Today’s Thought “Fun Sized Snicker Bars” G. Ward

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17

I’ve become exasperated with substitutional chants from religious zealots that criticize varied movement’s non-existent stance to annihilate morality that ultimately disguises their (i.e. the zealot) own insufficiency to do the will of God (Jas.2:10). Don’t watch Harry Potter because it has overtone in wicked mysticism. Call Halloween, Fall Festival or Hallelujah Night and just insist no one dresses as witches, goblins, etc. Insistence in quoting “Merry Christmas” vs. Happy Holidays, because there’s attempt from the irreligious to obliterate America’s foundational message of “Under God.”

We’ve not come thus far by faith; we’re now contained in the reverberation of Christian mediocrity, refusing to share gospel truth, while magnificently gathering in posh settings of divisiveness. Listen, all the kids want is some candy! Happy Halloween, Merry Christmas and Right On Harry Potter (*cf. Mk.12:17)!

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Time In a Bottle” G. Ward

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live.” John 11:25

Many have walked varied seashores anticipating more than seaweed to surface from the currents. Little boys and men from my era marveled at the idea of a genie’s bottle presented them at the shoreline (largely due to the television series I Dream of Jeannie). Most, no matter the contemplation and regardless of seashore or dry land, fail to fully engage on the intangibility that truly matters, that is spiritual reconciliation beyond every shore. While a genie’s intent may grant 3 wishes, inevitable departure won’t guarantee my experiencing all imagined. There is however a stroll to endeavor along a shoreline in futility; more than a genie in a bottle is the LORD, merciful and Mighty (Ro.6:23)…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Now What?” G. Ward

“Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom…” 1 Corinthians 1:22

The things of Holy God shouldn’t have men driven in superficial terms, but needs to more marvel at the opportunity in intimacy with Christ as Head. Let’s face it, our fleshly (i.e. everything considered outside of God’s demand) make-up is the in-authenticity we’ve been warned against in the code most say they value beyond every scope (cf. 1 Cor.11:1). Time, if granted, will reveal necessary submission to slowing down; de-valuing egotistical demand from another who seeks to impress upon the masses how great they are over the GREAT I AM…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Spiritual Adultery” G. Ward

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.” But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet.” Matthew 12:38-39

Worship must never carry insistence from God, placing demands on the Most High, but should more delight in the refreshing of momentary mercy (Mt.6:25,34) and perpetual grace. Furthermore, what can be visualized is opposite of Holy God’s invisible attributes as Spirit (Jn.4:24).

The new-ness in every tangible experience seeks to glorify the Maker. Will it however become “what was” as what’s been obtained diminishes? In other words, the new car goes from being washed once a week to then becoming 10 years older anticipating a good rain (= insatiability)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Bereaved” G. Ward

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

It’s an October Monday afternoon and a house nearby has numerous cars parked, occupying a great parcel of their land. It’s become evident that someone has died and many seek to support the grievous family. Daily, many arrive carrying cakes, pastries, soft drinks and chicken. Look, here comes the religious zealot with proclamations of, “God hasn’t made any mistakes,” or “Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.” The family hears this nodding in affirmation, so as to not shame these carriers of meaningless statements. The day of the funeral happens and all that began is furthered, culminating with those immediate members being all alone that evening, grief stricken, even up to feeling great despair for an extended period. Moreover, they’re left with a house discombobulated and warring with what should be done with all the food remaining, while the spectators (disguised as concerned friends and extended family) return unto normalcy. I’m so glad Jesus said, “I’ll never leave nor forsake you!”

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Walking the Mile” G. Ward

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:13-14

The latter of this passage more relies on “if God wills.” That contingency demands knowing HIM intimately; by considering HIM most important as HE guides our every footstep. The best foundational option given man is not taking steps to then insist HE bless them (that’s false worship); but absolute surrender to a peaceable directive disallowing recapitulation. Ultimately, if you live like the man on “death row” vigilance of every moment declares I’m next and governs one’s life accordingly…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Plans Extinguished” G. Ward

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” Psalm 51:12-13

Many have been disgraced as they endeavored self-seeking success, to then avoid the kind of reconciliation that heals when failure is the outcome. The actuality in un-reconciled behavior disallows witnesses’ oversight to forgive an imposed indiscretion committed, and when the one disgraced doesn’t hear of their foolish way publicly they feel many have forgotten, causing furthered craftiness that’s damaging.

Wisdom demands denial of offenses repeated. Its consideration of better follow-ship offers pre-meditative thoughts that deny future regret; understanding that true fulfillment is found solely in perfect surrender in everything unto its Maker.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Real Worship’s Preparation” G. Ward

“Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16

Worshipper’s anticipation for gathering to give great praise is the precedent for their existence. This gathering point (although filled with presumed like-mindedness from others) becomes oblivious to the worshipper because they become consumed with reverencing God and when service times are over, their delight is doing the Master’s will.

What’s wrong with the whole of mankind (Ro.3:10,23), and why do improper behaviors persist? Because the people that say they know HIM go from kneeling to rising tall, that ultimately keep them small; contained by inaccuracy (cf.1 Thess. 5:17).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “How Refreshing…” G. Ward

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Yesterday is truly more than a song The Beatles released in 1965. It’s indicative of a past with ability towards making amends via a newer, more productive determination. If there’s refusal in thorough, contemplative recompense (that is, realizing I’m not with a strength of my own, but exists only because I have a Savior), then it becomes the offense repeated in the near future (i.e. cyclical). My fight with yesterday’s inaccuracy primarily rests within, not with others (Eph.6:12). If or when others view my resistance to concede to fleshly war, perhaps it will become the virus worth catching (Mt.5:16).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Strength In Crisis” G. Ward

Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:20

The mirror reveals so much when approached in contrast to days of youth and if obscured by familiar view, getting out of bed involves deeper contemplation, with all of the initial muscular discomfort until many steps provide uprightness. “Momma said there’d be days like this!” Growing older lends a perspective difficult to convey unto the virile; their reliance is due to strength. We’re certainly not innovators through our many attempts in sharing how to better capture moments, but we can however perpetuate more disconnect with philosophical chants directed towards those youthful that promotes a readiness, along with preparedness. Our being teacher must humbly admit how expeditious this journey has become and how grateful we are for their upcoming opportunity to spiritually impact those soon to follow them (cf. Ps.90:10-12).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Child Prodigy” G. Ward

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7

 

Jesus’ parents more than likely didn’t incite Him towards winning the regional Bible Drill contest. Moreover, the Annual Oratorical Contest didn’t have Him reciting the Gettysburg Address or the “I Have a Dream” speech (if I hear another child do that one, I’ll puke). Under strict Judaism, parents understood the vitality in promoting absolute adherence to God’s commands for their young people; their conversations embraced perfect obeisance unto the Most High all the day long (i.e. each day presented). Immediately, many upon hearing such stringent behavior towards young people have some adults demanding, “Let kids be kids and have fun!” Holy God doesn’t deny His own in participating in extra-curricular events (it’s not either, or, it can be both, and), HE desires preeminence over everything. Raising children demands they not live vicariously through you (perhaps not a high achiever with great regret) but through promotion of a HIGHER example.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “In My Heart” G. Ward

Saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:28-29

Daily they sit at the break room with their bible open; while other workers consider their breaks everywhere else, even up to enduring inclement weather. The sentiment is the same within their workplace; they’ve tried enduring, but being preached to is not what lends peace in the workplace. This scenario is unfortunately something most are familiar with. I believe that the worse that can happen in the life of man is failure to see himself as distasteful (cf. Mt.5:16). Moreover, his zeal of personal circumstance can be driven in more defense and arrogance than invitation. Great intellectual circles can confer about many topics until an ethical subject is introduced, for fear of offending (i.e. no religion or politics). Better planning of prayer and hospitality prepares a presentation worthy of hearing vs. going in for the jugular vein…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Little Red Corvette” G. Ward

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

If at sixteen I received a Chevrolet Corvette, along with endless funds to pervade my frivolity unto my peers, what would be my struggle for my adult years? This concept imagined is the convoluted ideology that many take away from the ask God and He’ll give it to you principle. How many times have we heard this principle to extract from it superficial meaning (cf. Jas.1:5)? WISDOM to first discern and then to follow implicit Divine counsel is imminently achievable when we ask. HE, therefore, is not a genie in a bottle. When passages are perceived vs. interrogated, error won’t only impact oneself, but establish others in selfish pursuit.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “No Concession” G.Ward

“It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Galatians 5:1

The art of persuasion is assumed by many and seeks insistence from hearers unto one’s own theorizing or a philosophical stance of another. When/if a presentation is thorough or eloquent; it may produce inadequacy in momentary contest from the hearer, allowing potential adoption of messaging presented (i.e. allowing doubt from prior convictions). While prior conviction may have been argumentative, causing a soul to gravitate to a new way of thinking, it can more reveal a lack in foundation. Inarguably, the Truth in Holy God’s Word exists so that man would rise from the wreckage of wavering, insignificant, ever-evolving points to view. HIS eternal demands are timeless precepts lending peace and joy…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Indefensible” G. Ward

“We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5

My youngest grandson has a biting problem. It appears that his terrible 2’s is 2 months premature. On Saturday, we enjoyed an outing that involved our two other grandsons, along with “The Biter.” So the budding 2 year old bites the 3 year old, causing a scream that could shatter an eardrum. As typical, discipline is then extended unto our little terrorist, admonishing him of how improper this is. I waited for what generally would accompany this kind of indiscretion that demands one to apologize for victimizing another. Under a guise of altruism, a little child will generally say, “I’m sorry,” while really saying I’m sorry I was exposed. Legislative process, along with expose’ won’t always change a heart, but acclimation unto a Wonderful Savior’s example will.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Hurricane 2016” G. Ward

“And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.” Acts 2:44-45

Like many of you the inundation of news concerning Hurricane Matthew is consuming. My many ventures to Haiti compel me towards great prayer for all my friends there; understanding recovery from the mighty earthquakes of 2010 seems like yesterday. Sadly, the political-ness and greed have that country disenfranchised in the area of humanitarian relief. Moreover, if 300 are reported to have been killed thus far, you’ll need to know that vital statistics for the poorest (import and export) country in the Western Hemisphere remain inconclusive. My concern on today has me writing from the comfort of my home; whereby awakening to a brisk 62 degrees allows a perfect temperature in my room.

Recommended evacuation is the insistence from government officials in the coastal regions of Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. Many throughout those regions echo sentiments of depletion (monetarily so) saying, “Where can I go?” Again, I rest amidst the cool breeze flowing through my window, in my easy chair watching telecast after telecast share the misery. What shall I render?

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Time Is On My Side” G. Ward

“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

The ascension of Jesus (Ac.1:9-11) allowed His apostles personal witness of Selfless Love’s work of indiscriminate redemption for man. Moreover, this Selfless Savior desired a gathering of mindsets from His inner constituency that would renounce a religion of “what do I get out of this deal” mentality (Ac.1:6), while encouraging listeners to understand that HE’s at watch and more important, coming back to gather those entirely dependent on HIM. The apostolic age that we study in the New Testament had believers fixed on this premise (i.e. His return). This was taught unto every believer, not quarterly, nor in a preaching series given once a year, but when the Bread of Life was presented. Our era now witnesses chants of denial, then declaring and decreeing how much life there is (comparable to reaching into a grab bag of treats), avoiding WHO LIFE really is (Jn.14:6)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Hard Work” G. Ward

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

A hard work ethic is said to be a thing of the past. Old-Timers love to reflect on how seasons of old exhibited better character traits, including great morality personified. Millennials seek immediate refuge when these conversations begin. Seeing the gleam in the eyes of an old-timer while declaring how great things were would require an exorcism of sorts to disquiet these purveyors in reminiscence. I, very personally have been guilty in suggesting the “Baby Boomer and Elder” generations pioneered tremendous ethical character to see young people find (hurriedly) an escape hatch.

Truth: If generations prior were in tune with righteousness as pompously proposed, then generations thereafter would be even more secure in the same because selfless wisdom and compassion would realize that grace and mercy from Holy God is without limitations; ensuring that future generations would live for/in their Creator.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Incendiary” G. Ward

"Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Mathew 16:6

 

Evangelicals (*a term very abused – if millions exist, billions would be converted) have been associated with great morality and have been notably regarded for their convictions at varied polling places. They’ve preferred any candidate reflecting their spiritual views. At 2012 they were prepared to back someone pervading religion that denies the deity of Christ. My un-scientific evaluation leads me to believe they’re now prepared to vote for a cussing, married numerous times and pro-choice (although conveniently converted at this political season towards pro-life – numerous videos of blatant admission produced his real conviction). This season witnessed the same candidate proudly quoting from “Two Corinthians” at a Protestant college, professing to know our Lord.

The other candidate “appears” a liberal liar; Great conviction in “Human Rights” vs. “Holy God’s insistence. I really don’t care whether you ride on the donkey or the elephant, but choosing the lesser of two evils, is still choosing evil.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “To Be Loved” G. Ward

“To You, O Lord, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, for if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.” Psalm 28:1

A tremendous terror for many involves an eternity away from Holy God. Further confirmation of such fear demands everyone “Rest in Heaven” (R.I.H.) when they die. This for me is the worst defense mechanism existent. If any can live a life not belonging to them, yet portray a pseudo ownership, they’ll soon meet an end that witnesses their empty pursuits as futile. Claimants in knowing God through Christ involve an ongoing pursuit that embodies His commands. The assurance of guidance in earth, along with presence in heaven is indiscriminately attainable (Ro.10:13). There’s urgency in sharing how great HE is, along with the contingency of knowing HIM, delineating the urban definition for assuming as comparable to depending on roulette in lieu of a paycheck.

Happy Monday!