Today’s Thought “Intimate Referral” 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

Spiritual Presupposition is amazingly on the increase. It imposes personal thoughts on what scripture means. In times past, it’s been responsible for denominationalism spread throughout our world, including world religion. Moreover, it’s the promoter of vain philosophy that leads to narcissism furthered.

We are called to cease in our varied interpretations and submit to prudence (Gal.5:1, 2 Ti.2:15). Shamefully, we’re more impressed with man’s impartations in eloquence, more than the eternality found in Holy God’s word (Mt.24:35). What’s become obvious is the lazy behavior in man (very particularly in the days of www.google.com). He more desires a quick response in his plight, than proper investigation from his Maker. Irresponsible authorship persists in making this about all your days getting better, while soaring to greater heights; and all of this is at the expense of your eternal soul (cf. Jn.15:5); because the Lord desires to be OWNER of every step you take (Ro.10:9)! You’re called to be a SAINT (cf.1 Cor.1:2)! It’s not because of our own perfection, but that our influence of the Holy Spirit would be rendered, through holiness as partakers of salvation in His kingdom. STOP WITH THE NONSENSE IN SAYING NO ONE IS A SAINT! PERSONALLY INTERROGATE!!!

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Distress, Not Despair” G. Ward

 

And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:21

 

The sovereignty of God (i.e. His unquestionable ability to do anything He wants and whenever…) is often stated by many, while grossly misunderstood. To think any could gravitate towards comprehending the magnitude of His activity (cf. Isa.55:8-9) is the essence of confidence in the flesh (pride).

The man Job was said to be blameless in his walking with Holy God (Job 1:1). This more reveals his surrender, or character. In contrast to most men, he contemplated God’s way before personal activity.

Faith is easier in times of normalcy, but when distress comes (and it will), what will our reaction be (Pr.1:27-30)? Despair is diffused when our individual pursuit of His way is constant (cf. Ps.1:1-3). If calamity should happen, our sentiment could be the same as Job’s. Things (or tangibles) are not what define man; they’re given him temporarily, and then he departs (Ps. 90:10). What then is to be valued?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Too Analytical” G. Ward

“And in the morning, It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening. You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” Matthew 16:3

I’m reminded of my Father’s words when frigid temperatures persist. While our furnace at home never failed to blow extreme measures of heat throughout our home in winter he would say, “Think about all the stray dogs and cats enduring the elements with no shelter.” Each time my heart would break in that we were taught early the love for pets. Amazingly, homelessness (as we know it to be) was non-existent. Sure, there was the “Hobo” who through insistence embraced living among the railroad cars, but he knew he could return home.

Selfishness, or pride of life, obscures an ability to view others along with adoptable principles until our supposed need is met. Sadly, man’s impropriety in considering Holy God’s demands (particularly that insists “I am my brother’s keeper”) enables homelessness to become even more rampant than before.

Every other Friday our church travels throughout varied districts of homeless individuals to offer durable clothing, blankets, shoes, hot soup with cornbread and coffee. Although commendable, not one of our regular missionaries demanded we break our traditional cycle (knowing Metro Atlanta is to endure temperatures below freezing for the next four days). Perhaps it was too cold…

I’m so glad that Jesus (with whatever the weather conditions were) at Calvary’s cross, endured great crucifixion on my behalf! What shall I render unto this Great King?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “What Saith Thee?” G. Ward

“And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?” 1 Corinthians 3:1-4

There’s a strong compelling from ministers that feels it necessary to insert great quotes during their discourse each week. Although there’s nothing wrong with this kind of incitation, it should not be at his insistence as he contemplates his eloquence portrayed. How dare any of us utilize vain philosophy to portray Holy God’s word unto man? It’s the very thing that stagnates our congregants in their seeking to be heard from a standpoint of what “Bishop” had to say vs. what Holy God desires to say unto them (personally). Just in case you don’t know, it sounds very cultic when any are known for their exacerbations in what their minister has said. After all, his personal ambassadorship should delight solely in Holy God’s word. His promulgations are not even his own; so why are you giving him credit (that’s blasphemous!)?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Study Habits…” G. Ward

“ I, John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet, saying, “Write in a book what you see, and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus and to Smyrna and to Pergamum and to Thyatira and to Sardis and to Philadelphia and to Laodicea.” Revelation 1:9-11

 

More than a Shakespearian sonnet or a prolific novel is the word of God. I’ve witnessed so many endeavor reading it with an intrigue that would bolster their pride rather than be the life guide proposed for all men ( cf. Ps.119: 105-106, 2 Ti.3:16-17). I’ve witnessed believer’s approach unto it with familiarity that’s contemptuous. I’ve seen theologians expound on it presumptuously and pretentiously, leading many towards destruction (cf. Hos.4:6-8).

If we’re careful to follow the precepts of Holy God, peace and contentment is near. Ours must be more interrogative through greater investigation. When we begin to esteem Holy God’s words for its perfection vs. just another good book, we too will be compelled to write those things down of greater significance for the day presented. While some seek to read it cover to cover, they’re without scholarship that would make them authoritative therein. IT MUST BE STUDIED…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Book Club” G. Ward

“For the word of the Lord is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.” Psalm 33:4

I heard it proposed to me again this morning, “Greg, what book are you reading currently?” It more suggests that varied ideologies sustain mankind. Moreover, it contradicts independent thought, while being impressed with authorship from scholarly individuals seeking to either improve man or portray what ultimately is hypothesis at best. I say this in contrast to what “Final Authority” (Holy God and His words unto man) offers (Mt.24:35). "May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, “That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged” (Ro. 3:4).

A society more captivated in intellectual prowess than spiritual conditioning is regressive (doomed for destruction). Birds, flowers and grass flourish within the parameter of their purpose. Mankind however, is seemingly on a quest to further separate from their proposed existence (cf. Jn.15:5).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Auld Lang Syne” G. Ward

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

 

Generations grew singing this great herald (Auld Lang Syne) at the stroke of midnight, introducing a New Year. The song’s significance celebrates what old friendships once represented, committing to new opportunity in the same. Times of old more delighted in relationships, while understanding things come and go, but the interdependence meant for mankind is virtuous (cf. Eccl.4:12, Ro. 15:1-2).

·       We must not forget that celebration should embrace remembrance. Our Americanism makes this celebration propose more self-centeredness than empathy. For example, dead bodies are still being extracted from the waters of Indonesia after enduring a horrific plane crash (AirAsia Flight 8501 - The missing plane carried 155 Indonesians along with three people from South Korea and one each from Singapore, Britain, Malaysia, and France. The passengers included 16 children and one infant.). Moreover, The World Bank reports; According to the most recent estimates, in 2011, 17 percent of people in the developing world lived at or below $1.25 a day. Another outstanding organization, The Hunger Project reports, 805 million people – or one in nine people in the world – do not have enough to eat. 98% of the world’s undernourished people live in developing countries. Where is hunger the worst? Asia: 525.6 million/ Sub Saharan Africa: 214 million / Latin America and the Caribbean: 37 million.

As you make resolutions and echo narcissistic slogans like “Greater” and “Increase” for 2015, remember Holy God is still loving the same world living in abject poverty.

Happy Wednesday!