Today’s Thought “Reprimand” G. Ward

 

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

 

Positions of authority are often accompanied with uncooperative moments in humanity. For some, highlighting errors from others arrive at violator’s feet without regarding long term dissolution of the same occurrence. Authoritarians can often reveal greater discord than potential harmony in how they attack indifference shown by subordinates. If supervision will hasten towards contemplation before activity, peaceable admonition may follow (i.e. when I see that you care enough to exemplify great respect unto me, my desire should then seek to establish what could be helpful for both you and the institution thereof).

Sure, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” but heaven’s demand is often antithetical to traditional appropriation. Seek never to offend by remembering “and such were some of you (1 Cor. 6:11)…”

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Sibling Continuity” G. Ward

“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. ⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children.” Titus 2:3-4

 

The idea of picking oneself up by one’s own bootstrap is the biggest misnomer in history. It promotes the very antithesis of man’s existence. Holy God, from the very beginning knew man’s existence needed companionship (cf. Ge.2:21-22) to keep him accountable to greater re-productivity (both physical and mindful).

Titus, a young man who accompanied the Apostle Paul on several missionary journeys, was privileged to have in his midst a man of God acquainted with his responsibility as exemplary. Paul’s model was the life of Christ, Who was entirely sacrificial (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1).

On today, I’m so entirely thankful to those inconspicuous heroes I was privileged to watch growing up. They without knowing gave me great ammunition to destroy the thoughts of contributing to societal ills as we’ve seen demonstrated in this modernity.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “On the Periphery” G. Ward

 

“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Revelation 21:2

 

John the Apostle of Jesus Christ was compelled to live on an island (Patmos) to hear, then write the words Holy God demanded (Rev. 1:19). The relentless attacks from the ungodly, very particularly those embracing more religion than intimacy with Christ, most probably allowed John great reprieve in this isolation. Personally, my greatest joy in life is spending time with Holy God. He compels me to remain in the parameter of His love and wisdom. It’s entirely comforting to allow Him to dictate my steps. When I hear from Him, like John I record all He instructs. It teaches me to slow down and capture the glory vs. getting a portion and running aimlessly. I’ve done it enough to understand that the reverberation of that sprint (Pr. 6:18) yields unrest.

I want to thank God for Him being a Perfect Refuge on today; Moreover, His revelation. It was written that every man would be afforded (Ro. 10:13) an opportunity to repent before the end. Thanks be to God for His perfect gift, Jesus (cf. Mt. 7:21, Jas. 1:22)!

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Inexplicable” G. Ward

“I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a sign of a covenant between Me and the earth.” Genesis 9:13

Science has been a great catalyst in understanding throughout the centuries. Mighty men and women have pursued personal intrigue or unintentionally sided with great intimation such as “necessity is the mother to invention.” Many have sought great divisiveness by suggesting Christianity negates science as godly. The truth of the matter more favors in depth analytical behavior from man unto the things to which he was given dominion (cf. Ge.1:28-30) and the protection therein.

Early pioneers of science (such as Sir Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday, Louis Pasteur and George Washington Carver) embraced Holy God by taking hypothesis into reality not by usurping HIS infinite wisdom and power; but boasting on HIS sufficiency in nature. Today’s scientists are seemingly gaining notoriety by insisting personal accolade through questionable prudence. Michael Faraday's (Father of Electromagnetism, 1791 - 1867) life and passion for science can best be summed up in his own words:”I cannot doubt that a glorious discovery in natural knowledge, and the wisdom and power of God in the creation, is awaiting our age, and that we may not only hope to see it, but even be honored to help in obtaining the victory over present ignorance and future knowledge."

While great intellectuals have been privy in deciphering varied codes of nature, there yet are some (such as the rainbow) “inexplicable…”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Conquering Shame” G. Ward

 

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11

Often times, our viewing people as they are fails to realize there could frivolity of the past. As I contemplate my past, very particularly on this day (June 20) thirty –five years ago my sister bore our first niece. Sadly, my great friend (Harry), along with his great friend (Chuckie Doss) and stupid me sought drinking liquor (from the bar in our home) in access via contest. Needless to say, everyone lost.

It was that same day I’m pleased to say that my mother’s very first grandchild was born on her birthday (What a Gift!). It’s often necessary for me to contemplate how Good the Lord has been in sparing me from annihilation (or self destruction). Now what’s become apparently necessary is to render greater mercy for those in progress (cf. Jas.2:13)…

Happy Birthday Mom & MeMe!

Happy Friday 2 All!

Today’s Thought “Godly Virtues” G. Ward

 

“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8

 

Discerning what is godly should never emanate from what perceivably has been tagged morality. Morality can/will often be construed from cultural mandates and preclude every other authority as insignificant. These types of traditional values more impede authoritative (proven) positioning, even when factually presented. The Word of God is entirely authoritative and is without human prioritization (Ro. 10:13). Most value systems stem from it, to then be diluted from ideologies (cf. Deut. 4:2, Pr. 30:5-6, Rev. 22:18-19) that can damage any soul.

Spiritual Discernment is not the mystical practice exacerbated by our charismatic generation (i.e. speaking into someone’s life, interpreting dreams, etc.). It is and has always been the great opportunity from every believer to distinguish right vs. wrong in accordance to Holy God’s word (2 Ti. 2:15, Heb.5:12 1 Pe. 3:15,).

Happy Thursday!

 

Today’s Thought “Demise” G. Ward

“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:37-40

 

Christian faith-healer Joe Daugherty died of cancer on November 22, 2009. There will be a memorial service for him at Oral Roberts University, Mabee Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 30, 2009, at 1:30pm (CST). Mr. Daugherty was 57 years old.

 

I viewed a world renowned faith healer on last evening repudiate sickness. He sought de-contextualization of the scriptures in substantiating his message. He’s currently 62 years of age. His mother died of complications due to diabetes and his father died of cancer.

The audience of last evening’s telecast was representative of thousands. Hands were lifted high and shouts of acclimation resounded intensely. After all, who in the world wants to be sick unto death?

Although Psalms 90:10 records a short life span for man, we’re taught to deny this captive thought of death. In Hebrews 11, notable patriarchs of the faith are witnesses to great suffering, we’re instructed not to place claimants on what could be tragic. Although Holy Jesus is viewed as the suffering Christ in Isaiah 53:5 and the very prefacing of “by His stripes are we healed” yields to His work on Calvary’s cross for you and me, we (selfishly) adopt a life without suffering? What is really going on in the mindset of those supposed reasonable ones? Haven’t you attended enough funerals to know you may be next? Dat boy is so negative, ain’t he?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “A Paradigm of Activity” G. Ward

 

 ^“Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” James 1:21-22

 

What did the minister preach on last Sunday morning? Did I fit into all the statistical surety that says one or two points of the entire discourse was all I ingested? Moreover, did I selfishly seek those points of personal appeal without considering statements providing correction? Am I attending more out of a sense of traditional cleansing or from a reciprocal mending?

The predominance of church audiences rarely interrogates themselves as such. Because the world is so involved in chaotic behaviors, that sin to which occupies our beings is minuscule in contrast. This foolish adoption keeps individuals from genuine repentance while furthering complacency. Weeks can then become years of stunted growth vs. re-productivity (or ensuring someone else would identify HIM as Lord). You’ll need to know that Holy God enabled you another day not to exacerbate this kind of compromise, but to extend an additional chance at glorifying HIM (Ps. 118:24)!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Static Free” G. Ward

 

“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Mark 1:35

 

I’ve determined that the many approaches unto this journey called life, is comparable to the dryer sheet unto wet clothing soon ready for wear. Life preemptively and totally surrendered unto Holy God guarantees the contaminants seeking parasitic attachment to my soul is miniscule and disquieted; leaving me fresh and desirous of furthered dependence. I’ll choose to run to HIM (cf. Eph.3:20-21)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “A Rare Commodity” G. Ward

 

And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” Mark 7:20-23

I’m absolutely overwhelmed in shock after having gone to the movies to see the blockbuster movie “Belle.” Rarely is there a movie on big screen or television that is without sexual innuendo or profanity and although many are expressive in desiring movies comparable, support (monetarily so) reveals contradiction. I’ll share that the movie was entirely captivating from the beginning and would certainly promote great dialogue with children concerning both race and history.

We must understand there are neurological implications to all we’re exposed. Our superficiality maintains that our minds exercise in both independent thought and constraint. The actuality of man’s existence is temporal and limited. Perhaps some are with greater aptitude in educational pursuits, but until exploration ensues, it appears we’re the same.

“Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-4

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Misappropriation” G. Ward

 

“Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

 Remnants of Psychology can be historically traced to both ancient Egypt and among the Greeks. The aged historicity suggested it as worthy to pursue by some scientific fellows (just over 100 years ago) who like many take some facts mixed with greater hypotheses to then insist it become acceptable academia.

We are now exposed to a great deal more psycho-babel than necessary. Reality talk show hosts are now authoritatively promulgating a “way out” type of resolve that abandons the victims of great adversity when they depart from the studio sets. Who then can they turn to? The ratings for these magnanimous shows have been established and their hosts go away counting their millions, while these fractured ones increase in chaotic behaviors. Misery obscures resolve.

There is an Author to recommend, Who is the Quintessential Therapist, Who needs no ratings (because it’s been determined, HE’s the best)! His authorship is incomparable, yes; but His presence is unfailing (Ps. 46:1). “Call to Me and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know” (Jer. 33:3).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Where Did the Siesta Go?” G. Ward

“Yet if you devote your heart to him, and stretch out your hands to him, if you put away the sin that is in your hand and allow no evil to dwell in your tent, then, free of fault, you will lift up your face; you will stand firm and without fear. You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor.” Job 11:13-19

 

What was mandatory as young children existed to make us more cooperative in growth and mechanical skills. Napping then however was comparable to pulling teeth without anesthesia. We certainly can recall the benefits of napping on young children’s disposition. They awakened with greater vibrancy and a spirit of cooperation that lent itself towards ingesting proposed regimen.

Adults are now more sleep deprived than ever before. Modern advances given were ultimately perceived as mechanisms designed to make life easier (and they did); but reliance on such conveniences perhaps allowed too much space for self-contained agenda. Although this may not be altogether bad, it can be the slow drip unto the river of narcissism.

Perhaps you’ll consider a short nap periodically? I hear the antagonism from many as I write suggesting, “No time and how difficult it will be in sleeping later if I nap!” That’s precisely why you need a nap! Impetuously, we’re often too prepared in sharing a recipe un-tried! Along with health improvements, it very well could help eliminate a terrible attitude…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Soul Winning” G. Ward

 

“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?” Luke 15:4

 

Gas prices are so exorbitant you’d think it would drive the poor and middle class into becoming strong conservationists. Instead, great complaint persists, while consumption is never altered.

I use this analogously in view of believer’s participation in worship services. The objectivity agreed upon would reveal man’s desire to first worship Holy God and second, to learn more of Him that others could develop intimacy as well.  As gas stations exist to enable our filling up that we can maintain productivity in life circumstances, worship with other believers prepares us in seeking those distant from Truth (Jn. 14:6).

We have to decide which angle to pursue. Is it appearing righteous unto those understanding that “No one is righteous, not one” (Ro. 3:10), or adopting a charge given by the Savior that demands that after leaving church, become the church, by ensuring the lost understand a “Blessed Assurance” that Jesus is theirs also?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Servant – Leader” G. Ward

“Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.
 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:5-6

On Saturdays growing up, we were privileged to have a housekeeper who would render thorough cleaning indifferent from day to day chores. Mrs. Binion could be seen walking from two blocks south of our house as she would depart from the bus there. Her arrival time was approximately 7:30 a.m. As ordinary (on Saturdays), my brother and I would awaken quite early anticipating great interaction with our friends. Our mother shared how we should listen for her arrival and gladly let her in. Not knowing what to expect, my brother sought extending hospitality towards our new guest by preparing a special breakfast for her. Although his grubby hands were not washed thoroughly, he was most earnest in hospitality. It was 7:30 and there she stood, a Black lady appearing to be 5’5 and 175 lbs. or so. In retrospect she may have been in her 50’s. We greeted her with smiles as she entered. She immediately complimented our home environment and how kind we were. Although my brother did all the work, I initiated how WE prepared breakfast for her. While she sought insisting that she mustn’t, we insisted that she had to indulge. I recall her uneasiness in seating herself at the table. While she was eating we began interrogating her (in the way children did of that era = nothing beyond family and where she resided). We were captivated in how she shared that 12 children lived with her in a house less than ours. We both understood that what WE prompted was the right thing to pursue. Every Saturday she would arrive with our welcoming her with an outstanding breakfast.

Mrs. Binion always smiled while cleaning and upon her leaving, our home was positively spotless as she walked back to the bus stop to present the receipts of her labor unto those 12 children. Surely Mrs. Binion has passed on many years ago, but what’s remembered most is how without wavering, she provided an excellent service unto us and her family.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “My Kinfolk” G. Ward

Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.  At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.  But about the resurrection of the dead--have you not read what God said to you, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."  When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at his teaching.” Matthew 22:29-33

                                                                                                           

On yesterday’s sermon I shared an Intentional reality of Holy God; that we would be as family exceeding that of biological parameters. Jesus upon His crucifixion assigned His own Mother unto the one He loved (When Jesus then saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour the disciple took her into his own household.” John 19:26-27). This assignment wasn’t an unusual designation. There was a constant referral by Jesus given man that proclaimed Holy God as Father. This inference ultimately sought to insist His sacrifice as the only Mediator between us and God. Furthermore, it promotes an intimacy intended for man’s total dependence on “Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,  to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever” (Eph. 3:20-21).

Many of us have great aspirations in seeing our loved ones once heaven becomes our eternal home; but the facts are every Mother, Father, Sister and Brother will be ours forever and ever. As a citizen of heaven, every believer should begin a practice in earth as it is in heaven…

Happy Monday!