Today’s Thought “Denial” G. Ward

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” 1 John 4:20

Oh no, here he comes again! Every time I see him, I journey the opposite way! Have you ever thought of this as an expression of hatred? Probably not. This John Doe is so negative and nerve-racking.

 To hate is comparable to what it means to love. Categorically, the range is huge. Although I love my Aunt Rose, it’s not the same as the love I have for my child. Hate is merely hoarding feelings of discord about something or someone. The very essence of the word connotes the very worst in emotional range. Although abhorrent to even recite (i.e. hate), it is an adopted condition of man. The Word of God marvelously challenges our common thought process by offering the opposite to traditional sayings. Understanding, then applying Truth must first understand one’s own redemption as necessary because of having missed the mark of excellence (Ro.3:23). Moreover, this recompense offered man does not categorically esteem one over another based on severity of sin; but graciously overshadows (Ro.5:8). We’re admonished to imitate this process through a great interrogative unfolding of our own errancy that wouldn’t ever pinnacle in satisfaction (Phil.3:12-13). The John Doe spoken of earlier deserves better. What if Holy God viewed us as the very irritant John Doe has become? After all, we pompously enter His presence after failing to submit to His way day after day…

“They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:23

Happy Friday!  

Today’s Thought “Looks Like We Made It!” G. Ward

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

Esoteric to every village throughout America when I was a kid; existed the retail store that specialized more in segmented commodity vs. a general selection of most goods representative of everyday living. Such was the case in Detroit’s Highland Appliance store (located on Woodward Ave. – Highland Park). In the days where an unspoken command existed from parents to children regarding behavior when arriving at a retail outlet, my brother and me accompanied our Mother to this store as she sought purchasing an air conditioning unit (window model); in the days of central air being uncommon (imagine that young people?). As we Cavemen entered the store, my brother’s eyes quickly gravitated to a sight of epic proportion (it’s important he get the blame – he’s a year older). There was a lady awaiting what appeared to have been the city bus at the foyer of that same store. The day was very hot and humid and she was vastly overweight (not as common then vs. today), seeking shelter in this air-conditioned place (in the day where courtesy was extended whether trade occurred or not). Our Mother became occupied with a salesman giving us carte blanche to explore (without going too far). Both of us unquestionably decided to attend what we esteemed as the Side Show (relevant to a carnival of sorts) upon our entry. We stood in this woman’s presence marveling at her size. We laughed hysterically and uncontrollably. This woman had enough of this disrespectful behavior and replied, “Keep it up and both of you are going to be smacked!” Our grin became chagrin as we walked away perplexed at how mean she was (Imagine that?). I’ve grown some since then. It’s primarily due to a forced reconciliation, in that now the children are laughing at me. From the days of it being permissible to discipline other’s children; I, on the other hand just have to remain silent (you better not say anything to someone’s child)…

Happy Throwback Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Dummying Down” G. Ward

“Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, "Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. "But go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see Him, just as He told you.” Mark 16:5-7

I love the hymn “Ah Lord God” along with its repetitive refrain’s chant that reminds mankind, “Nothing Is Too Difficult for Thee!” We’ve become more alarmed than trusting (in Holy God) regarding great global impropriety in man. Our expeditious erosion towards clichés worth adopting like “Nothing Catches God by Surprise,” as an evil ploy in demanding reprieve from a potential hazard of chaos visiting us soon. Our selfish contemplations view other’s catastrophic moments with a condescending compassion. Grief expressed more lends itself to “it could have been me” attitude vs. Job’s expression of “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face” (Job 13:15).

You may ask (like I have), why weren’t the brothers closest to the Lord Jesus pursuant to knowing what became of their Savior at the crucifixion? Why these grievous women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome) who were without a personal appointment? Perhaps it’s because the least of these surprisingly become proactive in implicit trust with Final Authority’s guidance over the ones of us who travel alongside perpetual streams in intellect. In other words, we think too much! “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (Jas.1:22).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Without Recognition” G. Ward

“For you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God. For, "ALL FLESH IS LIKE GRASS, AND ALL ITS GLORY LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS. THE GRASS WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF, BUT THE WORD OF THE LORD ENDURES FOREVER." 1 Peter 1:23-25

The pursuit in accolades from man is/can be an arduous process. No matter the achievement, it’s soon to become part of history’s chronicle; forgotten. Rarely are we personally challenged to remember our greatest predecessors. We however are spurned (periodically) to pay homage unto those pioneers of heroic proportions via holiday or convocational recognition.

I believe there to be great missed opportunity in what perceivably is small an accomplishment, yet huge for the beholder of such benevolence. The crucifixion of our LORD could have been perceived as miniscule by those in His day. The practice of crucifixion (by cross) in Palestine during the Roman period was not uncommon. Unlawful individuals knew of horrific consequence for extreme violations. We, the benefactors of what many failed to understand (concerning the Ultimate Sacrifice), shouldn’t seek a historical canonicity to usurp what was given by the Savior, but a more careful surrender unto the best record in heroism given man – Christ and His righteousness. It’s eternally presented to recognize…

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Oscar Buzz” G. Ward

“On the next day the large crowd who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him, and began to shout, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel.” John 12:12-13

On last week most media outlets shared great hoopla concerning Sunday’s Academy Awards presentation of its prestigious award, The Oscar. I believe the media, with its attempt towards prudence, sought to both inform, while inciting the world towards an insatiable fixation with entertainment. This appeal’s culminating drive leads to the illustrious “Red Carpet” walk of fame. It’s there that the great movie moguls are welcomed to this event; while camera flashes view their fashion from the world’s acclaimed designers. Great anticipation from commoners like you and me gaze at our television screens to view the stars with an inability to attain towards the same (somewhat arguable).

A similar buzz occurred in Jerusalem with Jesus’ triumphal entry as King of all Kings. Indifferent from typical royal behavior, there was common palm branches laid on the road to welcome this Great King representative of eternal life. Moreover, this greatest King arrived with great chants of highest praise on a donkey (notably regarded as an animal of peace); contradictory of an ordinary king’s culture (post victory) arriving on a horse (a beast of war). This great buzz wasn’t the production of exclusivity, INARGUABLY ATTAINABLE (Ro.10:13)!

Happy Monday!

 

Today’s Thought “Presuppositional Turmoil” G. Ward

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:24

Young people have debated what perceivably is an antiquated philosophy from seasoned adults for a very long time. This debate usually arrives upon being rejected on desires expressed. Seasoned adults are privileged in having witnessed an outcome similar, feeling it necessary to warn the younger of an undesired consequence. There’s very little resolve in these great dialogues because of a great war in cultural relativism. Whatever the masses are doing will lend itself to the viability of a stated cause.

Sadly, a better contemplative review in history will reveal these arguments are thousands of years old. While the culture changes, God’s word does not. Holy God is/has always been relevant and transcendent of time. Be sure to convince young people through personal admittance of relating (often) to cultural standards over interrogating a higher one. Perhaps then you’ll be heard.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “What Does God Need?” G. Ward

“Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.” 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

 

A great gospel song is sung. A tremendous sermon is preached. It’s only then we hear the term propagated in these modern times, “anointed.” Rarely will we contemplate the temporal state in existence for those great promulgators. We tag those blessed ones unjustly, delineating Anointing as synonymous with talent (i.e. entertaining). The Anointed One is Christ and in Him is all sufficiency.

Holy God created heaven and earth, parted an ocean, fed thousands on very little fish and bread, asking us to surrender to these facts, to not pay attention to a visual society that would compel us to believe (cf. Mt. 12:39). Our insistence demands a better King (cf. 1 Sa. 8). The preeminent insistence from man begins with “our terms” while His words share an end without your appropriation considered…

Happy Thursday!