The Boston Globe, which carries a daily column designed to answer readers’ queries, listed the top ten unanswerable questions. Here’s one: “I am nine years of age and have a cat that eats regularly and needs to go on a diet. He also eats mice when he is out. How many calories in a mouse?”

I googled it.

This translates to about 10 to 15 pieces of cat kibble or about one ounce of canned cat food. Cats who are not being fed by humans would have to hunt and eat 5 to 6 mice every single day. The average mouse is 30 calories compared to a payday bar which contains 240.

This was only to get your attention. What does that have to do with us? Well, everybody has to eat something, but the necessity for spiritual food surpasses the need for any other nutrition.

Matthew 4:4

But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

1 Corinthians 10:3

And all ate the same spiritual food,

I am so glad we don’t have to eat mice and that God has given us a much better diet.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.

                                                                                                             –Hudson Taylor

Since you want the day to go right, consider the one who is all-knowing and desires to lead you. One never knows what critters await you in your journey through the day.

Psalm 32:8 

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

Proverbs 16:9 

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Psalm 37:23 

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in His way;

Give it some thought and go hand in hand with Him.

Gary

“When push comes to shove” is an American idiom that describes that critical time when a decision must be made, when a commitment must be made, when action must be taken to back up words. The phrase “when push comes to shove” carries the connotation of escalation, a push being milder than a shove.

I saw this many times as a kid growing up. Something triggered it; words were said; it escalated from a push to a shove before physical and psychological hurt were inflicted. We became adults and the same principle became more sophisticated, but just as damaging.

Peter addressed this phenomenon.

1 Peter 3:8-9

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

Some fights are not worth it and nobody wins.

Give it some thought.

Gary

If you think nobody cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.
~ Steven Wright

The truth of the matter is that our lives are intertwined with a lot of other lives. Some author gave a list: family, kinship, friendship, love, marriage, business, employment, clubs, church, neighborhoods, ethical values, support and solidarity.

We are a part of something much bigger than ourselves and because of that we should be responsible. A quote from the Apostle Paul would be appropriate for this discussion.

2 Corinthians 11:28

Beside those things that are without, that which comes upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Be responsible and hold up your God-given position in this life.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Patient: “Surely, you can’t be serious.”
Doctor: “I am serious. And don’t call me Shirley”

We need to be careful with communication. Words can be misinterpreted, leading to confusion. Does the Bible address that? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 18:13 

If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:21 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 21:23 

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

Remember to think things over before you give an answer.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I went into a McDonald’s yesterday and said, “I’d like some fries.” The girl at the counter said, “Would you like some fries with that?”
                                                                                          ~ Jay Leno

I know businesses are suffering with this labor shortage. Also, employers are lowering the bar for their hirees just to get a warm body to fill a position. Then there is that four-letter word feared by many called “work”. Work has to be fun and full of financial benefits. Does the Bible address this phenomenon? Glad you asked.

Genesis 2:15 

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Proverbs 18:9 

Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.

2 Thessalonians 3:10 

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Give it some thought and go to work, people.

Gary

“When in doubt, tell the truth.”

– Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Mark Twain) (1835-1910), American Writer

Politicians and preachers have a real problem with this subject. The reason, truth that has some substance to it is found in Scripture. Most people would rather have someone tell them what to believe than to examine it for themselves.

One person came to my door with a Bible under his arm. I said, “I am glad to see you. I have some questions about that book.”

 He was excited.

I asked, “How many books are in the Old Testament?”

He didn’t know.

I then asked, “How can you tell me about the Bible if you don’t even know how many books are in it?”

John 8:32 

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 17:17 

Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.

Read it for yourself. Don’t trust anyone to interpret it for you.

Give it some thought.

Gary