Today’s Thought “Cyber Monday” G. Ward

 

And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” Luke 12:15

For the next 20+ days there will be great trouble in the land. Many will sit perplexed on what to purchase for their loved ones for this illustrious holiday upcoming. Networks like QVC (an initialism for "Quality, Value, Convenience"), HSN (Home Shopping Network) along with a multitude of online cyber shopping networks are salivating at the opportunity to increase their profitability. It’s the easy payment option that’s far less interrogative, yet comparable to credit extended that makes this an attractive mode of shopping. God’s word says at 1 Corinthians 10:23, "I have the right to do anything," you say--but not everything is beneficial. "I have the right to do anything"--but not everything is constructive.

Be very careful to know there’s a 26^th of December whereby the demand for payment is imminent. Moreover, the children you’ve considered (with this exorbitant purchasing) have misplaced (to never find) the gadgetry necessary to operate these same components before year end. The adults (young or otherwise) may have the same or desired the updated version, exacerbating the initial point of perplexity presented (say that real fast), “what do you get for the individual who has everything” (cf. Mt.6:25)?

Happy Monday! 

Today’s Thought “An Anthology of Gratitude” G. Ward

“Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will bear you!
I have done it, and I will carry you;
And I will bear you and I will deliver you.” Isaiah 46:4

 

Salt and Pepper, no longer thought of primarily as a set of basic spices for every table; it’s become the color of my beard and moustache. Morning, afternoon and evening aches so sporadic that medication isn’t a contemplation because immediate reprieve is really what’s necessary. A longing to engage a loved one who has passed from this life to the next; grieving their death (no matter the number of years in their death anniversary) while celebrating the positive impact on us personally.

Many of us are either seated at the head table of the family reunion (as the elder states-people of the family) or on the brink of pinch hitting for the team. Contrary to how it may appear I’m really enjoying this autumn of life. I most certainly don’t long to return unto youth. For me, my 20’s, 30’s and 40’s offered more self absorption than knowing contentment in all circumstances (cf. Phil.4:11-12). Prior to the passing of my father, he shared an abrupt reality for the aged; losing friends unto eternity. Before I should depart from this life, you’ll need to know I cared so much about you and value your impact on my life. Thank you for teaching me the essence of interdependence. Blessings!

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Unpopular” G. Ward

 

 ^“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6

 

Our world is over-flowing with a plethora of gods. A god may be defined as anything contemplated a great preponderance of any given day. It can also be that in what you spend the majority of time with. Matthew 6:21 says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In other words, the heart will reveal where your worship lies.

My personal worship of Holy God should not begin when the music plays; nor should it always begin with a song. I desire my contemplations to embrace the gift given me, Jesus (cf. Mt.5:16). Moreover, with greater intentionality, I’ll not neglect the intimacy intended (i.e. between God and man)… Thank God for Jesus!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Subordinate” G. Ward

“If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord’s commandment. But if anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.” 1 Corinthians 14:37-38

In the early years of anyone’s life there’s a great amount of instruction given by those in authority over them. That instruction (should) always seeks to present both future/current hazards for the young and impressionable. I believe the child’s first word is “No” because they hear it so much. By the time adolescence occurs, this word (No) could be perceived as entirely negative (you think?). In my generation, “No” stood alone (upon a parent’s admonishing). Rarely would a parent engage you on the particulars of why. They (parents) would simply exacerbate a notion of old; “because I said so” and “just do as I say.” Seemingly, as a result of perceived bondage, young people may be plagued with a sense of subliminal rebellion that carries forth into adulthood. Without cognizance, their attitudes demands freedom from submission unto most authorities. Audaciously, they become excellent students of the democratization in American law (that protectant, while neglecting a holistic connotation of any predecessors (historically) receiving scourging along with a multitude of abuse, so they can be free.

Our Savior (Christ), is well acquainted with man’s rebellion (cf.Ro.3:10, 5:8) and desires from us a practice (Ro.12:2) that HE established long ago. Unlike many parent’s instruction, HE so graciously extends many examples of potential hazards because HE loves us so (2 Ti.3:16-17)…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “An Acquired Taste” G. Ward

 

“If a man dies, will he live again?
All the days of my struggle I will wait
Until my change comes.” Job 14:14

 

I never understood the essence of what wisdom personified until recent events invited my participation in what ordinarily I would deny as opportunistic.

 Wisdom is calming. It recesses unto understanding diversity as enlightening. It’s without competition, while it values societal champions. It recognizes nature’s conditioning as un-rehearsed and seeks stronger regimen. It’s tolerant, yet without compromise; willing to await progress as a process with its own timing. It never regards failure as optional, because it despises reprimand and recapitulations. It’s without contempt for the actuality of life; there’s an end soon to occur and my promptings had nothing to do with my reward (cf.Ro.5:8, Eph.2:8-10, Heb.11:6)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Church Hyperbolizing” G. Ward

“What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” 1 Corinthians 14:26

 

What if on the next worship experience it involved no music, mundane singing and monotone speaking took place (cf. 1 Cor. 2:4, 2 Cor.11:6), but all recited was positively true; would you categorize that as worthy of great praise? Corinth, with its many churches experienced more of the Roman Empire’s religiosity than necessary. Ecstatic speech (understood by no one) was indicative of pagan worship. For the sake of individualized idolatrous worship of varied deities, Gentiles exercised in pseudo languages at the top of their voices (as to drown out other’s chant). Unfortunately, this church age (in contrast) has done poorly in what took place over 2000 years ago. The imagery for an unbeliever most certainly should be our concern (cf. 1 Cor. 14:23); yet we have the most in-authentic appearance in our local fellowships. Teachers exacerbate mediocrity among their members (cf. Hos.4:6) by neglecting to truly define each passage without philosophical impartations (i.e. catchy verbiage). Have you ever thought about the many teaching scenarios of the New Testament without Gentile (or worldly) influences? Ninety percent or better involved individuals listening attentively, without shouting, ecstatic speech and dancing, leaving many convicted (of their sins) then to do the Master’s will or to run from it (deciding their own way was good enough)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Marching Orders” G. Ward

 

“Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.” Proverbs 4:1

 

I’ve not been well (physically) for almost two weeks now. With the seasonal transition, my allergy intolerance arises. Strangely, this condition generally ushers some flu like symptoms into being. What I’m discovering is the body isn’t as cooperative in this autumn. I’ve heard so many over the years share their own parent’s demise. The age of their parent’s death becomes relative to their perceived end. Although I wouldn’t verbally contest their prognostications, I would question what to me was entirely pessimistic. I’m now viewing in me, all of my Dad’s complicated digestive system’s rejection of many food items, along with other ailments. Moreover, my frequenting medical visits are as most men, rare, until vitally necessary.

Prior to my Dad dying he shared how necessary it was that I heed every opportunity to regular medical exams. In him was forced reconciliation to that fact. He died of complications with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. My prayers on last evening (as my suffering was greatly felt) was expressive not of deliverance from that agonizing that took place, but more of gratitude that the Holy Father would hear my prayer despite my unworthiness (cf. Jer.33:3)…

Happy Tuesday!