“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

It would be kinda embarrassing trying to explain what an appetizer is to someone from a starving country.  “Yeah, the appetizer, that’s the food we eat before we have our food…No, no, you’re thinking of dessert; that’s food we eat after we have our food.
~ Jim Gaffigan

Interesting that Scripture teaches that there is something worse than human hunger. The point is made in Amos 8:11-12.

Amos 8:11-12

“Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God,
“when I will send a famine on the land—
not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,
but of hearing the words of the Lord.

They shall wander from sea to sea,
and from north to east;
they shall run to and fro, to seek the word of the Lord,
but they shall not find it.

We’re not there yet, but it can be seen on the horizon.

Give it some thought.

Gary

My wife said, “What do you mean God is calling you into the ministry? You don’t want to study now.” She was right. I didn’t like studying. However, I knew I was called and studying would be a big part of my future. I still don’t like to study, but I have to because it is commanded of me.

2 Timothy 2:15

Study to shew yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Joshua 1:8

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Studying is work and seldom fun, but the rewards are eternal.

Give it some thought and dive in.

Gary