Today’s Thought “Permissible, Without Benefit” G. Ward

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

My mornings are the more interesting as I view the morning news (headlines primarily). Strangely, my approach in optimism (where news is concerned) is expecting the absolute worse. It allows me to subtract from the shock sensationalistic journalism produces. On today, here’s my discovery - Georgia State University students will have the option of selecting roommates of a different gender in the fall. This legislative process seeks to accommodate both opposite gender friendships (including partners in romance), and special accommodation towards the homosexual community’s comfort. These accommodations are sanctioned by administrators of the university that are either capable of having college aged young people or grandchildren alike. The advancement in educational prowess from young people is most certainly commendable. While producing greater occupational potential, it’s also introductory towards adult accountabilities. As many of you know, adulthood offers very little accommodations and is a great accentuator of parameter. Although the entirety of this may violate your moral perspective (as it did my own); it can more lend itself to a teaching opportunity unto young people (cf. Deut.6:5-7). Share the moral compass acceptable unto every generation, Holy God’s word (cf. Pr.22:6, Mt.24:35)…

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “An Empty Jar” G. Ward

“You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.” James 2:22-23

We’re often the terrorist unto our souls. It’s due primarily to perceived un-fulfillment. It can also be equated with empty behavior. It can make a kitchen visit occur at 2:30 a.m. for just one more slice of cake. Perhaps it can dictate the long way home to purchase that “new and improved” electronic gadget. All of this is attributable to a secret society of sin’s disconnect in Holy God as more than enough.

If the garage has become the dumping ground for an extended period of time; re-arranging, or cleaning it becomes a task of gargantuan proportion. Although winter is here now, our consideration to addressing this huge task won’t really involve resolution until we can’t park our vehicle there next fall. Let’s seek to annihilate the “Bin Laden” of our mindset. It must not become the covert operation synonymous with capture of a villain of sorts, but must be met with a perfect surrender “to HIM who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (Eph.3:20a). Our working towards greater surrender must regard process at a continuum (“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong.” Eccl. 9:11a). A considerable amount of prayer must be the ammunition utilized…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Once A Beautiful Baby!” G. Ward

CINCINNATI — A 20-year-old Ohio man's Twitter posts sympathizing with Islamic terrorists led to an undercover FBI operation and the man's arrest on charges that he plotted to blow up the U.S. Capitol and kill government officials.

Christopher Lee Cornell, also known as Raheel Mahrus Ubaydah, told an FBI informant they should "wage jihad," and showed his plans for bombing the Capitol and shooting people, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court in Ohio Wednesday. The FBI said Cornell expressed his support for the Islamic State. By LISA CORNWELL, Associated Press

I haven’t given much thought to what my 3 grandsons will become when adulthood presents itself, but as a Pastor/ grandfather I’ve had the distinct honor to dedicate (ceremonially) one (Colson Ward) unto our Lord (on behalf of their parents, in the presence of our congregation) and the other two (Ethan & Bryson Ward) upcoming on Sunday, February 1, 2015.  All of this “Pomp and Circumstance” will not determine their plight for the future. As they grow, achieved academia, great little league participation, faithful church attendance, fabulous birthday celebrations and eating supper at 6 p.m. each evening are most certainly excellent in its traditionalism, but doesn’t mean they won’t grow up to be terrorists.

To believe is to support preeminently what Final Authority ensures as the blessed hope. To outsource what is your personal parenting responsibility (i.e. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deut.6:5-7) might have your little Cinderella on the World News purchasing high powered rifles and six hundred rounds of ammunition…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Although Forgiven…” G. Ward

"Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink. Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.” Numbers 20:8, 11

Familiarity with Holy God should never be the objectivity of man (Isa.55:8-9). Our familiarity may seek to please Him, but more than likely become frustrated with those outside the realm of servitude; forgetting that Holy God while patiently pursuing you, pursues others (cf.2 Pe.3:9).

We’ve witnessed Brother Moses as such a one. After receiving careful instruction as God’s leader, his compromising the details therein disallowed his entry into a land promised. After exposure in the same violation, his trust in the Maker of heaven and earth sought to remain exemplary to his end (cf. Deut.33, Nu.20:12). We too have been violators (Ro.3:23), but it doesn’t preclude our usefulness. Don’t you try cleaning up what it is that you messed up! You’ll end up where you began; starting your life over and over again. Regeneration is from on High. When Holy God washes and restores, you’re clean and dressed without corruption. Although you may not see earth’s opportunities much longer (cf. Heb.11:13), there is a promised land for you and me…

Happy Wednesday!

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!