Today’s Thought “Still Disenchanted” G. Ward

“And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh.” Jude 1:22-23

 

Perhaps this is your story also. Prior to my seeking an intimate relationship with our Creator, I searched more for a society of believers than Holy God’s word (Ro.10:8). Ultimately I created an excuse for the lazy behavior I adopted that would avoid holy living. Inherently, there was a longing to adjust to HIS ways and not my own. Moreover, my criticism of man allowed me to categorically make my personal sins less in view of the aimless behaviors given by the many acquaintances of that time. I never thought that in the space allotted me I could have died, facing eternal separation from God. I allowed lack of exemplary behavior from my countrymen to negatively impact my potential in coming to know Him as my personal Sufficiency. I now understand that it wasn’t wasted time as some suppose (cf. Eph.1:4), but created a better witness in me as many would be plagued with the same (in future terms). My familiarity, as a product of this foolish syndrome, makes me available (cf. Isa.6:8-11) to encourage them to never allow mere mortals opportunity to resolve a reconciliation (Ro.5:8) given every man (Ro.10:13) long ago…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “An Early Resolution” G.Ward

“When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” Ecclesiastes 5:4

 

Do you really believe that if Holy God said it, He meant it? Moreover, are you more insightful about this merciful God than analyzing (introspectively) blatant disconnect from man?

Merciful, Holy God doesn’t exist on His holy hill with this tolerance in liberality concerning man’s vow unto Himself. He expects that if you say you love Him and desire dedicating your life unto Him, you’ll diligently pursue His righteousness (cf. Heb.11:6, 1 Jn.5:3); otherwise, there is no special pardoning.

This dispensational era of grace forgets Him as Judge as they surrender very little unto Him who desires to change (entirely so) their lives (2 Cor.5:17). The many worship centers are filled with mediocre practitioners of truth. They more extrapolate from a worldly view that demands most go to heaven, while terribly inconsistent in attendance (Heb.10:25). Furthermore, their mouths echo great cadent chants of “How I Love Jesus” with absolutely no regimen in intimacy with Him (cf.Mk.1:35, 2 Ti.2:15).

Here’s the beauty, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pe.3:9). Oh, I’m sorry, you do realize that true repentance resolves itself to never re-visit prior iniquity (cf. Ro.7:14-15, 1 Jn. 1:8-9)?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Secret Agent Man” G. Ward

 

“After Moses had sent spies to Jazer, the Israelites captured its surrounding settlements and drove out the Amorites who were there.” Numbers 21:32

 

The Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.) is instrumental in national security on behalf of the United States. Not only are its many employees responsible for guarding every U.S. Embassy globally, they also gather intelligence from every foreign government. Their covert operatives have been widely perceived as synonymous with the pseudo character James Bond (British Secret Service agent created in 1953 by writer Ian Fleming).

Just recently a Danish double agent revealed having been employed by both Al Qaeda (a terrorist, militant, Islamist organization) and the C.I.A. Furthermore he insists his auspicious pursuits allowed the assassination of Al Qaeda’s second in command (Anwar a-Awlaki, who was killed in a CIA drone strike in September 2011) to the infamous Osama Bin Laden. This spy furthers his promise of being paid 5 million dollars by our U.S. agency (CIA) as a masterful operative in delivering Anwar a-Awlaki for capture or killing. Upon completion of his duty, he insists that our illustrious agency reneged on their promise. If you find that preposterous, you’ll witness video footage of that same spy receiving an attaché case given him by a CIA official filled with $250,000 for another covert operation demanded of him (ironically with the combination code 007 on both locks).

Forgetting the controversy, I want to propose a righteous indignation towards the amount of monies denoted for such a thing. Are there any who could do it for less? “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man” (Ps.118:8).

Happy Tuesday!

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!