Today’s Thought “Lonely at the Top” G. Ward

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” James 4:4

Is there a subliminal questioning (concerning a subject matter or moral dilemma) that takes place in your mind entirely answerable via thorough investigation but you more desire a fast and easy approach? The search engine’s answer provided by men of this generation, along with brilliance of the past perpetuates weariness. Moreover, it’s ever evolving; so when you capture, most have moved on to the next craze. The prudence in Truth (Jn.14:6) is timeless and doesn’t worry about comfort through acceptance of ideas of prominence, yielding oneself to the best personal conviction that HE is more than enough.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “The Church Picnic” G. Ward

“Can a man hide himself in secret places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do I not fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 23:24

What’s the difference in the picnic sponsored by the church vs. the barbeque at your home? Let’s take inventory; both have tantalizing ribs, outstanding chicken, hotdogs with a little burn to them, numerous side dishes, magnificent desserts, melons, sodas and great laughter and fun. At your home however, I neglected walking a little further to discover larger coolers somewhat distant from the others filled with another kind of soda called beer. Moreover, what I perceived to be fruit smoothies in the finer pitchers, is loaded with rum or vodka. Hey, why didn’t you bring that to the church picnic?

*Discerning right vs. wrong is easily attainable. The barometer in holiness asks, “Will this please my Savior, or is it entirely self-serving?” Go ahead and continue exacerbating the myth that Jesus made wine synonymous with the fermented kind of today, enabling drunkenness – the antithesis of what HE represents…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Sticks and Stones” G. Ward

The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.” Numbers 21:5

Do you feel a need to respond to disgruntled behavior directed towards leadership given you (cf. Eph.6:12)? Don’t feel bad concerning the temptation that wants to contest the attitude of another; on the other hand, don’t yield towards defense. If our persuasiveness that grants humility unto others is esteemed by us as equal or greater than Holy God’s transforming power (found in His Word), the purveyor of dissatisfaction may be correct in their original assessment (of our leadership).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Closed for Summer” G. Ward

 She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” Judges 16:20

We’re quickly approaching Memorial Day, the entry point for summertime. The heat brings on a methodical lethargy in the lives of many men. Moreover, calendaring events along with vacation is the norm. Great plans of joy and relaxation is up to bat and the strike out ratio is as it’s always been – very high.

You can’t memorialize Holy God at any season; He’s the greatest Force alive. Corporate worship is mandated for the believer and not when he feels up to it, or at his convenience (cf. Ac.2:41-47, Heb. 10:21-25). Anxious anticipation is the suit of choice for the redeemed, he’s only comfortable there. Furthermore, his mind quakes at a notion of abandonment of the Source granting him the next breath; not because he desires to soak up earth’s greater positioning, but a greater sentiment of “Father, I stretch my hands to Thee, No other help I know; If Thou withdraw Thyself from me, Ah! whither shall I go?”

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Behind the Gates” G. Ward

“For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, ⁸ but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self-controlled, ⁹ holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict.” Titus 1:7-9

John did an excellent job in portraying the Christ as the bridge between Transcendence and the material universe (Jn.1:1-2, 14). The holiness of Christ amidst a cruel world wouldn’t allow Him escape unto a La-Z-Boy chair with a remote control awaiting after a hard day among the Pharisees and Scribes (cf. 2 Pe.3:9), nor did He entertain communal or living conditions of superiority; but made Himself available to all men. So when you need a gauge as to what should be our focus, look to His life in the earth (Ps.121:1-2), because today’s leaders must be paid first…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “No Turning Back” G. Ward

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.” Colossians 2:1-2

“Where is everyone?” That was the proclamation of many on yesterday as they looked around the worship center to miss so many. For the ones that often struggle to maintain consistency, there was unspiritual intercession for those missing by declaring, “graduations and festivities have them compelled.” A plethora of defense mechanisms rise when lack of commitment is the tradition for some (cf. Mt.7:21-23).

Like vigorous exercise, spiritual conditioning may involve partnering with another pursuant in the same (1 Ti. 4:1-5). Moreover, admittance with transparency can also aid your desired plight towards holiness; that’s what your pastor is there for (cf.Ac.6:4) – he’ll then know how to pray. Oh, that’s right, you don’t know him and he doesn’t know you…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Keep Your Head to the Sky!” G. Ward

“Your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad.” Psalm 45:8

The skunk is a most interesting mammal. They’re within most cities, along with rural areas. These scoundrels are virtually harmless, while pesky (i.e. endeavoring garbage can and the like, seeking morsels of food) with an internal defense that’s entirely smelly. Adversity is synonymous with such a stench for man and when productivity is at its highest with those prospects of righteousness, negative souls in discord will often simulate nocturnal nuisances. Incessantly, saints of Holy God have great reference to the naysaying bunch that seek to destroy spirit; namely, “Vengeance is Mine, saith the Lord…” His protection is more than our odiferous rants in horrible reciprocation of pessimism.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Medieval Practices” G. Ward

“Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.” Proverbs 19:1

My brother was a masterful entrepreneur as a boy. He, along with another young man (K. Matthews) would compete for jobs within our neighborhood. Often this would lead to great clash between the two of them in that many times varied adult neighbors would be both desperately needing services (i.e. grass cutting or snow shoveling), along with succumbing to imposed price wars between these two. An adult’s understanding when dealing with youth shouldn’t guard one’s pocketbook over demonstrating commitment in exemplary leadership. Moreover, blatant disregard over potential rift must not become the ideology of the impressionable generation to follow. These two gentlemen are now very accomplished theologians; but that’s due largely to the prayers and character building by parents and other concerned neighbors. Their spiritual metamorphosis upon confession of Jesus as Lord should never forget that other youth await an example (cf. Mt.5:16).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “What A Promise May Mean” G. Ward

“And they wandered about from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people, He permitted no man to oppress them, And He reproved kings for their sakes, saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:20-22

Shamefully many seek to extract from Holy God’s word a notion of no harm unto servants of the Most High when He assigns (cf. Jn.15:20). Along with the many named patriarchs of the faith mentioned at *Hebrews 11:21-40, someone needed to warn John the Baptist before Herod cut his head off.

The best given man is Holy God’s presence (Heb.13:5). The orchestration of His demands are worthy of pursuit and shouldn’t interrogate (cf. Ex.3:13-15). If/when you’re assigned, cancel presumption and celebrate that HE knows your name; particularly as we’ve been horrible at trusting Him implicitly…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Born Free” G. Ward

“But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year by year. For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. Therefore, when He comes into the world, He says, “Sacrifice and offering You have not desired, But a body You have prepared for Me.” Hebrews 10:3-5

The common expression found in man is his sinfulness. Like a prisoner incarcerated many years needing reprieve but still with a sentence demanding chains, many of us resist true freedom by disallowing what should be the Keeper of our soul from unlocking the shackles; and if we allow Him to free us, we run very strenuously away from the institution of Heaven, Who pardons mercifully.

Every supplication made unto heaven, particularly when one is totally persuaded unto the One and Only Sufficient Savior’s propitiatory gift, is the very kind of intimacy that can obscure an actual prison cell or the debilitating dungeon of misery seeking to plague my mind. From this day forward, I choose to be guarded under lock and key; I’ve been bad (cf. Isa.26:3)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Fly Robin Fly” G. Ward

“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” Proverbs 17:22

More funeral businesses are bucking for patronage from attendees of the illustrious home-goings of many. While I’ve had the privilege in officiating many funerals, I yet marvel at what us senior pastors generally relegate to the presumed underling (i.e. his associate pastor) as conductor for the internment portion. In other words the lazy, non-committed bum always pretends he’s so busy afterwards.

As of recent, many mortuary specialists have adopted a sensationalistic releasing of white doves at burial time, almost indicating a facsimile of how departure from earth can be beautifully similar.

Just recently upon arriving at a cemetery to conduct a committal service, I noted what appeared to be great disorder amidst the mortuary staff; although dressed impeccably (tux & tails), their stalling forced me to question why the hesitance. The senior official said, “Pastor, the dove just died and the people are awaiting this portion desperately.” Cynically, I began to think of the cartoon of old, “Felix the Cat.” Felix was known for his bag of tricks and these mortuary giants better open a bag quickly. They did and we moved on, “earth to earth, ashes to ashes…”

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Patriarchal Succession” G. Ward

“Now Abraham was old, advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in every way. Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who had charge of all that he owned, “Please place your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live.” Genesis 24:1-3

As a boy I understood what family meant; cousins as best friends along with Aunts and Uncles who extended encouragement at every occasion. Moreover, I had grandparents who never shared a harsh word, but remained exemplary unto death. My life has been so entirely rich; therefore I’m without excuse in allowing family continuity to diminish. I’ve missed varied family gatherings in the 35 years away from home, seemingly never convenient for my arduous schedule.

Now age has entered the room and my spiritual obligation desires family two ways, biological and in the Spirit realm. I seek to help those without historicity in great family gatherings to know of the spirit of adoption personified via the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, and no matter the distance from home, kinfolk are everywhere…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Proprietary” G. Ward

“The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me.” Leviticus 25:23

I began marriage more than thirty years ago with grandiose ideas in molding my wife into this perfect specimen who ultimately would become a facsimile of me (Can anyone say, Murder she wrote?). Love has a peculiar way of obscuring individuality that can bolster accentuating proposed teamwork and my wife knew this. She typically was the support base necessary for my escalating into ministry opportunities that I never thought could exist. Moreover, she watched me belly flop countless times, teaching me the essence of “never looking back.” The whole time therein, I appeared in control and such is the cultural acceptance disallowing Holy God’s original intent of matrimonial continuity (cf. Ge. 2:18, 21-24).

I’m pleased to announce that maturity is fast approaching and in accordance to all the belly flops perpetuated by me early on, the probability in my wife living beyond this life given me is perceived confidently, because she always slowed down well enough in making moments count.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “My Favorite Teacher” G. Ward

“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25

We’ve grown into a culture of outsourcing the virtues that should be common to man. Kudos to all those who exemplify great virtue worth passing on, but the first one responsible for this is the parent (Deut.6:4-7, Pr.22:6). To be part of an era where my parents invested heavily in every particular of life deserves my highest praise; and particularly in view of the mom or dad currently who allows Nancy or Johnny to determine their own plight (daily). I can’t imagine going to a department store (as a child) and actually voicing my displeasure over an outfit chosen by my parent, or a trip to the barber demanding a cut I desired over what my parents mandated.

As I contemplate the virtue of both pardoning (grace) and mercy (forgiveness), I’m grateful that my best teacher(s) was my Dad and continues to be my Mother. These were the first Bible I read…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Real Quiet Time” G. Ward

“Now it came about, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli was watching her mouth. As for Hannah, she was speaking in her heart, only her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. So Eli thought she was drunk.” 1 Samuel 1:12-13

When everyone decides to leave and your gadgetry (electrical and technological) is at power off mode, try having a talk with Holy God. Our expression in prayer can mostly violate a premise of HIS sufficiency over the words from our mouths (cf. Eccl.5:1-2), so try listening more. I’ve shared this practice many times before to hear, “I’ve tried this and my thoughts go wayward.” My reply questions whether prayer was meant as a dialogue or the traditional monologue whereby I monopolize this presumed conversation, disallowing All Wisdom’s directives. If our Lord identifies Himself as a friend to believers (Jn.15:15) and we perpetuate a notion of “just let me talk,” how long should we expect His presence?

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Guarded” G. Ward

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1

Whose reputation is it? If our confession has become the foundation of what it means to be the church (Mt.16:13-18), then our character (i.e. seen and unseen behavior) must exemplify Christ’s righteousness (Eph.5:1-2, *Gal.2:20).

Loving, but not liking isn’t permissible (cf. Jas.2:13). Moreover, pseudo salutations without altruism are hypocritical and unforgiveness is the necklace of unbelievers (and particularly when it reminds one of wrong – Eph.4:32). The perpetuation in defense mechanisms asks, “what if the other party is entirely oppositional?” Well, so are you, in a spiritual realm (Eccl.7:20). You’ll conquer sinning when getting to heaven, until then…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Messianic Proportion” G. Ward

So He told them this parable, saying, “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 15:3-4

There’s a pomposity existent by the proposed redeemed that’s established a lock on heaven. Their weariness, entirely unjust, forgets about Christ’s pardoning sin for any placing implicit trust in HIM (Ro. 10:13). It reveals ignorant spiritual immaturity, in that the entirety of Holy God’s word (both Old Testament & New Testament) unfolds grace for every generation. Moreover, there is no disparity with who Jesus portrayed at the parables in Luke 15 vs. the pharisaic ones of today (insisting that some won’t qualify – cf. Ro.3:10, 23).

Go it alone on today! In the presence of Holy God, take time to forget everyone’s sinning and categorically admit your own (be prepared to envision a huge pile of trash) as it contrasts God’s Holiness (not man’s impropriety). Question – NOW WHO CAN’T BE SAVED?

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “If Truth Be Told…” G. Ward

“I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images.” Isaiah 42:8

There’s a new television channel I enjoy that features a series of detective shows from more than 30 years ago. It furthers a greater notion produced by early television where crime committed experienced imminent prosecution (particularly within that televised hour). The infamous interrogation room with most of these shows brought forth such intimidation, the perpetrator would inevitably share the exactness of the crime; via transparency through admittance that demanded reprieve from this exasperating process.

Intimacy with Holy God is similar. The room is our soul and the interrogator is the Spirit (Ro.8:26-27). We too must admit (in utter transparency unto the Master, with reverence) our specific sins, abhorring return unto them (Heb. 10:22-23). Without the interrogation room experience the perpetuation of a life in crime is with an end not worth visiting (cf. Ro.6:23).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Giving Your Best” G. Ward

“And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury.  And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.” Luke 21:1-2

What enables grey skies to clear up? Is it a great economy? Perhaps all the political hyperbole has you thinking it’s American security from terrorism (cf. Ps.127:1)? Over two thousand years transpired since the widow was used by Holy God enabling posterity to know that HE alone is worthy of total devotion by man and the categorization in oversight must cease; since then we’ve regressed horribly. Reliance on what perceivably may include instances in prosperity is altogether contingent on Who gets the credit. Spiritual directives for believers should mandate new ownership (2 Co.5:17) whereby we give the best that we have in all things (Ro.12:2, 1 Co.10:31)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Friendship of Superficial Proportion” G. Ward

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20

I’ve been perceived as a “social bug” of sorts by many. Although this tag is with merit, I can say that it’s not my natural inclination. My position in Christ enables this gregariousness perceived. HE looked beyond my impropriety and I owe HIM a reciprocal grace unto others (Mt.5:16).

Howbeit that any acquaintance for any proposed believer is familiar with multitudes in personality demonstrated by us? Before knowing of perfect submission unto Christ, they sit with us at lunch hearing how disgruntled we are with the service. Moreover, the illustrious water cooler invites great conversation regarding many inappropriate television shows that we’re totally familiar with, or our partisan political verbosity becomes the momentary argument to acknowledge.

Sacrifice in praise must embrace definitively a trust of the “All Wise Savior” along with an implementation in denying self (Mt.16:24), yielding an opportunity for friends of yours to become a friend to Christ.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Missionary Status” G. Ward

“Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165

Devastation throughout the earth is astonishing to view on a daily basis. Technology allows information to be disseminated as catastrophe occurs. Past generations experienced great calamities also, but were without the technological advances of video, etc. When tragedy strikes it’s certainly a natural reaction for shock to ensue, then grief, but despair shouldn’t be an option for believers (cf. Phil.4:6-7). Despair more lends itself to unbelief than trust. Trust is developmental and while despair should never become your necklace of choice, we must know that many desire similar trust but misery obscures the way.  Are we as believers prepared to walk alongside them while in crisis mode; reminding them that God is near (cf. Phil.2:1-5), or have we exacerbated what is typically expected from the church – unavailability?

Happy Monday!