Today’s Thought “Who Is Like the Lord?” G. Ward  

“For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, (as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.” Romans 4:16-17

The fall of man happened because of evil appeal to one’s own sufficiency over God dependence. History reveals more an inability for man to effectuate resolution against calamity, destruction and disease. Modern times have now dictated ability to make claimants of any kind that opposes my well being and by faith it shall be done. My trouble with this maintains that man insists on adopting what only Holy God is said to do, along with horrid neglect in recalling how calamity and disease remains indiscriminate. In view of the most heinous crime committed unto our Wonderful Savior, why should I be exempt from tragedy (*Jn.15:20)? I choose to trust the grace shown me and in the future hope without pain.

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Fake News” G. Ward

“Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.” 1 Kings 2:10

Slow down just for a minute and assess who God is for you. Stop reading and take a moment; “who is God for my life?” The answer is more predominately representative of religion: He’s my Master, Maker of Heaven and Earth, My Everything, Great and Mighty is My God, etc. Although these proclamations are with merit, rarely does it interrogate my soul (*cf. Ps.139:23-24). When I rise from my knees, the next activity, who will it please? While my mind praises HIM in the inner room, the other 23.95 hours assumes that grace and mercy will be present in the next day ahead, to endure a life given, oblivious to my being dead (Eph.2:1-2) because I forsook HIM as ALL SUFFICIENCY.

Years go by and I’m yet familiar with the same10-15 verses of Holy God’s Word, so I chant, He’s my Master, Maker of Heaven and Earth, My Everything, Great and Mighty is My God. Moreover, I read every devotional thought and typed “amen” to God obliterating cancer, claiming money and agreeing to everything favorable (only for America), yet believing that the testimonial given for King David concerning “rest” will soon be afforded me (Mt.7:21-23)…

Happy Thursday!

Today’s Thought “Without Celebrity” G. Ward

“Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you. ² For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. ³ While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

Anticipating the second advent of Christ is a daily contemplation for every believer. The wholeness of Holy God’s word embraces our redemption, extending numerous chances for the same believer to share (with urgency) the very same gift received. Outsiders chant great hypocrisy exists with regular attendees because the gospel perceived has become the boast for churchgoers promoting exclusivity (cf. Ro.10:13), without adherence to the primary command given (*Mt.28:19). Devotional thoughts, copying, pasting Bible passages and sentiments of how Great HE is, will never be a substitute for a systematic presentation (of the gospel) inciting inclusiveness (Lk.14:23).

Happy Wednesday!

Today’s Thought “Persuasion in Righteousness” G. Ward

“In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.” Mark 1:35

Being bombarded with expectation unseen by others is too heavy a load to carry. When one burdened is overwhelmed with the prospect in making every recipient of misery and uncertainty glad, its comparability would then become the comedic genius with the best entertainment offers promoting a venue unending. While considered a peace maker is admirable, be sure to keep your Power Surge central to your vivaciousness (cf. Jn.15:5), their insatiable appetites for a “quick fix” can be exasperating (Eccl.9:11).

Happy Tuesday!

Today’s Thought “Aleppo In Ruins” G. Ward

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” 1 John 4:18

 

Many years ago I was alarmed to hear of statistical data formulated that would reveal the amount of shoplifting within a retail scope. A National Retail Security Survey established by the National Retail Federation insists that shrink (merchandise on record vs. actual presence) accounted for 1.38 percent of sales (that would include every cross section of retail sales). The highest percentage therein reflects employee pilferage (less than 1% arrive at a store seeking to shoplift). Syrian forces (comparative to perceived pilferage) are steadfastly moving into villages throughout Aleppo, destroying (including killing) every remnant remaining. Our viewing entire villages fleeing with nothing more than the garments worn (which incidentally appear more Islamic than retrievable at your local Walmart)  has many Americans with subliminal messaging promoting fear; with belief that among these are radical terrorists on their way to OUR (cf. Ps.24:1) land. Submission to these fear tactics promulgated forgets that terrorism perpetuated more than likely happens indigenously; even as the thief awaits the UPS delivery at my porch (Happy Holidays?)…

Happy Monday!

Today’s Thought “Arctic Blast” G. Ward

Jesus replied, "Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Matthew 8:20

 

The song Rainy Night in Georgia implicates rain falling all over the world. The frigid temperatures here (in the Deep South) surely indicate the same sentimentality of Rainy Night in Georgia. Amazingly, so many reside in abstract towards those lacking reprieve from inclement weather. The temporary exposure to this elemental cold is with deeper implication; more relative to lack in endurance that promotes perseverance. Cars with heat, coats with linings, hot beverages, along with homes so very warm, demands that garments be removed (immediately) and forgets that entire families within the very scope of their own community persevere; they never thought they would occupy a home without utilities such as natural gas (*this lack is not always fiscal impropriety). Moreover, within that same scope are victims of homelessness, de-valued and without advocacy from the Most High’s army that lack empathy to never consider interactivity with civic, church and political leaders, to insist there be warming stations throughout every hamlet…

Happy Friday!

Today’s Thought “Quick Fix” G. Ward

“And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil.” 2 Timothy 2:24

Identifying transformation in the new proposed life of a believer is far more important than attempts to convey self righteousness. Unfortunately, technological advancement allows information’s access at an instant, embracing great judgment from every hearer. The challenge must consider whether my submission to an unending barrage of futility (cf. Mt.24:35) exceeds sharing/living the gospel (Lk.14:23) that is all-inclusive, giving rest…

Happy Thursday!