A new believer was on a plane with an intellectual, which someone defined as a man educated beyond his intelligence. He sneered at her for reading the Bible. He asked if she believed it.

 “Yes,” she answered.

 He pressed on, “Jonah and the whale story?”

 “Yes,” she replied.

 “How did it happen?” he queried.

 “Don’t know, but I’ll find out when I get to heaven.”

“What if Jonah isn’t there?” he continued.

“Then I guess you’ll have to ask him for me.”

Do I know how the universe was created? I believe the Biblical account, but I wasn’t there. Do I believe in the account of Jonah and the great fish? I believe the Biblical account, but I wasn’t there. Do I believe Jesus rose from the dead after three days? I believe the Biblical account, but I wasn’t there. Someday, my belief will be rewarded before the whole universe.

James 1:12 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

Someone asked me, “If I were stranded on a desert island, what book would I bring?”

I responded, “How to Build a Boat.”    —Steven Wright

What would your answer be?

Truth is we are stranded on this planet, and there is not much time left before we succumb to the inevitable. What book can lead to your salvation?

Acts 4:12 

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Romans 15:4 

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

If you gave it some thought, God’s answer from the Bible will be embraced.

Gary

Why don’t we ever see the headline: ‘Psychic Wins the Lottery’?  I marvel that people believe in the clairvoyance that some profess to have. Even law enforcement has been known to entertain the use of psychics. Does the Bible address this phenomenon? Glad you asked.

Leviticus 20:6 

“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.”

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

If you want reliable information, spend some time in the Word.

Give it some thought.

Gary

When people ask, “Do you want a piece of advice?” it is a mere formality. It doesn’t matter if you answer yes or no, for you’re going to get it anyway. It just seems like everyone has an opinion that’s of little concern to you. Does the Bible address this? Glad you asked.

Romans 14:1 

As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.

Isaiah 2:22 

Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?

Next time you desire to share your opinion, stop and recite these two verses. Give it some thought.

Gary

By the grace of God, I’ve enjoyed some new things in life. As an eight-year-old, I pedaled around on a new bike that opened up my world. I had the fortune of enjoying many new careers. At one time, I dated a new girlfriend who has been at my side for fifty-two years. Along the way, I moved into a new home, met new friends and had new grandchildren. However, well above everything else, was a new life that only God could give me.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

My desire and prayer is that all who read this have the newness that only comes through Christ.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The apostle Paul was trying to convince the Corinthians, who struggled with wanting the showier gifts, that there was an activity much better than those they desired. That action was to love others. Now it doesn’t mean to be stupid, because some have to be loved from a great distance. It does mean that the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge would have an end in the early church, but love would never have an end.

1 Corinthians 13:8

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

If you want a gift that makes an eternal difference, it’s love. If you are a believer, you have it. But the question is do you use it?

Give it some thought.

Gary

Shoveling off my roof because I live in northern Maine is always a challenge. Having been a paramedic for years, I know old guys fall off of roofs. Some die and some are badly injured. My secret to success in this matter is to always plan my falls. It has happened on occasion, but due to proper planning, it never results in an injury.

The same is true in life. Stumbling is a real possibility and one needs to be ready for it. Does the Bible address this subject? Glad you asked. Jude is the expert.

Jude 1:24 

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy,

Jude 1:12 

These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted;

Have you noticed all the things that could trip you up?  Please be careful out there. Give it some thought.

Gary