Today’s Thought “Contemptuous” G. Ward

 

“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and among his own relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:3-4

Nasty criticism generally begins with great misunderstanding of messaging presented. Moreover, authority with subject matter conveyed with a carefulness to persuade men unto righteous thinking is a demand too abrupt for many. The believer is compelled however, in not allowing what perceivably is opposition in predominance, to compromise (through softening) the message. Although the gospel believed and personified appears a message undeniable, conformity unto it accepts (initially) you as you are, while rejecting  continuation of how you’ve been; that often disallows spiritual transformation’s occurrence (cf. Mk.10:17-27).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Packing My Bags” G. Ward

“In order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:14

Abraham, a man presented to us in God’s Word, exercised huge faith when he was told to leave his home (Ge.12:1-4) without greater instruction. What makes this so great is his age (75). Ordinarily, senior adulthood is equated with resistance towards change, so this man is presented as the chieftain of faith’s prerequisite; implicit trust.

Our instructions from Holy God are now far clearer. His governance is the written code requiring attentiveness to a life even higher than the father of faith (Abraham) exemplified.  Jesus our Lord is our Perfect Example. Studying HIS life disquiets campaigns of questioning as if the answers are unsearchable, it just mandates a readiness (i.e. generally opposite) for what may typify a practiced response (cf. Mt.16:24).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “On My Own” G. Ward

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

The rat in the maze has been the experimentation from many scientists in proving a variety of psychological along with sociological parameter for man. The rat time after time is dropped into a maze and his escape is certain while the error committed in the prior demand lessens.

If the rat’s experience in proposed despair presented him desires no visitation of misery’s route again, why then would humanity (creation’s highest form), greatly familiar with the pain associated with horrid decision, deny escape from what perceivably was inescapable (*Read 1 Cor.10:13 again)?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Give Love for Christmas Day” G. Ward

 

“The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8

 

Economics, regardless of political affiliation has become the barometer on what is spent (monetarily) for any holiday, as America is “party central.” We’ve noted the subtlety in forced reconciliation to gather on any given holiday under a guise of familial love, to really avoid a potential inability to provide what may have been a traditional magnificence of before, via personal reflection or another visual.

Holiday’s original intent was certainly meant to focus on family values, including any outside of a biological parameter who would adopt the virtue of peace presented. Altogether, we must decide that the exorbitant costs of holidays further poverty. Finding another emotionally distraught or one without means to supply basic provision for their own and insisting that family members aid those less fortunate, versus seeking to please the ungrateful, may present those benevolent as doers and not hearers only.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Hitch-hiker” G. Ward

“But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.” Luke 10:33-34

 

Horror movies can often lead to bad dreams, attaching itself to our subliminal mindsets; opposing entry (alone, that is) from buildings with dismal appearances. The scope of measurement for where safety lies can/will often be more visual than actual, stemming from an imposed fear. What we deem as ordinary has become that to which we allow in our kingdom, rarely to consider one who may be socially or physiologically damaged needing another’s congeniality.

*Holidays are a wonderful time to invite the stranger to supper. You may find more similarity than difference…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “My Authorship” G. Ward

“But as for you, son of man, your fellow citizens who talk about you by the walls and in the doorways of the houses, speak to one another, each to his brother, saying, ‘Come now and hear what the message is which comes forth from the Lord.’ They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them. So when it comes to pass—as surely it will—then they will know that a prophet has been in their midst.” Ezekiel 33:30-33

 

Gregory, give us encouragement and stop with all this repressive rhetoric!

Answer – WARNINGS from mediocrity, particularly from God’s Holy Word is the most encouraging hope for man. Pursuing our way leads to an eternity without HIM (Ro.6:23). While many motivationalists say they love you, giving you words that keep you as you’ve been; true purveyors of God’s standard write so CHANGE may be the greater consideration. Do I write so that they may love me or God?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “His Mercy Endures…” G. Ward

 

“So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10-11

 

 

The lack in investigation concerning what’s most important is widening. Society’s answers are expedient, whereas God’s precepts appear slothful and so opposite of what’s been ordinary. We’ll call Him Lord (i.e. Owner) by saying we trust Him to never relinquish custodial rights. We’ll seek happiness vs. rest although we know the pursuit is relentless. Our slight (i.e. of Superiority) lending forgetfulness of soon departure from all this abundance fails to witness lack of pigment in our hair; because ingenuity introduced dye. Frailties of sorts enters the room, whereby greater sensibility kicks in and we hire those capable to ultimately complete task. The wholeness of our existence will soon offer no escape and avoidance of Truth (Jn.14:6) is the wall precluding indecision.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Unilateral Attack” G. Ward

 

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:10-11

 

Holy God’s spiritual expectation from His highest creation is entirely opposite of worldly consideration. Howbeit that warfare has become the responsibility of mankind, along with God (*cf. Eph.6:12)? We really don’t need to co-pilot; that assumes equality. In most cases the giant necessary to kill is oneself (Mt.16:24). Proposed exemption from improprieties of sorts, discounts all our Lord endured in the earth. Therefore warfare’s application is synonymous with perseverance in the ONE able to give peace in the midst of brooders in obstruction. Why are you so prepared to fight? Remember our Savior didn’t wear boxing gloves, HE endured…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Prudent Juxtaposition” G. Ward 

 

”So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph; thus the Lord’s blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field.” Genesis 39:4-5

Holy God is deserving of complete allegiance by every servant, regardless of vocation. Every believer should first consider their missionary status before recognition in perceived promotion (*cf. Ge.39:7-12). Instead, many rationalize commitment diversified; portraying ability to both glorify God while climbing rungs in success. Although very possible, there must be a willingness to leave abruptly when/if compromise is the insistence from the structure in presumed provision.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Real Presence” G. Ward

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

James Evans was the quintessential father on the television series Good Times. Although the family experienced great struggle economically, along with deplorable, crime ridden circumstances, he remained the pillar for the family, insisting on integrity from all amidst anarchy. Many may contest this un-argumentative (cf. 2 Ti.2:24-25) phenomenon by suggesting varied households had paternal presence to still falter. My answer refers to the character James Evans; you rarely saw him seated on the sofa too long (i.e. his involvement in everything was without prompting).

If you ever question the erosion of family values exercised, it’s not because answers haven’t been provided; there’s yet a missing link (Eph.3:20-21).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Discounting Authenticity” G. Ward

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” John 16:13

Before the things touched or seen was the Invisible (Ge. 1:1-2). It therefore was that Source that established everything existent. Identifying the what, where, when, why and how, must be explained by the Maker; all others are inferior and wrong. That same Wonderful Creator’s oratorical genius speaks from Genesis to Revelation and if endeavored by ANY man renders peace and understanding.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Vitriol Conveyed” G. Ward

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Matthew 5:9

Our modernity awaits campaigns and coalitions to enact what perhaps is the best persuasion exemplified, the role of the peacemaker. Coalescing with rebel-rousers, witnessing great passion from many that share disdain with injustice or impropriety soon vanishes. Recognition, then complete surrender to Supreme Wisdom’s demand, may consider anger while never considering being reactionary (Eph.4:26). Moreover, the only conviction worth sharing emanates from Holy God’s standard. Our words portrayed unto any must be as if Christ is speaking (Col.4:5-6). Will you determine on today to be His most excellent ambassador?

Happy Friday!  

Today’s Thought “Great Divide” G. Ward

“For kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2

Protest has been the grantor for freedom’s process in America. It however has little to no absolution unto those perpetuators of divisiveness; and compliance from those divisive ones rarely arrives because hearts neglect change (only considerate of a legislative demand). Historically, man has stood opposed to partiality’s scorn; to observe thousands in years with no resolve. It’s said that history repeats itself because man is with an unending appetite to please himself.

Fact: When hearts are transformed via regeneration in the Spirit realm, preferences are cancelled (1 Cor.6:19-20) and the redeemed live by the standard given by their Redeemer (cf. see theme on today). Many choose the easy way out and here we go again (Mt.7:13-14)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Medical Ingenuity” G. Ward

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18

It was a weekday evening and our Sweet Grandmother had to accompany us to this aesthetically sterile medical facility so that my 3 siblings and I would receive inoculation against rubella or measles. This daunting task assumed by our Grandmother never considered being embarrassed as our arrival to this clinic of sorts witnessed this cold, grey room, awaiting what was the equivalent of getting an arm or leg amputated without anesthesia. What truly made it worse was the other children in the background with profuse weeping and shrieks in agony.  We were all little children 16 months apart to date; so we didn’t have a mature sibling to model what it meant to embrace internal anxiety without external collapse. As the “King Family” (The King Family Show, series first aired on ABC from January 1965 to January 1966) or the “Osmond’s” were celebrated for their excellent harmony through singing for that era, our shrieks were equally harmonious. Our Sweet Grandmother couldn’t comfort us. One by one we kicked and screamed to the back to see this huge gun with serum (it appeared like a modern day nail gun). The needle was huge. The alcohol pat, it hurt; then the needle. Who would do this to a child?

Such may be the agonizing of the electoral process of 2016, but like our being inoculated, it will soon pass.

Happy Wednesday!  

Today’s Thought “Democratic Process” G. Ward

“Choose for your tribes wise, understanding, and experienced men, and I will appoint them as your heads.” Deuteronomy 1:13

Sin from man allowed disparity’s existence (cf. Ge.3). According to our theme on today, a people of God were granted new opportunity after great wandering without a home-base. Many refusing Holy God’s directives didn’t make it (cf. Ro.6:23). While spiritual leadership can have detrimental implications when deciding the plight of fellow man, God’s imposed leader then, pleaded to his Maker for help to govern HIS people.

Today’s intent from Holy God is without change. For any intimate with God through Christ, we’ve witnessed the divisive, partial politics that further subtracts from the governance meant for man (cf. Isa.9:6). We’ve honored paperwork seemingly constructed for this land (to keep us with liberty), honoring the fathers of this construction; that never contemplated a year 2016, whereby the illicit and perverse could argue claimants to the same document to further their cause. As you perceive on today what might be your saving grace through process in freedom, know that the invisible chains of bondage persists because we’ve moved away from a greater proposed legislation from the Eternal King (1 Sa.8).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Survival Tips In Affliction” G. Ward

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Too much nutmeg in Aunt Mary’s pie and the anticipated macaroni and cheese my cousin Debbie provides tastes so very good, but carries a horrid reverberation. Youth enabled my consumption of every food group presented, whereas discernment in this autumn of my life trusts there will be a varied repercussion to my gluttony. As you pack for the illustrious Thanksgiving meal, be sure to include Rolaids, Imodium A-D, or Tums.

Our approach to life’s troubles can often demand immediate reprieve; comparable to a meal ingested promoting acidity that desires esophageal and abdominal comfort.  It’s more identifiable as “the elephant in the room” because it won’t go away. Daily, we seek to extinguish the agony it presents, but our attempts in futility more leads us in great supplication unto our Redeemer, understanding that nothing is too difficult for HIM. Let not our presumptions of His work include a false hedge prohibiting suffering for our lives, but more invite the blessed assurance of knowing HE walks with me (everywhere)…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Only Grandeur Please?” G. Ward

 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” Job 1:20-22

 

While more songs and chants seek to convey comfort with an insistence that struggle for man is not God proposed, His word declares numerous examples in opposite (Mk.6:27-29, Jn.11:4, Heb.11:13,14,36-39). Are we truly prepared to receive good and bad? Think on this: Many who lived more righteously than our current wave in belief, died of sickness; looking forward to home whereby disease and pain is non-existent. Our generational demand subtracts from prudent study of God’s word, moving quickly unto narcissism and love (without proper stewardship) of the earth (cf. 2 Ti.3:1-2).

Real worship’s contingency accepts graciously, the things of Holy God, understanding that usage by our Great King of Perpetuity is an honor and privilege. Take heart; trouble isn’t lasting…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Returning Home” G. Ward

“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37

Why so many illustrations in biblical proportion to returning to God? It’s because reliance on less promotes weariness (Ac.4:12). The return however competes against a way in familiarity; particularly in view of a route I established. The comparability therein may recall a dirt path established whereby any growth is hindered because the ground has become calloused. Over and over again we’ll throw seeds of sorts anticipating a harvest thereafter, to rarely contemplate being without the tool necessary in breaking fallow ground. Christ alone, the Master Cultivator, desires to both break the calloused soil and plant seed guaranteeing germination; to then carry you through this proposed garden to ensure that your steps are denied an ability to defile a path ever again.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Doctor’s Visit” 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

 

When so very entirely famished for resolution and particularly after trying everything else, is the congregant unto the pastor’s office. His (the pastor) first consideration is a surety that the Kleenex box is full, for tears are soon to flow. Although he won’t delight in all the personal jargon, he’s told all the gory details. The culminating verse that reveals soul matters will most certainly insist, “I don’t feel God wants me to succeed.” Such tender moments deserve tender mercy that interrogates one’s original promptings that erupted into the despair presented and now the pastor dude has to diffuse foolish thinking.

Man must never seek to blame Perfect Guidance available to him that denies the storm’s success; nor echo horrid sentimentality demanding HE get you out of trouble with immediacy – That’s Abuse.

Happy Tuesday!