Thirty-three hundred years ago, a man made a decision that changed the world. Looking down the road, he was struck with the realization that a relationship with God needed to be made. The world’s dreams are elusive and uncertain, but the way of the Lord is sure. The treasures of the world are not worth the love affair, and the love of God is real and lasting. When it’s all over, we will certainly know which one had the greater value.

Hebrews 11:26

esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

See the word reward? It’s based on a life lived for something that moth and rust cannot corrupt, compared to the mirage offered by the age.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Progressive ideology sounds good in theory, but in practice I have my doubts. It supposedly promotes better ideas. In the Garden of Eden, a being came into that perfect environment with a better idea than God. Consider how that played out. Potential changes need close examination. Cases in point:

Proverbs 25:14 

Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

2 Corinthians 11:14 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

You are best to believe in the plans God has for you and not the philosophies that come out of demented human imagination.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

Published in 1954, “This Ole House” is an American popular song written by Stuart Hamblen.  It is about a man describing his body as an old house that can not longer be repaired and its end is near. Look it up and give it a listen. After a time, our body is beyond repair and we should be anticipating our new home.

Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Corinthians 5:8

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Just over the horizon and coming into view is the roof of my new home.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I’ve often told you about that crazy Frenchman who is a friend of mine. He sometimes sends me an email that makes me cry. Case in point:

On Grandma’s last night, my grandfather walked over, picked up my grandma from the bed, and rocked her a good part of the night.  I could hear mournful words, “Oh, ma petite, Annie” (Oh, my little Annie) over and over.  She died peacefully in his strong arms in that huge rocking chair.  

Now for Scriptural truths on how to love a wife:

Ephesians 5:33 

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Genesis 2:24 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

I’d like to end like that. However, I would prefer she would be rocking me.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Bobby Bare sang it and the title is, “The Winner.”  It is a humorous piece with a tremendous lesson concerning being a winner in the eyes of the world. Pain followed each so-called victory. This is not a hymn. However, you can learn a lesson from it.

Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

1 Timothy 6:17

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Give it some thought, for winning could be losing.

Gary

I stood alone in that big barn with the body of an old farmer who had taken his life. All around me were the remnants of equipment that he had used over the years.  Why after a long and productive life does it have to end like this? As a paramedic, we were often the first at those scenes which leave you empty.

Life could conclude so differently if Biblical principles were applied.

Psalm 71:9 

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.

Isaiah 46:4 

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Psalm 71:18 

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.

Seek to end well. Failure to do so affects others.  Give it some consideration.

Gary

Methylphenidate is a stimulant that treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving your focus and reducing impulsive behaviors. Over the years, I never gave it much thought, but looking back now, I realize it sure could have come in handy in preventing some of my dumb mishaps.

There is another method for handling life’s downside that I find effective. The Bible identifies it as prayer. That activity has improved my milage greatly. Try it sometime.

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Jeremiah 33:3 

Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Give it some thought.

Gary