Yet One More Day

Lord, Don't Let Go!

2010-04-04T04:42:00.005-04:00

I taught our granddaughter Kaylin how to ride her new bike recently. She would sit on the bike and I would walk/trot alongside, with my hand firmly on the bike seat, to ensure she didn't fall over and hurt herself. During the early part of her lesson, my words were always of encouragement and instruction, but her exclamation remained constant: "Grandpa Scott, Don't Let Go!"

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand." ~Psalm 37:23-24

All too often, we seem to have the idea that God wants us to "learn to ride that bike", so we can launch out into new, exciting worlds. But think about it: Kaylin's situation was safest, and she was most able to hear my words of encouragement and instruction during the time she felt the most insecure in her own abilities, while I was holding her bike seat. Her reliance was wholly on me, and as long as I held her seat, she was totally safe.

This scripture tells me I should spend less time "trying to learn to ride the bike", and more time relying on God to guide and keep me safe. Because as long as you and I remain fully reliant on the Lord, the Bible tells us He will continue to uphold us with His hand.

Lord, this day I promise to focus LESS on the road ahead and learning how to be self-reliant. This day I'll try to lean MORE on you, to listen MORE for your words of instruction and encouragement. You've told me I'm safe when my steps are being ordered by you.

I'll pedal as quickly or as slowly in my life as you want, Lord. Just DON'T LET GO.

God Bless You!

-
© 2010 Scotty Ward

Obedience, Unpopular?

2010-01-25T11:01:00.017-05:00

I received another "feel good" forwarded Christian email today.

And went to my Bible.....

How often do we forward emails we've received that have the words "pray" and "God" in them? When we do, do we believe we're providing encouragement to other Christians, so that we're "doing our part" for the kingdom? I think we've all done this. We read these messages we've received from someone else, click 'Forward', add all our Christian friends' addresses and then click 'Send', and smile. And then we go back to living our lives, hoping that someone somewhere will be encouraged by our "Christian act".

But how many of us will commit to spend a little less time this year forwarding "Christian message" emails (that we didn't even create but were merely forwarded to us), and spend a little more time being truly obedient to God's word? The Bible says:

If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land" Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)"

Willingness is great, but obedience is also extremely important.

So let's talk about OBEDIENCE.

OBEDIENCE: How many of us will agree to start offering prayers for the sick, so that they will recover? The Bible says:
"...the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. Therefore... pray for each other so that you may be healed" (from James 5:15-16, NIV)

There are FOUR possible outcomes from our prayer activity, as explained by the above scripture:
1. We will offer prayers in faith for the sick, and they will be healed.
2. We will pray, but won't offer our prayers in faith as explained in the Bible, and the sick will remain sick.
3. We won't pray at all. See #2's outcome above.
4. James words aren't to be taken literally, or he really meant to say something else.

OBEDIENCE: How many of us will agree to regularly attend church services and encourage one another while we're there? The Bible says:
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, NLT)

Encouragement and assembly go together. The New Testament writers only sent their epistles when they were unable to come and assemble with other believers in person. Think about it: are you truly "unable" to attend church, once or twice a week? Or is church just "inconvenient" to your lifestyle? Be honest.

Again, I see FOUR outcomes of our activities based on the above scripture:
1. We attend church regularly and encourage one another, motivating each other to good works.
2. We don't attend, but perhaps we forward someone else's emails we've received, thinking that our act will provide the encouragement they need to get through another day in this sick, sinful world. And then we wonder why our fellow Christians aren't being encouraged.
3. We attend church, but not very often. And when we do, it's all about how WE feel, what WE like, and what WE want. Again, see #2's outcome.
4. We are not obedient to the scriptures, and stay away from church altogether, accusing this or that church or religious group of being full of hypocrites, or some other excuse. But in the end, our activities separate from others in the Body of Christ, and the Body is weakened as a result.

OBEDIENCE: How many of us will agree this year to spend more time each week studying the scriptures? The Bible says:
"Work hard so you can present yourself (the KJV says "study to show thyself approved") to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT)

God gave us sixty-six books of pure divine love, every word carefully penned to help us all to live lives in a close relationship with Him through our obedient activities. But do we take the time to learn about what God has given us? Do we "work hard" to be able to (as the scriptures say) "correctly explain" the scriptures to other Christians, or an unbelieving family member or friend? Or do we skip Sunday School and Bible study, instead perhaps tuning in to our favorite "tele-pastor" to receive some inspirational message, so we can sit and "learn" from a distance, being ever-prepared to switch the channels if even this distant and well-watered word becomes a bit uncomfortable?

OBEDIENCE: How many of us will agree to give God more of our financial blessings this year? Even if you get hung up on whether the act of giving tithes is still biblically necessary, Jesus encouraged us to give far more than 10%. The Bible says:

"While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” (Luke 21:1-4, NLT)

Some may argue about whether a 10% tithe is truly a biblical directive, but through his statement Jesus seems to be encouraging us to give everything like the widow (that's a 100% tithe!). So it seems we can legitimately complain IF we're asked to give more than 100%. Everything less than that is subject to interpretation.

Jesus also said "Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full — pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” (Luke 6:38, NLT)

Read your Bible (or get yourself to more Bible studies). If you drop a dollar in the plate on Sunday, don't expect more than a dollar in return, through the people around you. A buck, even one repaid to you in full as described in the Bible, doesn't seem like much, does it? Imagine how God feels when he sees your solitary dollar drop into the plate.

We CAN make a difference this year, to our families and those other believers around us. But instead of just reading, clicking and forwarding, let's all agree to give more PRAYERS, ATTENDANCE, STUDY, and FINANCES, to show God just how important he is to us.

I'll commit to this. Will you join me?

May God richly bless you, so you can richly bless those around you.
-
© 2010 Scotty Ward

"I'll pray; it won't help..."

2009-09-03T05:59:00.015-04:00

Sometimes you hear the strangest things from fellow Christians....

I recently overheard two people, talking about a very sick family member. The one who's family member was dying, was clearly distraught. The other, a very well-respected leader, said "I'll pray; it won't help...."

Now here's the toughest thing.... He was exactly correct; his prayer was not going to help.

..... stunned silence (see graphic) .......

Let me explain. One of our biggest challenges as Christians is BELIEF. We may go to church, sing beautiful songs, perhaps recite a prayer or two (or three), and may even pray to a god (little 'g') who lives "out there". And as we examine our lives and the lives of those around us, guess what? Nothing happens. That's because performing all those 'religious' activities doesn't make us believers. And without belief, there is NO WAY God is going to work wonders in our lives. So when this person said "I'll pray; it won't help", he was exactly correct. HIS prayer was doomed from the start, because he didn't believe it was going to help!

Matthew 13:54-58 tells us of a time when Jesus the very Son of the almighty God, was stopped in His attempts to perform miracles, by the unbelief (NIV says "lack of faith") of the people he attempted to heal. Through their unbelief (lack of faith), they had turned aside the very power of God. The same is true today. God won't force us to believe in Him. But without belief, we've removed the opportunity to allow God to work in our lives (or as in the convesation I overheard, the lives of our friends and relatives). Without our belief, our prayers WON'T work, people around us WON'T be miraculously healed, and God's miraculous power will have been stopped cold.

But it doesn't have to be that way, thank God.

The Bible says. "...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." (James 5:16)

That's what the Bible says. How about an example closer to home, something you probably said/sang yourself. Do you remember this?

"How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed" ~Amazing Grace

Those aren't just pretty words. Ephesians 1:12-14 reminds us that at the moment we truly believe, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (God's 'amazing grace'), as a promise, a guarantee, that He will give us the inheritance of eternal life with Him.

'You mean it's not about what church I sit in, or how big a cross I wear, or how many times I attend services in a week, or how much I gave at church, or how many fish bumper stickers I put on my car?' (that last one is supposed to be a humorous example, but I think you get the point)

The answer is no. The Bible tells us to believe. Simply believe. And at the point of belief, the very power of God, working through the Holy Spirit that takes up residence in us, WILL be with us, WILL enable us to have a powerful and effective prayer ministry, and WILL answer our prayers, including prayers to HEAL THOSE AROUND US.

Provided THEY believe too. (Remember, Jesus didn't heal those who didn't believe).

"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" from Romans 10:17

It's not about pretty buildings. It's not about denominational groupings. It's not about where you were born, where you were baptized, or where you sit on Sunday (or Saturday, for you Adventists). It's not about the size of the church body. It's not about how many or how often you attend church. The Bible says, it's about hearing the word of God, and allowing that word to work a work of faith in you.

I leave you with this morsel to consider. In my 35 years living as someone who THOUGHT I was a Christian believer, I now see how difficult it was to hear the word of God through my personal reading of the scriptures alone. It was also difficult to hear the word of God when it was buried in man-made liturgies, incense, robes, candles (for the denominationalists out there), or even hopping, screeching, hankie-waving preachers (for the fundamentalists). God's word, the Holy Scriptures, brought to our ears through a preacher sent by God, work the power of belief and faith in each of us.

Lord, as it says in your word, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!". Give me that essential foundation of faith, and help my faith to increase, so that I become a more effective tool to bring your word and your amazing, healing grace to those around me. Help me, Lord, to walk truly live my belief in you, so that I may positively affect those around me, through your word and your power. Let your word convict me all the more, Lord. I'm putty in your hands.

I Believe. Now help me to believe all the more. Use Me, Lord!

God Bless each and every one of you!
-
Copyright 2009, by Scotty Ward

Fear is NOT Failure

2009-08-15T16:38:00.017-04:00

This week has been very difficult: I allowed depression and fear to sneak in to my otherwise peaceful life, and it almost paralyzed me. At one point, my wife prayed over the phone while I just listened and cried.

But if we pay attention, God has a way of showing us why we're going through certain things. This was one of those learning examples. You see, I typically play the MP3 Bible in my truck as I drive, and for some reason, the Holy Ghost had me repeating - over and over again - 2 Chronicles 20, the story of Jehoshaphat, including the "neither know we what to do, but our eyes are on thee" phrase. It was pretty comforting, but this morning the Lord gave me my epiphany.

In verse 15, the prophet is telling King Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah that the Lord says "... be not afraid or dismayed...", but I just passed right over the implication of a prophet telling a king not to be afraid. This morning, the first three words of VERSE 3, earlier in the chapter, hit me like a spiritual brick in the forehead:

"And Jehoshaphat feared..."

Yup. The king of Judah FEARED. And this isn't an isolated thing in the Bible. 1 Samuel 21 tells us that the great King David, a "man after God's own heart" was afraid of King Saul, but was even MORE afraid of the king where he fled, to avoid Saul. In 1 Kings 19:3, we read that "Elijah was afraid and fled for his life." Yes, it's true, God has not given us the spirit of fear, but sometimes the spirit of fear arrives nonetheless. Even the mightiest of KINGS and PROPHETS have times when their own fears can momentarily overtake them.

But right after the Lord showed me about the king's fear, He showed me how the verse continues, "and set himself to seek the LORD..."

God keeps on blessing us, even through our fears. If one day I'm feeling fear and someone exhorts me with the familiar Bible verse, "God has not given us a spirit of fear", I shouldn't consider my feelings of fear as some sort of failure or shameful event. Fear in itself is only a feeling. Even kings and mighty prophets had moments of fear. Rather, the feeling of fear should remind me of where my blessings come from, and to turn in that direction.

Psalm 31:12-14 - I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. For I have heard the slander of many: fear was on every side: while they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God.

May God richly bless you and yours, today and every day. Amen.

-
© 2009 Scotty Ward

How About THIS Bread?

2009-07-01T11:00:00.003-04:00

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

~Matthew 6:33 (New Living Translation)

During a recent trip to our local supermarket, my wife and I spent a very long time in the bakery section. We had resolved on this trip to find breads made with whole grains, but also bread that seemed agreeable to those who only ate white bread in the past.

We went to rack after rack, examining bread based on the subjective (how soft and eatable it looked) as well as the objective (whether it was made with whole grain, i.e. more healthy). Time after time, we'd pick up a loaf clad in bright packaging, proudly showing it to each other, saying "this one probably has whole grains", only to turn it over and find it contained none. The bread packaging was downright unreliable; it seemed the bread companies went to great lengths to accentuate the "selling points" of their breads, such as "soft", "rich", "goodness", and even "100% wheat". But after about five minutes of turning loaves over, we discovered that regardless what the pretty labels claimed, the only way we could learn if the bread truly contained whole grain was to examine the ingredients label on the back of the package.

Proverbs 21:2 (Amplified Bible) Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts.

If you consider it, the Bible is God's "content label" for our spiritual lives. The enemy and the rest of the world try to get us to "buy this" or "try this". And they sure make those sinful activities SEEM nice. Even Satan himself disguises himself as a beautiful, beautiful being to look upon (see 2 Cor 11:14). In his audio commentary, The late Dr. J. Vernon McGee says it nicely: "Satan is an angel of light, and if you could see him, if he made himself visible to you, you'd see the most beautiful angel you've ever seen." Satan (and sin) seem beautiful, desirable, and compelling. But human attractiveness is not how God measures His will for our lives.

There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. (Proverbs 16:25, The Message)

So if something LOOKS good, if it SEEMS pleasing to us, how do we determine if it's really what God wants for us? There's only one way. Open your Bible (just like you turn the bread over), and learn directly from the objective source of God's will for humanity, His Word.

Sunday School, Bible Study, Home Bible Study Groups, Personal Bible Study. All of these are extremely important to help you learn the appropriate course for your life, because it's only through God's Word that you will discover God's divine will for you. Everything else may SEEM pretty, noble, and even "spiritual" (whatever that is). But in the end, straying from God's word leads (as it says it in The Message) " ...straight to hell."

We have two choices in our lives: we can do what we think is best, or we can learn what God's Word tells us to do, and do that instead. Ignore the "packaging", the pretty claims, the hype and the downright desirability of an idea. God's word does not promise physical comfort in this life. It promises a course that leads to eternal life with Him.

So take your life's situations and desires, and compare them to God's Word (i.e. compare your thoughts and actions to the Bible). Ask Him if the spiritual "bread you're buying" actually contains the holy ingredients that are healthy for your soul.

His label will surely tell you the whole truth. Amen.

-
© 2009 Scotty Ward

2009-06-22T08:00:00.004-04:00

BIBLICAL PRAISE

What does the word "Praise" mean? Does it mean the same thing to you as it does to the person "praising" beside you? How do you know you're truly "giving God praise", if you don't fully recognize what "praise" is?

An individual's definition may fall short of the actual Biblical use of the words we see as "praise". Yes, the Bible has numerous words in Hebrew and Greek that have been turned into "praise" in the English language versions of the Bible. Here they are: Examine them closely to see how closely your church's praise aligns with praise from the Bible.

First, we need to view the word PRAISE and determine what it means in English (the "roots" of words can be very helpful). The word "praise" is derived from the Latin pretium, “price” or “value” (Thus it may be defined generally as an ascription of value or worth).

Now, let's examine the Biblical words that were translated into our English (formerly Latin) word, "praise". It's very important to note that praise can describe a number of different things. The numbers you see are from Strong's Concordance.

OLD TESTAMENT
#1984, “halal” – to be clear, often of color; to shine (hence to make a show, to boast); to rave; to be clamorously foolish; celebrate, commend.

#3034, “yadah” – to use the hand; revere or worship (by extending the hand); praise, give thanks.

#8416 “tehillah” – from halal; laudation, a hymn, praise.

#2167 “zamar” – striking of the fingers; to play, make music, accompanied by the voice (hence to celebrate, give praise, sing forth praises).

NEW TESTAMENT
#133/134/136 “aino/ainesis/ainos” – a commendable story; the act of praising, thanking; a story of praise.

#1867/1868 “epaino/epainos” from #134 – to applaud, commend, loud, praise; laudation, praise, a commendable thing; (“epi”=toward or upon, unto).

#2127 “eulogeo” – to speak well of, to bless, praise; thank or invoke a benediction upon.

Did you notice general "themes" in the use of the word "praise"? I saw some. For example, praise is dynamic in nature. It's vocal, lyrical, and often with others. It often involves movement of the body. In some cases, it's loud and boastful, perhaps so much that it may seem "foolish" to others around you. But in the Biblical sense of the word, if you do the above, you're praising like they did in Biblical times.

All of the above uses of the word "praise" are literal Biblical examples for us, of what true, historic praise looked and sounded like. Now examine the praise in your church, and see how closely aligned (or widely variant) your church's "praise" is to Biblical "praise".

If the praise you partake in during your church services doesn't align with the Biblical use of the word..... well, let's just say an examination may be in order.

In Psalms 146-150, the word "PRAISE" was used 41 times! Now THAT'S PRAISE!

God Bless!

-
© 2009 Scotty Ward

Prayer A.D.D.?

2009-05-08T22:00:00.000-04:00

James 5:16b (KJV) - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

My prayers do make a difference, in my own life and the lives of those around me. But during time of prayer, I often find my mind wandering. I catch myself thinking on the day's activities, what I'm going to eat, running "dialog scripts" in my mind of what was said or what I plan to say, etc. It's like my mind wanders into and out of prayer, like prayer is just one of the items on my mental "to do list". My mind has a real problem staying focused. It's like I have 'prayer attention deficit disorder'.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV) - Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

I searched for some understanding of this scripture, and the Lord had me to delve into the word "stayed". Here's what I found:

According to Gesenius' Lexicon, the Hebrew word we read as "stayed" means 'to place, or lay something upon anything, so that it may rest upon, and be supported by it. To lay the hand on anything, so as to lean upon the hand.'

So using this definition, I can conceive that this word describes the 'laying my mind upon the Lord, so as to lean on the mind, which is already placed on God'. See where this goes? The Lord wants us to keep our minds STAYED (placed) on him, so that when the time of trial comes, our minds are already prepared, so we can 'lean' on him!

Psalm 37:39 (KJV) - But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.

Lord teach me. Help me renew and refocus my mind toward you, during the good times and the bad times. When things are quiet and when they're in turmoil. I want to learn to 'place my mind on you', so later on when all hell is breaking loose, my mind has been prepared to lean on you.

Thank you for showing me my prayer isn't just arriving, isn't just kneeling, isn't just about the words. Its much, much more. It's also a time of training and preparation, because only YOU know what awaits me around the corner.

Teach me Lord. Teach me.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Sorry, my Foot's at Home on the Couch

2009-04-20T07:31:00.014-04:00

I posted a Twitter micro-blog over the weekend, which generated a question, so I thought I'd address it here. This was my Tweet:

Do you believe the Bible? Then church is where you should be (choose based on Biblical truths being taught, not denom).

Then I added a link that pointed to the following scripture:

Hebrews 10:25 (CEV)
Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that. We should keep on encouraging each other, especially since you know that the day of the Lord's coming is getting closer.

Someone read the tweet and responded: "Where does Bible say to be in church? I read that God doesn't dwell in Temples made with hands."

First thing's first. The scripture they mention is not a reference to church or to the body of believers. The scripture is from 2 Corinthians 5:1, which does indeed mention "... an house not made with hands". But the scripture refers to the human body (tabernacle), and that if the tabernacle (human body) "were dissolved", the resurrection body "eternal in the heavens" would be our dwelling place. The Contemporary English Version clarifies this very nicely:

2 Corinthians 5:1-2 (CEV) - Our bodies are like tents that we live in here on earth. But when these tents are destroyed, we know that God will give each of us a place to live. These homes will not be buildings that someone has made, but they are in heaven and will last forever. While we are here on earth, we sigh because we want to live in that heavenly home.

So when I spoke of church in my tweet, I was referring to the body of Christ, the assembly of the saints, those called to "go and tell" the gospel.

Romans 12:4-5 (CEV) - A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.

Which brings me to the (albeit humorous) blog topic. We are all one body in Christ Jesus, yet if some members of the body forsake (deliberately turn away from) the assembling together as that body in worship, then we are less of a body, and therefore less effective.

Romans 10:13-17 (MSG) - Everyone who calls, 'Help, God!' gets help. But how can people call for help if they don't know who to trust? And how can they know who to trust if they haven't heard of the One who can be trusted? And how can they hear if nobody tells them? And how is anyone going to tell them, unless someone is sent to do it? ... The point is: Before you trust, you have to listen. But unless Christ's Word is preached, there's nothing to listen to.

And no, the television, gospel radio, and internet streaming sermons are NOT substitutes for assembling. They are ways to OBSERVE, but none of them allows CONTRIBUTION on your part. Basically, you're "all take and no give", if these are your primary means of staying spiritually connected. And when left to his own, man will invariably stray. God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah in describing this sad situation.

Jeremiah 50:6 (KJV) - My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.

Lord, help us to remember that we are connected, one to another, within the body of Christ. I need others just as much as they need me, because we are all of one purpose, and together we strengthen each other. Alone, we're just sheep, just prey for the enemy. Keep us together in worship of you and love for one another, Lord. Keep us connected.

Amen

Wearing the Jersey....

2009-04-18T06:00:00.006-04:00

"Wearing the Jersey Doesn't Make You a Member of the Team"
~ Anonymous

I'm a member of our Evangelistic Outreach team, sent by Pastor Hunt into the neighborhoods of Charles County to knock on doors and seek the lost souls. We don't go knocking on doors to find someone to "win over", but instead to offer people a helping hand, if they desire to be saved. In some cases, we pray with them at their door, but more often than not, the people we visit tell us they're not interested.

One Saturday morning, we visited a particular neighborhood, and as a door opened to me, (after introducing myself) I asked our usual question: "Do you believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ?" One woman's response was curious. As we broke the ice with the above question, her only and immediate response was "I'm _______" (Major Christian denomination). If I'm able to guess what she was trying to indicate with her answer, she seemed to be telling us "Yes, of course I believe. I'm a ________, and ________s believe, so I believe".

Well, praise God. I picked up on her cue, that she was at least affiliated with a section of Christianity, I said "Praise God. Where do you attend?" "Oh, I haven't been to church in years."

She didn't seem interested in a message of salvation through anything but HER church's denomination, which is entirely her right, but more curiously, she also didn't seem interested in attending worship services, Bible study, or affiliating in any way with the Body of Christ, even with her own local denomination.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

It seemed she felt everything was okay in her life because she was a member of a particular Christian denomination. She didn't speak of a private worship or prayer life, or of her own study of the scriptures. I got the impression she believed that by being a member of this denomination, that fact alone automatically placed her in right standing with God.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT) - Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

This scripture tells me that IF I'm operating in God's will, I'm seeking to do His will all the time, and I'm doing it "with deep reverence and fear". Nowhere in the scriptures (with the exception of the Israelites; the Jews) does God indicate that by being a member of this or that particular religious group (i.e. "wearing the jersey") you are nearer to a right relationship with Him.

Bottom line: It's not about my membership. It's about working on my own soul's salvation.

I pray this blog serves as a reminder to all the readers that your (and my) salvation is a personal matter between you/me and God, and you'll find all about it by staying in God's Word daily and by attending worship where Christ is glorified (Scotty's Personal Opinion follows: how can you tell if one or another denomination or service is "good"? First, pray and ask God to show you where to worship. Second, try counting the number of scriptures they use as part of their worship. If you see only a few scriptures mixed in with all the beautiful robes, processions, incense, and high-falutin' language (see Isaiah 1:12-13), you might want to pray about where you're at, and why).

Don't make the fatal mistake of relying on your affiliation with this or that particular DENOMINATION (see Hebrews, above) for your soul's salvation. And by all means don't rely on whether it FEELS right to you (see Proverbs 16:2). Work your own soul's salvation, with the scriptures as your guide. It takes work, but Jesus said he'll never leave us or forsake us. The Comforter (Holy Spirit) is with us to guide us to all truth. Denominations don't make the difference. Jesus does.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, and perhaps I'll see you at worship!

(Published Previously as "Salvation by Association?")
© 2010 Scotty Ward

What Lord? STOP clapping??

2009-04-13T04:00:00.000-04:00

Romans 11:33 (NLT) - "Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!"

A few years ago, when I was seeking the baptism in the Holy Spirit, I was doing all I knew to do for God. I was turning down my plate and fasting, I was tithing (for the first time in my life), and I was attending every service I could at our church. I would drive to Southern Maryland from Alexandria Virginia for each service (not a short drive), and even at that, I often arrived early and stayed late. I had my "mind stayed" on God; sure enough. So it's no surprise that I began to hear (or perhaps to HEED) that still, small voice a little more. And one message I heard caused me to scratch my head in wonder, and ask for a second opinion from our pastor.

You see, I had joined the Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), which is the largest pentecostal denomination in America. Their services are - to say the least - dynamic, musical, and vibrant. I take great pleasure in praising God in this fashion, standing near the front, clapping my hands, and singing along with the praise team or the mass choir.

Then one day, in the midst of all this, I heard a voice say simply "stop clapping." WHAT?? "stop clapping for one week". Nothing else. No explanation, nothing. But clapping is my ..... my "vehicle" for showing God my praise. It was one of the principal "tools" I used, to show God how much I love and appreciate him. How could I praise him WITHOUT clapping?

I was so confused, I spoke to my pastor, and his response was beautiful. "Well, if the Lord told you to stop clapping, then you'd better do what he said."

Now I was REALLY confused. But I decided that I'd do exactly what I had been instructed, no matter how silly it sounded to me.

So I stopped clapping. And the first couple days were positively excruciating. The music would start, the people would stand and begin to clap and sing, and I went right along with them. I'd stand, I'd sing too, but as soon as I put my hands together to clap, the words of instruction came back to remembrance, and I put my hands back at my side. It was tremendously difficult to NOT clap!

But then, after a few days of uncomfortable obedience, a wonderful thing happened! God had stopped me from using my hands to praise him, and I just HAD to show him praise. So if I couldn't use my hands in praise, what else could I use?

Psalm 51:15 (KJV) - "O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise."

Yep. By asking me to withhold the praise I had been giving God through my clapping, God allowed my spirit to discover a new avenue of praise. My MOUTH.

Hebrews 13:15 (KJV) - "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

And after that week, I again began to clap during the services. But this time, my clapping and toetapping and singing was accompanied by the "fruit of my lips".

Psalm 47:1 (KJV) - "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph."

Nowadays, I tap my feet. I clap my hands. I dance, I jump, I even run. And now, in addition, because I was obedient to God's loving instruction, I can now praise him as loud as I like, with my voice. I can even shout my praise (and frequently DO).

Thank you, Lord. You taught me a valuable lesson. When you ask me to go somewhere or do something, I don't need to run your instruction through the "does that make sense to Scotty" filter. When you ask, help me to remain constantly obedient.

© 2009 Scotty Ward

Come On Home....

2009-04-10T09:03:00.001-04:00

"...your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!"

from Luke 15:32 (NLT)

The parable of the prodigal son tells us just how far God will allow us to roam, but it also gives some wonderful insight on how patient and loving God is when we choose to return.

Psalm 139:16 (NLT) tells us: "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed."

So based on the two scriptures above, we can see that:

The father KNEW the son would be asking for his inheritance
The father KNEW the son would waste it all in riotous living
The father KNEW the son would go hungry as a result of his own selfish actions

but best of all...

The father KNEW the son would eventually "come to himself", and return, asking for forgiveness.

Because God is all-knowing, he knows EXACTLY what we've been doing, and yet loves us enough to keep watching the road, awaiting our return. There's only one thing delaying this joyful reunion: Our own pride.

Proverbs 21:4 tells us that a proud heart is sin, and we know that sin separates us from God. Until you lay aside your own prideful thoughts and your own self-seeking paths, God will continue to stand and watch the road for you, expectantly waiting for you to turn from your own foolishness and re-join the family. He knows where you are; you know it too. But you haven't strayed too far; you're not entirely lost. The Bible assures us He's waiting for you to return. No matter how far you've gone, the return path to God is ALWAYS available.

Come on home. Visit God in a Bible-believing Christian church near you. And if you don't seem to be finding God at the church you visit, I invite you to give New Community a try.

He's waiting for you. God Bless.

"What? No Bagels?"

2009-04-01T08:23:00.006-04:00

Matthew 5:14-16 (New Living Translation; emphasis mine)
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

God has given me so much throughout the years. He saved me at the age of 35, blessed me with the baptism in the Holy Ghost at the age of 45, and has given me the best wife in the world along with five children and EIGHT grandchildren! There's more, but suffice it to say, I'M BLESSED FAR BEYOND WHAT I DESERVE.

Which brings me to today's blog. I have, on a few occasions, bought bagels for the office. I've been blessed, so I pass those blessings on. But a few days ago I hadn't brought in bagels for the office, but instead bought one for myself, and was eating it in the breakroom. One of my coworkers entered, and his first statement to me was "So Scotty, no bagels?" I immediately got defensive. I said that I had bought bagels 4-5 times, so it seemed fair that someone else could buy the bagels this time. My snippy response was sensible, logical, well-reasoned, and FAIR.

But the Holy Spirit reminded me that the Lord doesn't play "fair", according to man's standards. He sent His only son to earth to walk among us and teach us about his Dad, and then to suffer the most humiliating of deaths as an absolutely innocent victim, in payment for the sins we brought on ourselves by our sinful nature. Fair? Absolutely not. But Godly? Yes, indeed!

Today's scripture taken from Jesus' "sermon on the mount" reminds me that my actions don't need to be fair, don't need to be balanced, and don't need to be appropriate. The Lord has been unfailingly GENEROUS to us, far beyond what any human could possibly call FAIR. And if I'm to be that "city on a hilltop" Jesus spoke about, shining God's light to the darkness all around me, human fairness shouldn't drive my speech or my actions. People are supposed to see Christians in action, and what these people observe is supposed to be so UNbalanced and so UNfair, that it causes them to spontaneously thank God themselves!

Next time, the bagels are on me. Perhaps I'll bring a bowl of fruit as well. And thanks for the lesson, Lord!

-
© 2009 Scotty Ward

I Don't Understand ...

2009-03-23T04:52:00.008-04:00

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. ~Proverbs 4:7

We can learn a lot from our grandchildren.

Our pastor has been encouraging us to spend more time in God's Word. He even suggested we spend a little less time listening to gospel CDs and radio (if that's what we've been listening to), and obtain CD recordings of the scriptures to play.

I couldn't afford to buy a set of Bible CDs, so I found and downloaded a free MP3 narrated Bible from the Firefighters for Christ site, then burned it to 2 CDs, to play in my truck.

This past weekend, I was playing the CD while driving to the store with my 7-year old granddaughter, Kaylin. Romans 7 was playing. I was half paying attention to the speaker, but suddenly my granddaughter said "I don't understand what that means." I was somewhat startled, and asked her "..what are you talking about?" She immediately pointed at the MP3 player. She had obviously been listening to the narrator, and comprehending to the point where she heard a part she didn't understand, and asked me about it!

We were able to spend the next couple minutes talking about Paul's message, in which he speaks of the war that occurs between body and spirit. I believe she was enlightened, and I was greatly humbled.

I praise God for the small things, especially this small person, reminding me that I need to be more intentional in the way I listen to the scriptures, even if it's while driving to the store.

-
© 2009 Scotty Ward

What's MY Role?

2009-02-13T08:01:00.010-05:00

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. ~ Romans 12:4-8 (New Living Translation)

Let me tell you about three people I know (names have been changed):

Mel: Wonderful church leader, but filled with so much pain, he's had trouble talking about it to anyone but his closest Christian brothers. His ROLE as I saw it was to remind me of my own human frailty, and to help me remember the apostle Paul's writings, "for when I am weak, then am I strong".

Mandy: Contrary, argumentative, and sometimes just downright uppity. She'd ask the tough questions in Bible Study and Sunday School, and often the teacher didn't have an answer that satisfied her. Her ROLE as I saw it was to keep us teachers from getting sloppy. We were teaching the inspired Word of God, and Sister Mandy ensured we studied and prepared thoroughly, so we could address any questions or issues.

John: Such quiet serenity. He could sit in the pulpit and just WAVE his hand, and you could feel the power of his belief. His ROLE was to remind me that even the smallest of gestures offered in praise to God through faith, have tremendous value.

You may have heard this story before: A gentleman was walking through the countryside during the Middle Ages. He came upon two stonecutters, working in the shadow of a partially-completed cathedral. He asked the first "What are you doing?" The man's response? "I'm cutting this stone to be this high by this wide by this deep". Then he asked the second man, "What are you doing?", and this man's response was entirely different: "I'm building a cathedral". Only the second stonecutter seemed to be aware of where his work fit into the larger "picture" of the cathedral.

Take a look at the two cups shown in this blog. One is cute and durable, one beautiful and fragile. If I ask you "Which is better?", a precise answer is impossible, because each of these cups is especially suited to fulfill a specific role.

So today I'd like you to close your eyes and ask yourself, "WHAT'S MY ROLE" in the body of believers? What gift has God given me that is unique and particular just to me? And how can I use that unique and special gift, to help ensure God gets some glory out of my life?

Lord, I thank you for allowing me to recognize that I play a part in the successful accomplishment of your kingdom on earth. Please help me recognize my ROLE within the body of believers. Help me to understand how my ROLE, no matter how small, MAKES A DIFFERENCE, and without me, the body won't work quite so well. And Lord, give me the courage to walk into that role boldly and continuously, so you'll get the glory in all I do.

Amen!

-
© 2009 Scotty Ward

Ding, Dong!

2009-01-14T08:20:00.000-05:00

DING DONG! παρουσία (Greek word 'Parousia')

There you are at home, just minding your own business. Perhaps you're washing dishes, reading the newspaper, or watching TV. And then in a moment, Ding, Dong! your life suddenly changes. It's the Prize Patrol, and you've won a multi-million dollar jackpot!

Here's another scenario, but this time it's the state police, notifying you that your loved one has been involved in a terrible automobile accident.

In both cases, your entire frame of human reference moves from one state to another, in an instant. You've had no time to prepare for it; you can't avoid it. It just occurs.

Jesus spoke of the same type of event. The Greek word 'parousia' was what Jesus used to describe the "no-notice"; life changing" event, which will occur when He returns.

Matthew 24:27 (CEV) The coming of the Son of Man will be like lightning that can be seen from east to west.

And when Jesus returns, people will exhibit one of two emotions (besides surprise). One will be an overwhelming JOY, and the other will be the deepest sense of DREAD. Which will it be for YOU?

Lord, I thank you for your scriptures and the life of your Son, Jesus Christ. He spent his earthly life here, trying to help us learn and understand that you love us so much, no price is too great to pay for our successful return, even the sacrifice of His only Son. Help us to refocus on you today, and reprioritize our lives in such a manner that, when that inevitable event occurs and your Son returns to claim His church, MY reaction will be one of pure joy.

Amen.

Our Little Secret

2009-01-03T15:11:00.007-05:00

Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
Matthew 6:1

At a church event this weekend, we had a typical offering, but this offering changed my way of thinking. At these church events, nearly 'everybody who's somebody' is there, with the bishop presiding. On this day, they asked for a certain amount from each person, and I was pleased to see that I had a mixture of large and small bills that added up to the amount they asked. They then asked everyone to lift their money as a dedication. I automatically put the big bill on the outside, because I was in a crowd, and I didn't want to seem "cheap".

Then I turned to look around me and my eyes caught those of a wise old mother. She just looked at me, but her kind, quiet eyes spoke volumes. I immediately turned the bills inside out, so the $1 bill was on the outside.

She seemed to ever-so-slightly nod her approval.

Lord, I thank you for the wise saints you've sprinkled throughout my life. May I never miss their teaching. And Lord, help me to remember that when I give, I'm giving to you. Please help me to put pride behind me, so that I can truly experience that right relationship with you.

Amen

The Luggage went WHERE?

2008-12-22T08:44:00.018-05:00

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Phillipians 4:11b (NIV)

At the end of a very successful business flight last week, I landed safely at the Baltimore Washington airport, but my bag seemed to have taken a detour. I stood at the baggage carousel, watching the same bags go around and around, but mine wasn't among them. As time went on and the crowd thinned, I noticed I wasn't alone. From the looks of it, nearly 20 people from my flight were still anxiously watching the carousel in the hopes their bags would somehow arrive.

During this time, all I could think of was "Lord, I thank you for a safe flight. Sure, my baggage may have gone AWOL. But I thank God I made it!"

As it became apparent our baggage wasn't going to arrive, we lined up at the baggage claim door. I heard the airline employee checking the tickets of all the people in front of me, and saying "Newark" over and over again. For whatever reason, nearly everyone's bags had somehow been rerouted to Newark NJ, and with the snowfall and the holiday hubbub, the airline employee guessed it would be at least a day before their errant luggage would arrive back at BWI.

The people around me were NOT pleased. They were griping and grumbling, some quite loudly. They were being inconvenienced, and weren't afraid to let everyone within earshot know how irritated they were. But I wasn't buying into their negative attitudes. I was in the exact same circumstances they were, but I was thanking God for a safe flight home. My situation seemed identical to theirs; but I was very thankful my ATTITUDE was not.

When my turn at the counter arrived, I stepped up and greeted the woman cheerfully. She nervously took my ticket, thinking she would have to give me the same bad news she'd given to all the people in front of me in line. But when she checked my baggage claim number in the computer, her face brightened noticeably. She handed me back my ticket and said "your bag is on the flight touching down right now". Well thank you for unexpected benefits, Lord!

Though I experienced some quite unexpected favor from God for my baggage, I wish to point out that when all is going crazy around us, we can either join the people who complain, or we can bring peace to the situation. The choice is entirely ours.

But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.

Psalm 31:3

God is indeed the lifter of my head. I give God the praise and thanks for everything, so the good and the bad are all His to manage.

Lord, thank you for offering us your peace, regardless what the circumstances look like. You are the lifter of our heads, and we turn our situations over to you, so that you can get the glory out of our lives. You're in charge, Lord. Instead of grumbling and complaining of what we believe inconveniences US, we choose to give thanks for it all, Lord. Thanks for it all.

Amen

-
© 2008 Scotty Ward

Hide 'n Seek

2008-11-20T09:16:00.013-05:00

Psalm 27:4-5 (New Living Translation)
The one thing I ask of the Lord — the thing I seek most —
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.
For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
he will hide me in his sanctuary.
He will place me out of reach on a high rock.

Do you remember playing hide 'n seek (or some variant such as 'kick the can')? One person was "it" - and you NEVER wanted to be "it". That person would stand at "home base", close their eyes, and count while everyone else ran to hide themselves.

Do you remember, there were two ways to win? You could avoid becoming "it", if you could make it to home base before being tagged, and also if you remained hidden until you heard the call of "Ollie Ollie Oxen Free!", which signaled the end of the game.

The scripture from Psalm 27 brings this game to mind. If you think about it, we haven't yet touched "home base". Our game is still going on (I'm still typing and you're still reading). And while that remains the case, we always look forward to our "sprint to home base", when God opens the books of our lives and examines to see if our names are recorded in the book of Life (see Revelation 20:12). But until that time comes, we're here on earth, still playing the game. And every day we're trying to keep from losing (being 'tagged' by the enemy).

Psalm 32:6-7 (Amplified)
For this [forgiveness] let everyone who is godly pray--pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely when the great waters [of trial] overflow, they shall not reach [the spirit in] him. You are a hiding place for me; You, Lord, preserve me from trouble, You surround me with songs and shouts of deliverance.

Lord, I thank you for safely hiding me, while I'm still in the game of my life. Lord, I want to hear that wonderful call "Ollie Ollie Oxen Free!" when I'm summoned home to be with you eternally. But in the meantime, Lord, please keep me safe. Hide me, hide my family, hide all of your saints. I'll continue to pray, and thank you for the "songs of deliverance" you send. Thank you, Lord. Thank you!

-
© 2010 Scotty Ward

A VERY Dangerous Phrase

2008-11-11T06:25:00.006-05:00

Have you ever said the following about your own life?

"I'm Not Doing Too Badly"

"I'm All Right"

These phrases sound totally positive, don't they? Some would even go so far as to say these phrases are "self-nurturing". After all, if I don't believe in what I'm doing and where I'm going, who will?

But please understand that according to the Bible, there's a danger in this approach, IF we don't consider God. Here are a BUNCH of scriptures that describe the danger:

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.
~ from Proverbs 12

Proverbs 14:12 (Contemporary English Version) - You may think you are on the right road, and still end up dead.

Proverbs 16:2 (Contemporary English Version) - We may think we know what is right, but the LORD is the judge of our motives.

Proverbs 21:2-3 (Contemporary English Version) - We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts. Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.

Judges 17:6 - In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Proverbs 3:5-8 (New Living Translation)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.

The Bible tells us that there is a great danger in just doing what we think is right, if we don't seek God's will in our lives. Without God, we're in dangerous territory and don't even realize it.

Pray this with me: "Lord, thank you for showing me the value in seeking your will in my life today. Lead me, so that my ways please you. Protect me, so I don't get drawn into activities that move contrary to your plan for my life. Direct me, direct my path. And as I continue to walk, Lord, I'm asking you to guide me every step of the way."
Amen.

God Bless you.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Too Many Bosses

2008-11-04T14:49:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 22:7 (KJV) - The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

My wife and I love to give. It's true; we enjoy giving of our time, our talents, and our treasures, in support of God's kingdom and the missions we're part of.

But in recent times, we've had difficulty in our giving efforts, because of all the financial issues everyone has been reading about. Money is becoming more difficult to obtain (so we can give). What's the reason why this is so? Proverbs 22:7 is true in our case. We owe money for our house, our vehicles, credit cards, student loans, etc. All of these loans seemed pretty helpful when we obtained them, because they allowed us to move into the house, drive the vehicles, buy the furniture, and obtain our educations, and then "pay over time". But now that we're minding our spending very closely, those constant payments to our lenders must be included as we're considering how to slice up the paychecks. So in essence, we're able to GIVE less, because we're already PAYING more.

Some sell their liberty to gratify their luxury. ~ Matthew Henry commentary on Proverbs 22:7.

You're so right, Minister Henry. I'm living proof.

But regardless of the state of our financial affairs, I want to publicly thank God for everything He's already done in our lives. Without him, I'd be lost (or worse) by now. God has been, and continues to be, present as a savior and sanctifier in my life.

So thanks, Lord. Thanks for just being YOU.

-
© 2008 Scotty Ward

"Here's why we stink..."

2008-10-21T06:45:00.004-04:00

Let me tell you about James. This young man requested a transfer to my team, because of his dislike of the attitude prevalent in the team where he worked. He described how their team meetings often began with "We're doing terribly; here are the areas where we stink...." The constant negativity from the team leaders - whether deserved or not - was just too much for James, and so he sought to leave the team. Once he moved to my team, James became much more productive. He was thirsty to achieve and to please his management, very proud of his work, and in the end became one of the team's best, and an example to those around him. In two different teams (same company) his attitude was totally different: one team's approach left him feeling constantly lacking, the other team's approach helped him realize his own personal value. Is it any wonder that when he felt valuable to the team, his productivity raised tremendously?

Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

If we examine the words "provoke" and "exhorting" above, in their original Greek, they indicate that the believers are to passionately incite (provoke) and encourage and strengthen (exhort) one another. It's true that the Christian is encouraged to work on their own salvation (Philippians 2:12), but we're also supposed to work together and encourage each other along the way. In fact, Romans 12:15 tells us to "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." We're connected, and we're to work with each other toward a common goal: our salvation.

Lord, I thank you for showing me the value of other believers as I pursue my own personal walk with You. Help us to strengthen and encourage one another each day, so that we can all complete this earthly course as winners.

-
© 2008 Scotty Ward

Beltway? No Way!

2008-10-17T08:04:00.010-04:00

When I first arrived in the Metro Washington D.C. area (from Abilene Texas), I was immediately struck by the aggressiveness of some drivers I encountered on the Capital Beltway (the freeway circling D.C.). Their selfish and dangerous style of driving unnerved me so much, I literally swore that I would not drive on the Beltway again!

After a few months of this (I actually discovered routes to drive, so I'd avoid the Beltway), the Lord reminded me that every occupant in every vehicle out there was a SOUL. After that reminder, driving on the Beltway (and elsewhere) became less of an 'adventure' for me. Now, I can drive any highway, and aggressive drivers don't get to me..... too much.

2 Peter 3:9 (New International Version) - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (New Living Translation) - For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.

Lord, thanks for this reminder, that no matter how far anyone in the world has strayed from You, every single person who still draws a breath, still has a chance.

-
© 2008 Scotty Ward

I Wonder...

2008-10-13T23:30:00.005-04:00

You know, Lord, how eagerly I serve you when I’m engaged in church activities.

How enthusiastically I speak your Word of encouragement, when I’m around others I know as Christians.

How joyful I am when I’m able to share about you to others outside the church.

All those “normal things” Christians are asked to do…

But how would I react, I wonder,

If you pointed to a basin of water

And asked me to wash the callused feet of a bent and wrinkled old woman

Day after day, Month after month,

In a room where nobody saw

And nobody knew?

Modified from "I Wonder" by Ruth Harms Calkin

-
© 2008 Scotty Ward

GRIDLOCK!

2008-10-12T18:54:00.000-04:00

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Living in the second-worse commuting area in the nation (Metro Washington D.C.). Here I sit in an Alexandria restaurant, because every route home to Maryland is so clogged that traffic isn't moving. It takes numerous changes of the light before you approach the intersection, and when you do, it's clogged with other motorists. Everyone tries to inch into every available space in the intersection, and so when the light turns, there's little room for anyone to move. The name for this? GRIDLOCK.

When my time came to enter the intersection, I waited until I could ensure I would be able to get all the way through. But those behind me got so impatient, they honked their horns and tried to drive AROUND me, just so they could join the parking lot ahead. So I gave up and stopped for a bite to eat.

James 3:16-17 (Contemporary English Version) - Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere.

Lord, even in bumper-to-bumper traffic, you continue to teach. I don't have to "be like the crowd". If someone thinks I act weird or improper according to their expectations, the issue is theirs. Your word teaches me that if I focus on you, I'll obtain your wisdom. And with all the blessings we see in James, I'll be prepared for whatever traffic may occur. Because I've got you, Lord. Come what may, I've got you.

Thanks, Lord! You're awesome!
-
© 2008 Scotty Ward

"I'm healed: SEE?"

2008-10-09T08:15:00.007-04:00

We were blessed to have a visit from my parents (80 and 77 years old) last week. It's been some time since we've been able to visit face-to-face, and during that time, both parents had undergone significant surgeries. So it was almost humorous to be standing in my kitchen while they both described their surgeries in detail, and showed me their scars (her back, his abdomen).

2 Cor 11:24-27, 12:10 (Contemporary English Version)
Five times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes with a whip. Three times the Romans beat me with a big stick, and once my enemies stoned me. I have been shipwrecked three times, and I even had to spend a night and a day in the sea. During my many travels, I have been in danger from rivers, robbers, my own people, and foreigners. My life has been in danger in cities, in deserts, at sea, and with people who only pretended to be the Lord's followers. I have worked and struggled and spent many sleepless nights. I have gone hungry and thirsty and often had nothing to eat. I have been cold from not having enough clothes to keep me warm...

Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.

When life throws us painful situations, we don't usually have many choices. Both my parents' surgeries were medically necessary. Had they not received them, they could have been in grave physical conditions, or worse. Paul was in a similar situation; his calling to the ministry carried a host of pain and uncertainty. But my folks and Paul all decided the best course of action was to "go through" their situations, regardless of the pain that must be endured along the way. The goal for my parents was improved physical health; the goal for Paul was a life lived in obedience to God's will, and an eternity in heaven. And they were all able to "show their scars" to those around them, as a testament to their journeys.

Lord, please keep us focused on our journey's end, an eternity with you. Help us to go through the painful periods and situations we may face, realizing that there is no earthly pain possible that compares to the heavenly destination you have prepared, for those who believe.

Amen. God Bless.
© 2008 Scotty Ward

"I Don't Want Them to Know..."

2008-09-30T07:27:00.012-04:00

"I don't want them to know I'm a Christian..."
~ name withheld

A few years ago, I was speaking with one of my closest Christian brothers, and he related to me that he had considered putting some sort of Christian emblem (fish, cross, etc.) on the back bumper of his truck, but then changed his mind, because he drove so aggressively he didn't want people to associate his poor driving with his Christianity.

Another friend recently related that he saw a "Honk if you love Jesus" bumper sticker on a car in front of him. He tooted his horn, and the driver got out of their car and told him off, right there at the traffic light.

2 Corinthians 3:3 (The Message Paraphrase) - Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you. Christ himself wrote it—not with ink, but with God's living Spirit; not chiseled into stone, but carved into human lives—and we publish it.

Are we truly living the believer's life, as "letters" that anyone can read? If someone were to observe us at the library, in traffic, or at the fast-food counter, would they they see a hand-signed testament from Jesus Christ, or do they see just another person (even atheists can act nice)?

Does our BELIEF show in our ACTION?

Philippians 2:15 (New Living Translation) - Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

The two stories at the top of this blog are a reminder that - throughout my life - I need to be living that difference, shining as a light, and not just showing my Christianity when I know I'll get a positive response.

"You gotta live this thing."
~ Elder Cleon L. McCoy, Jr (a.k.a. "Papa")

Amen to that, Papa.

Lord, I love you, and I want everyone around me to see your love reflected through my life. Help me to stay focused on you, so that each step of my life (in AND out of church) reflects your redeeming love.

Amen.
© 2010 Scotty Ward

Put YOUR Mask On First

2008-09-24T12:00:00.008-04:00

If you've been on a commercial flight, you surely remember the flight attendant's well-rehearsed phrase, "In the event of the loss of cabin pressure, ......", which then goes on to say "Please put your mask on first, then help children or others around you..."

That makes such good sense: You're no good to others, if you haven't ensured your own oxygen source. But why do they need to tell you, over and over again when you take a flight? Because many of us place the well-being of others before ourselves. In some ways, that seems heroic and humble, but without our own supply of oxygen, we're incapable of helping ANYONE, even those we love the most.

When I became a young parent, I realized I'd been out of church for too long, and I didn't want my children to grow up without a spiritual connection. (This all occured before God saved me at the age of 35, but the lesson is still valuable.) I went back to church, because of my children. I wanted THEM to grow spiritually, but a year or two earlier, I had been content to ignore (perhaps minimize) my own personal Christian growth.

But I had the concept backward. If I didn't view my own faith as being important, how could I possibly expect my children to place their faith high on their list of priorities?

Luke 22:32 (New Living Translation; emphasis mine) - But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.

So it's got to be me first. I have to repent, ask God to straighten my life out, and work to live my own life after Him each day, before I should make a move toward being "shepherd" or "encourager" of others' spirituality. In the verse above, Jesus himself says it best when he indicates to Peter: 'You first, then your brothers'.

1 Cor 9:27 (New Living Translation) ...otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified. (The Contemporary English Version says this beautifully as well: "...so I won't lose out after telling the good news to others.")

Matt 6:33 (Amplified Bible) - But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

In order to be effective in guiding others toward a life in Christ, we must first be the example, living our own lives for Him. Like the flight attendants repeatedly stress: we need to 'don our own mask', then worry about those around us. Once I have my own 'spiritual Oxygen' flowing, I can then become an effective witness to my family, friends, and co-workers. And they'll see how valuable a personal relationship with Christ is, because they see it demonstrated in me.

Thank you, Lord for showing us the need to pursue our own salvation through you, before we concern ourselves with those around us (even our children or spouses). We can be true and faithful witnesses for you, but only when we're allowing you to work your magnificent work in us.

Pray this with me: "I'm ready Lord. I make myself available to You. I'm ready for you to work your work in me, in Jesus' Name."

Amen

Thanks for Nothing, Lord.

2008-09-22T08:19:00.016-04:00

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New Living Translation) - Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

As I drive to work each weekday, I turn one particular corner and invariably the next light is red. This has become a bit of humor in my morning commute, that nearly every single time I approach this traffic light, it's either RED, or TURNS RED as I approach. So this morning, as I rounded the corner and found the light ahead was GREEN, I kept going, making it through the light before it had time to turn red on me. As I passed the crosswalk into the intersection, the words "Thank you Jesus" escaped my lips. And the Holy Ghost immediately began to teach.

As Paul's letter to the Thessalonians says, each of us is instructed to be "thankful in all circumstances". Yet how many times do I reserve my thanks to God, until something occurs to my advantage? Yes, I remember to thank God for the "green lights": the promotion, the unexpected bonus, the clean bill of health from the doctor. I even thank God enthusiastically when I call and win something from the local Christian radio station (well of course; I'm being recorded!). But the Holy Ghost asked some uncomfortable questions this morning. Did I thank God that one Saturday evening when I received a call telling me my mother had suffered a heart attack? Did I thank God when my wife literally spent 36 hours in bed one weekend with a migraine? Did I thank God when I had to drive her to the emergency room Sunday morning because her migraine just wouldn't subside? Was I thanking God that we had to miss both services on Sunday because I was at her side in the hospital? Was I "thankful in all circumstances"? No, Lord, I wasn't. My thanks to you seems to flow freely when I GET SOMETHING, but not at other times, even though your word tells me my thanks should be more FREQUENT.

Lord, help us to learn to give you constant thanks, for the most important GIFT you've already given us, the voluntary sacrifice of your son. Help us to not just thank you for today's green lights. No Lord, teach us to keep thanking you for your son's gift of his shed blood, because as a result, we now have the opportunity to live eternally in your presence. Your son's one magnificent gift was given long ago, so that we might have joy, that we might be able to pray to you, and yes, so that we might be thankful, each and every day of our life. Even those days when there's "nothing good happening".

Thanks, Lord. I'm remembering to thank you today for nothing at all. And I thank you for everything.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

"These are Just Reminders..."

2008-09-11T13:10:00.003-04:00

Psalm 110:1 (NIV) - The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."

Seven years ago, someone hated my country enough to fly an airplane into my office.

I took off work today, intending to have a nice quiet bike ride, and "process" some of the emotions I've felt - and largely hidden - since that terrible day. But instead, this morning I found myself driving my wife to the dentist for surgery, and then stopping at the supermarket to pick up her prescription. I was feeling cheated: I yearned to get away, to ESCAPE, and be with myself, even if for a little while.

So I was a bit prideful when I mentioned to my pharmacist that I was in the pentagon on September 11th. But the Lord turned the tables on me. Isaac in turn related how sectarian-led tribal violence in his home country (Nigeria) had nearly torn the country apart, and how pregnant women with divergent beliefs had been singled out for murder, so these "patriots" could kill both the current and future generation of their ideological enemies.

Then he actually testified! He relaxed his face, and went back to his work on our prescriptions, saying matter-of-factly: "These are all just reminders, that God is still God."

Lord, I thank you for the Nigerian Pharmacist who can still testify of your sovreignity, even after having lived through much more traumatic situations than worthless old me. Thank you for jarring my existence every once in a while, even if it takes a surprise testimony, in the midst of my one-man "pity party".

Lord, I thank you. Please keep reminding us, that YOU are still in charge. If you choose, as it says in Psalms, you will make my enemies my footstool. But until then, I'll sit close at hand.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Lesson from Weenie Beanie

2008-09-08T12:25:00.006-04:00

Photo courtesy USA Today

THE VALUE OF PREPAREDNESS:

Weenie Beanie is the food joint next to a little park here in Arlington, where the day laborers hang out. Just as occurred in Bible days (Story here), a group of unemployed workers stand around waiting for someone to pull up and say "I need two to pour concrete " or "I need three carpenters", etc. A quick discussion occurs at the side of the truck to verify the terms of their day's employment, the laborers pile on, and awaaaay they go to earn a living for another day.

There are always men standing around the Weenie Beanie (Definition: there are always more laborers than there are jobs), but as I drove past one day, I was struck by one particular gentleman standing in that otherwise unremarkable group. He was wearing an old long-sleeved shirt and a pair of jeans just like all the rest, but I tell you I've NEVER seen a pair of old jeans or an old shirt look as good as they did on that man. Everything on this man had been thoroughly washed and ironed, and practically shone, next to the dozens of other laborers around him. The man had worked very hard to prepare himself, so when a truck would drive by, the prospective employer would notice this man and (hopefully) choose him from among the dozens of prospects. When I drove past at about Noon, this man hadn't yet snagged himself employment for the day, but there was no doubt in my mind he was prepared for the very next truck, or the one after that, or the one after that.

This message comes to encourage those of us who may feel we're just "going through the motions" in our Christian walk. We may attend services, pray and study God's word, but we just don't feel the breakthrough others around us are reporting, and every gospel artist seems to be singing. But consider the wisdom of the man at Weenie Beanie: in order to be called, you must GO and be prepared to be called. From a spiritual standpoint, you know enough of the Bible to know where to go, and what is expected of you. Sometimes, it may feel you're just standing around (v6-7), going nowhere in a hurry, accomplishing nothing for the kingdom. But that's OK. You're in place, waiting for the landowner to come by, and He may be just around the corner. If you get discouraged and take yourself a nap, or go home to watch the tube (spiritually speaking), you could miss out.

Hold on. Do not give up, despite how boring your situation looks, or how sluggish you feel. Like the day laborers of Bible times and here at Weenie Beanie, you've got to be ready at all times.

Luke 12:37-38 (New Living Translation) - The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.

So shine up those spiritual shoes, put on your Sunday best, and get yourself over to where you need to be, and be prepared.

Wait! Is that a truck motor I hear?

© 2008 Scotty Ward

The Man in Traffic

2008-08-31T07:38:00.007-04:00

As I drove to church this morning, I passed a young man who caused me to pause and consider. You see, he was standing there in his shorts and T-shirt, with a ball cap turned sideways on his head, and except for his position and activity, I wouldn't have given him a second glance.

But he was standing in the median of the street, with a plastic bag in his hand. As a vehicle would pass, he'd stand atop the median, but when there was a break in traffic, he'd step down and pick up garbage lying there in the street near the median. When another vehicle approached, he'd move back to his perch on the median, and repeat the process after that vehicle had passed.

At a few minutes after 7am on a Sunday morning, this man was standing in traffic and picking up trash that he obviously hadn't dropped. Was he doing more than "his fair share" in the community? Without a doubt. He was doing far more than anyone could ever expect, and he was doing it without being asked. He saw an opportunity to serve his community, and took action.

Mark 5:19-20 (Contemporary English Version)
But Jesus would not let him. Instead, he said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how good he has been to you."
The man went away into the region near the ten cities known as Decapolis and began telling everyone how much Jesus had done for him. Everyone who heard what had happened was amazed.

The man here in the scriptures was delivered from an army of demons, and then wanted to accompany Jesus as he continued along in his ministry. But this newly-healed man was told by Jesus to go tell his family about his deliverance. Instead, this man did far more than he was asked, and told everyone in the space of TEN CITIES. As a result, the entire region was made aware of the salvation available from God through Jesus the Christ!

Lord, help me realize that when it comes to YOU, enough doesn't have to be enough. If I'm asked to do something in the name of the ministry, it's entirely acceptable to do that and more. Let me seek and find those opportunities to be that "man in traffic", giving the obvious extra effort for you, Lord. Not for the accolades or the attention, but just because I can do more for you. Because after all, I could never repay the acts you've done for me.

God Bless!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Running Short of 'Grain and Grapes'?

2008-08-26T07:33:00.002-04:00

Good morning, everyone. This morning's message is somewhat shorter than many, because the message is simple and easy to comprehend.

The difficulty is patterning our lives to actually do what the scriptures tell us.

Proverbs 3:9-10 (Contemporary English Version) - Honor the LORD by giving him your money and the first part of all your crops. Then you will have more grain and grapes than you will ever need.

We've had financial difficulties recently (call it a "grain and grape shortage"). I'm sure nearly everyone these days has "felt the pinch" in one area or another of your lives. More than at any other time in our past together, my wife and I have begun to buy generics, "clip coupons", combine our trips when running errands, consciously turn the thermostat in an energy-reducing direction, let the lawn go a little longer before we water, make that marginal suit last one more season, and so on. But we have agreed that our giving (tithes, offerings, missions, pastoral offering, pastor's anniversary, and the other areas where we give to the church) will NOT be affected by our economic issues. God always gets the first of this family's "crops", and the world has to deal with what's left.

2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, and not by sight."

I guess you could call it a "trust thing". I would MUCH prefer to lay my trust in God than in the wacky economy of this world, or even in my own "intelligence" (read 1 Corinthians 1:25-29 to see what the scriptures say about human intelligence).

Bottom line: God has proven himself to me too many times for me to ignore. So in all I do, I choose to trust him, giving him the "first part" of my livelihood. If you've read the Bible, you see that God is a bountiful provider for his people, over and over again (regardless whether they did anything to deserve it).

So I trust Him. God Bless you, every one.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

My knees hurt. Thank you Jesus!

2008-08-16T12:24:00.005-04:00

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

My wife and I were attending a workshop downtown one Saturday, and because I didn't have change for parking, I parked the car in Virginia and took the Metro back to the event (having dropped her off at the workshop first, of course!).

On the return trip I was leaving the Pentagon City Metro, coming up the (stopped) escalator steps, and remarked to myself how my knees were hurting. I considered it a minor inconvenience, but definitely didn't have any sort of "God moment", thinking about my aching knees.

Until one minute later.

As I rounded the corner to leave the Metro station, I came across a cheerful gent, sitting in his wheelchair begging for change, because he only had one leg.

Thanks Lord for such an immediate and poignant reminder that your blessings come in all sizes and shapes, INCLUDING two (count 'em) knees that ache.

My Father and Finances

2008-08-14T08:06:00.011-04:00

Partial Quote from Romans 13 (Amplified Bible) - "Render to all men their dues. Pay taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, and honor to whom honor is due. Keep out of debt and owe no man anything..."

"I haven't paid a dime in interest for years".
~ My Father, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, July 2008

Mom and Dad spent their entire life living toward the goal of financial independence. Unlike me and my two brothers, they are in debt to no one, and plan to stay that way until they depart this world. But they're not filthy rich, by any stretch of the imagination. They wear clothes that are always clean, but have long-ago lost their "new look". They eat simple meals, spend their days in simple yet fulfilling activities, turn the lights out in each room as they leave it, etc. Yet they owe no one anything. Here are a few more facts:

- Their house? They paid for it with the money they'd saved from the sale of their previous home (Home Equity. This phrase doesn't have to be followed by the word "loan").
- Their massive RV? Cash as well.
- The Honda CR-V, their daily driver? They paid cash, and drove it off the lot.
- Credit cards? They have ONE, and it's setup to immediately pay any outstanding balance at the end of each month. They never even have to open the bill.
- Plane flights, vacation trips, gifts, doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions? Everything, paid with CASH they've accumulated through the course of their lives.

THAT'S where I want to be. But their state wasn't achieved by some windfall or influx of cash. My dad was an engineer, my mother only worked when it was needed. No, their financial position was achieved through decades of careful living, choosing the less expensive cuts of meat, buying generics instead of name brands, planning less extravagant (and therefore less expensive) vacations, making their food, their vehicles, their clothes last a little longer than perhaps they would have liked (I ate a LOT of spaghetti and meatloaf as a kid). And along with their careful spending, they were also saving a little each and every paycheck throughout their employed years, and slowly building their 'nest egg' until - through the miracle of compound interest - their money began to make money by itself. And now that my parents are older, they've learned how to manage their lives, and even though they may be able to AFFORD anything they want, their 'wants' are few. They're living in the manner Paul specified in his letter to the Christians in Rome, and they are a tremendous positive example to me. Is it too late for me to change my life of wasteful living? In a recent phone conversation, my father encouraged me, and said "Just get started".

I heard you, Dad. For real.

3 John 1:2 (New King James Version) - Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.

The original Greek word translated into the Englist word "prosper" in this scripture, connotates a journey, a process, a movement along. I want to move in my prosperity. Thank you Lord for allowing me to hear this lesson from my parents, and heed it's value in my own life.

I love you all, and I'll leave you with a few words from a song I heard this morning from Destiny Praise. "Are you in bondage to the status of nice things? Addicted to the attention and the compliments they bring. Feeling the weight of growing debt with each bill. That's not His Will"

God Bless!

Overheated Brakes

2008-08-11T12:04:00.008-04:00

Deut 12:8-10 (MSG) - Don't continue doing things the way we're doing them at present, each of us doing as we wish. Until now you haven't arrived at the goal, the resting place, the inheritance that God, your God, is giving you. But the minute you cross the Jordan River and settle into the land God, your God, is enabling you to inherit, he'll give you rest from all your surrounding enemies. You'll be able to settle down and live in safety.

When I was about eight years old, we took a family vacation I will never forget. My parents and our aunt and uncle took us on a waterskiing trip to Shaver Lake, over 5,000 feet high, in the High Sierra Mountains above Fresno. Rt 168 snaked 50 miles up the steep Sierra mountains to the lake, then snaked back down to the Fresno valley. There was one way up, and one way down. This steep, thin road was full of twists and turns, and there were no side roads for dozens of miles. There were, however, a number of small turnoffs for vehicles who needed to pull over for any reason. Many of you may be too young to remember overheating brakes, but cars on Rt 168 frequently used the turnoffs for cooling their brakes.

But Rt 168 wasn't just for automobile traffic. This tiny road was also the single route into and out of the mountain forests, so it was also used by lumber trucks, carrying freshly-felled redwoods and cedars. These trucks were large, heavy, and frequently quite old.

We were on this family trip with our cousins, in two old station wagons, one towing the boat. On the way back down the mountain, we'd stop frequently to cool our brakes. We'd turn the vehicles off, get out and stetch our legs, and us young kids would begin playing around while the adults enjoyed the breathtaking views from our high perch down into the valley.

At one particular stop, the turnoff was on the left (mountain) side of the road, and the families had stopped, turned off the cars, and had then walked across the (then empty) highway to peer down the side of the steep mountain. Then, we heard a sound that momentarily froze everyone in their tracks. A logging truck coming down the tiny mountain road behind us had obviously overheated his heavy rig's brakes coming down the steep road, and was excitedly blasting his horn, warning anyone ahead that he MUST get into a turnoff, or risk losing control of his rig.

I don't know if anyone actually saw the truck, but the sound of his horn was enough to spur the adults into frantic action. My cousin Steve (probably around 19 at the time) grabbed me under one arm, my brother John under his other, and sprinted across the highway to the cars with the other adults, hurled us into the back of their car, and both families skedaddled out of the turnoff so the distressed trucker could stop and cool his truck's brakes.

For the next hour or more, we played "cat and mouse" with that rig. We would turn into a turnoff and take a couple minutes to let our cars' brakes cool a bit, only to be chased out of our resting place by the lumber truck behind us, who obviously needed the turnoff more than we did. But after that first episode caught us all unprepared, requiring us to sprint across the road to avoid a crash with the logging truck, our families kept close to the cars, and never turned the motors off. Our parents remained vigilant for the inevitable horn around the bend behind our vehicles, warning us that we must move, no matter how hot OUR brakes seemed.

Today, God brought this memory back to remind me that, just as he reminded the Israelites through Moses in the book of Deuteronomy, we haven't yet arrived at our destination, so we should be prepared to move where and when God tells us. We must not become complacent in our present state, so that, when God's call comes like that of the insistent honking of the lumber truck, we're prepared to move, and not scrambling to save ourselves.

Be prepared. Stay prepared. And listen for God. Move when God says to move. Because unlike any human, God knows what's around the bend.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Is God NOT God?

2008-08-06T06:05:00.007-04:00

Good morning Lord. Good morning, everybody.

Our church is going through a summertime revival, the messages being given us every Tuesday and Friday evening. The Holy Spirit is palpable each time Evangelist Wych brings a new Word, and souls are being healed, delivered, and set free. Praise God!

Me? Well, I've been in a slump. Right in the middle of the revival! You see, I've had issues that are distracting my focus from God and his Word, to the cares and concerns of my life. Then a few nights ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to me, with four small words:

"Is God NOT God?"

How simple and yet how powerful. With those four words, my entire attitude changed. Because I believe God is capable of anything. He's a miracle-working God, and I've seen his work among the saints.

So nowadays, when life throws me a curve, this small question comes to remembrance, and my "big problems" suddenly shrink in comparison to the power of God.

So the next time you have a problem, issue, concern, or need, ask yourself these four words:

In the midst of our problems, is God not God?

Despite how bad it seems, is God not God?

Work problems? Is God not God?

Finances? Is God not God?

Family friction? Is God not God?

Do we truly believe what the Bible is telling us? God is still working the miracles described in Biblical times. But in order for Him to work in US, we need to be willing vessels for His miraculous works.

So tell Him today: "Have your way, God. Work your work in me, Lord."

And wait for the inevitable change. After all, is God NOT God?

© 2008 Scotty Ward

"Good People" get to Heaven, Right?

2008-08-01T07:48:00.004-04:00

(This topic was suggested through a conversation I had with our Media Dept president. I thank God for you, Brother S)

I attended my high school class 30th reunion, a couple years ago. Unlike some people at the reunion, I hadn't kept close touch with my classmates, so as the reunion date approached, I knew I'd be seeing people I hadn't heard from or spoken to in three decades.

During those early years of my life, I wasn't saved. In fact, God didn't save me until the age of 35. So practically everyone in that room knew the "old Scott" who had been acting the part of being Christian, but lived in darkness, not the "saved Scotty" (I picked up the nickname in the military). They knew the former me, and at the reunion met the reborn me.

The night of the event, I sat in a room with hundreds of former classmates. A part I remember most is that some of the men approached me and thanked me for being such a good example to them as they were growing up (though I suffered academically, I'd been a leader in nearly every group I joined during those early years). I had been THEIR examples, but I know I wasn't saved at the time. I now know that if I had died earlier in life, I'd been living a life bound by sin, and the Bible says the sinner won't get to heaven.

So the question arises: is it possible that people who are generous, kind, gentle, and just plain "good people" still don't have what it takes to make it into heaven?

Hebrews 12:14 (Amplified Bible, underline mine) - Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.

In the Bible, the Hebrew words that have been translated into the word "consecration" describe a formal inauguration, a setting in or a setting up of someone or some thing (think of jewels "set" in a crown). Perhaps another way to say this is that we must "set ourselves toward God", and recognize our setting is supposed to be permanent, like those jewels.

Holiness is also defined as a state of "being apart", or separate-ness.

Pursue consecration and holiness? Isn't it enough to just "be good", give money to the deserving, not harm our neighbors; that sort of thing? The Bible says no: without living a life of consecration ("set" toward God) and holiness ("set apart" from the world), we won't end up where we think others - perhaps ourselves - are headed.

One of the quickest ways I know to "pursue holiness" is to set aside time each day to read the scriptures. There are literally dozens of "daily scriptures" or "read the whole Bible in one year" suggestions and schedules out there. Look on your cubicle wall; Christian calendars often have them. Christian websites such as Gospelcom, Our Daily Bread, Blue Letter Bible, and Crosswalk frequently have them as well.

Another way to pursue holiness is prayer. Another is corporate worship. And don't be misled: listening to gospel radio while driving or while you're at work (I do this every day) isn't what is meant by "consecration" or "holiness". Time literally set apart for God is what begins our journeys toward holiness.

It sounds so simple, but the concept is extremely powerful: take some of our oh-so-precious TIME, turn away from the world, and dedicate ourselves to God. Here's a suggestion: Start with 5 minutes a day, but ensure you spend those 5 minutes apart from the world, and get that 5 minutes EVERY day. Because it may amaze you how the phone will begin to ring, people will want to talk to you about a new sale, etc. "things" will come up and you'll find you can't give that 5 minutes without a bit of sacrifice. But press through. Remember, 'without holiness...' well, you know the rest.

PURSUE holiness. That's an action word. Not good thoughts, not good deeds, not "being nice". Dedicating some time to God, each day. And remember, if you need encouragement or direction, turn to any of the website links I've placed above. Or you can read these blogs.

God Bless each and every one of you. And I pray I see you in church Sunday!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

A Really Expensive Hobby

2008-07-30T18:48:00.004-04:00

I spend a lot of time, working to live the Christian life. I try to pray for an hour each day. I also try to study the scriptures once each day. My wife and I periodically fast (not often enough, admittedly), and then we have our actual church services, which consist of:

Monday evening prayer (1 hour, plus travel time)
Tuesday evening Bible study (1.5+ hours, plus travel time)
Friday evening Joy Night and Pastoral Teaching (2+ hours, plus travel time)
Saturday evening prayer (1 hour, plus travel time)
Sunday services (7+ hours, plus travel time)

If I then factor in all the periodic activities such as district and jurisdictional events, C.H. Mason Bible Institute classes, etc., I think I could safely assert that a significant portion of my life is "Christ focused". I wish to note that I didn't say "church focused", because none of the above time commitments above include "para-church" activities such as car washes, choir practice, bake sales, broadcast ministry work, nursing home visitations, ministerial staff meetings, etc. Just my personal and corporate Bible study, worship, and prayer. So why do I do it? Why do I devote dozens of my busy hours each week to God? What do I have to gain? What's the "return on investment" of this significant time commitment? Does it increase my personal wealth, my fame, or my renown among the people of my community? More importantly, does it make a difference to God? Does God carry some sort of "tally sheet" where he measures the amount of time we spend in devotion to him (perhaps comparing it to the amount of time we spend in front of the television?), and arrive at some sort of "measure of righteousness"?

No, a thousand times. No.

1 Cor 15:19 (NLT) - And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.

I give my time, talent, and tithes to God because he loved me enough to give his only Son, so I could have an eternal relationship with him. He gave me his best, and the scriptures tell us he wants our best in return. How do I figure out what my best toward God is? By staying in the scriptures, by praying, by fasting, and by corporate worship.

If I'm doing this for any other reason, then "living the Christian life" is nothing but a really expensive hobby. I want to live my life in such a way that it brings pleasure to God. As Pastor Hunt so often says, "I don't want to just 'make it in'. I want my life to please him."

Describe God in 25 Words or Less. Be Thorough.

2008-07-28T13:20:00.007-04:00

I hope you've been able to read my last blog (fool's cap), because I believe it sheds light on how God has been preparing me to accept His wonderful word of love and redemption, no matter how simple a package in which it arrives.

It's tough to describe, because human words and human intellect fall short of God.

You see, I'm an intelligent sort of guy, and I've always been that way. My SAT scores were sky high when I took them in high school. I scored in the top 1% on my math SAT. I'm so "smart", I qualify for membership in MENSA. I've been the leader (or a leader) in nearly every organization I've joined, since I was a lad.

But God was impossible for me to comprehend, no matter how hard I tried. Someone who loved me and who had a place prepared for me for eternity, if I would merely believe, trust, and love him today? My intellect blew a fuse every time I tried to wrap my brain around that. It just didn't add up, didn't make sense.

So I decided as an adult that I'd just "believe". Here's how you could look at me and tell I "believed". I'd attend church pretty frequently, identify myself as a Christian, wear a cross, put a fish on my bumper, smile a lot, and put (some) money in the plate on Sunday (not MUCH money of course, but enough so God wouldn't get mad and zap me for being too "cheap"). I even learned how to read and become somewhat familiar with the scriptures. Of course, the scriptures never "connected" with my intellect. There was always something missing. I'd look around and see the other Christians smiling, and thought that if I smiled enough, I'd be Christian too.

But something was missing. So I began to browse the shelves in Christian bookstores, looking for some book or study tool that would help me reach a higher state of consciousness, so I would at some point be able to imagine the length, the depth, the height of God.

Ephesians 3:17-19 (KJV) - That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

But the bookstores were full of books from people that wanted to sell their books, not necessarily to save souls. I got lost in the intellectual drone of other "intellectuals", and my mind told my heart I was on the right path, because I was reading Christian books, and so I was learning more each day.

2 Timothy 3:7 (KJV) - Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Finally, I just gave up. I wasn't able to comprehend or to intellectualize God, so I opened my "intellectual armor" just a crack, during a retreat weekend in May of 1993. And that was all God needed.

I just stopped trying to figure God out, and began to consider the possibility that God was bigger than my cranium. I allowed myself to slow my brain a little, and consider that there were things I couldn't comprehend, but just because they didn't make sense to me, that didn't make them any less valid. I had entertained the idea that God might just be able to outsmart even smart-old me.

And that's where faith began to move.

John 3:3-6 (New Living Translation) - Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God. ”What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.

Intelligent people like me have such a difficult time realizing that our minds aren't complete, that there is something that is terribly important (indeed critical) to our everlasting souls, but can't be computed or analyzed. So that's why, when we as Christians witness to people in the world, we need to pray for those we're witnessing to. We need to pray that God will break up the stony ground of their intellect, and prepare their hearts for the seed which is God's Word.

And as soon as they let down their guard one teensy little bit, God will take it the rest of the way.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Grab Your Fool's Cap

2008-07-28T12:18:00.009-04:00

God's simplicity is smarter than the smartest of humans.

1 Corinthians 1:17-29 (New Living Translation)
For Christ didn’t send me to baptize, but to preach the Good News—and not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.

The Wisdom of God

The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent."

So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense.

But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.

Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

..................

So, the world may think we're fools, but that's OK. It's not our job to be accepted, but it IS our job to tell the Good News of Jesus Christ in our lives.

So grab your fool's cap, and let's go EVANGELIZE!

Have a great week, everybody!

Our Praise and God's Presence: They Go Together

2008-07-25T09:46:00.007-04:00

Happy Friday, everybody!

I was looking through the story of Balaam this morning, and as I read it from the Message, I noticed something really cool. Look specifically at the last two lines (v 21).

Numbers 23:17-21 (The Message) - Balaam returned and found him stationed beside his Whole-Burnt-Offering and the nobles of Moab with him. Balak said to him, "What did God say?" Then Balaam spoke his message-oracle:

On your feet, Balak. Listen,
listen carefully son of Zippor:

God is not man, one given to lies,
and not a son of man changing his mind.

Does he speak and not do what he says?
Does he promise and not come through?

I was brought here to bless;
and now he's blessed—how can I change that?

He has no bone to pick with Jacob,
he sees nothing wrong with Israel.

God is with them,
and they're with him, shouting praises to their King.

The Israelites are shouting their praise, and God is with them. Is it any coincidence that praise and God's presence are intertwined?

It's more difficult to see this same message in the KJV, where it says "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them." But the Message paraphrase really brings out the definite relationship between the praise of God's people and His actual presence!

Here's a little more, from Psalm 22:3 (I'm enclosing both the verse and the footnotes):

Psalm 22:3 (New International Version) - Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the praise of Israel.

NIV Footnotes:Psalm 22:3 Or Yet you are holy, / enthroned on the praises of Israel

So when believers give God praise, the scriptures indicate we actually PREPARE A THRONE FOR HIS PRESENCE.

Here's something to consider: are you feeling far from God's presence right now? If so, then ask yourself the last time you gave Him some top-of-your-lungs PRAISE? Isn't He worth it? Hasn't he done enough for you already, to deserve a "thank you"? Check out Psalm 47:1, below:

O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.

So invite God's presence back into YOUR life. Give God some "no kidding" PRAISE today. Don't wait until Sunday. Shut yourself up somewhere or go out into a field, lift your face up, and tell God how much He means to YOU. Of course, you can - and probably should - do the same when you get to church too! You could really help that person sitting next to you.

God Bless! See you in church Sunday!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Exceedingly Rejoice!

2008-07-23T12:33:00.004-04:00

This morning's Points of Power on the Yolanda Adams Morning Show was EXACTLY what I needed today!

I was feeling somewhat (Ok, VERY) glum this morning. Numerous issues seem to be accumulating around me and the family, and all of them tend to drag my spirit down. My wife's exhortation and the words from the radio have helped me tremendously this morning, so I wanted to share a little of it.

I thank God for my wife. She dipped into the Word of God and pulled out a string of "gold nugget" scriptures, each more helpful than the last. I'm so very thankful to be her husband.

Here are some quick notes from the radio show I was able to type as I listened
(I tried to convert everything to first-person, to "make it personal"):

Scripture was Psalm 68:1-3 (KJV) -
Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire,
so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.
But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

Joy comes from personal awareness of an expected end. That's why, when everything seems so dark and hopeless around me, I can still have joy.

That's why I can rejoice in the midst, why I can sing in the storm.

I must never forget, each and every day, the outcome is, WE WIN.

And in the day-to-day struggle, God is never away from us. He sees our situations, hears our cries, and most of all, He takes pleasure with us in our victories.

But we need to stay in his presence. In his presence is protection, power, and providence. In God's presence is everything we could ever need.

Nothing catches God by surprise. He's totally aware of our situations, and our pain. He just wants to see how we'll act under our present circumstances. Will we seek Him?

At the end of the segment, Yolanda said she remembers how she felt when a group of people
threw her a surprise party. Her attitude and demeanor instantly changed from whatever it was, to joy and delight. Then she told the listeners that we may only see our present situations, but God's just setting us up for a surprise party!

Thank you Lord!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Salvation by Association?

2008-07-19T06:33:00.004-04:00

God Bless you all!

I'm a member of our Evangelistic Outreach team, sent by Pastor Hunt into the neighborhoods of Charles County to knock on doors and seek the lost souls. We don't go knocking on doors to find someone to "win over", but instead to offer people a helping hand, if they desire to be saved. In some cases, we pray with them at their door, but more often than not, the people we visit tell us they're not interested.

One Saturday morning, we visited a particular neighborhood, and as a door opened to me, (after introducing myself) I asked our usual question: "Do you believe in our Lord, Jesus Christ?" One woman's response was curious. As we broke the ice with the above question, her only and immediate response was "I'm Catholic". If I'm able to guess what she was trying to indicate with her answer, she seemed to be telling us "Yes, of course I believe. I'm a Catholic, and Catholics believe, so I believe".

Well, praise God. I picked up on her cue, that she was at least affiliated with a section of Christianity, I said "Praise God. Where do you attend?" "Oh, I haven't attended in years."

She didn't seem interested in a message of salvation through anything but HER church (in this case, the Roman Catholic Church) which is entirely her right, but more curiously, she also didn't seem interested in attending worship, or affiliating in any way, even with her own local denomination.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) - Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

It seemed she felt everything was okay in her life because she was Catholic. She didn't speak of a private worship or prayer life, or of her own study of the scriptures. I got the impression she believed that by being a member of this denomination, that fact alone automatically placed her in right standing with God.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT) - Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

This scripture tells me that IF I'm operating in God's will, I'm seeking to do His will all the time, and I'm doing it "with deep reverence and fear". Nowhere in the scriptures (with the exception of the Israelites; the Jews) does God indicate that by being a member of this or that particular religious sect are you any nearer to a right relationship with Him.

Bottom line: It's not about membership. It's about working out my own soul's salvation.

I pray this blog serves as a reminder to all the readers that your (and my) salvation is a personal matter between you/me and God, and you'll find all about it by staying in God's Word daily and by attending worship where Christ is glorified (Scotty's Opinion follows: how can you tell if one or another denomination or service is "good"? Try counting the number of scriptures they use. If you can find only a few scriptures mixed in with all the robes, processions, incense, and high-falutin' language, you might want to pray about where you're at, and why).

Don't make the fatal mistake of depending on this or that particular DENOMINATION (see Hebrews, above). And by all means don't rely on whether what you're doing FEELS right (see Proverbs 16:2). Work your own soul's salvation. It takes work, but Jesus said he'll never leave us or forsake us. The Comforter (Holy Spirit) is with us to guide us to all truth. Denominations don't make the difference. Jesus does.

Have a wonderful and blessed weekend, and perhaps I'll see you at worship!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Thanks at All Times? Are you Kidding?

2008-06-27T11:41:00.009-04:00

Ephesians 5:20 (AMP) - At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

A CONVERSATION:

Now wait just a doggone minute.
According to this, I'm to give thanks to God for EVERYTHING.
But I'm sure God didn't know how tough things could be. He certainly didn't have all my pains in mind when he directed his apostle to write that, did he? Give thanks? How about just getting by!

I mean, I'm supposed to give thanks for those overdue bills? Yep.

Thanks for the unsaved members of my family, who will end up spending eternity in hell unless the Lord intervene? You bet.

Thanks for those negative behavior patterns I fall into, day after excruciating day? Absolutely.

Yeah, but what about the manager that openly seeks to have me replaced? Without a doubt.

All the broken things around the house I can't afford to replace? Uh huh.

The way my wife barely drags herself home each night, and is so tired she falls asleep in her dinner? Yes.

I don't understand, Lord. Give thanks for the pain? For the failures? For the disappointments? For the times I know I'm headed AWAY from you, rather than TOWARD you?

Yes.

But that just doesn't make sense!

Exactly. Give thanks.

But what about...

Give thanks.

Lord, are you SURE this is what you want me to do? Shouldn't I be 'earnestly contending' or something?

You'll discover you can contend much better, AFTER you give me your thanks.

But...

Give me your thanks.

On my good days AND my bad?

Yup. You're catching it now, my son.

When I'm happy AND when I'm sad?

Yes, yes, yes.

Even the in-between times, when nothing catastrophic is happening?

ESPECIALLY the in-between times. You already thank me for the good times, the blessings, and the times you see me. But if you give thanks at other times as well, your thanks is part of your praise, and you KNOW I'll be there when you praise.

Wait. Hold on. You mean to tell me that THANKS is PRAISE?

Yes, just as surely as I AM.

Wow. Gotta be honest with you, Lord. I hadn't thought of it that way. My focus has always been on the problems, the issues, the obstacles standing between me and you.

Yes, I know. But when you thank me, the divisions between us disappear. The situation may still be visible, but your praise prepares my throne right where you are. Remember? You preached that to my saints.

Yes, I remember Lord. I just didn't look at it from that ... perspective.

That's all right. So what are you going to do?

Thank you, Lord.

When?

Thank you, Lord.

Good times AND bad?

Thank you, Lord.

Happy AND sad??

Thank you, Lord.

You're catching on, my child.

Cool! I mean, Thank you, Lord!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Missed Opportunity

2008-06-23T10:15:00.003-04:00

I missed another opportunity to witness. I was so "caught up in the moment", I neglected to give you the glory, Lord.

As I sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-395 one afternoon, a car moved up beside me, and a young couple asked how to get to a certain location we had just passed. I told them they'd have to continue on in this awful traffic, cross the Potomac River, turn around on Maine Street, then come back down and take the exit we had just passed. They seemed a little daunted (it was obvious they were from out of town), so I repeated the instructions, just to make sure. They pulled back behind me, and we again resumed our places in the gridlock. Then I remembered, there was another way to get to their destination, but required numerous twists and turns on roads I wasn't sure were even marked. If they were confused about my first instructions, I knew they'd get lost with this other route.

So I walked back to their car (yes, traffic was THAT slow), told them I had remembered a quicker route, and asked them to follow me. We edged our way to the right lane, pulled off on the exit immediately before the Potomac River, swung right before hitting the George Washington Parkway, and snaked our way through the streets until they were within sight of their destination.

As I slowed to point out their destination so I could turn back onto I-395, their car pulled up next to mine, and the young man leaned over in what appeared at first to be an extremely agitated manner. He stuck his finger out at me in an almost violent fashion, and his next words were a true surprise. "If you EVER get to South Georgia, my name is ----- ------, and I'll do anything for you." He and his wife sincerely thanked me once again, we parted ways, they drove on toward their destination, and I turned back into gridlock (probably no more than 100 yards behind the spot where I had turned to help them).

It seems I had made a positive impression on this young couple. But who got the glory?

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. ~Matthew 5:16

I thank God that I am who I am today. He has lovingly (sometimes quite painfully) molded me into the person typing right now, but I'm not sure this young couple were able to draw the same direct line I do, between me and my Father. The young man seemed willing and eager to repay me personally for my kind act, but did he glorify God? Statistically speaking, the chances aren't too good they drove away, praising God for this kind man who helped them in an unfamiliar city during rush hour. I was a kind man, but may not have been recognized as God's kid.

What could I have done differently? I could have truthfully told them that God gets the glory for placing us together so I could be a blessing to them. But "in the moment", I was so concerned about helping them reach their destination and getting back on the freeway, I neglected to give my thanks to you, Lord. And you DO deserve the glory for my life.

Lord, help me to recognize those 'ministry moments' sooner, so I can use every opportunity to tell people about you.

Thank you so very much,
Your Kid.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

"Mostly Christian" Won't Do

2008-06-19T04:26:00.008-04:00

Ezekiel 33:12 (CEV) - Tell them that when good people start sinning, all the good they did in the past cannot save them from being punished. And remind them that when wicked people stop sinning, their past sins will be completely forgiven, and they won't be punished.

Have you ever heard (or made) these kinds of statements? "Sure I'm a Christian. I mean, I go to church, I follow the commandments." But is that truly enough to make it into heaven?

The Lord reminded me of a court trial I participated in a few years ago when I lived in PG County. I was called to jury duty, only to find myself sitting on the jury in a trial for first-degree murder. So this example is from my trial experience, not "TV trial" experience (sorry Perry Mason fans). During the trial, the charges were read, the plea ('innocent') was entered, witnesses and evidence were brought up and examined, etc. At no point in the trial was the defendant allowed to speak about how good he'd been, how many charities he'd donated to, how many Sunday School lessons he'd taught. The trial focused exclusively on the OFFENSE. Only during the sentencing portion of the trial were the character and past performance of the person allowed, presumably to help lighten the sentence, if appropriate. But the sentence remained unchanged based on any of this "peripheral" information. If you did the crime, you did the time.

James 2:10 (CEV) - If you obey every law except one, you are still guilty of breaking them all.

Matt 5:48 (NLT) - But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Wait a minute. You mean to tell me that if I tell a lie, or gossip, or something pretty minor like that, God's gonna "throw the book at me"? But what about all the OTHER things I've done for God, like attend church, give in the offering, and I even listened to Christian stations on my radio! Doesn't any of that count?

Luke 13:23-28 (MSG) - A bystander said, "Master, will only a few be saved?"
He said, "Whether few or many is none of your business. Put your mind on your life with God. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires your total attention. A lot of you are going to assume that you'll sit down to God's salvation banquet just because you've been hanging around the neighborhood all your lives. Well, one day you're going to be banging on the door, wanting to get in, but you'll find the door locked and the Master saying, 'Sorry, you're not on my guest list.'
You'll protest, 'But we've known you all our lives!' only to be interrupted with his abrupt, 'Your kind of knowing can hardly be called knowing. You don't know the first thing about me.'
That's when you'll find yourselves out in the cold, strangers to grace. You'll watch Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets march into God's kingdom. You'll watch outsiders stream in from east, west, north, and south and sit down at the table of God's kingdom. And all the time you'll be outside looking in—and wondering what happened.

"So what about 'saved folks'? Isn't someone saved for ever, once they're saved the first time? Is it possible to jeopardize their salvation too?"

For my way of answer, here's an expansion of the first scripture, and a scripture from the book of Revelation:

Ezekiel 33:12-20 (CEV) - Tell them that when good people start sinning, all the good they did in the past cannot save them from being punished. And remind them that when wicked people stop sinning, their past sins will be completely forgiven, and they won't be punished. Suppose I promise good people that they will live, then later they start sinning and believe they will be saved by the good they did in the past. These people will certainly be put to death because of their sins. Their good deeds will be forgotten. Suppose I warn wicked people that they will die because of their sins, and they stop sinning and start doing right. For example, they need to return anything they have taken as security for a loan and anything they have stolen. Then if they stop doing evil and start obeying my Law, they will live. Their past sins will be forgiven, and they will live because they have done right. Ezekiel, your people accuse me of being unfair. But they are the ones who are unfair. If good people start doing evil, they will be put to death, because they have sinned. And if wicked people stop sinning and start doing right, they will save themselves from punishment. But the Israelites still think I am unfair. So warn them that they will be punished for what they have done.

Rev 22:11-12 (AMP) - He who is unrighteous (unjust, wicked), let him be unrighteous still; and he who is filthy (vile, impure), let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous (just, upright, in right standing with God), let him do right still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still.Behold, I am coming soon, and I shall bring My wages and rewards with Me, to repay and render to each one just what his own actions and his own work merit.

So the scriptures tell us that to make it to heaven, we need to GET right, and then STAY right by LIVING right. We must BE right when Jesus returns, and NO ONE knows when that will occur. And the tough thing is we can't - through our own efforts - live a life without sin. But I thank God for Jesus, who died so man (you and me) can have a way back to right fellowship with the Father. He paid a debt he didn't owe, because we owed a debt we couldn't repay. And after he left to be with the Father, Jesus provided us the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who accompanies us through all life's struggles and guides us at every step. Prayer, fasting, studying God's word, and paying attention to the Holy Spirit, is the only way I know to ENSURE I'm gonna be on God's "Guest List".

Please remember, according to what the scriptures say, "Mostly Good" or "Mostly Christian" won't be enough. This is an all-day every-day thing.

I pray your strength in the Lord!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Coincidence? Yeah right..

2008-06-16T16:14:00.007-04:00

Some people will probably try to categorize much of my life - decades of seemingly random occurrences which have crafted me into the person I am - as being mere coincidence.

I don't. God did it.

Seriously, even the top two "hits" from a word lookup at Dictionary.com (see below) won't state conclusively that the events in a coincidence are totally random. Read them for yourself:

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, "...a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance."

American Heritage Dictionary, "A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been planned or arranged."

Let me tell you two of the most significant "occurrences" I can recall, the latest of which happened yesterday.

First Case to Consider: Tithing, utilities, a door combo and the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

I didn't use to tithe, but in 2003 when I was seeking the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, I finally began to realize I was holding myself back, and began to faithfully pay my tithes. Less than a week later, while I was "tarrying", Pastor Hunt gave me the combination to the door of the church, so I could come and go at whatever times I wished, to facilitate my tarrying. Within ONE DAY of that, my landlord handed me a bill for my portion of the utilities. The four numbers of the church combo and the four numbers constituting the amount of my utilities were IDENTICAL. Less than one week later, after having tarried one Wednesday evening for over two straight hours, God blessed me with the Baptism in his precious Holy Spirit.

Scotty's Assertion: Once I surrendered the grip I had kept on my finances and began tithing, God's messages in my life became very apparent, and God was finally able to "break through" my human intellect, to gift me with his Holy Spirit.

Second Case to Consider: Our Home, a Song, and a Truck.

We've placed a small plaque above the front door of our house. Here's a picture:

It's there as a reminder that God is always present in every situation, to offer peace, solace, guidance, and love.

Our mass choir sings a Hezekiah Walker song, "Faithful", and the song begins "Faithful, faithful, faithful is our God". They hadn't sung that song in a number of weeks, but they sang it on Sunday.

In recent weeks, the membership of our church - including my wife - have been beset with illness, crises, and even death. Far more than at any other time in my memory. In fact, my wife was hospitalized on Sunday, and is still in the hospital as I write this blog (Tuesday morning). Yesterday as I drove to the hospital to visit my wife and other saints who were in the hospital, I was wondering how I would find the strength to persevere through this latest test. Then up popped "Faithful" on the radio, at the exact same time a semi with the words "WARD Trucking" on the side passed our car. (That's my name, for those who may not know me).

Scotty's assertion: God is offering a quick reminder that he has not gone on vacation. He sees us, he knows the issues we're facing, and he wants us to remember he's faithful.

Psalm 119:105 - Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Deut 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

And lastly, consider Deut 33:27a (CEV) - The eternal God is our hiding place; he carries us in his arms.

Do we truly believe God's word? IS God able to direct, comfort, and guide us through everyday events? Well, speaking just for myself, I'm certain of it.

May God bless and keep you.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Lord, Heat Me Up!

2008-06-12T17:30:00.004-04:00

Lord, I've discovered a couple lessons since you saved me and baptized me in your precious Holy Ghost.

1. I've never done anything to deserve it, but you did it anyway
2. You want me to tell others about what you've done for me
3. I need to tell them soon

How do I know #3 is true? Because along with the joy you've given me, you've also instilled an urgency about everything I do for you, Lord. I feel as if I'll pop if I don't share about your Love. Jeremiah described a similar state:

Jeremiah 20:9 (NIV) - But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak any more in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

There's no denying it: I'm who I am, only because of God's intervention in my messed-up life. And if he did this wondrous thing for me (who never EVER deserved it), then he'll do the same for others (who may never deserve it either) too! I owe it to those around me to tell the truth, to give my testimony of how God saved me, so maybe he'll do the same for them! I'm hot for you, Lord!

Luke 24:32 (KJV) - And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

But isn't it ok to just worship God quietly on Sunday mornings, tucked into the back corner of some quiet, boring church, quietly keeping to myself, singing the hymns, putting money in the plate, and just "playing it cool"? But consider the others sitting near you in that quiet little church, who may be DYING in their sin and don't even know it. Does God order your steps? If so, he may have placed you next to that other soul so you can plant, water, or - if the Lord says so - witness the reaping!

But it's not a halfway deal. I (and you) must be either COLD, or HOT. Anything in-between is less than useful for God. Here's what God said to the CHURCH in the last book of the Bible:

Revelation 3:15-16 (MSG) - I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit.

So if you're cold spiritually, that's good! It's even better - according to the book of Revelation - than being in the middle, being lukewarm. If you're lukewarm, the enemy may be trying to convince you you don't need God right now, that you're doing pretty well for yourself, and you'll just pray, fast, or attend worship some other day. Because today, you probably don't think you're doing too badly.

Solomon had a word for you, Sir or Ma'am:

Proverbs 21:2 (NIV, underline mine) - All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.

Ask the Lord to either get you stone cold, so you'll get to where he can reach down and truly save you, or to heat you up to where you'll set aside your shyness and pettiness and personal issues you may have with Pastor Such-and-Such or Sister So-and-So, and will SHARE WITH OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT JESUS IN YOUR LIFE.

Repeat after me: "Make me HOT today, Lord Jesus!"

God bless you!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

WHERE should I give?

2008-06-10T20:01:00.005-04:00

I had a curious conversation about money with a fellow Christian that I wanted to share.

This young man approached me at work a few years ago. We're both professed believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord, but this was the first time he had approached me to ask my counsel on spiritual matters.

He asked for my advice on where he should give. He said he already paid his tithe to his local church, and wanted to sow seed into another Christian ministry. Praise God for a willing giver!

Then he told me about how he had heard that some ministries overseas were bringing dozens, and hundreds of non-believers to Christ. He had in the past given to an evangelistic ministry here in the U.S., but stopped when some un-Christian practices were reportedly discovered. He asked me, wouldn't it be better to sow seed into a "productive" ministry (in this case one in a faraway country), where his money would get the best "return on his investment"? These were his words, not mine.

I said I didn't have a specific ministry to recommend. I told him that according to the Bible, we're merely asked to give (see below). After we've given, I told him, we've done our part, and should trust God for what happens with what we've given.

Luke 6:38 (CEV) - If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated.

I think this young man was expecting my response to be more earth-shattering or profound or something. My quoting scriptures seemed too simple for his liking. As he left, he said he was going to ask another Christian friend for recommendations of a ministry where he'd get a "good return".

Well, first off, I praise God for ALL givers. According to Barna Research, total giving nationwide is up this year, but tithing to the local church seems to be at an all-time low. But the question remains: is one ministry "better" or "worse" simply by some observed positive effect on those in attendance?

Sorry. I'm not gonna get all deep or profound here either. I trust God and I trust God's Word. Jesus said to give. He never mentioned "return on your investment". So I'm going to just GIVE. I start with my tithes, then move to my offerings, giving in support of our Missions Department, Pastors Aide, and as many other ministries as I'm able. Once I've given, I leave all the rest to the maker of heaven and earth. He's big enough to handle it.

Am I getting a "good return"? WITHOUT A DOUBT. God blesses me and my family every single day, in ways I couldn't have imagined a few years ago. My blessings are temporal (finances, etc.), as well as spiritual. Can I add up my blessings on a calculator? Nope. But let me tell you, I just LOVE God's math!

So just give. Yes, it's that simple. Let God have your gifts, and prepare to receive your blessing!

I flat-out LIED

2008-06-07T05:10:00.006-04:00

Recently, I was supposed to go to Friday evening service at our church. Friday is nicknamed "Joy night", and is also our night for Pastoral Teaching. Usually I love Fridays, because I can come and unload all the burdens and weights of the week, and spend some time in praise and singing to God.

In addition, all titled members (which is pretty much every adult) are asked to check in with the Chief of Staff if they're not going to make a service.

But this particular Friday, I didn't feel like going. So I checked in. I said I was going to be busy reviewing papers for a meeting the next morning, which was true, but only partially. I knew this essential task wouldn't take me all evening to complete. In the end, I found the paper review took less than an hour. After that, I fiddled around the (empty) house for awhile, and was in bed asleep by 9:30. Joy Night typically ends about 10:00 or so.

Let me tally my sins:
1. Disobedience
2. Self-centeredness
3. Lying about it

So it's no wonder, I found myself at 4:30am the next morning, kneeling by myself in the darkened church, asking God's forgiveness for my actions.

1 John 1:9 (KJV) - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

That's it? That's it. Forgiven? Forgiven. Wow! Thank you, Lord!

But I'm also struck with the awareness that if Jesus had returned last night while I slept in my sinful state, I would have not made it to heaven.

Revelation 21:23-27 (NLT, underlines mine) - And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Thank you Lord, for givig me another chance!

I carry the memory that I sinned, the awareness that I'm capable of sinning again, and thankfully, that IF I confess my sin to God, he'll forgive me. But this little episode was one more reminder that I can't even trust myself. I'm too prone to do what *I* want to do (like skip church and sleep), not what God wants me to do. And returning over and over again to confess my sin is a trip I don't want to keep making. It weighs me down, so I can't run the race (see Hebrews 12:1).

Lord, keep me in your will today. Renew my mind. Transform me. I don't want to play around with your blessing. I'm far too valuable to you, and you're far too valuable to me for that.

Thank you, Lord. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

"Kill Myself" Praising?

2008-05-31T07:12:00.004-04:00

I've heard it. You've heard it. We've recited it (in my case, for many years). We've probably even SUNG it. But can we truly say we comprehend what it means to offer a "sacrifice of praise" to God?

Here are some Biblical references (emphasis mine):

And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD. (Psalm 27:6, KJV)

I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good. (Psalm 54:6, KJV)

The next two are the ones I remember singing:

And they shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the plain, and from the mountains, and from the south, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meat offerings, and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise, unto the house of the LORD. (Jeremiah 17:26, KJV)

The voice of joy, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the voice of them that shall say, Praise the LORD of hosts: for the LORD is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: and of them that shall bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the LORD. For I will cause to return the captivity of the land, as at the first, saith the LORD. (Jeremiah 33:11, KJV)

In the Old Testament the words we read as "sacrifice" have a few meanings, but in the New, the meaning is entirely clear. To SACRIFICE means to "put the animal to death". There is no phraseological magic applied here by the composers of the English translations. To sacrifice means to kill something to God, or to give something up in favor of something better.

So how can I "kill something with praise"? Here's the clearest Biblical definition I could find:

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15, KJV)

Giving thanks to God with my lips (i.e. out loud). Continually (i.e. without stopping, even when I think it would be smarter to be doing something else with my time). And of course, please notice the Old Testament scriptures that describe the act of bringing the sacrifices of praise "into the house of the Lord" (i.e. coming to church, even when that small act takes a personal sacrifice).

The word "sacrifice" used in Hebrews for sacrifice of praise is identical to the word used in Romans 12:1, below, where we're to offer our bodies as "living sacrifices":

Romans 12:1 (NLT) - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Jesus died physically 2,000 years ago, so believers can live spiritually forever with God. And the scriptures encourage us to follow in Christ's footsteps (NOT to kill ourselves in the physical sense, but to offer/subordinate our physical natures to the spiritual/Christ-like nature, that of praise and worship to God so much and so often, it takes the place of our earthly activities and pasttimes.) I must point out that Jesus didn't kill himself. He offered his body up to be sacrificed as a substitute for all our sins. There's a BIG difference between the two.

Sacrifice my lips to God, by praising him when I could be saying something else. Sacrifice my time, talent, and yes, even my tithes to Him, when my intellect complains, telling me "it doesn't take all that".

Yes, it does. Offering my life to God through my praise. That's Biblical.

God Bless you all.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

WHERE is My Belief?

2008-05-30T12:18:00.008-04:00

Sometimes I tell myself
not to think about you, LORD,
or even mention your name.
But your message burns
in my heart and bones,
and I cannot keep silent.

Jeremiah 20:9 (CEV)

Unlike some "cradle Christians", I remember when I didn't believe. Looking back on my life, I know I didn't believe in the Lord Jesus Christ from the day of my birth until Saturday, May 15th, 1993 at about Noon.

During those 35 first years of my life, I truly thought my mindset and activities were consistent with those of the Christians around me, so I too would be "goin' up yonder" as the song says. But after that day in 1993 when God saved me, I realized my past wasn't what I thought. Sure, I could walk the walk and talk the talk. In some churches I attended, I had even been chosen into positions of leadership. But I wasn't saved, because I didn't BELIEVE.

Romans 10:9 tells us that if we confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts God raised him from the dead, we will be saved. As I look back, I realize I was confessing with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, AND I believed God raised him from the dead.... sort of. You see, my belief was in my head, just like my "belief" in Abraham Lincoln and my "belief" in the laws of physics. I had a belief that I now recognize was merely intellectual assent. My head told me anything's possible, so I went along with the notion that God can raise Jesus from the dead. So that meant I believed, right?

The Greek word from which we translate the English word "believe" is πιστεύω. This word can mean a deep-seated, heart belief, or it can mean a shallow, intellectual, head belief. So it's easy to see how some people can think they believe, yet not believe. The only way to differentiate between the beliefs is to ask yourself, where inside me does my belief in Jesus exist?

How can you tell the difference? Here are a few of the external differentiators I apply to my own life, that I use to tell me if I'm "in my head" or "in my heart". Perhaps they'll be helpful for you as well:

HEAD BELIEF:
When I'm looking at my watch, and getting concerned about the length of the service, I'm in my HEAD.
When I find myself thinking about anything except what the preacher is talking about (such as bills, my calendar this week, whether my tie is straight, etc.), I'm in my HEAD.
When I'm concerned about how silly I'll look if I fall on my face in worship, I'm in my HEAD.
When I get to church when I get there, and immediately head for a seat in the back of the sanctuary where I won't be noticed, I'm in my HEAD.
When I choose to attend one or perhaps a couple services throughout the week, but decide I'm too busy to attend all the services, I'm in my HEAD.
When I skip Sunday School (which occurs between our Sunday morning services) because I have "things to do" (EVEN THINGS FOR THE CHURCH), I'm in my HEAD.
When I think that tithing is too expensive and won't fit into my budget, I'm in my HEAD.
When my worship involvement is merely doing what the people around me are doing, I'm in my HEAD.
When I go the entire day and never think if Jesus (even if I've thought of "church"), I'm in my HEAD.
When I zip through the ritual of saying grace before my meals, instead of truly giving thanks, I'm in my HEAD.
When I don't pray and instead tell myself "The Lord knows my heart", I'm not in my heart. I'm in my HEAD.
When I find I have to use a book or other written aid to formulate my prayers, I'm in my HEAD.

HEART BELIEF:
When I suddenly find tears welling up in my eyes, I'm in my HEART (BIG indicator).
When I don't care what the people around me think, and praise God as loud as I like, I'm in my HEART.
When I find myself yearning to get into the sanctuary to worship - often indicated by my arriving early to service and zipping past the greeters and my friends - I'm in my HEART.
When I find myself giving - of my money, time, or talent - based on how I feel led rather than how my budget or schedule look, I'm in my HEART.
When I yearn to share my testimony, even though some may think I'm being too open or too trusting, I'm in my HEART.
When I find myself wanting to share about the goodness of Jesus with everyone, even those I don't know, I'm in my HEART.
When the scriptures become a "burning fire" inside of me that I can't stop from repeating, I'm in my HEART (Jeremiah 20:9).

Luke 24:32 (NIV) - They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Get Jesus into your HEART. If you're unsure about Jesus' location inside, just ask "Jesus, I know I've messed up in my life, but today I accept you as my Lord and savior. I ask you to come into my heart, and live there." Next, ensure you're "plugged into" a church that preaches God's word so much that it begins to burn inside you. Attend as much as you can, and stay there no matter how uncomfortable the word seems. God's word has the power to convict, to heal, and to transform.

He did it for me, and he can surely do it for you. God bless!

What Was Jairus Thinking?

2008-05-27T13:12:00.005-04:00

In Mark 5:21-43 are two important instances that occurred simultaneously. In the first few verses, Jesus is approached by a synagogue leader named Jairus, who pleads with Jesus to come lay hands on his daughter so she will recover from her nearly-fatal illness.

Then, as Jesus, Jairus, and their entourage move toward Jairus' home, a woman with a twelve-year issue of blood touches his garment, and stops the entire procession.

During the time of this "delay", when the woman is healed, Jesus stops, and Jesus and the woman are conducting their dialogue, Jairus' daughter dies.

Later in the chapter, Jesus restores life to this girl, but during the time of his delay while healing this woman, do you think Jairus (the girl's father and leader of the synagogue) was really focused on how Jesus was healing the woman with the twelve-year issue of blood? Was he giving God the glory for doing what God wanted to do, and in God's own time?

My gut tells me no. In verse 35, even Jairus' servants suggested that he didn't need to bother Jesus anymore, because they thought his daughter was past the point of salvation. Perhaps that's why Jesus chose to ignore them and tell Jairus (in verse 36) to "Don't worry. Just have faith!" (Contemporary English Version).

Everything occurs because God allows it. Nothing occurs that surprises God. He knows our endings before he allows us to face any situation. When I'm faced with my own "Jairus Situation", I pray that God gives me the peace and courage to cling to hope, by clinging to Him.

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) - Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Please pray for the saints.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Lord, Help Me Grow Up

2008-05-27T10:13:00.005-04:00

As I go through this Christian walk, I'm often reminded that my life is incomplete without God's grace, mercy, and love. I'm so very thankful that he chose to save me back in May of 1993 during my Cursillo weekend (a weekend of Christian renewal; more on Cursillo in a later blog). But after I got saved, I spent lots of time just basking in the glow of God's love. I used to walk around with this great big grin, because I now BELIEVED, and knew I had been plucked out of darkness. I was SAVED, y'all!

But there's more to living a Christian life. Much, much more. We're told we need to tell our testimonies to others, so they too can know that the God of the Bible is true, living, and loves them far more than they could ever comprehend. But we're also told we're to study God's Word, so that we don't have to rely on our big grins to start conversations with intelligent folk.

Hebrews 5:11-6:3 (The Message) I have a lot more to say about this, but it is hard to get it across to you since you've picked up this bad habit of not listening. By this time you ought to be teachers yourselves, yet here I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one--baby's milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners, inexperienced in God's ways; solid food is for the mature, who have some practice in telling right from wrong. So come on, let's leave the preschool fingerpainting exercises on Christ and get on with the grand work of art. Grow up in Christ. The basic foundational truths are in place: turning your back on "salvation by self-help" and turning in trust toward God; baptismal instructions; laying on of hands; resurrection of the dead; eternal judgment. God helping us, we'll stay true to all that. But there's so much more. Let's get on with it!

Soon after coming to Christ, we should be studying the Bible so much that we will be prepared to TEACH it to other Christians. I didn't realize I had an obligation to learn the Bible, but after reading Hebrews, it became apparent. I must dedicate the time to learn the Bible. Church sermons, group Bible study, Sunday School and Our Daily Bread are all well and good, but they're INSUFFICIENT to teach me enough so that I can teach it to others.

I've got to READ THE BIBLE. That's the only way I'll grow to be a complete and mature witness.

Now, instead of picking up the Bible and reading a verse or two, I read whole chapters. And recently, I told my prayer partner that "the verses are coming together", which was my way of saying I was finding verse after verse after verse that I recognized. And they were coming more and more frequently. I guess that's one indicator that I'm "growing up"!

Are you allowing yourself to "grow" as much as you should, by taking the time to read the Bible? If reading isn't your "thing", then skip over to http://www.firefighters.org/ and download the entire Bible on MP3. It's a wonderful ministry offering from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa, and was released to the internet without royalty restrictions. Burn it to a couple CDs and play it in your MP3 player or MP3-capable CD player. Keep it running, day and night. Listen to it as you go to sleep, and listen to it as you awake. After a while, it'll get into you. And then you'll always have your "sword" (Ephesians 6:17).

If you don't like reading, you DO have alternatives.

2 Peter 3:18 (NIV) - But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

And Amen.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

I'm a Nobody, BUT...

2008-05-27T08:41:00.002-04:00

I've heard it many times. People are asked if they can assist in the ministry through some sort of position or tasking, and for many, their first reaction is to say "no". Some (perhaps justifiably) say they're too busy. Others cite various other reasons. But perhaps we should all examine our motives. Are we telling the requestor "no" because we are truly too busy, or are we perhaps saying "no" because we don't feel capable or qualified to perform the task?

I have often struggled with my insecurities throughout my life. Abused early in my teens, attempted (and failed) in marriage - more than once - and much more. Yes, I have stumbled through this life, and I remember trying to imagine "what would have been", if only this or that hadn't occurred the way it did.

My life, using most human measurements, hasn't amounted to much. I used to feel like a failure, like I was smiling at times only to cover the pain and shame I truly felt about my life. I felt like a NOBODY. And I'm pretty certain I'm not alone in this world. Perhaps there are others out there like me. When someone (our pastor, perhaps?) asks us to assist in the ministry, PERHAPS we're saying "no" because we don't believe we can be effectively used by God.

But what does God's Word say about 'nobodies' like me?

1 Corinthians 1:25-29 (CEV) - Even when God is foolish, he is wiser than everyone else, and even when God is weak, he is stronger than everyone else. My dear friends, remember what you were when God chose you. The people of this world didn't think that many of you were wise. Only a few of you were in places of power, and not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of this world to put the wise to shame. He chose the weak things of this world to put the powerful to shame. What the world thinks is worthless, useless, and nothing at all is what God has used to destroy what the world considers important. God did all this to keep anyone from bragging to him.

Worthless? Useless? Nothing at all? The Word tells us God CAN use you, but you have to agree to be used. God used Legion (Luke 8), the tenth leper (Luke 17) and the Samaritan woman (John 4), because they allowed themselves to be used, and didn't mind giving God the glory for any greatness they may have accomplished.

So the next time someone asks for your help in the Christian ministry, give some thought to whether you want God to use you, or whether you're holding back because you think you may fail. Give God a chance, and you may be VERY surprised with the result!

Blessings to you and yours!

© 2008 Scotty Ward

No Rewards for the Wagon Either

2008-05-23T06:37:00.010-04:00

During my prayers this morning, the Lord gave me an interesting "word picture". There were four items in the picture:

A Man
A Child
A Wagon being pulled by the child
A Pet in the wagon

As it was shown me, the man represented God, who was leading the child. The child was dutifully following the man's lead.

The child seemed to be my pastor. He was listening to God, doing his level best to follow where God led him. If the man (God) turned left, the child would turn left, so that his course closely followed his Father's course.

The wagon - in my picture - was the majority of our church membership (including me). We were part of the child/wagon combination, and always followed the child. The child would turn left, and we'd dutifully follow in the direction we were led (key word). The child would speed up or slow down, and we'd follow. We were, after all, connected for as long as the child chose to hold onto the wagon's handle (perhaps through his calling as our pastor?)

The Pet in the wagon were the other people who - for lack of a better phrase - were along for the ride. If the wagon went in an unexpected or perhaps undesirable direction, the pet was free to jump out and go their own way. If the wagon was going to slow or too fast, the pet's attention would turn elsewhere, and distractions would cause the pet's interest to draw them, so they would jump out and follow their own course. If the church would have an activity, they'd come (perhaps). They'd attend some services on some Sundays, but certainly didn't feel the need to ALWAYS be in the wagon (going along with the vision of our pastor, as he was being led by God). They were there, at times, and wanted to be counted among the number who were "following the Father" (because they were in the wagon/church and were being pulled by the child/pastor.

But then the Lord showed me what happens at the end of the road.

The Man and the child enter the home and sit down to a beautiful dinner. The door closes behind them, and the Pet AND THE WAGON remain outside.

Now let me bring it back to myself. Regardless how much I try to attend every service and prayer meeting, regardless how much I try to do things exactly as I believe my Pastor desires, in the end, I'm responsible for my own spiritual walk.

Philippians 2:12-13 (NLT) - Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

So we all pretty much know about the Pet, those who do what they want, and participate in church business when it suits them. I've heard my pastor say there are people who are "playing church". But God showed me there is also a danger in merely following the Pastor, no matter how enthusiastic or dilligent I am in doing so. Because our pastor is - first and foremost - concentrating on his own salvation (see above scripture). And MY concentration needs to be not on following Pastor Hunt, but on following God.

And I shouldn't have to be told what to do. The Word of God speaks about those who need coaxing and encouragement and phone calls and chiding to walk the Christian's Walk.

Psalm 32:8-9 (AMP) I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Be not like the horse or the mule, which lack understanding, which must have their mouths held firm with bit and bridle, or else they will not come with you.

My salvation is entirely up to me. If I am distracted or led elsewhere like the pet, I'm in trouble. But if I use Pastor Hunt as my SOLE direction, and don't work on my own salvation, I'm also in trouble. My salvation is not my pastor's responsibility; it's mine. I choose to obey or disobey. I choose to attend or to do something else. I choose to read the Bible or to watch the idiot box. I choose to wake early and pray or catch a few more winks. I can offer my body (see below scripture), or I can do what I want to do.

Romans 12:1-2 (NLT) - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Don't let me stay a wagon, Lord. Change my way of thinking, so I take personal responsibility for my own salvation, instead of just trying to reach salvation through associating with Pastor Hunt. Transform me, so I can follow YOU.

Everybody have a safe holiday weeekend.

Scariest Two Weeks of My Life

2008-05-12T05:09:00.004-04:00

"Will a man rob God?"

These words from the prophet Malachi ran through my head, day after day. You see, I had "run into difficult times" financially, and just didn't have enough money to pay all my obligations on one recent Sunday. So for that one pay period, I chose to withhold my tithe. I paid all the other offerings at the church, but didn't pay my tithe for that paycheck.

From the moment I made the fateful decision to write the check minus my tithe, I was uncomfortable. I made sure to include my wife's tithe amount, as we always do. I wanted her to remain untouched by my decision. But the discomfort I experienced was palpable, and I felt it every step of the way to the offering table. But I had made my decision and written the check, and that was that.

Malachi 3:6-10 (AMPLIFIED VERSION, emphasis and underlines mine) - For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers you have turned aside from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, How shall we return? Will a man rob or defraud God? Yet you rob and defraud Me. But you say, In what way do we rob or defraud You? [You have withheld your] tithes and offerings. You are cursed with the curse, for you are robbing Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes (the whole tenth of your income) into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and prove Me now by it, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

For the next two weeks, I thought almost constantly of Malachi's prophetic scripture. It came up during our Bible Study, during our Sunday School, and of course, was mentioned during our regular services. And every time I heard it I winced. I was that robber. I had consciously withheld some of my blessing from God, who has never withheld his blessings from me.

So I almost ran to the offering table to give my DOUBLE TITHE on the next payperiod. There was no relief like that I felt as I dropped my tithe envelope into the basket, and received the oil of anointing on my forehead. I was so thankful that God hadn't chosen take me out of this world as a robber.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (KJV) - But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:

God can do all things but fail. He has asked some things of me (to believe in him, to allow him to renew my mind, to give without feeling like I'm compelled to give, to trust in his will in every area of my life, INCLUDING my finances). This was a lesson I do not plan to repeat. I got it, God. I GOT IT.

A while ago, one of the young men in our church said something that may sound cliche, but fully expresses my feelings on the matter of giving:

"Give God what's RIGHT, not what's LEFT."

Superb words, Deacon Maurice.

Blessings to you all.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Evangelism through IM

2008-05-08T03:57:00.004-04:00

"God is Awesome!" These were the only words in my Instant Messenger profile. Nothing about my work, school, religious affiliation, or even my social standing. People would only find me if they were - for lack of a better term - searching for "God".

So it was a bit curious when someone popped up desiring a conversation. I accepted, and this began a seven month long conversation with a young man who sought to show me in every intellectual way how God didn't exist, how he didn't need God, and how I was weak if I chose to believe. He'd come back, day after day, and assert that God was only a phychological construction for the weak-minded, how numerous learned people had given great thought to God's existence and had determined there was no God. And he shared their opinion. There was no God, and I was misleading people by even conversing about the matter.

Each day, I would greet him in a friendly manner. I gave him hour after hour of my attention, choosing to show my interest in him as a person rather than to "win" the argument. In many of the conversations, I would agree with him - to a point. But then I'd share with him about my life, and how I had witnessed things in my life that defied logic. I would tell him that I too was an intellectual sorta guy, but there was a gap in my knowledge. Some things I'd experienced in my own life just didn't fit into the realm of human knowledge. I explained to him that I labeled that gap FAITH, and that no amount of human reason seemed capable of reaching across that gap. Faith just required..... well, FAITH.

He told me, over and over, how I was wrong, how I needed to denounce my God, to remove "God is Awesome!" from my profile. I kindly and politely said the profile accurately described me, and it would stay. Finally, he stopped visiting. I prayed for him, and silently wished him well.

Six months later, this young man re-visited my instant messenger, but when he popped up on my screen, he began with three words:

"God IS Awesome!"

You see, this young man had found God in his own life, and was now telling his friends and family about how God had saved him!

I praise God I was able to witness to this young man's life, and that - Lord willing - I'll meet him when we both cross over.

2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Am I LIGHT?

2008-05-04T10:15:00.008-04:00

Genesis 1:4 (KJV) - And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

Light and darkness; they truly can't co-exist.

Thayer's lexicon describes 'darkness' as being without light. No light = darkness.

God's Light (Jesus) gives us life (John 1:4)

Evil fosters darkness (John 3:19)

Darkness is of Satan, light of God (Acts 26:18)

Light is from heaven and darkness is likened to death by Zechariah (Luke 1:78-79)

God is light. He has no darkness (1 John 1:5)

Jesus is the light of the world, and if you walk with him, you will not live - will not walk - in darkness (John 12:46, 8:12)

If we walk in Jesus, we are children of light (Eph 5:8, 1 Thess 5:5)

God calls us out of darkness into his light (1 Pet 2:9)

And trouble awaits those who try to call their dark deeds 'light' (Isaiah 5:20).

If we claim the light, but hate our brothers, we aren't being truthful. We are still in darkness/sin (1 John 2:9)

God provides the light in our dark worlds (Psalm 18:28, Isaiah 42:16)

So a person is either (this means ONE OR the OTHER. Can't be both):

Holy or not. (Romans 14:23b)

Hot or cold. The lukewarm Christian is valueless to God (Rev 3:15-16).

James 1:17 (AMP) - Every good gift and every perfect (free, large, full) gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of all [that gives] light, in [the shining of] Whom there can be no variation [rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [as in an eclipse].

So as a Christian, I'm either righteous or not. Clean or not. A follower of Christ or not.

I'm Light or I'm darkness.

The Bible doesn't offer opportunities to live in half-light or live 'mostly good' lives. According to the Bible, we're conducting our lives according to God's light, or we're not.

"AM I LIGHT?"

God Bless!
© 2008 Scotty Ward

"Special Purpose" Altar Calls?

2008-05-01T05:15:00.007-04:00

I know I'm a long way from where God tells me I could be, through his word given in the scriptures. And I know God is true to his word, even if I seem to have problems keeping my side of the agreement.

On Sundays, I listen intently at the time of the altar call, to hear if it 'applies' to me. You see, the altar is where I can go to unburden my soul and lighten my spirit. I arrive with my "mess" and leave renewed to strive another day. As I leave the altar following an altar call, I often feel much lighter (I have many burdens to turn over, you see). But I don't always come up when the altar call goes out, because it seems not every altar call 'fits my situation'. Sometimes, the pastor or preacher makes rather specific statements about the altar call, and though I feel the spiritual need to go up and "unload" frequently, the criteria spoken by the preacher doesn't always seem to apply to me. I'd feel pretty weird going up when the pastor called for "those who need prayer for healing in their bodies", or "those who don't yet know Jesus as your Lord and savior".

I am so very very thankful for those last, almost second thought, altar call statements that invite anyone who wants to come for prayer.

Because that DOES fit me.

Here I come, Lord!

Yes, But Why ME, Lord?

2008-05-01T04:37:00.007-04:00

Lord, I love you and I trust you. You and I both know I'd be dead without you. I've messed up so much in my life, I should be dead right now. All I have of value is my belief and confidence in you. Everything else comes second. Of course I love my family dearly, but I also realize you've had a hand in their lives as well, so they're also part of your plan (even the ones who don't yet know you).

So I know and acknowledge you've had a hand in all my affairs, past, present, and (I pray) the future.

So why did you pick ME to be saved, Lord? It seems to me I'm already on the sidelines in my family. I mean, some of my kids won't even speak with me. And my parents and siblings seem to want to keep me at arm's length ("we'll come visit you, but we're NOT going to your church").

So why me, Lord? Why not my father or mother, who are so full of love and care for everyone? Seems to me they'd make finer choices than messed up old me. They seem to have done so much in their lives, and obviously transcend the lines of division so prevalent in the family. Why me, and not them? I don't mean to be telling you how to do your business, but doesn't that make more sense?

2 Timothy 1:9 (NLT)- "It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began - to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus."

Lord, I don't understand, but I trust your plan for my life and those around me. You've called me not because of anything I've done. You've called me because you're God. Amen.

P.s. Lord, while I've got your attention, could I ask you to please save my family as well? You gave them to me, and I sure do love them. Thanks.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

God Told Us How To Testify

2008-04-28T16:39:00.004-04:00

Deuteronomy 6:20-23 (New King James Version)
When your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the LORD our God has commanded you?' then you shall say to your son: 'We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand; and the LORD showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and severe, against Egypt, Pharaoh, and all his household. Then He brought us out from there, that He might bring us in, to give us the land of which He swore to our fathers.

As the scripture above says, God has given us the "pattern" for our testimonies. A testimony is your personal story, describing what God has done in YOUR life. Your family and friends, even a twin if you have them, haven't lived YOUR life, so they can't fully comprehend God's effect. That's why we are all directed to TELL OUR STORIES.

A testimony is in three parts:

1. I WAS _____________
2. THEN GOD _________________
3. NOW I'M ________________

Tell your story using this as an example. It doesn't have to be powerful, or use flowery language. But it MUST be told by the primary storyteller of your life: YOU.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

"Couldn't You Tone It Down a Bit?"

2008-04-25T08:30:00.007-04:00

My message is different from most others. Some may find some of my blogs questionable, perhaps a bit 'harsh'.

Some people may cringe, some may be uncomfortable when they read about certain parts of my life. The issue (as I see it) is that these events have served to DEFINE me. I'm not a "cradle Christian"; I didn't grow up in the church. I AM without a doubt one of those eleventh hour Christians that the others get upset about (Matt 20). I AM the prodigal son that the older brother gets upset about (Luke 15). I AM the thief on the cross (Luke 23), the man from Gadara (Mark 5, Luke 8) and the Samaritan woman (John 4), the lost sheep and the lost coin (Luke 15), who have come to God's grace ONLY through the love and mercy of the Father, and NOT through my own efforts at achieving righteousness.

I AM, simply because HE IS (Exod 3:14). And so I can honestly speak FROM EXPERIENCE to encourage those other wounded, battered, beat-down people who think they're too far gone for God to care about.

I can't deny that my path has been different than everyone else's. In fact, it is BECAUSE of that long, painful path He's led me through, that I give Him that crazy praise I do (I'm crying at my desk as I type this). I owe God for my very breath.

And if He can do this for me, he can CERTAINLY do it for others who are still out there in the world. I may ruffle some feathers when I speak about myself; so be it. Some may look at me funny, or stop speaking to me. Some may even try to speak to my pastor; So be it. Nothing can change who I am and where God has brought me from.

It's no cliche when it comes from my lips: GOD HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME.

I've probably said this in earlier blogs, but it bears repeating. When I accepted God's call to the ministry, I told him that I would do it even if it meant being an example. He saved me, and I'm a product of that loving salvation.

So I'll keep on praising Him. I'll keep on telling my story, even if it makes some people uncomfortable. I don't mean to make people upset. But it is, after all, my testimony to tell.

God Bless You All.

I love Jesus, but Haven't Always Been This Way

2008-04-24T14:38:00.004-04:00

I was born and raised in Southern California, the third of four children born to Bill and Arlene Ward. Early in life, I had no solid Christian examples. My parents, grandparents, even aunts and uncles didn't attend church except for weddings and funerals. My earliest recollection of personal Christianity is from the age of ten, when I attended a local church alone, while my father waited in the car.

The lack of a Christian anchor was apparent in my adult life. I scored high enough on my S.A.T. to qualify for MENSA, became a leader and received awards in nearly every group I joined, but stumbled through multiple failed relationships. I fathered/adopted three children who all left to live with their mothers. It was clear my life was still unfulfilled, that I was still seeking God in my life.

God allowed my life to reach its lowest ebb in 1986. With my children stripped away in a custody battle, my career shattered, and facing a military court martial, I spent one night in a psychiatric hospital on 'suicide watch' (description: someone sits in your room while you sleep, to make sure you don't try to kill yourself). My life was screwed up beyond all hope; I couldn't deny it. So one night I knelt in my closet and surrendered what was left of this shattered life to a God I hadn't yet met, and asked Him for forgiveness and strength.

And that's exactly what I received. God saved me in a mighty way at age 35, and filled me with the precious Holy Ghost and called me to ministry at age 45. Since then, I’ve been on fire for the Lord. I know my ministry is still forming, but in the meantime, I serve as a member of the ministerial staff, personal writer for the pastor, superintendent of Sunday School, editor of the church newsletter, church email administrator, and audio producer and cameraman for the church media ministry (wow!). I’ve even begun a Christian ministry via this internet blog, where the reader is encouraged to keep at their Christian walk 'Yet One More Day'. God has truly blessed me with an abundance of gifts, and I use what I've been given to serve Him.

But most of all, I love praising God, and telling others about how God saved a wretch like ME, so surely He can save them too.

I KNOW where my help comes from.

I'm God's Secret Weapon!

2008-04-23T15:51:00.004-04:00

1 Corinthians 1:17-29 (NLT)
For Christ didn't send me to baptize, but to preach the 'Good News' And not with clever speech, for fear that the cross of Christ would lose its power.
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say,
'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.'
So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom.
So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense.
But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

If you don't feel particularly "called" today, that's all right! In fact, if you're saved, and don't yet see God's plan in your life, that means God still has a great plan to use you! If the enemy knew what God knows about God's plans for his servants, don't you think he'd do his very best to take us out of the picture? But that's why the world doesn't know God. That's why those people in the world have such difficulty understanding (if they even try to understand) God's message of salvation. It doesn't make any earthly sense.

EXACTLY!

God's "sense" and man's "sense" are two entirely different things, because they're viewed from two entirely different viewpoints. Man looks at the outward appearance, while God considers the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7). Man looks to increase his individual possessions, while God looks for individual salvation (Luke 12:21). Man wants to "know everything" (2 Tim 3:7), but God is trying through Himself to give us all knowledge (1 Tim 2:4)!

If you're saved, you can rest assured that God has a plan for your life (reread the scripture above). Right now, you may not really comprehend it, but that does NOT mean God's plan is late, or missing, or faulty, or you've somehow been overlooked as God gave out his assignments. Quite the contrary! God may be preparing you THIS VERY DAY to tell someone about God's plan for salvation (that's called evangelizing, by the way). But God hasn't yet revealed it to you. But that's OK!

You're one of God's "Secret Weapons"!

Look at yourself in the mirror this morning, and in your best 'James Bond' voice, tell yourself, "I'm God's Secret Weapon!"

God Bless You!

Messed Up

2008-04-22T16:04:00.003-04:00

The Lord let me see recently that being "messed up" is just fine with him, IF I allow him to use my condition for his glory. Let me explain.

I've often felt I have much intelligence, but not much of the Lord's Wisdom; lots to say, but little to say of Value; of some significance, but of little Worth.

Why? Because I've been told that my sin is too great for God to forgive. I truly believe he forgives my sins; that's the reason I can truly praise him as I do. But then it seems I turn around and commit the same sins over, and over, and over again. I feel I keep bringing the same sins to the altar, God keeps washing them away, and I wander off, inevitably to commit them afresh.

The discourager tries to stress to me that I'm in a cycle I will never escape. No matter how high God takes me, the earthly lusts will always return to dash me back into the pit, plop me back into the miry clay (Psalms 40:2 - He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.). I've been told (in my head) over and over that my freedom from the penalty of my sins may be brief and wonderfully inspiring, but I'll always return to my old ways, to the "law" of my body (Romans 7:23 - but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.)

And I've given heed to these mantras of discouragement, from the destroyer of the soul.

I'm MESSED UP. I'm a wretch. No doubt in my mind.

But WAIT.

John 10:10 - The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

The man from Gadara was a mess too (See Mark 5). So was the Samaritan woman (John 4). Cast out by their people, left to wallow in their own muck, shunned (everybody had turned their backs on them) and living amid their own sins. But in both cases, Jesus turned their lives around, and through the redemption of their souls, they became two of the most effective evangelists in the Bible. The "normal citizens" who had turned their backs on these two, in essence became their mission fields. The outcast and the hopelessly messed up, when you add Jesus to their lives, had become extremely effective tools for the spread of God's kingdom.

Lord, I thank you for loving me enough to reach down into the miry clay of my sins, to look past what I DO, and see value in who I AM. I re-dedicate myself to following your lead in my life. Help me have spiritual ears, so I may hear YOUR Word, and not the words of the world. And keep my thoughts turned to you, Lord.

My life is worthless without you, but of infinite Value through you.

Hebrews 10:22-25 (KJV)
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Thank you, Lord. Thank you.

Fell Into a Funk, but Found the Fix

2008-04-22T05:24:00.002-04:00

Recently one morning, I had what can best be described as a sense of "discomfort", or "ill at ease", and I couldn't seem to leave it behind.

My wife and I spent most of the previous afternoon/evening and all the night before just relaxing at home. No stress, no drama. The morning seemed to begin as normal, but then this "funk" settled over me. I felt so unsettled, I nearly called in sick to work. I thought to go to the church to pray, but instead got in the truck for work.

As I drove in, I called my wife and asked her if we could have lunch together. She does have such a calming effect on my soul. But lunch was hours away, and my feeling of unease persisted.

I arrived at work without incident, and spent a number of minutes reading the scriptures in my truck, but still I felt burdened.

Something beyond my consciousness was distracting me, and I emailed my prayer partner, asking his prayers that the Lord's will be done in my life (divine, not just permissive).

Wait a second. Philippians 4:6-7 gives both a description and a remedy for my situation. Here's what God says from the Amplified Bible:

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank you, Lord. The answer is not outside (day off sick, asking for prayers, etc). The answer is inside, where YOU dwell, Lord. You're telling me to be prayerful, be persistent, be thankful, and be specific. I gotcha.

The moment I grasped what the scriptures were saying to me, I immediately felt much better.

And I prayed: I believe I'll make it through the day, thank you, God!

Tell my Situation about God...

2008-04-20T05:52:00.003-04:00

This is a tough concept for me to wrap my head around.

The Bible is full of people praying to God and asking for insight, wisdom, relief, and downright deliverance from their issues and situations. Even Jesus at the Garden of Gethsemane prayed to his Father, saying "...if it be possible, let this cup pass from me" (Matthew 26). He brought his situation to God's attention through his prayers.

But Jesus also gave us a superb example of bringing God's word into the situation. In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus is tempted by Satan after having fasted forty days. He was tempted three times, but in every case, he quoted from God's word (specifically the Pentateuch, also known as The Law) in response to the temptation. Instead of telling God about the situation, he addressed his situation by speaking the Word.

Deut 11:18-19 - Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

It's important to learn God's word thoroughly. And I know I can't learn God's word through sitting in church and listening to the preacher. I will HEAR God's word, true. But there is more in the Bible than I will be able to learn from a lifetime of Sunday morning sermons. Sitting in church and listening doesn't sound the same as Deuteronomy above, where we're encouraged to "lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul". A casual acquaintance is obviously not what God seeks from us.

Deut 30:14 - But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

The "word" in this passage of scripture refers directly to "...his statutes which are written in this book of the law..." (v10). By getting close to God's word, I have a better chance of staying on track with God. Makes sense.

So I can see an in-depth knowledge of the Word of God allows me two advantages. First, it allows me a better chance of patterning my path according to God's will. Second, it allows me to carry His Word into my daily life and situations. Then, instead of praying to God about the situation, I may be able to speak to the situation from God's Word. By studying God's word, I prepare myself for the attacks that life dishes up.

Thanks Lord. You've encouraged me to study and study and study some more. Help me not to fall into complacency. Only you know what lies over the next hill, and you've given me the tools (through your holy Word) to deal with them. But I need to study today, to be equipped and prepared for tomorrow.

Sharing versus Preaching

2008-04-16T15:13:00.005-04:00

I was at a gas station in Ft Washington recently, playing a CD from my recent sermon, and some woman commented (positively) on it. I pulled it out and gave it to her (which surprised her to no end), but it brought to mind how much my life impacts those around me.

I've been highly blessed to be around such spirit-led preachers as Pastor Hunt of New Community COGIC in Waldorf, but I also notice my preaching is of a somewhat different nature than the rest. Let me explain.

I'm so very thankful God saved me in 1993, but I admit I have difficulty living a saved life. For me, it's tough to stay saved each day, really tough.

I've heard some of the saints (including my wife) say they're 'saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled' but if I were to try to say the same thing, I'd say I'm 'being saved daily WHEN I focus on God, in the process of BEING sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled WHEN my sinful nature steps aside long enough for God to have his way in my life'. Doesn't roll off the tongue quite like the others, does it?

Psalm 51 typifies the process of sanctification to me. Because only AFTER God has cleansed and purged me, 'Then, I will teach transgressors your ways.' But until then, I'm still in the 'wash cycle', as it were. And that's where I find myself, day after painful day.

When God called me to the ministry, I told him I would follow his call, even if my life only served as an example to those around me (in other words, if they observed my stumbling and re-turning to the cross over and over, they might draw hope in their own spiritual walk.)

I thank God for the grace and strength to be able to fall, get back up, and talk about it, even when I'm talking to a crowd.

I think that's why my sermons seem more like sharing, and less like preaching. God's words of redemption and love repeatedly soothe my sin-born heart and calm my sin-numbed ears, and I get enough strength to go through the process once again, but by submitting to God's call and sharing about my life all the while, I'm able to share the pain, the tests, and the reunification.

God allows me to be a walking prodigal son.

God loves a broken and a contrite heart (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 51:17). In me, he has a perfect subject for the lesson. A proud and independent man, brought up outside the church, yet constantly humbled through decades of failed relationships and continuous self-destructive behavior. God can take my proud nature, skinned knees, and abundant tears, and make a loving "story of redemption" out of them. What the enemy calls 'another failure, Scott', God calls his child, Scott.

So when I preach, I have mixed feelings about having an altar call. The reason? I want to throw myself at the foot of the cross right along with everyone else, my tears falling beside theirs. When they cry, I cry, because - perhaps like them - I'm coming forward as a miserable, broken, proud-to-the-brink-of-destruction sinner. We all approach with nothing but hope, and we leave with nothing less than our renewed souls.

I thank God for my life. I pray my pain gives others hope.

© 2008 Scotty Ward

Who Guides The Wind

2008-04-16T05:06:00.005-04:00

I cried again. Dolly stood in front of about 30 friends from the church one weekend at our house, telling them what a wonderful husband and help-mate I have been in her life and especially during her surgery and recovery.

And I cried.

None of them could fully grasp the incredible change God has made in my life. Only I am able to stand in the present, look back at such an UNglorious past as mine, and marvel at the goodness and blessings that I currently enjoy. And my joy is complete when I realize Dolly and others are involved in my blessing.

I am profoundly grateful for every moment of my life, because without them I'd be a different person today. God has patiently and lovingly watched while I stumbled through failed relationships and shameful habits, calmly listened as I asserted time and again how much I didn't need Him to run my life, because I thought I was doing a pretty good job of running my life my way.

Only He could know how these seemingly random and undoubtedly painful processes happened to define my character, and refine my very being. He already knew where my life would lead, and He allowed events to occur which would more appropriately prepare me for the life I live today.

I claim nothing in this world. I know now that every act and event in my life occured with God's assent.

I've spent many years aboard the ship of my life with sails furled and hatches battened, fighting and enduring the fury of the storms in my life, not knowing that a Higher Power was there with me, gently waiting until I trusted Him enough to release my tight control, unfurl and hoist the sails a bit, and allow the wind to take me in unfamiliar directions, to unfamiliar destinations.

I thought I was steering the ship of my life through my own courageous, independent actions, but I never gave thought to Who guides the wind.

God Bless You.

I cried - 'Intelligent man'

2008-04-16T04:43:00.006-04:00

My wife told me a few days ago that a certain sister spoke about me to her mother. She was "born and raised" in the church, but since she had moved to this area, was attending our church, but hadn't re-connected with the same fervor she had when she was younger. As a result, she was sort of drifting: in church one week, out the next. Her parents (from what I've heard) tried to encourage her to attend services AND to partake in the para-worship activities, such as Sunday School.

I'm one of our adult Sunday School teachers. This young lady had sat in on a couple classes, and reportedly called her mom, all enthusiastic about Sunday School. The way my wife described it to me, this sister had said "Mom, this guy is REALLY SMART". I didn't hear any more on the discussion, but her words saddened me greatly.

Matthew 5:16 says I'm supposed to let my light (the original Greek word means luminescence, in the manner of revealing or unveiling; literally LIGHT) shine, so people will see what I do, and will understand my help, my power, my glory is in the Lord, so they too will give glory to God. But this woman was only able to see me, the 'intelligent man'.

There's still too much ME in me, Lord. John 3:30 (CEV) sums up my feelings: "Jesus must become more important, while I become less important." My prayer today is to become a nobody to man, to seek you all the more, to lose myself in you. To literally fade as a person, behind the wonderful radiance of your glorious presence. Let YOUR light shine through me and my life, Lord, so that others may see you and not me. I'd MUCH prefer being considered your child than an intelligent man.

1 Cor 4:7 (KJV) says "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." I want to be seen as a clay vessel, a capable but unworthy vessel, holding your most precious gift of light. Let me become small and insignificant in man's eyes, so that you are seen as even greater.

Amen. God Bless You.

Just Can't Beat God's Giving

2008-04-16T04:34:00.004-04:00

If this hadn't just happened to me, I'd be skeptical. But I must share.

Recently, a visiting church came to ours in Waldorf. I struck up a conversation with one of the deacons from that church. We both have rather painful pasts, and we discussed how God seems to allow us to go through uncomfortable situations in order to prepare us for greater ministries. During our conversation, I mentioned I'm reading The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren during my morning devotions. He hadn't heard of the book, but sounded interested.

I hadn't finished with my copy (still had a few chapters to go), but on Sunday I quietly (and with permission of his pastor) handed him my copy of the book. I gave freely, expecting nothing. I figured I could always buy another copy (some day), to complete my morning meditations.

Less than 48 hours later at work, on Tuesday morning, without warning or discussion, one of my teammates walked up to me and said "Hey Scotty, they're giving these away on the Pentagon concourse." and handed me a book.

Yep, you guessed it. Purpose Driven Life.

Glory to God. I guess I can continue my morning meditations in this book. There's apparently something important that I shouldn't miss in those last few chapters.

God Bless YOU.

People Are Like Dishes

2008-04-13T21:09:00.005-04:00

Object lesson as I washed the dishes this morning:

People are like dishes. Some people come straight out of the box, all shiny and new. A quick rinse, and they're ready for God's use. But some of us have been in use for years or even decades, and need a little work before we're 'meet for the Master's use'.

We've been used in many ways, some even having been MISused. But here we are, chipped perhaps, scarred and marred, but not in pieces. Some dishes have been VALUABLE enough to have God glue us back together after a traumatic, soul-shattering fall. Sure, he could have dropped the pieces - what was left of our lives - in the wastebasket. But there was something about us that caused him to take the pieces of our shattered lives, and lovingly re-assemble them so they would again be useful to him. For those 'peculiar' dishes he had to rescue from many other dishes' fate, God seems to have a particular affinity, a specific reason, a definite purpose.

For some of us, we arrive with a lot of junk. Some of us were so used for so long, we have stuff 'baked on'. We've made the rounds. Some were used in the dirt of the garden. Some were used to hold greasy nuts and bolts. Some held water for the children's fingerpaints. Some were taken to a vehicle, used once, and then tossed into the trunk, seemingly to live out the rest of our existence in separation and darkness. We sit there dirty and dry, jostled around in the darkness, and wonder if we'll ever get back to the pantry, to be used at a meal, as our master intended. But God gathers all the dishes together unto himself. Without all of us, God can't complete his 'place settings'.

So he proceeds to clean. Some of us are especially dirty, so God needs to leave us in the hot, soapy water a little longer than the others. Some of us have baked-on and caked-on crud. Those, he applies a bit of 'fingernail', lovingly scrubbing (and scrubbing and scrubbing), until he decides we're ready to be used. Then he lovingly rinses us in the warm, living water. Some of us still have specks of the former crud clinging to us, so it's back into the soapy water, and a couple more scrubs, this time perhaps employing the scraper, just to be sure. We're rinsed again, and then dried with care.

He wouldn't have gone to all this trouble to clean us up, only to drop us now, would he? Of course not. So it's only after we GO THROUGH the cleaning (sanctification) process that God can fully use us. I praise and thank God for the 'new dishes', those he can just lift out of the box and use. But for those of us who've had the tests and traumas - and God is still applying the glue, soap, and scrubber - we should be extra thankful that he thinks so much of us to make that extra effort, so we can take our place at his table.

I leave you with this thought: When the master of the house is serving guests, are they given the newest, cleanest dishes? Absolutely. But the old, marred, sometimes cracked ones he reserves for his own special use, perhaps in his study while enjoying a particularly good book, or while in the shop, turning out other vessels on the wheel (Jeremiah 18). He does this because these old dishes have special meaning to him. We're never set on display at the banquet; we're lovingly used daily for all those 'quiet moments', just us and our creator.

We're all God's dishes!

Is MY Testimony Really That Important?

2008-04-11T08:02:00.005-04:00

I can't help sharing about Christ in my life. I've been so blessed, I'd probably bust if I DIDN'T share. But I know not everybody is so willing to share their testimony, their own personal STORY of how God saved them and changed their lives.

So it's only natural to ask, is everyone's testimony needed? Are we supposed to be sharing, or is it ok to keep my salvation "just between me and God"?

I went to the scriptures, looking for examples and directions concerning the sharing of our testimony.

2 Timothy 1:7-8 (NLT) For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News.

This scripture tells me that I shouln't be ashamed to tell others about God. Cool, so it is good to share. But do we really need to share? Back to the Scriptures:

1 Corinthians 2:1-3 (KJV) And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

OK, so Paul's example shows us that a personal testimony doesn't have to be dignified, polished, or perfect to be effective in helping others. But MUST I share?

Revelation 12:10-11 (AMP) Then I heard a strong (loud) voice in heaven, saying, Now it has come--the salvation and the power and the kingdom (the dominion, the reign) of our God, and the power (the sovereignty, the authority) of His Christ (the Messiah); for the accuser of our brethren, he who keeps bringing before our God charges against them day and night, has been cast out!(A) And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, for they did not love and cling to life even when faced with death [holding their lives cheap till they had to die for their witnessing].

Wow. This scripture from Revelations says that the blood of the Lamb AND the word of my testimony are what are going to allow me to overcome the enemy (the accuser). So am I SUPPOSED to share? The Bible shows that a person's personal testimony is an important component in overcoming the enemy.

In Mark Chapter 5, the man named Legion is delivered from his demons by Jesus in a powerful, dramatic way. Let's continue reading as Jesus prepares to depart the region. Verses 18-20 (NIV): As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you." So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

There it is. Jesus himself stressed how important it is to not only be delivered from our sin, but how we are charged to tell those we know about it! But for the skeptical readers among us, did Jesus tell more than this one man this important message? Yes, in fact he told all of us (through the disciples).

Mark 16:15-16 (CEV) Then he told them: Go and preach the good news to everyone in the world. Anyone who believes me and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe me will be condemned.

I hear it now: "Me? Preach? No way; that's for pastors!". Well, the Greek word translated into 'preach' is also defined as 'to publish, proclaim openly: something which has been done.'

So MUST I share? I think Jesus himself made it clear. The answer is "YES".

So I encourage you to go tell one person today how important God is in your life. Your testimony is important.

Blessings to you and yours.

A Quarter and a Dime

2008-04-11T04:36:00.006-04:00

A Lesson in Giving from a Six Year Old

During a recent Sunday at our church, my wife and I both doubled our offering amounts for Super Sunday. So when a leader asked us to give a little more for the pastor's aid offering, I knew I didn't have much left. I dug into my wallet, and found nothing. In desperation I dug into my pockets, and the only money I could find was $.35. A quarter and a dime.

Thirty-five cents. It seemed like such a small amount for a grown man to give, but it was all I could give, so I resolved that I would give it.

As they called for our section to stand, I stood and closed the quarter and dime tightly in my fist. I'd give, but I didn't want someone to see me, and think I was being "cheap". Then my granddaughter Kaylin filed past. She was smiling broadly, walking confidently, and there ceremoniously perched in the palm of her upturned hand was..

You guessed it: a quarter and a dime.

I relaxed the tight grip on my offering. If giving $.35 was enough to bring a smile to my granddaughter's face, it was enough to bring a smile to mine. I walked up and dropped my two coins in the Pastor's offering basket, flashing a big smile to the ladies from Pastor's Aid. They both flashed big smiles back. Apparently, they understood that I gave from what I had, no matter how large or how small. Once I released it, it was up to God to stretch and provide.

When I returned to my seat, I was singing happily, and probably looked like I had dropped a hundred dollar bill in the basket.

Thank you Lord, for the joy you give children. Thank you for parents who teach their children to give cheerfully, so us older folks can learn.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Comfort of the Scriptures

2008-04-11T04:10:00.005-04:00

Good morning Jesus. Good morning world.

I gotta be honest. This blog is as much for me, as it is for those others who may read it. I plan to place thoughts, messages, and correspondence that will help the reader (including me) realize that they can make it yet one more day.

So let me lead off with one of those powerful scriptures. Romans 15:4:

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

Here's the same verse in the New Living Translation:

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

We're here to be taught, to grow, to learn through the messages in the Scriptures. And these messages give us hope and encouragement.

Thank you, Lord.

Just give me Jesus

2008-04-10T21:55:00.002-04:00

The Lord is sooooo good. I love to tell people about Him and what a difference He has made in my life. I wasn't always this fired up about Jesus. In fact, I spent the first 35 years of my life thinking I was a Christian. But then, in May of 1993, the Lord saved me in a wonderful way, and as I look back, I realize I had been nothing more than an "intellectual Christian"; Jesus was in my head, but not in my heart.

The Bible in Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

Does it sound too simple for someone who created the universe, the world, and everything on it? Well, the Bible also says in 1 Corinthians 1:18, "the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."

I admitted it long ago. No matter how much I study or how hard I work at it, I can not fully comprehend God. He's bigger than my tiny head can fathom.

But He's real. He loves me. And even though I've never deserved this awesome love, it's still offered to me.

It just blows my mind.

God Bless You.