My brother was a scaler for Great Northern Paper Company for over thirty years. There were a few times when he would ask me to spend a day with him on the job in his company truck. Looking back, I regret not accompanying him more often.

One tremendous statement he made that will always stick with me: “Don’t let any of these employees try and convince you of how hard we work, because the truth is, none of us work hard.” My brother was either humble or just telling it the way it was.

Jesus offered us an easy job.

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Let Him carry some of that and the load will get easier. Don’t be deceived by someone telling you how hard he or she works.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Thought I would give you a big word today. Eisegesis, it is an interpretation, especially of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter’s own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text.

When studying a passage, bring in the context. What is the chapter about? What is the book about and what does it mean in light of the entire Scripture?

Don’t go making things up because God has a hard time with that crime and will show little mercy.

2 Peter 1:20-21 

No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Warning: the Bible is like no other book. It needs study and not one’s personal interpretation.

Give it some thought.

Gary

It didn’t matter where I was those nights or what activity I was involved with. Star Trek was on and nothing could stop me from missing it. Home by seven came before responsibility or pursuit.

I wanted to be like Captain Kirk commanding a starship and exploring the universe while fighting Romulans. Seeing Lieutenant Uhura was a special treat each episode.

It was entertainment and not then, now or ever would be a real human experience.

Some people look at God, heaven, angels and eternity as no more than man’s imagination. It is too bad for them.

God is real and has given us his Word full of promises. I don’t want to miss out on anything He has to offer.

Like coke, He’s the real thing.

1 Corinthians 2:9

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Don’t miss this.

Think about it.

Gary

In many churches and at many funerals, this powerful old Christian hymn has been sung. We as Christians look beyond the present age with its limitations to a world where disappointments can’t exist.

Some glad morning when this life is o’er, 
I’ll fly away; 
To a home on God’s celestial shore, 
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away). 

When the shadows of this life have gone, 
I’ll fly away; 
Like a bird from prison bars has flown, 
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away) 

Just a few more weary days and then, 
I’ll fly away; 
To a land where joy shall never end, 
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)

I’m looking forward to today; we’re going to have a mixture of sunshine and clouds. As long as I awaken to a new day of Maine air and the beauty of our state, life is OK.

However, I’m also looking for another day promised by God to everyone who has embraced the Son.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Enjoy this world the Creator has given us, but never take your focus off the coming world.

Think about it.

Gary

Fear is a very real and present enemy. What does a job change bring? What does military life bring? What does disease bring? What does old age bring?

As time like a river flows, the list is endless when it comes to the uncertainties of so many things.

One thing the believer has going for him or her is the fact God is timeless. He knows the future as well as the present and is always on time on our behalf.

The Apostle Paul faced some tremendous fears. When one needed an intervention from God, He was there.

Acts 23:11

But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.”

The Lord has a plan for every one of us and man cannot change it.

Think about it.

Gary

He sent his wife and four children to England for a vacation. His plan was to join them after some business was finished. The ship sank on the way across the Atlantic and only the wife survived of his family. On his way over to meet his grieving wife, the location of the accident was navigated.

Horatio Spafford, the father and husband, in his agony and pain penned these words.

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

No, I would not want that trial to befall me, but if it did, I have the assurance of having the same Savior.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Think about it.

Gary

William Shakespeare said, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”

Come on now, there was an act at school, at home and a totally different act with your friends. We won’t mention the act when you were pulled over for speeding. Sometimes we played so many different roles, it became confusing as to exactly who we were.

David had to play a major role as he stood before Achish king of Gath.

1 Samuel 21:13

So he changed his behavior before them, pretended madness in their hands, scratched on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva fall down on his beard.

Don’t judge because, if you were placed in a similar position, there is a really good chance it would have been a similar act.

God doesn’t comment on David’s actions.

Knowing, maybe, we are but dust, sometimes He just gives us a pass and overlooks our act.

Give it some thought.

Gary