Today’s Thought “Cyber Irresponsibility” G. Ward

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

Seniors have traditionally echoed a common sentiment that serves as a barometer for excessive spending, along with another (primarily younger) borrowing from their budget. You’ve heard it before, the infamous, “I’m on a fixed income.” My immediate internal rebuttal always demanded, “Aren’t all with a fixed income?”

This great safeguard exercised by the aged (i.e. fiscal awareness) perhaps contemplates a day in frivolous spending that involved inevitable depletion. It (excessive spending) certainly may not have been a selfish pursuit, but more seeking to please others with gracious gifts (cf. Mt.6:19-21).

Today is “Cyber Monday.” Billions in dollars will be the exchange for great gifts for Christmas one month away from this illustrious holiday. The commercialization of this Monday’s internet buying mania is the help personally necessary in adopting the sentiment of every senior. I hope my wife, children and grandchildren are listening! Signed, Scrooge

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Self-Implosion” G.Ward

“Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10-12

Some may say I have God and his name is Allah, while another shouts, I have him and his name is Buddha. Most assuredly Americans boast of their unpracticed Christianity (while demanding they’re a Christian nation, violating Holy God’s pursuit of man, not land) as if to say Holy God prioritizes the United States as His central operation (cf. Jn.3:16). Churchgoers chant Come hear our pastor he’s anointed (as if to say every professed believer of Jesus Christ is not – cf. 1 Co.1:10-13, 2:1-5).

Variations in religion reveal unbelief. It furthers what has been throughout the generations; people want Holy God on their terms, NOT HIS. Don’t worry about ISIS; the exacerbation of terrorism might begin with you (Pr.18:21, Mt.10:28)…

Happy Friday!

 

Today’s Thought “Can We Eat Now?” G. Ward

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food.” Genesis 1:29

My Mother is the reason for my fatness. Her cooking was exquisite. Every dish was perfectly seasoned (Our home was without the traditional salt and pepper shakers). Our Mother served all of us and the perfect amount was distributed to each. Seemingly a perfect situation right? Here’s the dysfunction; the time in completing a meal plan was super lengthy and our generation wasn’t allowed to go near the kitchen while mothers prepared the meal. Oh, the aromas! I epitomized what insanity represents in that I would pass our kitchen having intensified conversation with myself. I’d look her way (a look of melancholy vs. disdain), demanding that she get off the telephone (with that long cord to afford her passage from place to place – that was terribly twisted) and hurry with our food.

All this waiting for those years made me the binge eater I’ve become (Lol!). Moreover, I celebrate the new mother; she doesn’t make her child wait. Furthermore, they don’t have to smell anything aromatic from their kitchens while famished. Their mother’s activity yet resembles old school; she’s on the phone, but it’s a cellphone while she’s driving to the local fast food restaurant exacerbating malnutrition…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Changeless Truth” G. Ward

“Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

Our pretense in knowing Holy God’s way is astounding. Many of us know HIM intimately; in other words, we’ve made HIM LORD. We celebrate His sovereignty (He does whatever He desires), but it’s yet unsearchable (Ro.11:33). God’s people, through Isaiah’s message, found them exiled to unruly foreigners ready to pounce on them at any moment. He asked His people a most profound question amidst great trepidation, “My doing a new thing, Will you miss it?”

Perhaps on today you’re counting on being rescued by Holy God due to economics, health, disparities, or discord? The worse presented unto yourself is a notion of how God will operate in your life. If HE always threw the lifesaver in the water of confusion, you and I would jump unto uncertainty often.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “A Clear Conscience” G. Ward

For,“The one who desires life, to love and see good days,
Must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.
“He must turn away from evil and do good; He must seek peace and pursue it. “For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer,
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 1 Peter 3:10-12

Deposition hearings are those constricting, mindfully debilitating, interrogations whereby attorneys from an institution (of sorts) defend the assets of their client, while another attorney(s) represents a patron seeking compensation from the institution. It’s generally the final resolve in what will be rendered unto the patron, but most certainly can preface a court hearing. The interrogation process can/may ask the same question in a variety of ways precluding a lapse in integrity.

God is Holy; desiring obeisance from HIS created ones (1 Pe.1:16). Throughout HIS written word are mandates in compliance for those created by Him. Although they’re composed differently, they all test our devotion unto righteousness (cf. Mt.7:21). It’s not nearly as difficult to follow (i.e. those mandates – 1 Jn.5:3) when “Truth” (Jn.14:6) is practiced over frivolity…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Invincible” G. Ward

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Melbourne, Australia along with the world witnessed what was MMA’s (Mixed Martial Art) greatest defeat in its history this past weekend (Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm). Rousey endured the first defeat of her MMA career when Holm landed a head kick knockout less than one minute into the second round.

Our fascination with the physical prowess of some has historical implications appealing to our vicarious ways. Our consumption with momentary champions forgets the constraints of humanity. I believe that the subjectiveness of man in varied circumstances more unfolds frailty than certainty; proving an ever evolving perspective (cf. Isa.2:22). Have you ever supported a champion of sorts? Are they still without defeat? Contemplation of their imminent demise might enjoin us unto better realization that questions our every opinion; helping to silence what’s entirely argumentative (cf. *Mt.24:35)…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “A Dream Come True” G. Ward

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him.” Titus 3:10

She had beautiful Auburn hair and stood (with assistance) 18 inches tall. Many commercials on television insisted that every little girl have her: “Beautiful Crissy has beautiful hair that grows and grows!” I’m thinking Beautiful Crissy had something to do with this awful weave of today. She was a doll whose hair could be extracted from the top of her head in accordance to a little girl’s delight. Our sister like many little girls of that day had to have her. Our sister never thought about her destructive brother who invented what “playful” represents, would take the doll (after a very short ownership), twirling it aggressively to see Beautiful Crissy die.

Here’s the problem; it’s been over 50 years since our Dad went to the local department store to purchase this doll on what is on today our sister’s 89^th birthday. I believe she ought to call our brother, today, and say enough!

We’ve got to be very careful in dismissing those as worthy of grace. Our estimations can forget (Feliz Cumpleanos, Mi Hermana!)…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Progression” G. Ward

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.…” Romans 12:14-16

There’s no better rendition of the great gospel song “Trouble of this World” than sung by the late, great, Mahalia Jackson. Conviction of the lyrical content was evident and presumably relative to her looking forward to a brighter day when trouble would cease (Ro.8:18). Moreover, the world stopped as she sang “Precious Lord Take My Hand” at the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968. I’ll implore you to review some video footage at a later time to note her strong anticipation of the home prepared for her (Jn.14:1-3).

While many consider this anticipatory reality (for believers only) as denying today’s potential happiness, it more exacts a joy worth sharing as more trouble is soon to visit everyone (Job 14:1). Will you comfort accordingly?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Integrity On the Line” G. Ward

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

It is said that your late arrival portrays those on time as insignificant. Preparation is the key to defeat this unacceptable characteristic. Viewing the entrance of these violators disbands their credibility in adding to the group’s symposium; because individuals on time can’t erase your estimation of the gatherings importance. Sadly, many offer excuse upon arrival portraying it as a nuance in the experience of man. Truth: We’ve heard it all before. All my late friends are now angry with me, but let me introduce a scenario of exposure. If for the next six months you were called on to be on time for every event and every gathering to receive enough money for retirement, could you? In accordance to your servitude in Christ, why aren’t you (cf. Ps.37:5, Eph.5:1-2, Col.3:17)?

Happy Wednesday and Veteran’s Day!

Today’s Thought “Earthen or Eternal?” G. Ward

“For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God.” 2 Corinthians 2:17

True Leadership desires that every receptive pupil rises in equality with the Subject presented. Furthermore, it (i.e. Leadership) understands the wealth in a regenerative message produced and particularly so when the curriculum seeks to save a life (cf. Jn.3:17). Embracing this concept might yield a wrongful comparative as you think on math and science; because they are with escalating categorization. Spiritual impartation that’s sincere walks alongside the pupil until dependence upon the All Wise God exists. It’s then that the earthen authoritarian rejoices because they’ve gained a spiritual sibling that may be called upon to lend encouragement unto the one who initialized the great union between them and Holy God (cf. Pr.11:30). We need one another…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Ever-Evolving” G. Ward

"For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

Contrary to popular belief Holy God is the Inventor of science (cf. Ps.111:2, Job 38:4-8). Many scientists of past accolades have been instrumental in this ungodly tag, more seeking great notoriety among men than societal benefits. No matter the intellect, none is without limitation. While we’ve enjoyed ingenuity of many kinds, its estimation in normalcy is soon to become the experience of man; then we’ll wait on the next “new and improved” discovery.

Watch this digression and very particularly with the holiday season approaching quickly: I’m not buying any new Apple products for anyone, so stop asking! The secret is officially out, I’m purchasing Bibles for everyone; God is worth pursuing, HE doesn’t change…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “You Dirty Rat!” G. Ward

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

Prayer answered for me generally involves Holy God reminding me of my personal redemption. Before the confidence in approaching the Throne Room, there’s a soul needing preparation (Eccl.5:1-2). It’s without an ordinary approach. Sure, I’ve been there ten thousands of time, but my familiarity dies because my view understands HE knows my inward parts (Ps.139:1-3). Although I’m well acquainted with HIS order, I’ll often arise refreshed, but soon I encounter me again (cf. 2 Co.5:7). My judgments are many, while my mercy limits. Like Saul (cf. Ac. 9:3-9) I need to be blinded, so that I may see…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Providence, Unusually Acceptable” G. Ward

^“So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he would drink from the brook.” 1 Kings 17:5-6

Life is said to be with ups and downs. Often the downs are so captivating, reprieve seems impossible. Those times demand humility and dependence (cf. Jn.4:24). Any that offer help with resolve (wholly or partially) is indiscriminately acceptable to the victim of despair. Although most are familiar with great misery, rarely will we question the vessel utilized for our rescue. Elijah knew despair as he was compelled by Holy God to sit and wait for further instruction while being depleted of food (1 Ki. 17:2-4). To enable implicit trust of Himself to become the courage Elijah would need for future assignments, Holy God used birds that were vicious and dirty (Lev.11:15) to bring forth protein unto Elijah.

Remembering the woes of life can either submit to the impossibility in presentation or delight in rescue (cf. Jas.1:2-4, 1 Pe.5:7).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “A House On Sand” G. Ward

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

I’m recalling homework assignments given us while in school. Many wondered if teachers in a particular subject ever contemplated whether or not another instructor issued intensive home assignments. The many sighs upon hearing these assignments didn’t move a single instructor to lessen the sting. If they (i.e. the sighs) would continue, more would be given. Can you imagine if your entire educational process didn’t involve any homework? That would mean that my mind could enact what it delighted in (cf. Mt.16:24, Ro.12:1, 2 Ti.3:1-4), violating my day’s exposure to varied curriculum and disabling understanding for classroom interactivity.

“Good Work” is tempered in discipline. While sermons and corporate bible studies are important, an independent pursuit of God’s word enables implicit trust. Moreover, it sets a fundamentalist standard of denying great error from seeping in once the sermon or corporate bible study begins (1 Jn.4:1-2).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Temporary Prohibition” G. Ward

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1

It was always very fascinating to hear no liquor sales on Election Day in some states. Upon investigation I’ve discovered that it arrived at a time when public buildings were few making saloons polling places. Its intent precluded no buying the voter a drink in exchange for a vote. Many local and state referendums, along with votes is the consideration for this Tuesday. I understand that on Ohio’s ballot is approval of cannabis sales; not the oil (for medicinal purposes), but marijuana itself.

The Apostle Paul thousands of years ago dealt with such pervasive issues welcomed by a predominant culture, but abhorrent to Holy God (1 Co.6:12). We need more sanctioned intoxicants as needing increased disease. A stamp of approval now is a contribution in global implosion for the future and surety in your greatest grandchild echoing the words of the famous duo Cheech and Chong, “Puff, Puff, Pass,” as they’re soon to “fly away” mentally and eternally away from Holy God (cf. Ps. 90:10-12)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Won’t HE Do It?” G. Ward

“Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Psalm 90:2

Is it at all troublesome for you to hear prayers that appear so much alike? What about the discourses by pastors; is it merely the courage to speak in a theatrical voice, seeking great responses of supposed conformity? Where are the raised voices from any audience when another may share God’s love for you and me with monotone voices? Furthermore, where is the God sanctioned order in promulgating HIS word to invigorate an audience (cf. 1 Co. 2:1-5)? Is not the sensationalism of speech a temporal session in rallying the troops, and how might it compare to proper equipping (pertinent to the individuality in the Spirit realm) great audiences, compelling them to reach others in the same? What would it look like if you took on the same character traits as the last preacher who inspired you unto an individual seeking Truth? “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test” (2 Co.13:5)?

Happy Monday!