Today’s Thought “Wandering Eyes” G. Ward

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” Romans 16:17-18

 

The term “dead church” is both oxymoronic and widely misappropriated. The pervasiveness in its portrayal of what may be deemed a dispirited worship service boasts of a time when exposed to service time whereby another expression was louder. So louder, rhythmic music, along with gyrations from HIS people gain Holy God’s attention vs. developing some through gospel efforts, ensuring outsiders are taught in the same whereby future generations would know HIM (cf. Judg.2:10)?

When/if a believer sits or stands at service times, carrying forth with spiritual compliance in reproducing the message given them, while showing hospitality unto everyone through tremendous prayer along with holy living, but lacks proposed vivaciousness assumed by others comfortable with their emotional outburst of praise, are they any less God’s? Castigations from immature (cf. Mt.5:48) believers insist there be prototypes of what/who they perceive as righteous worshippers, while neglecting a personal pursuit of what Holy God demands.

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Highway to Heaven” G. Ward

“Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48

The discourse our Savior rendered unto His disciples (Mt.5-7) was/is very opposite of any perspective from mankind. There continues to be frowning regarding the definition of what it means to be perfect; it’s utilized more in an ugly attempt in criticism towards one whose aim is to establish task or character without error. The bible definition, although similar, is relative to its contextual review. The prior demand has every believer with an earnest pursuit in loving every enemy (cf. Jn.3:16). This speaks more to exemplary living that imitates his Maker.

How difficult can/could it be seeking to love (particularly in view of the sacrifice by Christ – who died for those believing to have killed Him) the worst oppressor found in society unilateral of Holy God rest? Moreover, who are we really, when in the very presence of God, we continue in the perpetuation of our way over His excellence?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Flowing With Milk and Honey” G. Ward

“The word of the Lord which came to Hosea the son of Beeri, during the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel.” Hosea 1:1

 

The American plight awaits the next festive event that promotes a gathering point with others indicative of a longing for something more substantive to displace one’s own miseries. Thousands of years ago the message from Holy God unto the Prophet Hosea sought to extinguish a notion of anticipatory prosperity enabled by earthen kingdoms vs. absolute adherence unto their Maker.

The struggle in two opinions perceived (Mt.7:13-14) is the ultimate disconnect precluding an eternity with our Mighty King to contrast the magnificence of the next “big show”. The message of God is still with insistence from His priests of this era (you and me – 1 Pe.2:5) in sharing an avoidance towards an adulterous spirit found in man that subtracts from consideration in being more thrilled over venues of excitement vs. when God cracks the sky; sending Jesus along with the dead in Christ, for those of us who insist HE is LORD (Rev.1:7).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Watching and Waiting” G. Ward

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

 

After Walter Cronkite’s ( 1916-2009, anchorman for the CBS Evening News for 19 years ) retirement, Frank Reynolds (1923-1983, anchor of the ABC Evening News from 1968 to 1970 and later co-anchor of World News Tonight from 1978 until his death)  became the voice in articulating news for the whole of America. We’re now more exposed to even greater sensationalistic journalism that subtracts from the 50’s-60’s infamous show “Dragnet” whereby Detective Joe Friday’s redundant admonishing unto victims and witnesses upon his interrogation of them that mandated, “Just the facts”.

Reynolds (via a current television campaign disseminating insight) has now become the face relative to announcing the next solar eclipse (today, August 21, 2017).  It was February 26, 1979 and as I recall there was tremendous expectancy then also; even up to varied mystics’ portrayal of some apocalyptic phenomenon.

Over 2000 years ago, a real, factual, eschatological warning was/is given man; be ready when Jesus comes. Promulgations of “I’m ready” without intimacy stemming from repentance will block the SON enabling an eternal eclipse.

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Hide and Seek” G. Ward

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

 

Our Lord began with 12; warning them of the inevitable danger in discipleship. This imminent danger never proposed hurried, vehement opposition from His disciples, but implicit trust of love and care from the Savior that would grow His church. Jesus didn’t rush through His discourse in general terms, but dispelled small particulars as the gospel is portrayed as a sword. This wasn’t an attempt in contrived division, but an expected one from some who would/will deny love and guidance from our Wonderful Savior.

Our Lord’s first communication with 12 is with same pertinence for today, and there are some that fail to understand His loving them also (cf. Hos.4:6) . Will you tell them of His goodness, or continue with promulgations of religious irrelevancy?

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Undivided Loyalty” G. Ward

“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Genesis 5:24

 

The Lord Jesus, after being baptized by John, was ushered into the wilderness seemingly alone (Mt.4). The wholeness of this actuality was given for our preparedness as Holy God intended that His Beloved Son convene with the Devil to be tempted. Altogether, what could have been perceived as vulnerability at its best (particularly in view of having fasted 40 days and 40 nights), more epitomized implicit trust in Holy God’s eternal presence never departing.

This is what it means to “walk with God.”

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Change My Heart O God” G. Ward

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

 

Some of us (Preachers of the gospel) are with a discipline that seeks to establish our spiritual community ability to grow others along with disdain for mediocrity (in cultural terms, cf. Eph.6:12). I, like many of the brothers, preach in series; helping to more establish doctrine for believers that lasts beyond national and global impropriety. We maintain this calling to fulfill understanding peace exists solely in Holy God’s grip of grace (Ac.4:12). Moreover, we recognize an unending cycle of divisiveness that calms for a season to then repeat, realizing that our great-grandparents witnessed the same.

It appears very exhausting to expect new results from facsimiles of old, furthering the definition of insanity (*Mt.11:25, 28-30)…

Happy Tuesday!