Today’s Thought “Auld Lang Syne” G. Ward

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

Generations grew singing this great herald (Auld Lang Syne) at the stroke of midnight, introducing a New Year. The song’s significance celebrates what old friendships once represented, committing to new opportunity in the same. Times of old more delighted in relationships, while understanding things come and go, but the interdependence meant for mankind is virtuous (cf. Eccl.4:12, Ro. 15:1-2).

·       We must not forget that celebration should embrace remembrance. Our Americanism makes this celebration propose more self-centeredness than empathy. For example, dead bodies are still being extracted from the waters of Indonesia after enduring a horrific plane crash (AirAsia Flight 8501 - The missing plane carried 155 Indonesians along with three people from South Korea and one each from Singapore, Britain, Malaysia, and France. The passengers included 16 children and one infant.). Moreover, The World Bank reports; According to the most recent estimates, in 2011, 17 percent of people in the developing world lived at or below $1.25 a day. Another outstanding organization, The Hunger Project reports, 805 million people – or one in nine people in the world – do not have enough to eat. 98% of the world’s undernourished people live in developing countries. Where is hunger the worst? Asia: 525.6 million/ Sub Saharan Africa: 214 million / Latin America and the Caribbean: 37 million.

As you make resolutions and echo narcissistic slogans like “Greater” and “Increase” for 2015, remember Holy God is still loving the same world living in abject poverty.

Happy Wednesday!

 

 

Today’s Thought “Exegetical?” G. Ward

“And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

 

There are many submitting to devotional thoughts (including my own), before recognizing the Supremacy found in Holy God’s word. Although many of these thoughts may be somewhat expositional in delineating opportunity in greater follow-ship (in God’s word); we must remember these thoughts are more subjective than authoritative.

Religion has been the ruin for mankind’s surrender unto Holy God’s commands. New covenant believers are compelled to know Him intimately (cf. Gal.5:1, 2 Ti.2:15, Heb.1:1-2). Any proclaimer of Truth failing to mention this often epitomizes the Apostle Paul’s admonishing found in 2Ti. 3:8-9, “Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men of depraved mind, rejected in regard to the faith. But they will not make further progress; for their folly will be obvious to all, just as Jannes’s and Jambres’s folly was also.”

Please (with sugar on top), pick up a copy of God’s word first; then if you have some time later, perhaps my thought for the day may become the accentuation of your belief…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Watch Night?” G. Ward

“Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city,
The watchman keeps awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1

We’re told “come as you are” when it comes to our participating in worship unto God; yet when one arrives in what perceivably is their best; we forget the social relativity in their background. It certainly may demand that “hot pants” are acceptable as long as they’re not fluorescent in color.

I’m just arriving home from an intensive session with my personal trainer. She knows me to be a pastor and asked about our watch night services on this Wednesday. I shared, “we’re not having one.” She then replied, “You’ve given your members permission to go partying.” I then shared, if their heart’s desire is to dance and drink the night away, perhaps theirs will win over perceived righteousness. I then furthered my inability to criticize other churches for their potential services by substantiating how wonderful it is when the saints convene no matter the day. Moreover, Holy God is without regard to times and days (cf. Ps. 90:4, Col.2:16). Furthermore the essence in origin (i.e. Watch Night) was particularly proprietary to Black slaves strongly anticipating being emancipated (cf. Freedom’s Eve 1863). While many of this modernity await the New Year in our local churches, they’re soon to hear chants of declarations and decrees of increase (better jobs, more money, bigger houses, new cars, etc.), while forgetting the priesthood of old were subject to death when presumptive thoughts (in the Name of Yahweh) went exercised (Deut. 18:20-22). The slaves awaiting emancipation are said to have been celebratory without regard to freedom or bondage furthered. I’m wondering if any misery will accompany the saints for 2015 (cf. Ro.8:18, Jas.1:2-3) and if they too will praise Him in difficulties?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Tis the Season…” G. Ward

“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20

Schemes and contrived copy-cat behaviors have citizens experiencing borderline paranoia in the name of being cautious during the holiday season. What was once great respectability and intentional hospitality with most in the month of December is over-shadowed by sensationalistic reports of killings and robberies. Shamefully and without exercising in the spiritual realm of man’s existence, some suggest “the Christ has been eliminated from Christmas.” I say there’s always been a selfish, superficial approach to what should be the recognition of Christ’s entry into the world for mankind’s reconciliation unto Holy God. Perhaps it is a good start to echo “Merry Christmas” vs. “Happy Holidays,” but for those afraid of total surrender unto Jesus for the following eleven months (cf. Heb.10:25, 1 Pe.1:16), it’s not antidotal. In other words, if the rattlesnake bites (representative of the superficial approach to Christmas), there is no other medicine to counteract this condition (cf. Ps. 127:1). You’re soon to die! “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work” (1 Cor.3:11-13).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Wicked Anticipation” 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

 

Perhaps your children were like ours when asked the question of the season, “What would you like for Christmas?” The answer would often arise after great hesitance. It wasn’t due to deeper contemplation; theirs was assessing what they didn’t have. Therefore the determinant became ours as parents. Amazingly, my generation heard sentiments (about Christmas) from our parents of great family gatherings, including delectable smells from their kitchens to then receive gifts that more lent itself to what was necessity over desire. Although we see excerpts of past celebrative behaviors, we mostly enjoin ourselves unto a predominant void in tradition (i.e. being too considerate in spontaneity vs. structured enjoyment). We must never forget how tradition promoted great disciplines. In all our planning, why not consider a more excellent disruption for your own family by gathering them very early Christmas morning (cf. Mk.1:35) to share the story responsible for our deliverance (cf. Mt.2, Lk.2)?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Context”. Ward

“And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” Revelation 22:19

 

The Streets of San Francisco was an excellent television series that premiered in the early 1970’s centering on two detectives investigating homicides within that same city scape. It allowed the viewer impatient captivation in their assuming from the beginning who the murderer might be. The detectives like real criminologists were compelled in thorough research of the evidence presented and their probing of witnesses that could produce nothing less than facts.

There’s an insistence that you and me ought to have regarding Holy God’s word in the same. Our identifying the facts cannot and should not involve our presuppositions, vain philosophy, nor be experientially driven. It means what it says and it’s often esoteric to the times to which it was recorded. While it has eternal relevance, it can more lend itself towards great warning than adoption. We have a great deal more religion when selfish approach is applied. You cannot take what Holy God has proposed to think of yourself as equal to His infinite wisdom. The contingency for knowing what a document’s portrayal means is to interview (i.e. reverent interrogation) the Author’s intent. Stay tuned for part 2 on tomorrow…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Self Preservation” G. Ward

“See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” Isaiah 48:10

Dialogue intended is often monologue pursued. Mindsets of pride and arrogance can more seek to establish one’s own perspective while entirely discounting another’s. While argument (peaceably so) may seek to persuade other men, the insufficiency in communicating becomes not the fault of the communicator, but the hearer. All of this equals disagreement, rarely finding resolution.

Holy God enabled us to see a model church in the first century, who after ingesting His gospel were compelled to lay aside (cf. Heb.12:1) their own perspectives and opinions. Furthermore it’s said, “All the believers were together and had everything in common” (Ac.2:44). The vanity in man is always disagreeable in the spiritual realm. Therefore, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Ro.12:18).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “The Closer I Get to You…” G. Ward

The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” Proverbs 22:7

 

There was a great captivation in Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway’s rendition of The Closer I Get to You (1977) that’s synonymous with our anticipating the upcoming holidays. The lyrics to this great love song almost languish in a compelling, encompassing love.

In the name of Jesus Christ, many begin savings programs (i.e. Christmas Club) on the first of every year to exercise in over spending in the month of December. While earnestly seeking to convey their generosity and appreciation unto loved ones, they never slow down well enough to contemplate the designated celebration of the Lord’s entry (Birthday). Can you imagine if when your child was 10 years old and had a birthday but you bought the neighbor’s kid a new bike; what would your child think (cf. Ex. 20:4-5)?

 

Happy Shopping & Happy Friday!

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Today’s Thought “Still Disenchanted” G. Ward

“And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.” Jude 1:22-23

 

Perhaps this is your story also. Prior to my seeking an intimate relationship with our Creator, I searched more for a society of believers than Holy God’s word (Ro.10:8). Ultimately I created an excuse for the lazy behavior I adopted that would avoid holy living. Inherently, there was a longing to adjust to HIS ways and not my own. Moreover, my criticism of man allowed me to categorically make my personal sins less in view of the aimless behaviors given by the many acquaintances of that time. I never thought that in the space allotted me I could have died, facing eternal separation from God. I allowed lack of exemplary behavior from my countrymen to negatively impact my potential in coming to know Him as my personal Sufficiency. I now understand that it wasn’t wasted time as some suppose (cf. Eph.1:4), but created a better witness in me as many would be plagued with the same (in future terms). My familiarity, as a product of this foolish syndrome, makes me available (cf. Isa.6:8-11) to encourage them to never allow mere mortals opportunity to resolve a reconciliation (Ro.5:8) given every man (Ro.10:13) long ago…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “An Early Resolution” G.Ward

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” Ecclesiastes 5:4

 

Do you really believe that if Holy God said it, He meant it? Moreover, are you more insightful about this merciful God than analyzing (introspectively) blatant disconnect from man?

Merciful, Holy God doesn’t exist on His holy hill with this tolerance in liberality concerning man’s vow unto Himself. He expects that if you say you love Him and desire dedicating your life unto Him, you’ll diligently pursue His righteousness (cf. Heb.11:6, 1 Jn.5:3); otherwise, there is no special pardoning.

This dispensational era of grace forgets Him as Judge as they surrender very little unto Him who desires to change (entirely so) their lives (2 Cor.5:17). The many worship centers are filled with mediocre practitioners of truth. They more extrapolate from a worldly view that demands most go to heaven, while terribly inconsistent in attendance (Heb.10:25). Furthermore, their mouths echo great cadent chants of “How I Love Jesus” with absolutely no regimen in intimacy with Him (cf.Mk.1:35, 2 Ti.2:15).

Here’s the beauty, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pe.3:9). Oh, I’m sorry, you do realize that true repentance resolves itself to never re-visit prior iniquity (cf. Ro.7:14-15, 1 Jn. 1:8-9)?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Secret Agent Man” G. Ward

 

“After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, the Israelites captured its surrounding settlements and drove out the Amorites who were there.” Numbers 21:32

 

The Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.) is instrumental in national security on behalf of the United States. Not only are its many employees responsible for guarding every U.S. Embassy globally, they also gather intelligence from every foreign government. Their covert operatives have been widely perceived as synonymous with the pseudo character James Bond (British Secret Service agent created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming).

Just recently a Danish double agent revealed having been employed by both Al Qaeda (a terrorist, militant, Islamist organization) and the C.I.A. Furthermore he insists his auspicious pursuits allowed the assassination of Al Qaeda’s second in command (Anwar a-Awlaki, who was killed in a CIA drone strike in September 2011) to the infamous Osama Bin Laden. This spy furthers his promise of being paid 5 million dollars by our U.S. agency (CIA) as a masterful operative in delivering Anwar a-Awlaki for capture or killing. Upon completion of his duty, he insists that our illustrious agency reneged on their promise. If you find that preposterous, you’ll witness video footage of that same spy receiving an attaché case given him by a CIA official filled with $250,000 for another covert operation demanded of him (ironically with the combination code 007 on both locks).

Forgetting the controversy, I want to propose a righteous indignation towards the amount of monies denoted for such a thing. Are there any who could do it for less? “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Ps.118:8).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Cyber Monday” G. Ward

 

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

For the next 20+ days there will be great trouble in the land. Many will sit perplexed on what to purchase for their loved ones for this illustrious holiday upcoming. Networks like QVC (an initialism for "Quality, Value, Convenience"), HSN (Home Shopping Network) along with a multitude of online cyber shopping networks are salivating at the opportunity to increase their profitability. It’s the easy payment option that’s far less interrogative, yet comparable to credit extended that makes this an attractive mode of shopping. God’s word says at 1 Corinthians 10:23, "I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is constructive.

Be very careful to know there’s a 26^th of December whereby the demand for payment is imminent. Moreover, the children you’ve considered (with this exorbitant purchasing) have misplaced (to never find) the gadgetry necessary to operate these same components before year end. The adults (young or otherwise) may have the same or desired the updated version, exacerbating the initial point of perplexity presented (say that real fast), “what do you get for the individual who has everything” (cf. Mt.6:25)?

Happy Monday!