Today’s Thought “Personal Nomination” G. Ward

 

 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24

Howbeit that the very compelling from the Savior of the entire world insists to know Him means to not present any sign of old character into this life given (cf. 2 Cor.5:17). Furthermore He shares that we too have a cross to bear, synonymous with great sacrifice. Others exacerbate a notion that we’re due something and I agree. We’re due a trip to the woodshed for thinking of ourselves too much!

This word “follow” carries a deeper connotation than the liberality (in usage) we’ve pursued. It means to walk the same road. What did Jesus do when overlooked, mocked and abused? Why not investigate and then let the world know of your findings (Mt. 5:16)…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Inconspicuous” G. Ward

 

“They love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and to be called 'Rabbi' by others.” Matthew 23:7

 

I thought the objective of mankind was to ensure that Holy God be exalted by men; very particularly amidst believers? A persistence in acknowledgement has become the perpetuation of the ages; preachers still demand notoriety within the marketplaces. Sure, there’s a fine line between honor and worship of men, while the contingency in that should lead to better servitude with the pastor. He must cease to entertain the troops (cf. 1 Cor.2:1). He’s not to be more than Christ in his discourse (cf. Jn.15:20)! Jesus never paraded across a stage seeking to captivate listeners with His eloquence. His authoritativeness (i.e. power – promoting scripture concisely and contextually) was not Pharisaic (cf. Mt. 23) in nature (Mt.7:29).

We’ve got some modern day Pharisees misappropriating passages like 1 Chronicles 16:22, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." They insist that no one should have derogatory remarks concerning them and dare not touch them while or after delivery to then steal their anointing. Can you say false teacher? If they always sought sharing derogatory comments about Jesus up to crucifying Him and able to touch Him often and all the time; what makes mere mortals better?

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Man Overboard!” G. Ward

 

 ^“Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm.” Jonah 1:15

 

Many times in my life I’ve been swallowed by the big fish. While there, my encapsulation allowed my meditating what landed me there. Categorically, there’s repentance that will never delight in the stench of supposed gastric proportions ever again. I so relate to the Apostle Paul’s message at Romans 7: ^15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”

Cause and effect must be the future consideration in every pursuit. My problem always invited what seemingly was proactive to endeavor, when in actuality was entirely reactive. The trouble rendered from this vanity demanded I recapitulate the proper mission given man; “Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this” (Ps.37:5).

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Impropriety” G. Ward

“To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours.” 1 Corinthians 1:2

You’ve heard it said a gazillion times, “I’m no saint!” While worldly proportions define a saint as one who has been recognized for having an exceptional degree of holiness, the word of God says that a saint is the one who recognizes Who then is holy and strives to fulfill the calling to fulfill. Moreover it demands submission to empowerment from on High to achieve this magnanimous goal (cf. Zec.4:6).

Denying this tag (as a saint) contradicts theology, only as it pertains to believer-ship. It does so because man has fought an un-achievable war with his own soul concerning his ability to be good. Jesus taught the rich young ruler at Luke 18:19, "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.” This young ruler didn’t struggle in Holy God’s commands; therefore he thought he was good enough. Jesus, as Final Authority precluded usage of the word “good” as never being the delineation for any man ever again. In conclusion, the prior, more acceptable definition for saint was having an exceptional degree of holiness, and Truth says having faith in mustard seed proportion is suitable (Mt.17:20).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Order: A Subtle Deletion…” G. Ward

Children of Old; Mannerable, Respectful, Articulate, Proven in Constraint, Able to expound on Ambition, Teachable, Discerners of Right vs. Wrong, Independent Thinkers, etc.

Children Now; Lovers of Self, Self-Righteous, Lazy, Conniving, etc.

Children of Old; Understood blatant obedience had a consequence. Repeated offenses would demand a whipping.

Children Now; Understand Laws governing how corporal punishment is to be administered and will call 911 on YOUR telephone.

Law vs. FINAL AUTHORITY

Law: In every state in the country, a parent can legally hit their child as long as the force is "reasonable." What's considered reasonable varies from place to place and in many instances the question is left up to a jury in a kind of community-standard test. Generally, though, the law draws the line when the force causes an injury. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child defines it as any physical punishment intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light.

Final Authority: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Proverbs 13:24

“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.” Proverbs 23:13-14

*The use of physical punishment to discipline children has been linked to a range of mental health problems and is strongly opposed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Children of Old; MUST BE CRAZY…

Happy Monday!

 

Today’s Thought “An Empty Storage…” G. Ward

“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14

 

My heart aches on today for the many exercising in great knowledge about Holy God, yet the practicality of His precept of absolutely dying to oneself goes violated (Gal. 2:20, Lk.9:23). Many desire fooling themselves into believing that Infinite Wisdom (God) would need their worldly attributes to be seen by men. They offer expressions like, “He gave me a brain didn’t He?” Yes! Although true, it exists for His purpose. While many are seeking Him as Lord (i.e. Owner, Master), they deny Him opportunity to guide them in all ways. Furthermore, they more perpetuate debates on what He’s saying to us along with great study of His word only to find someone who will listen to their impressive discourses vs. sincerely seeking out those in despair to then familiarize them with the Author of hope (particularly in view of their being rescued).

Time will reveal whether or not you’ve surrendered unto HIM. While activity still speaks volumes, great debates incur within on whether or not you’ll even attend worship services (cf. Heb. 10:25, Mt. 6:21). See you at church when I see you!

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Heaven Bound” G. Ward

 

“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,” Matthew 6:3

 

Most of great notoriety, particularly when accompanied by riches, is monitored heavily by John Q. Public on how benevolent they’ve been in their proposed wealth. Whatever then is reported is never suitable enough for the masses. It’s only when they are the benefactors that satisfaction would become their mantra.

On this week a great friend/brother passed from this strange land unto home. S. Truett Cathy (Founder to the Chick-Fil-A chain of restaurants, 1800 in total) exemplified simplicity while being extremely wealthy. He insisted all his restaurants remain closed on Sunday’s, forsaking greater wealth (cf.Mk.8:36). For 50 years he taught 8^th grade boys in Sunday School at his place of worship. Rarely would he miss that opportunity although business commitments (national & globally) would compel his presence often times. Both my sons in their 8^th grade year were privileged to have him as their teacher.

My eldest son was the type of kid to be impressed by anyone who made over $10,000 annually. He knew of Truett’s success and frightened me on the many occasions he had with him. Truett, in all of his benevolent ways would build relationship with some more than others; and at one point it became my son’s turn. Greg (my eldest) shared with Truett our family history along with what was then our ministerial pursuits (I was a pastor then as well). Then came Truett’s famous line; “What does your family need?” Greg then replied, $2,567,239.28! Truett wrote him a check and we’ve been rich ever since. NO, I’M TOTALLY KIDDING! Greg’s true reply was, “Thank you Mr. Cathy, we have need of nothing.” I was so proud of Greg, but more proud to know Truett Cathy (1921-2014).

Happy Wednesday!