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “12 Years A Slave: Long Enough!” G. Ward

 

“You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:7

 

Where was Dr. Phil or Laura Schlessinger when our generation (The Baby Boomers, those born between 1946-1964) when we needed them? Parents of old would often treat their progeny as slaves. I recall our desire years ago; never wanting to remain indoors (particularly when the sun rose). Regardless of age (i.e. children, youth, or young adult), young people sought to play or convene outdoors. There however was a common thread unrehearsed with any of us that demanded; play as far away from home as possible. This activity’s production wasn’t suggestive of an evil agenda; it more promoted a cognizance of horrible parenting soon to invade sociability’s avenue.  God bless the child who remained close to home because, more sooner than later, a parent would yell your name (or in my case they would always forget my name, being the youngest and call my brother’s to which I had better answer). Whatever you were doing had to cease immediately. There was an unspoken code amongst children of our generation that both waited one’s return (halting the activity; particularly if you were good at it) and rarely teasing another with yo momma jokes.

I’ve never taken a scientific poll with my siblings, but I’m inclined to believe I was called on more than they were (entirely argumentative). Although a rough life for many (seemingly so), it shared a discipline desperately needed on today.  “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

Happy Tuesday!