Today’s Thought “To Be or Not to Be…” G. Ward

1 Samuel 2:3

“Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the LORD is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.”

I’m finding that more are oblivious to the constraints character and personality may offer others. Most will seek greater acquaintance with us based on what we can offer them. Some may feel that when others abide in their presence for any extended period of time that they’re a friend indeed; until there’s a need anticipated from them we cannot meet. Children and adolescents have perpetuated this notion for centuries. Ideally, the practice of receiving strangers for children could be/have been the very catalyst for peace globally; but as we grow it appears we become unnecessarily competitive. This can ultimately lead to divisiveness and mistrust.

This geriatrical process many of us are exposed presents more awareness of where others might be driven. I celebrate it because of it being forced upon me. The physical parameters given me, most certainly disables my competiveness in a variety of areas. Therefore, my soul aspires continuity with man more than argument. In summation, the infamous R & B singing trio, The Ojay’s recorded a most excellent melody that said, “Your Body’s Here with Me, But Your Mind Is on the Other Side of Town.” I’d like to transpose that by saying, “my mind is here, but my body ran away!”

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Inauspicious” G. Ward

 

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Twelve Years A Slave is a movie portrayal (November 2013) of a free Black man residing in Saratoga, New York. He was an accomplished violinist who was invited to perform in Washington D.C. The year was 1841. He was kidnapped and taken to the south and enslaved. He spent 12 years as a slave being tormented (whipped and beaten) each day by a brutal slave trader.

Expressly, many are bombarded with legitimate circumstances of despair. No matter how exasperating conditions appear in some, there are often individuals feeling it necessary to offer quick non-antidotal commentaries that exact, “There are always others in far worse shape.” Such a response surely demands brief contemplation from the victim of despair, but is rarely soothing and most certainly lacks resolve. Furthermore it reveals lazy, aloof posturing from the promulgator.

There is however a better advocacy. A hug of assurance may help. Moreover, an empathy that ensures these victims that as the Holy Father is a present help (Ps. 46:1), that you too will stand with them through the crisis. “For He Himself has said I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you” (Heb.13:5b).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Loving This Autumn” G. Ward

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

A good support system is necessary in encouraging good behaviors. I can truly say I had that as a child. On today I’m gladly contemplating both of my grandmothers. Both epitomized what grandmothers have been historically for so many. Unlike the grandmother of today (who very well might be 35 years of age), it wasn’t necessary to refer to them by their first name; Nanna, Grandma or Big Momma was good enough. I never heard negative comments from either of my grandmothers. Their hug and kisses were anticipated and reciprocated by me. For them, I could have attained towards absolutely anything I aspired.

Eternal security for the believer is comparable. Our scripture lesson text reminds us that nothing can prohibit Holy God from loving us. His love, although un-conditional, requires true repentance from those of us desiring Him as Lord of our lives. Chaos persists in some because they stole grandma’s love, failing to love her back with all their heart. We never love grandma in the same way she loves us. Hers is patient, seeing the best, its kind, seeking to be exemplary, and gentle, not wanting us to capsize in unproductivity.

Our struggle with sin is incessant (cf. Ro.7:14-16). We however, who have asked Jesus to abide as Lord in our life, have yielded to His sacrifice as entirely sufficient. Although there is yet sin in our lives as it is with others, ours is absolved forever because HE is our reconciliation now and forevermore. The older I become in HIM, the less I desire to disappoint. Moreover, I wish both my grandmothers could witness what I’ve become…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Evasiveness” G. Ward

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example. For they don’t practice what they teach. They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.” Matthew 23:1-4

We’re quickly approaching holiday mania; when Americans (primarily) will spend astronomical amounts of money on regalia of all kinds seeking to gather those they love. Like many of you I believe the plans obscure the meaning. The essence of family and friends gathering however is yet comforting. The peace it promotes is strongly anticipated for those exposed to the swiftness that life may present. At the same time I’m wondering if we’re prepared for the contentiousness that will raise its ugly head among those same family and friends who are bombarded with evil politics and controversial religious practices of today? Although interesting, both are argumentative; and when differences occur (and they will), debate unleashes un-reconciliation and dubious confrontation.

As believers we must recognize that the Savior endeavored these types of gatherings never to avoid varied subject matter, but was prepared to render the best verdict from what Final Authority said. Before all the gatherings, cram for the test (cf. 2 Ti. 2:15, 1 Pe.3:15), so as to be prepared in the same…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “An Inventory on Assurance” G. Ward

“By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” 1 John 2:3-4

 

Who really goes to hell in the entirety of our society? Preachers aren’t proclaiming truth anymore; they’ve become motivational speakers. Moreover, it’s become impossible to find anyone living out the creed of holiness. Furthermore, church folks are the worse anyhow, so I’ll just believe on my own terms!

We’ve heard it all before and regardless of whether or not they all are warranted, the complaint always rests with the plaintiff’s choice on who to follow. The Apostle Paul instructed those believers in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” This incessant admonishing of Christ as exemplary subjugates there being no sufficiency in another (Jn. 14:6). Ultimately, every response to a blessed assurance must “walk in the same manner as He (Jesus) walked” (1 Jn.2:6b); otherwise, any defense mechanisms furthered from man leads to eternal separation from Holy God…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “A Tedious Journey” G. Ward

 

Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.” Ecclesiastes 7:10

 

Growing up watching my mother made me the impatient man I’ve become. Although she wasn’t in a hurry preparing a meal and dressing for work, she did both with excellence. Today I’m recalling the great Martha Jean the Queen of gospel radio. Martha Jean was iconic for Detroiters. She was upbeat and thorough and ended most expressions made with “I bet cha!” Hers mostly sought confirming the message of Christ as absolute. My mother along with most Detroiters listened daily to her radio show. The spirituals played by her were unquestionably exacting nothing being too difficult for Holy God to do. Moreover, they incited many towards great praise of Him not for what HE would do for them, but for HIS greatness and faithfulness. Most songs (spiritual, that is) now carry forth with demands unto Holy God. The very prefacing perhaps will echo a sentiment of how wonderful HE has been, so now “do it for me.” Our training up in this narcissistic approach can/will lead us into greater contempt.

My mother didn’t fall into a category of great familiarity with God that bred contempt. While she was getting dressed I would hear her singing songs like “God Specializes” and “Amazing Grace.” Everyone now approaches the great throne of mercy singing, “God Has A Blessing With Your Name On It.” Arbitrarily and presumptively, many conclude that they belong to God, but lack the passionate pursuit (cf. Jn.4:24, 1 Jn. 2:3-6). What will you propagate (as to legacy building) while meal planning?

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “The Real Meaning of Ministry” G. Ward

 

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

 

Autumn and winter helps those of us in the community of faith to regard our fellow man that perhaps lies in economic depression. The chill in the night air and hunger can obscure better planning from victims of homelessness. Moreover, those with shelter on the brink of high energy costs and potential purchasing of winter garments for children (particularly after more than 6 months of Caribbean temperatures) become extreme.

Many plagued with less are forced to seek benevolent organizations for assistance and the local church is generally most visited. Os Guinness (an author and social critic) issued a warning to mankind regarding secularism (a philosophy) that can lead to secularization (a process). It speaks primarily to our consideration to what may be popular vs. the engagement of our moral compasses. Furthermore, it demands personal introspection that asks, “How am I viewed in the marketplace” and “As an ambassador for Christ, what then is the predominant message I’m promulgating?” He observes, “How else can one explain the comment of a Japanese businessman to a visiting Australian?  “Whenever I meet a Buddhist leader, I meet a holy man. Whenever I meet a Christian leader, I meet a manager.”

His referral to any believer as a manager points to our unavailability to what we’re representatives of, the gospel. Receiving the good news must be prefaced by repentance. While sharing the King’s supply (i.e. food, blankets, toiletries, etc.) compel those receiving to surrender to His Lordship. Then, personally walk with them (cf. Mt. 28:19-20); ensuring discipleship (until they’re able to disciple others). Otherwise, it’s just a temporary hand-out.

Happy Thursday!