Today’s Thought “Side-Tracked” G. Ward

Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. ⁴ Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes; and greet no one on the way.” Luke 10:3-4

Our Captain of hospitality wasn’t being inhospitable in saying “greet no one,” but demanded a cultural greeting be denied; this salutation’s process involved a stay at another’s abode including dinner and much conversation. While it appears (aspirationally) a perfect society, it would ultimately subtract from the urgency in delivering the greatest message of reconciliation. The danger involved in such a task has become the rejection of Truth on today. Although many seek (solely on their own) to distort Holy God’s word in accordance to our times (i.e. its downward spiral in morality), your calling to fulfill (particularly as a little lamb) must prepare to be devoured (even eternally so) when/if you deny your personal commission (Mt.28:19).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Object of Faith” G. Ward

“Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” Luke 10:38-40

Great task is endeavored by many (as we’re 6 days away from Christmas), involving tremendous attention to details as family and friends gather for this upcoming Holiday Season. Unfortunately, in some cases you’ll know of their efforts; particularly if you fail at complimenting their design and delicacies. Moreover, their attention to details demands that your arrival be “at time” vs. tardy, so as to avoid views of disdain from that same host.

Birthday celebrations should more extend homage to the ONE worthy of commemorating. If we’re not careful, we’ll more exacerbate what has been by extending a word or two concerning the Person of honor, whereby no gift is given HIM, to then ensure that others are flourished with presents.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Comfort and Joy” G. Ward

“Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” Romans 16:15-16

For me, the best Christmas Carol sung is “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Moreover, I’m just incomplete until I hear the repetitive encouragement rendered, “Tidings of Comfort and Joy…”

The same admonishing aforementioned by the Apostle Paul, is the physical embrace sometimes necessary for the whole of humanity that is often symbolic of Heaven’s touch (particularly when the vicious cycle embracing selfishness has become so entirely pervasive among men). Be careful however with all the kissing – Can you say mononucleosis?

Happy Monday!

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

The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” Matthew 26:62-63

Our persuasiveness, that is our seeking to convey a point of view or shed defense may be an eloquent discourse, but if the hearer has determined you’re wrong or guilty, prepare for a verdict unfavorable.

To be equated with the Savior is unfortunately not the aspirational goal for many (cf. Eph.5:1-2). The societal court that seeks to tear apart your personal Shelter (*Ps.91:1-2) from storm that includes wrongful castigation and ridicule will fail (Ro.8:15-18); particularly when your submission determines that my perceived war with them is their lack of pursuit of the Most High (Eph.6:12).

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Round the Mulberry Bush” G. Ward

“You shall not follow other gods, any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, ¹⁵ for the Lord your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; otherwise the anger of the Lord your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 6:14-15

When perfect resolution is sought from social, economic or political realities, it’s not resolve at all. Moreover, temporary appeasement is a horrid reality found in man and soon diminishes unto another conquest when that pursuit fails. Audaciously, those who fail then call on the Maker of heaven and earth (as if HE’s a genie in a bottle) to bless their newest endeavor so they won’t appear insufficient.  When that thing doesn’t come to pass, they move on to another conquest and the process starts all over again.

Idolatry is synonymous with unfaithfulness insisting that the object of one’s faith lies in what’s visible. Holy God’s insistence that we place complete trust in His sovereignty so as to invite solace and contentment for our very short span in earth must always be our goal. There are no more mountains to climb when rest is sought from the SOURCE in prudence (*Ro.3:4).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Between Opinion” G. Ward

“Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’ ¹⁷ He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.” Deuteronomy 17:16-17

Selective memory regarding Life’s instructions will ultimately empty unto misery. Holy God rendered explicit terms for any King that served Israel (particularly for His people who would insist on governance outside of His Perfect Rule – cf. 1 Sa.8).

We, as believers are said to be administrators of justice (*1 Pe.2:4-6). The justice necessary for the whole of mankind is to understand (through concise presentation – Ro.10:14) an exoneration unto any insisting HE govern them. While ceremonial practices have been obliterated, moral ethics are perpetual…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Stop Pushing!” G. Ward

“By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

Shopping days are now few. Secret Santa gifts have become necessary in the workplace and civic associations while the whole of community seems to be involved in the same. The Salvation Army bells are ringing, SERVING as a reminder that the 26^th of December is a reality (with or without you), desiring to minister to the less fortunate for the year upcoming (particularly some of those exercising in horrible stewardship of those resources presented during holiday time – indiscriminately so).

John quoted the Savior’s insistence, pervading on man the best identifier in saying we know HIM (cf. 1 Jn.4:7-9). Don’t allow our brothers and sisters of the Salvation Army to be the only ones sharing love and hospitality; if we’re honoring the birth of Christ, HE’s deserving of the best gift. So what shall I render?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “You Know I Tried…” G. Ward

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me.” John 14:23-24

Faith is difficult, but necessary. Moreover, the demand for the object of our faith must rest and reside In Jesus as Lord. It’s even compared to the size of a mustard seed to illustrate that when Holy God’s power is exercised by any of small faith, it becomes the demonstration enabling our trusting HIM more to grow (*remembering the mustard seed grows a huge tree).

Holy God will most certainly receive any as they are, but staying as they’ve been is entirely unacceptable.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Success Defined” G. Ward

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Difficulties in our time have many estimating that no prior generation endured as much and to that end I beg to differ. Seemingly argumentative a view, standing in faith, particularly submissive to Holy God’s auspice over history’s patriarchs had them perceived as buffoons by the populous that caused great distress emotionally and physically (that included death). We’re now exposed with vain philosophy that insists we more seek conformity without judgment unto a new societal code that estimates the Most High’s demand for mankind as antiquated (cf. Heb.13:8).

Partial standing empties onto a fall whereby no one is there to catch you (cf. Ac.1:18-19).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “I Wish I Had Listened” G. Ward

“My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:1-3

Wisdom imparted can often be rejected by segments of society that awaits a perceived credible source. Moreover, the variation of wisdom is often and particularly inauthentic because it fails to credit the Source. Wisdom is not a word until it determines to authenticate unto any Who is “All Wise” (cf. Mt.24:35) and the value of implicit follow-ship of life’s code found in Holy God’s word.

Therefore our promulgations should be disregarded for its limited scope that may sound off with perceived intelligence, but forgets that the next moment’s contingency for you and me belongs to the Most High (1 Pe.4:11).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Is the Sovereignty of God A Mistake?” G. Ward

Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”  God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:26-27

Recent Headlines read, “Pink and Carey Hart raising children to be gender neutral.” The singer loves the way the world is changing when it comes to gender roles and stereotypes. "I was in a school and the bathroom outside the kindergarten said, 'Gender Neutral - anybody,' and it was a drawing of many different shapes," Pink said. "I took a picture of it and I wrote, 'Progress.' I thought that was awesome. I love that kids are having this conversation” (MSN. COM).

Amazingly, humanity’s posture of ever-evolving seeks a demand for Holy God to be equally wishy-washy (cf. Jn.4:24). I never felt obliged to come out of the closet in my heterosexuality; understanding it’s far too small an ideology against what I participate in for the remainder of 23.5 hours in a day. The hamburger I consumed took longer. Am I a hamburger?

Happy Monday!