Today’s Thought “Hurricane 2016” G. Ward

“And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.” Acts 2:44-45

Like many of you the inundation of news concerning Hurricane Matthew is consuming. My many ventures to Haiti compel me towards great prayer for all my friends there; understanding recovery from the mighty earthquakes of 2010 seems like yesterday. Sadly, the political-ness and greed have that country disenfranchised in the area of humanitarian relief. Moreover, if 300 are reported to have been killed thus far, you’ll need to know that vital statistics for the poorest (import and export) country in the Western Hemisphere remain inconclusive. My concern on today has me writing from the comfort of my home; whereby awakening to a brisk 62 degrees allows a perfect temperature in my room.

Recommended evacuation is the insistence from government officials in the coastal regions of Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. Many throughout those regions echo sentiments of depletion (monetarily so) saying, “Where can I go?” Again, I rest amidst the cool breeze flowing through my window, in my easy chair watching telecast after telecast share the misery. What shall I render?

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Time Is On My Side” G. Ward

“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18

The ascension of Jesus (Ac.1:9-11) allowed His apostles personal witness of Selfless Love’s work of indiscriminate redemption for man. Moreover, this Selfless Savior desired a gathering of mindsets from His inner constituency that would renounce a religion of “what do I get out of this deal” mentality (Ac.1:6), while encouraging listeners to understand that HE’s at watch and more important, coming back to gather those entirely dependent on HIM. The apostolic age that we study in the New Testament had believers fixed on this premise (i.e. His return). This was taught unto every believer, not quarterly, nor in a preaching series given once a year, but when the Bread of Life was presented. Our era now witnesses chants of denial, then declaring and decreeing how much life there is (comparable to reaching into a grab bag of treats), avoiding WHO LIFE really is (Jn.14:6)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Hard Work” G. Ward

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

A hard work ethic is said to be a thing of the past. Old-Timers love to reflect on how seasons of old exhibited better character traits, including great morality personified. Millennials seek immediate refuge when these conversations begin. Seeing the gleam in the eyes of an old-timer while declaring how great things were would require an exorcism of sorts to disquiet these purveyors in reminiscence. I, very personally have been guilty in suggesting the “Baby Boomer and Elder” generations pioneered tremendous ethical character to see young people find (hurriedly) an escape hatch.

Truth: If generations prior were in tune with righteousness as pompously proposed, then generations thereafter would be even more secure in the same because selfless wisdom and compassion would realize that grace and mercy from Holy God is without limitations; ensuring that future generations would live for/in their Creator.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Incendiary” G. Ward

"Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Mathew 16:6

 

Evangelicals (*a term very abused – if millions exist, billions would be converted) have been associated with great morality and have been notably regarded for their convictions at varied polling places. They’ve preferred any candidate reflecting their spiritual views. At 2012 they were prepared to back someone pervading religion that denies the deity of Christ. My un-scientific evaluation leads me to believe they’re now prepared to vote for a cussing, married numerous times and pro-choice (although conveniently converted at this political season towards pro-life – numerous videos of blatant admission produced his real conviction). This season witnessed the same candidate proudly quoting from “Two Corinthians” at a Protestant college, professing to know our Lord.

The other candidate “appears” a liberal liar; Great conviction in “Human Rights” vs. “Holy God’s insistence. I really don’t care whether you ride on the donkey or the elephant, but choosing the lesser of two evils, is still choosing evil.

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “To Be Loved” G. Ward

“To You, O Lord, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, for if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.” Psalm 28:1

A tremendous terror for many involves an eternity away from Holy God. Further confirmation of such fear demands everyone “Rest in Heaven” (R.I.H.) when they die. This for me is the worst defense mechanism existent. If any can live a life not belonging to them, yet portray a pseudo ownership, they’ll soon meet an end that witnesses their empty pursuits as futile. Claimants in knowing God through Christ involve an ongoing pursuit that embodies His commands. The assurance of guidance in earth, along with presence in heaven is indiscriminately attainable (Ro.10:13). There’s urgency in sharing how great HE is, along with the contingency of knowing HIM, delineating the urban definition for assuming as comparable to depending on roulette in lieu of a paycheck.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Tell HIM What You Want…” G. Ward

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

 

Have you heard it sung, “Jesus is on the main line, tell HIM what you want?” How does that contrast our being what HE created solely for HIS purpose? Since professing that HE is more than enough, what if you and I received all we wanted; would the objectivity bless others? Moreover, would the receipt of the imposed possession be shared indiscriminately (cf. Ps.24:1)? Worship extracts nothing, but gives without hesitation (Ps.34:1-2), insisting that the Most High is addressed reverently (Eccles.5:1-2). Considering His ability to take any life He’s given, along with nothing being made that HE didn’t produce, His sovereignty, omniscience and knowing my thoughts and motives (even before my contrived suppositions), my premeditative contemplations must erase all I want, pleading to be useful in His potential presentation.

Happy Friday (On the Prayer Line for Friday, While a NO SHOW on Sunday – Bless your Heart!)!

Today’s Thought “Pastoral Uncertainty” G. Ward

“Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14

Inconsistency, lacking commitment, aloof; all of these describe too great a percentage of those who frequent our local assembly weekly/weakly. Then there are those we know, having girded themselves with the catechism of the church, we know their name, the car they drive, but lacking commitment and inconsistent. Christianity is representative of new leadership demanded from any opposing traditional carnality exercised by the majority of mankind (cf. Eph.6:12). Moreover, the new position one receives mercifully, equates their stance with that of a bond-servant (i.e. available to God’s service, anywhere, anytime). Howbeit that any reference to Holy God as Supreme Controller in the life of a proposed believer pervades little to no participation in their local assembly’s ministry opportunities, but is more regarded for their political stance, civic awareness and marketplace posturing (Mt.6:21)?

Happy Thursday!