Today’s Thought “Give Me An F-L-O-R-I-D-A!” G. Ward

Psalm 90:10-12 “As for the days of our life, they contain seventy years, Or if due to strength, eighty years, Yet their pride is but labor and sorrow; For soon it is gone and we fly away. Who understands the power of Your anger And Your fury, according to the fear that is due You? So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

Santa coming to town was yesterday and springtime graduations are tomorrow. As for now, America is under attack by Captain Jack Frost and there’s absolutely no defense outside of heavy garments. Have you taken the time while the hearth of your home’s fireplace is ablaze, along with hearing the furnace re-ignite, to contemplate those on the cusp of frostbite, or consider (no matter the socio-economic class) the neighbor unable to procure funds to pay utilities of sorts? My Dad would always remind my siblings and me of the stray cats and dogs (as we were exposed to horrid winters of Michigan many years ago) who absolutely had no shelter. Homelessness wasn’t as great in those days with the exception of the “Hobo” who chose to reside at the train tracks; but even he could go home.

Altogether, we’ve come a long ways without deeper contemplation of Holy God’s patience for us (cf. 2 Pe.3:9). In regards to the aforementioned passage, it appears that my appreciating, then praise for the Almighty’s abiding with/in me, has become the opportunity to recapitulate (Ps.118:24) in understanding that salvation’s course should involve my impartation in truth unto any receptive to the message of love. Chants of “God is good” won’t do; it must be prepared to render a concise presentation that remembers the babe in your presence will soon need meat so as to create sustenance for enduring the “wiles” of this perverse generation.

Today’s Thought “The Struggle Persists” G. Ward

Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Every American believer upon their confession of Jesus as Lord should be mandated to journey to a minimal of three foreign lands where resources are minimal. The essence of substantive faith that can’t be seen (Heb.11:1) understands that intangible reliance that anticipates Holy God’s work prevails vs. awaiting perceived blessings of abundance (cf. Mt.16:24). While many countries merely desire clean drinking water and numerous Eastern Europeans reside in sewers so as to remain warm, our collective worship is mostly selective, insisting on palatial surroundings in climatic excellence. Moreover, our contrast in selection links with what is perceivably the most vibrant fellowships, compromising one’s own worship to the Almighty vs. intense music on our terms.

It’s no wonder that the divorce rate is the same in Christendom as the world. Furthermore, inconsistency in regular attendance from many suffers because the whole of society pervades on everyone, “if it doesn’t make me happy, don’t do it!” All that Christ endured, granting redemption to knuckleheads like me so I’d experience joy and peace in earth to then be guaranteed eternal rest, should NEVER HINGE ON PERSONAL PREFERENCE…

Today’s Thought “Humbled by Acts of Love” G. Ward

Acts 20:35 “ In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Video presentations of material distributions by local fellowships may be genuinely concerned with its congregants needs, but remains antithetical to Holy God’s standard in giving (*Matt.6:1-4, 12:39). It’s quickly becoming a trendy adoptive practice in sensationalism, soon to be forgotten. This is not to say that support, brother to brother isn’t necessary, it however fails in establishing others to be givers when it arrives with loud trumpets. Moreover, it becomes the anticipation onto many that haven’t placed their full trust in the All Wise Savior (i.e. when things run out, they too may run out). Like so many, their assembling with others of faith more expects to receive something vs. the real teachings that allow spiritual preparation whereby giving the Intangible grows His church.

The question of prominence demands from the whole of humanity, “How can God get the glory from all I endeavor?” While new cars will soon tarnish and money will be spent (Matt.6:19-21), there remains Holy God’s word, the perfect guide that yields blessings that can’t be bought, but is paid in full (*Jn.19:28-30).

Today’s Thought “Personal Indebtedness” G. Ward

Psalm 22:13-15 “They open wide their mouth at me, As a ravening and a roaring lion.
 I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death.”

Giving honor on today to a lady (Mrs. Rogoff) who blessed so many children in our neighborhood as we grew in stature and intellect. This great lady was the most excellent gardener that could have taught horticulture at the greatest prestigious university. This was a time in Detroit where so many in our area took pride in their own yard work. Mrs. Rogoff worked in her yard for hours each day but would most certainly stop each time to talk with every child who would visit. She was masterfully pleasant, even up to offering a bowl of ice cream on many occasions. Every summer she and her husband would load as many children (including the front seat along with them) into their Cadillac Fleetwood for a great excursion to Metro Beach. Do you think that the generosity and hospitality of Mrs. Rogoff ever witnessed lack of righteous pursuit from any child? Sure, that was a time of greater accountability whereas if there was a glimmer of disobedience given unto any adult, an unfortunate consequence was immediately perceived (i.e. a nice way in saying – whooping).

The suffering of the Sinless Savior, having endured the worst crucifixion (voluntarily so) on Calvary’s cross, has become the highest regard for all and if children are with momentary graciousness unto a few hospitable in earth, what do we owe this King who gives liberally (every moment) without parameter (cf. Lk.6:46)?

Today’s Thought “The Cost of Discipleship” G. Ward

John 19:28-30 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things had already been accomplished, to fulfill the Scripture, said, “I am thirsty.”  A jar full of sour wine was standing there; so they put a sponge full of the sour wine upon a branch of hyssop and brought it up to His mouth.  Therefore when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

The vilest of mankind qualifies in the greatest demonstration of love by Christ. Loneliness and despair is no match for any that resolves themselves unto His standard of living and sacrifice. Indecision is without prompting when meditations rest on His mighty power and the joy in knowing that my request of Him to abide with me forever has become the gift that keeps giving. I cannot know, nor fathom in my own intellect how great He truly is until I resolutely unfold the book to where HIS WORDS tell me so, to then hear its demand onto OBEDIENCE therein. I must die (daily) that HE can shine through my once dirty being…

Today’s Thought “Last Dance” G. Ward

Colossians 4:5-6 “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”

We’re taught to weigh our thoughts and words so as to protect our reputation. It’s become a defense mechanism that relies on limited intelligence synonymous with playing roulette in Las Vegas (i.e. we mostly lose). We’ll often leave those we sought to convince, thinking our conveyances as acceptable to never gain a transparent access of my words unto that same hearer. I’m convinced that no matter my eloquence through words written or spoken, the avenue of man with all his pre-conceived notion is with such strong desire to have their need(s) met, that it leaves little to no room for another lesson. There is however a spiritual ordination unto any that will humble themselves to words eternal, whereby the Author therein remains the only One with transforming power and when my sole reliance rests There, I’ll experience soulful rest.

Today’s Thought “Before the Hefty Garbage Bag” G. Ward

1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

One thousand three hundred garbage collectors went on strike because no health and welfare benefits existed amidst a work day of nine hours minimal that yielded wages unable to procure the worst shack in town. Those drum majors for justice knew their work as special envoys that would advocate (for the dejected) as a death trap (due to the many fatalistic threats) by those opposed to Holy God’s “mankind rule” without category concerning race, but simply trust in Him as Maker. How ironic to think of a non-violent movement evoking perpetuators of hatred as something that could compromise the lives of peaceable protestors. This stance in irony caused many households like mine growing up to become divided philosophically until February 21, 1965 (The assassination of Malcolm X). That religious leader purported a preparedness that mandated “they hit you, hit them back.” Seemingly barbaric to perceive until you assess the counteraction of water hoses and German Shepherds turned on the innocent. Hindsight reveals the theological position of loving one’s enemy by turning the other cheek (applied) as victorious. The ones of us yet alive are so very perplexed on the disquieted spirit of many of that era that remained so lethargic upon witnessing such hatred spewed by many. Why would legislation (1964) become necessary to declare equality among races (the frivolity in divide of races still exists)? Why is it that many still abhor race mixing as if Holy God ever said that the institution He ordained for procreation’s sake mandated a “social construct” be observed over ensuring future generations in believership continue and why are preachers still preaching social resolve, leaving gospel cure-all as secondary? The re-visitation of divide plagues 2019 because hatred was gated over 50 years ago, under lock and key whereas corrosive alloys unlocked the buffoonery in self-centeredness.

The ultimate death of Dr. M.L. King Jr. in accordance to his militant advocacy could have occurred at the height of the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955; yet he and others were just stoned, spat upon and beaten. The year 1968 mandated enough of this foolish advocacy because he now went from an obliteration of racial divide to economic fairness (through The Poor People’s Campaign of 1968 – soon to become a march that would trump 1963’s March On Washington) that would unfold an unfortunate plight of many Americans to date: If an Appalachian resident, living in squalid conditions gets millions of dollars, they’ll wreak havoc on our society, so kill the leader and squash that dreamer!

I still cry when viewing the footage of that time and deeper contemplations in 2019’s forecast mandates more Kleenex…