Today’s Thought “Desperate” G. Ward

 

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” Psalm 42:1

 

With the varied substance abuse programming, admittance of dependence is the prelude to the greatest concert ever.  I’ll pretend on today that we’re in session by admitting to you on today; “Hi, my name is Gregory, and in times past I was a news junkie” (along with being an emotional eater, Andy Griffith and Bonanza fan also). The news for me (regardless of the network) was absolutely captivating and more revealed sensationalistic manipulation of their viewership. Many lack independent thought well enough to discern what is actual or hyperbolized (in their estimation). I viewed the various networks because I marveled at the ploys of every network to violate the number one rule in journalism; to assemble and verify facts.  

My temporary psychosis in contemplating change in the networks was delusional at best. I was “desperate” to see change, while exposing my lack of faith in the Author of real change, Holy God (cf. Pr.3:5-6, Jn.14:6)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Magnificent Love” G. Ward

“God’s angel went up from Gilgal to Bokim and said, “I brought you out of Egypt; I led you to the land that I promised to your fathers; and I said, I’ll never break my covenant with you—never! And you’re never to make a covenant with the people who live in this land. Tear down their altars! But you haven’t obeyed me! What’s this that you’re doing?” Judges 2:1-2 (The Message)

 So mature we thought, as we endeavored what appeared to be our soul mate while so young. If Jesus Christ were to have manifested Himself to share its unfruitfulness we would have doubted His insights. The plight of man is primarily consumed with self-centeredness (i.e. blatant narcissism, cf. 2 Ti. 3:1-5). Our visual impairedness falsely identifies possessions (positionally & tangibly) as immediately attainable and the world confirms our insatiable drive. It’s only then (pursuing the supposed object of our affections) that our best discipline is exacted in our lives. When we’ve either saved enough or climbed the appropriate ladder, we park next to the vehicle we really wanted (back in the saddle again!). Then, we reach a certain autumn (if Holy God affords us time, cf. Ps.90:10-12); so very thankful that our First Love waited patiently (cf.2 Pe.3:9).

 

Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.” Phil.4:11-12

Happy Thursday!

Today's Thought "Impractical" G. Ward

As it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist." Romans 4:17

I've had numerous opportunities to visit the country of Haiti. What I've enjoyed best is utter dismay concerning the paradigm given that country of rampant voodoo practices. While it continues to exist as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, theirs (the inhabitants) is an unawareness comparable to many throughout America growing up in various districts in a time whereby everyone in the local areas were entangled in the same social plight. Many yet comment, "we had no idea we were poor growing up!" Contrary to our free educational system, theirs is with tuition (regardless of economic status). Although I could speak on France's disenfranchisement towards Haitian's independence from them that caused total economic sanctions from the U.S. and Europe for more than 60 years, I'll digress to share I've witnessed a very spirited country. Moreover, I've seen more palm reading (along with demonic worship & practices) in this country than Haiti. For the many times I pompously sought to be a great spiritual envoy in Christ (in Haiti) my reflections understand that although I arrived to give, those already intimate with Christ encouraged me. Food, money and medical may be scarce there, but they're yet trusting (implicitly so) in Holy God without tangible parameters of demanding He deliver them in an American way. All of you great charismatics ought to get there to share your un-theological impartation of "don't claim that (i.e. famine, poverty, etc.), just speak a word!" While your Bishop becomes more wealthy, you're furthered in spiritual constraint ( *cf. Phil.4:11-13)...

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Personal Nomination” G. Ward

 

 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Howbeit that the very compelling from the Savior of the entire world insists to know Him means to not present any sign of old character into this life given (cf. 2 Cor.5:17). Furthermore He shares that we too have a cross to bear, synonymous with great sacrifice. Others exacerbate a notion that we’re due something and I agree. We’re due a trip to the woodshed for thinking of ourselves too much!

This word “follow” carries a deeper connotation than the liberality (in usage) we’ve pursued. It means to walk the same road. What did Jesus do when overlooked, mocked and abused? Why not investigate and then let the world know of your findings (Mt. 5:16)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Inconspicuous” G. Ward

 

“They love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called 'Rabbi' by others.” Matthew 23:7

 

I thought the objective of mankind was to ensure that Holy God be exalted by men; very particularly amidst believers? A persistence in acknowledgement has become the perpetuation of the ages; preachers still demand notoriety within the marketplaces. Sure, there’s a fine line between honor and worship of men, while the contingency in that should lead to better servitude with the pastor. He must cease to entertain the troops (cf. 1 Cor.2:1). He’s not to be more than Christ in his discourse (cf. Jn.15:20)! Jesus never paraded across a stage seeking to captivate listeners with His eloquence. His authoritativeness (i.e. power – promoting scripture concisely and contextually) was not Pharisaic (cf. Mt. 23) in nature (Mt.7:29).

We’ve got some modern day Pharisees misappropriating passages like 1 Chronicles 16:22, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." They insist that no one should have derogatory remarks concerning them and dare not touch them while or after delivery to then steal their anointing. Can you say false teacher? If they always sought sharing derogatory comments about Jesus up to crucifying Him and able to touch Him often and all the time; what makes mere mortals better?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Man Overboard!” G. Ward

 

 ^“Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.” Jonah 1:15

 

Many times in my life I’ve been swallowed by the big fish. While there, my encapsulation allowed my meditating what landed me there. Categorically, there’s repentance that will never delight in the stench of supposed gastric proportions ever again. I so relate to the Apostle Paul’s message at Romans 7: ^15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Cause and effect must be the future consideration in every pursuit. My problem always invited what seemingly was proactive to endeavor, when in actuality was entirely reactive. The trouble rendered from this vanity demanded I recapitulate the proper mission given man; “Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this” (Ps.37:5).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Impropriety” G. Ward

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.” 1 Corinthians 1:2

You’ve heard it said a gazillion times, “I’m no saint!” While worldly proportions define a saint as one who has been recognized for having an exceptional degree of holiness, the word of God says that a saint is the one who recognizes Who then is holy and strives to fulfill the calling to fulfill. Moreover it demands submission to empowerment from on High to achieve this magnanimous goal (cf. Zec.4:6).

Denying this tag (as a saint) contradicts theology, only as it pertains to believer-ship. It does so because man has fought an un-achievable war with his own soul concerning his ability to be good. Jesus taught the rich young ruler at Luke 18:19, "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.” This young ruler didn’t struggle in Holy God’s commands; therefore he thought he was good enough. Jesus, as Final Authority precluded usage of the word “good” as never being the delineation for any man ever again. In conclusion, the prior, more acceptable definition for saint was having an exceptional degree of holiness, and Truth says having faith in mustard seed proportion is suitable (Mt.17:20).

Happy Tuesday!