Today’s Thought “Weather Woes” G. Ward

“Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways!”You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways!” Haggai 1:5-7

As it were, there’s a forced reconciliation when inclement weather pervades you and me. Perhaps when bad weather stifles our travels, we should prepare to re-construct our mentalities synonymous with how the Prophet Haggai admonished those of his day regarding the re-building of the Temple?

The northeasterners on today are either in the snare of the unknown hunter or with great delusion of tropical beachfront posturing. The snow and winds have been pummeling them, disabling their expediency to nowhere. While we who are able to view the entirety of this in abstract, we’re as guilty of never slowing down enough to take personal inventory; and for the ones who endeavor to do so, it’s done in too short a moment. Therefore the garbage that’s removed is comparable to having a garage sale – you’ve gotten all you’re to get from what was once useful and rather than give it away, you’d rather sell it exorbitantly, while furthering a terrible notion of helping others…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Misconception” G. Ward

“And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came up to him and dragged him away and brought him before the Council. They put forward false witnesses who said, “This man incessantly speaks against this holy place and the Law.” Acts 6:12-13

What does Holy God need from man, except that he maintains resilience in his servitude? In that same compliance, He never guaranteed that others would be elated with a practice therein. Moreover, He may allow for persecution (including death) to occur as He did for Stephen.

Just recently (here in Atlanta), the Fire Chief was fired for his un-authorized distribution of a self-published manuscript in which he called homosexuality “sexual perversion” and compared it to “bestiality” (cf. Lev.18:22, Ro.1:26-28, 1 Cor.7:2). Some have alluded that our Mayor is guilty of political posturing because his city’s great homosexual community exceeded that to which San Francisco was once prominent. Whatever the cause and effect, religious leaders have expressed outrage in what seemingly is an infringement on religious freedoms facing Christians and other people of faith.

Some, even within the believer community are yelling “foul!” They further a FALSE notion of judging others, while making judgments all day long themselves. Holy God’s words sanctions judging (particularly when studied properly. Cf. Mt.7:1-5, Jn. 7:24, 1 Jn.4:1, 1 Cor.5:1-13), it simply demands you be pursuant to righteous behavior. Just remember, in your observances, they’ll hate you for it (Jn. 15:18-19), even up to killing you! Will Heaven stand for you as HE did for Stephen (Acts 7:54-60)?

Happy Monday! 

Today’s Thought “Pseudo Inquiry” G. Ward

“Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.  For certain persons have crept in unnoticed, those who were long beforehand marked out for this condemnation, ungodly persons who turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” Jude 1:3-4

                           

Perhaps you’re regarded as the level-headed one, or perceivably a good listener? Many may call on you with pretentious salutations of, “how are you on today?” While you share your task at hand, great presumption enters the room. Why? Because their own plight is too huge to consider anyone equally or more troubled.

Life’s challenges are forever present. Authoritatively, leaders in a many regard share a pursuit of happiness with their captive audiences, to forget man’s war in carnality is driven first by self-absorption (2 Ti.3:2-4). Furthermore, their (leaders of sorts) seeking notoriety among men rarely shares, there’s more inability towards contentment when any forget where real joy and peace emanates (cf. Phil.4:12).

 Rather than scurry to another in expressing varied woes, why not consider HIM without task (Ps.46:1, Phil.4:6-7)? To make HIM last resort is indicative of what got you in this mess in the first place…

Happy Thursday!

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!