Today’s Thought “Inexplicable” G. Ward

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

While maintaining preference in worship (i.e. insisting on charismatic leaders, along with outstanding musical attributes), IT happened. “IT” on today will be determined as an attack unbeknownst for nominal believers, insisting Jesus and the prophets as allegory. *More atheistic commentary is surfacing on social networking than ever before. While many believers take offense with these perpetuators of doubt, I’ve chosen (in my own believer-ship) to have answers, not argument or mediocrity that insists, “You believe what you believe…” Our Wonderful Savior didn’t avoid expounding on religion and politics as we’ve been taught, but insisted His Father’s business be the precedent in all things. Atheists, agnostics and polytheists didn’t arrive at their own conclusion because facts weren’t available, but progressed naturally so because there was no preacher (Hos.4:4-7, Ro.10:14-15)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Unreasonable Demand” G. Ward

 “And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.” Luke 17:4

In metropolitan Atlanta a county commissioner spoke vile words (through Twitter.com) concerning Congressman John Lewis’ (a Civil Rights icon) insistence that President-Elect Trump is an illegitimate candidate. There was an unfortunate rebuttal initialized by our President-Elect that questioned the congressman’s lethargy in the district he’s responsible for, highlighting its crime ridden status that sparked this uprising. Unfortunately, great divide has the elephant forbidding the donkey’s presence in a forest with acreage enough for all to exist.  This commissioner sought to recant his earlier position, equating it with a child-like emotional outburst. While many are with great protest, precluding that the inaugural ceremony on Friday will be void of their presence (exercising their right), it’s the subjectiveness personified by believers that’s entirely disconcerting. The gospel didn’t arrive for social well-being, or to extinguish potential wars; it furthers the recipients therein to insist preeminence of the good news as the CURE-ALL.

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Antiquated” G. Ward

“Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting.” Psalm 93:2

Perhaps like me you’re a fan of great books? Strolling through a book store is fascinating; particularly so with all the captivating titles. Many times my commendation of such excellent outer covers (with books) is soon extinguished by discovering that another narcissist is seeking to impose another manuscript on “self help” tips (sadly 400 + pages of variations therein).

Although this scenario seems esoteric to books, it’s now become the wearisome paradigm of spiritual proportions from many desiring quick resolve (i.e. from Holy God); favorable to their psyche, and when it fails to occur on their timetable, abandonment unto righteousness ensues. More religion is established as individualists’ place demand on the Creator of mankind (cf. Isa.55:8-9); furthering false notions of my intellectual prowess as sufficient to carry me through (Jn.15:5). The scholarship of man was once the manuscript of the hour at the local bookstore, until another with a title more relevant displaced it…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “King Day” G. Ward

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35

We must remember that social injustice pre-dates the 1950’s. Every generation has been plagued by unrighteous proliferation in divisiveness and pomposity, devaluing people groups via illegitimate reasoning. While democracy here allows for legislative process to disquiet pundits promulgating sectarianism, it doesn’t change hearts. While tears welt in my eyes upon viewing great marches, speeches and sacrificial lambs for civil rights for every American (as should exist), I maintain that while protest may be a viable choice, mankind soon forgets the efforts in great struggle from their predecessors; nullifying the continuity sought, to soon see the same disparity surface. The gospel perceived, obliterates discord and every generation refuses first adherence to this command, violating resolve.

Happy King Day!

Today’s Thought “It’s the Weekend Baby!” G. Ward

“Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire. It is in the last days that you have stored up your treasure!” James 5:3

“He’s coming back soon” has been the chant of generations for thousands of years. The Apostle Paul anticipated the Lord’s return during his own lifetime as he penned 1 Thessalonians 4 regarding the coming of the Lord ( vs. 15 ”For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that WE who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.”). This anticipation from the Apostle and James demanded that their lives in earth reflect understanding this advent. They both sought to impose this prescription in holiness (a self-denying devotion to God) unto any who would hear. It was a message of urgency then and continues to be. What it didn’t support was a wanton life in personal pleasure.

While many persist in personal struggle in study of God’s word along with violating worship’s demand on Sundays (and Bible Study times), there continues to be frivolous claimants of Knowing HIM…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Incomplete Pursuit” G. Ward

Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” John 3:4

Lack of passion disinvolved with any endeavor, is synonymous with standing by the riverside fishing without supply.

Worship is an exercise (individual or corporate) that gives praise unto HIS sufficiency. Reading the Bible, along with devotional thoughts and participating in worship services (no matter the commitment), denies intimacy with the Holy One when repentance is not the prefacing. While it may be true that faith unlocks the door to relationship to Holy God, it must first reverence His eternal existence and power. That recognition demands of oneself great, but not lengthy plans for a funeral; with insistence that you be the corpse (Mt.16:24). WE MUST CEASE CALLING WORSHIP THAT WHICH MEETS OUR DEMANDS (i.e. preferences and presumed delight). You can walk away (like Nicodemus), refusing adherence, but when you attend services on Sunday and feel obligated to enjoin the rest, singing “I Surrender All” you better change the lyrics to I surrender SOME; because you alone deny entry (cf. Rev.3:20)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Standing Amidst Giants” G. Ward

“Now then send and gather to me all Israel at Mount Carmel, together with 450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of the Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 Kings 18:19

Solace seems so very distant when my garage door closes and my car engages to meet my destination. It’s the period in between that carries great uncertainty; my plan is minisculed by the demand of the Holy One. Rarely will my contemplations reveal potential tragedy on the way, or HIS interruption that advocates on behalf of another.

The Prophet Elijah was commissioned to duty of gargantuan proportion. A ruthless king and his wife were with a demagoguery that sought infamy of their fortitude recognized for generations; deciding their power be considered over Holy God’s (cf. 18:21).

There is great duty owed in view of ONE standing, then crucified on our behalf. Let us not construe places or time that appear more significant in letting this light shine; all are HIS (Ps.24:1)…

Happy Wednesday!