Today’s Thought “City-scape” 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

The older I become, the more I long for simplicity; what truly has brought us safe thus far. There’s great anthropology worthy of our inspection to admire when assessing global misunderstanding(s). America is prideful with its varied municipal thrust’s inclusion of multiple ethnicities, along with celebrating multi-culturalism. While this is presumably celebratory, our land forgets (perhaps arrogantly so) that although the wealthiest among the nations, our failure in divestment (i.e. ensuring others have this hope proposed) continues. We’ve categorically chosen only those with great export ability to befriend. Moreover, we’ve seen ruthless leaders (globally) destroy their own, exacerbating political posturing vs. subjective policing.

While the world (its countries and shorelines) promotes an ideology comparable to the refrain, “This land is your land, this land is my land, from California” mentality, Holy God declares we’re all wrong – it’s solely HIS…

Happy Thursday!     

Today’s Thought “A Man’s World” G. Ward

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.” Proverbs 18:22

 

I’ve enjoyed what was a two day vacation with my wife of thirty plus years. We endeavored great lethargy, venturing nowhere, but recapitulating the deep love we have for one another. On yesterday, I invited my wife outdoors, appealing to her to cut grass while I trimmed, pruned trees and shrubbery (something she’s never done). The next scene was captivating! My diva was on the tractor; no instruction and cutting perfect lines. Thereafter, she voluntarily dragged branches to the burn pile.

The beauty of true love is without parameter. Moreover, it promotes adventure that seeks to satisfy, taking mindful snapshots of the continuity shared. My prayer is that marital love would breed, enabling virtue’s intent as un-extinguishable for my grandson’s generation. Perhaps you all can encourage my wife upon seeing her not to wear linen and sandals next time?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Wicked Resolve” G. Ward

“May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!” Psalm 20:5

Yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling denied the State of Texas’ attempt to hospitalize women desiring to abort their children vs. the discretion of the private clinic. This decision troubled my sympathetic passion for babies killed due to the illicit frivolity of man’s attempt in cover-up. While the justices’ ruling from the highest court of our land (what should be inarguably lawful interpretation) disagreed (5-3 vote), spectators in righteousness remained appalled. Positions of protest rang throughout America. Sadly, believer’s rant awaits jurisprudence vs. a proactive duty in knowing Christ sufficiency (cf. Mt.28:19) that can conquer a false notion of “this is my body to do as I choose” (1 Co.6:19-20). I believe that today’s Christian is more consumed with conservative political resolution than reliance on Truth (Jn.14:6) and personal responsibility therein (*cf. Pr.11:30).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Back-Stabber” G. Ward

“Have I rejoiced at the extinction of my enemy, or exulted when evil befell him?” Job 31:29

How many times have I been rescued from the many pitfalls in life? Sadly, most, if not all were due to selfish desire prompted by me. Foolishly and impetuously, the pitfalls presented me didn’t seek proper rescue (cf. Ps.46:1); lack in humility perpetuated a horrible character trait within – conniving. My absolute recall of self-imposed trouble should recognize that others may be plagued in the same (cf. Mt.5:44). Are they deserving of the reprieve I witnessed, or shall they lay in ruins forever? Moreover, is mercy the sole dispensation from Above, or should we reciprocate (Eph.5:1-2)?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “The Dialogue Intended” G. Ward

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” Isaiah 43:25

So many are plagued with the practice in prayer that says so much to Holy God, disallowing His greater response unto us (cf. Eccl.5:1-2). Our verbosity can often be the defense mechanism obscuring self-examination. It’s comparable to going through a medical prognosis that declares life as terminal and fervently making plans for 15 years later. Hiding from the Power Source renders us inept. The beauty of confession unto His holiness is refreshing while spiritually medicinal. It cannot be hurried confession; we must never forget His omniscience. Altogether, the cure for this spiritual carcinoma’s resolve involves a sprint to the Surgeon’s abode. Only HE has the scalpel that removes the entirety of the disease.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Hush, Listen, Somebody’s Calling Your Name…” G. Ward

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10

 

America’s interest with God heightens and matches what has been historically catastrophic to the land along with its people, without critical assessment of global destruction in greater proportion (cf. Jn.3:16). Whereas just recently the mass-killing witnessed in Orlando, FL., brought many to their knees (who perhaps would not make supplication unto God until tragedy ensues, cf. Pr.1:24-29), many questioned whether our borders could ever be safe (Ps. 127:1). Moreover, September 11 has now been America’s pause that recalls absolutely and most sorrowful, sentiment in the same. While any set of deaths are tragic, America’s witness to mass killings (numerically) won’t compare to other nation’s loss (currently, nor historically). While we cry foul, our religiosity forgot that God is loving the entire world, desiring a love relationship with its inhabitants also.

Centuries, along with decades have proven America as a land accepting to the plurality the planet exemplifies. Religious freedom and prosperity (social and monetary) has and continues to be its drawing card. It’s causation towards forgetfulness of the “Mother Land” appears easy as it contrasts the biblical term found in the Old Testament (regarding Israel’s plight from God unto Canaan) that pursued “a land flowing with milk and honey.” The trouble witnessed by the new American concerning the calamity and destruction permitted, never thought that such chaos would occur in a place known as the world’s leading nation. Forcibly and with forcible reconciliation, destruction experienced by the long term inhabitant and its newest citizenry, then cries out to Holy God with the age old question – “Why”?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “The Power of Persuasion” G. Ward

"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:44

The complainer’s lack of resolve concerning selfish plights from others more reveals lack of understanding of what enabled Calvary’s Cross (cf. 1 Co.6:11). When one can view lack of absolutes, including moral and sociological ills as if they’re not contributors by tearing apart other’s dilemma, it’s as if a clump of dirt shares with another heap of slime to clean up. Your cognizance of Holy God’s Word as superior means HE chose you (Eph.1:4). This selection didn’t happen because you were considerably better than the populous, but because HE was/is. What makes any of us complainers worse is our perpetuations in castigation, denies the answer for every ill, trusting more in telling the little fat kid to lose weight vs. offering to prepare healthy meals for him along with helping with exercise (Mt.28:19, Jn.13:34).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Last Dance” G. Ward

“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2-4

The term “Wall Flower” has become a thing of the past. It was relevant to what presumably young men experienced at a dance of sorts, having their eyes set on a lovely girl, while entirely ambivalent in asking her to dance; which would reveal an interest to explore boyfriend-girlfriend opportunity. It was always the last song that was the slower tempo, embracing a love theme. It was as if those feet were encased in heavy stone, disabling asking this conjured love to dance and because it never happened, the young man’s journey home was the longest mile in regret ever.

Is my cooperation to the mandates proposed for my spiritual existence demanding my graciousness unto every man more considerate of the waywardness of man, or is God’s Word enough? If/when I pronounce him as hopeless, what I’m really saying is that God cannot; moreover, that my sin wasn’t as difficult to forgive.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Anticipation” G. Ward

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

One of America’s greatest food items is the French Fry. I would imagine that even the greatest in health and fitness miss eating delicious fries. Dashes of salt, topped with Heinz Catsup supports this pastime. I remember the commercial seeking to advertise Heinz Catsup (in the 70’s). The song in the backdrop (Carly Simon’s Anticipation, 1971), along with the visual of a juicy hamburger and fries drenched in catsup, had everyone with hurried determination in getting to an establishment of sorts, satisfying the craving. Without consciousness, many poured on the catsup in the same as the commercial indicated hearing subliminal, lyrical chants of “Anticipation, is making me wait…”

The consequence of ingesting hamburgers and fries in the 70’s were without the horrible repercussion in today’s witness of 70% of ground beef sold containing “pink slime” as a foolish filler and French fries prepared in oils with large amounts of polyunsaturated fats.

The tantalizing visuals in life can/will often yield a presentation un-worthy of our pursuits (1 Co.10:23).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Real Bad Guy” G. Ward

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

From childhood we were warned about terrible influences seeking to corrupt what perceivably was the good in us (Lk.18:19). Altogether, even those closest to us were not familiar with every superficial, proprietary thought we had. Without cognizance, desire happened as we considered lack in our lives. In such a case, weighing morality is obscured by selfish plight and without provocation; we’ve become the chieftain of “bad company.”

The enemy is often perceived as the guy dressed in black with a mask, when the actuality proves it’s mostly me.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “In A Crowded Room” G. Ward

“When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” Proverbs 10:19

So the person(s) you’re seeking to share information with is opposed to all you said (even proving to be cantankerous) is going to die on tomorrow at 3 p.m. Where is your conveyance now and what issue lies with the dead? This level of introspection isn’t allowed when I feel so authoritative on a particular view. Moreover, my views expressed can often invite condescending embellishment to win this frivolous argument. Some have even agreed with my discourse just to rid themselves of my very presence. Others scurried before a word could be presented because they knew some unnecessary impartation was on its way. Is that any indication of where you are or have been? Refer to the passage above and heed its authority.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Real Love” G. Ward

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8

Acknowledgment of impropriety is said to be the beginning towards potential cure. I acknowledge on today that I haven’t loved enough. Moreover, I’ve cheapened grace by perpetuating foolish and selfish desires. I could go on and on, in that the human plight embraces more the grasp in unrighteousness over sacrifice. My prayers however, must circumvent non-hurried admittance of my personal sins. Before I intercede or admonish another, mine own slate must be clean (*cf. Ps.51:10-13). I want to thank Holy God for His lovingkindness towards you and me. His patience is astounding and His mercy felt, offering great refuge unto those believing…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “A House In Order” G. Ward

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Catastrophe in very little ways is the attention getter for humanity’s conformity unto Holy God’s intent. His Word has always been the guidepost necessary in achieving peace for all of mankind. Why then the avoidance (from man) of what should be first regard in all his directives (cf. Eph.6:12)? It’s because the pervasiveness of societal culture demanding that answers to life are within. It more relies on presumed success of varied experiences. Moreover, the portrayal in self-preservation (2 Ti.3:1-2) extinguishes total dependence on the Only proven source (Ac.4:12). You and I are without an ability towards living correctly apart from Holy God transforming power (Ro.3:10). Stop trying and give up; not because of crime or terrorism, but to honor His faithfulness unto each of us.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Without Explanation” G. Ward

“So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:45

Our gracious King is said to be the God of second chances. Personally, I’ve known Him for the innumerable chances afforded me in becoming His own, to which I’m grateful (cf. 2 Pe.3:9). The recent most horrific tragedy in Orlando seeks an answer. Blaming radicalists, or exacerbating insensitive clichés of “wrong place, wrong time” more suggests there’s safety anywhere (Ps.127:1). EVIL is as pervasive from Cain killing his own brother (Ge.4). There’s potential, imminent harm, calamity or pestilence’s visitation for any that should more interrogate one’s own soul demanding a better refuge (Ro.8:18). Perfect, blessed resolve, trusts not in analytical assessments man provides, but always rests in adoption (Eph.1:5).

Happy Monday!

 

 

Today’s Thought “Lost In Space” G. Ward

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching…” Romans 10:8

Waiting on the next devotional thought to set a tone for your day? WHY NOT CREATE ONE ON YOUR OWN? We don’t need more philosophy exacerbating self righteousness (cf. 1 Jn.4:1); we need more examples of what it truly means to be surrendered to the Great “I AM”. The Word of God is really meant for your personal pursuit. Allow for every discourse thereafter to become the accentuation of the time already spent with HIM. He loves you first, then us…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Intensified” G. Ward

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people…” Acts 4:8

As believers, each of us are afforded a “bully pulpit.” It’s certainly not given to manipulate thoughts of others, but to more convince many of a need to surrender unto a Wonderful Savior; leading to joy, peace and contentment. The conveyance in discourse unto any that will listen begins with personal conviction from the sayer, keeping focus on the aim. Moreover, attempts to sensationalize my own accomplishments will quickly offer boredom for the hearer, because all my experience assumes others are replete of the same. Empowerment from Heaven isn’t given to merge with our thoughts, but cares for those needing a Shepherd as demonstrated with personal, spiritual transformation. Talk of Him Who is able (Jude 1:24)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Church Decline” G. Ward

  “At this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, “Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.” Acts 1:15-16

There’s an elephant in this small room and hardly anyone wants to talk about it. Let’s assess it in accordance to your participation: Do you attend church each week, along with the discipleship opportunities available? Here comes the excuses and un-theological presumption! None of this is new; flatter me on today by hearing from the Lord Himself - Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled” (Jn.6:26). *Think on this, Jesus had thousands following Him initially, to the point of getting no rest. At Christ’s ascension, thousands were reduced to a mere 120 (cf.*Jn.6:60-65). Infrequency will come to recognize (even forcibly) that myriads still seek to justify (via carnality), rather than be justified (via Heaven)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought "Just Deserts" G. Ward

"I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, And have not let my enemies rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me. O Lord, You have brought up my soul from Sheol; You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit." Psalm 30:1-3

As a believer my life is without the kind of review that unfolds greater compassion towards others; particularly in view of eroding values practiced by so many, seeking to make sin acceptable. Perhaps you struggle in the same, so I’ll share one of my favorite hymns written by Elisha A. Hoffman in 1893 – I Must Tell Jesus. I pray it comforts you and becomes the review necessary in seeing other’s need for redemption (Just the first verse).

I must tell Jesus all of my trials,
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me,
He ever loves and cares for His own.

Refrain:
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.


Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Pinnacling in Pleasure” G. Ward

“Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2:11

I’m a real music enthusiast, familiar with many genre and contemplating one of my favorite songs, “Alfie”. This song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David to promote the 1966 film Alfie (A man suffering in promiscuity.). The portrayal lyrically is more or less synonymous with King Solomon’s dilemma in Ecclesiastes. Solomon expresses a term over and over again – vanity. It however carries a connotation of emptiness or futility vs. conceit.

The beaches of Tahiti appear a most excellent escape from weariness; but the actuality in proposed retreat can/will pollute what is/was considered the most pure collection of water. Geography and the change therein won’t diminish what plagues my empty pursuits, but filling the cavity of my selfish desires with my Substantive Lord is enough…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Cultural Chaos” G. Ward

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” Daniel 1:8

Condescension, name calling and divisiveness in times past were regarded as child’s play, serving as a warning from parents unto children for avoidance sake. Moreover, Non-exemplary behaviors vocalized is absolutely void of substance, demanding from the reasonable an impenetrable attitude (e.g. “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”).

Howbeit that our current times are with expectancy of retaliatory exchange? Impossible to convey is a notion of being intimate with Holy God while hitting back because you’ve been hit (Mt.5:39, Jn.15:20). When any determine to submit to their own script for a life not your own (1 Co.6:19-20), it becomes the defilement that may lead to eternal separation from the ONE you say is Leader…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Caged Conviction” G. Ward

So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.”  John 6:67-68

The current age to which we live embraces the plethora of daily opinions provided by both cyber technology, along with 24 hour television. Whether or not what’s being disseminated is chock-full of truth or error becomes the superficial evaluation of the hearer, creating a varied truth, or no absolutes. Generations prior were more prone to independent thought in that the primary search engine was the Encyclopedia Britannica. The new embrace appears harmless until you begin contemplating how it’s bled into the spiritual. Varied truth upholds the charismatic, eloquence verbiage of the religious leader, trusting more in approval rating over proper interrogation with his discourse (1 Jn.4:1). Jesus our Lord is the only One deserving of implicit trust – HIS truth keeps marching on (Mt.24:35).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Better Days” G. Ward

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Memorial Day will perhaps mean more for me in future terms than celebrating the lives sacrificed for furthered freedom in America. After entertaining numerous guests, along with enjoying most excellent weather and magnificent barbeque, I received a text message concerning a horrible car accident whereby a single Mother of 5 girls endured witnessing 3 of them killed at the scene; to then await the death of the fourth on the very next day.

Religious zealots await the opportunity to echo traditional sentiment unto this grieving Mother and the fifth daughter yet alive like, “God doesn’t make mistakes” and “He needed another angel.” Why not just grieve alongside the bereaved (Ro.12:15)? Assessing misery can often violate resolve. Life in earth won’t always lend the immediate answer necessary in a forward march, but Life as personified in our Wonderful Savior guarantees peace through presence for those who trust Him implicitly. In view of the Mother’s great loss, what then is your problem?

Happy Wednesday!