In Deuteronomy 26, God required of the nation of Israel that they bring their first fruits to Him. It was a reminder of what God had done for them in their history and intended to bring about a realization, once more, that He continued to provide their every need. These offerings were to start when they entered the land of promise.

Bring it from their town to ours, we also need to recognize that what we have comes from His hand. Now if God hasn’t done anything for you, then don’t give anything back. He certainly doesn’t need anything you have, anyway. However, if He is your God, then be giving.

2 Corinthians 9:7 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Luke 6:38 

Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

Sometimes we hear this on the radio, “This is just a test.”

Give it some consideration.

Gary

An ad appeared in a newspaper that read: “Farmer wants to marry woman, 35, with tractor. Send picture of tractor.”

Some people really don’t understand the basic principle surrounding marriage. In the Bible, “help meet” (or “helpmate”) is a translation of the Hebrew phrase ‘ezer kenegdo from Genesis 2:18, which means a “helper suitable for him” or “a suitable helper.”  Eve was exactly what Adam needed. They say opposites attract, well if that is God’s plan, let it be. Before us, lies the decision to choose our plan or God’s.

Men like this verse.

Ephesians 5:22

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

Women like this verse.

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

If you don’t want a dear one, get a John Deere tractor, or you might end up with a dear John letter.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Charles William Eliot (1834-1926), former president of Harvard University, had a birthmark on his face that bothered him greatly. As a young man, he was told that surgeons could do nothing to remove it. Someone described that moment as “the dark hour of his soul.”  Eliot’s mother gave him this helpful advice: “My son, it is not possible for you to get rid of that hardship…But it is possible for you, with God’s help, to grow a mind and soul so big that people will forget to look at your face.”

Most look at the external, but thank God, there are good number of people that look past that to what really makes a person. Those individuals have been placed here to accept us for what we are and not what we look like. According to Scripture, Jesus wasn’t much to look at.

Isaiah 53:2

For He grew up before Him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; He had no form or majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him.

That’s how I saw Him until He revealed to me exactly who He was. How does He look to you? Give it some thought.

Gary

In 1965 our transistors blasted Sonny and Cher’s song, “I Got You Babe.”  Those of us now over seventy realize upon reflection that Sonny really didn’t “get” his Babe, nor did Cher “get” hers.  On the other hand, Sonny had multiple babes, and so did Cher. Cher realized she was the focal point of the audience, not Sonny, so she split for all this life has to offer. Their life is a tale of two cities, neither tale is befitting a Christian.

What’s my point? Glad you asked. For Sonny and Cher, the record didn’t match the life. It reminds me of too many professing Christians. The song they sing doesn’t match their life. Does yours?

Matthew 6:1 

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

Luke 12:2 

Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.

Give it some thought.

Gary

There are many things money cannot buy. Money can buy a king-sized bed, but it cannot buy sleep! Money can buy a great house, but it cannot buy a home! Money can buy a companion, but it cannot buy a close friend! Money can buy books, but it cannot buy brains! Money can buy a church building, but it cannot buy entrance into heaven!

-Unknown author

Ecclesiastes 5:10

He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.

One strange thing about wealth is that it can destroy the one who possesses it. History repeats itself when wealth also destroys those to whom it is passed onto. Is it really strange?

Give it some thought.

Gary

“Well, I made it out of bed and made it to my chair. There is no stopping me now.”

When you wake up in the morning, what attitude do you have as the day is being faced? How does the Bible relate to this? Glad you asked.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.

This verse encourages daily joy, gratitude, and finding meaning in God’s presence in every moment, regardless of circumstances, viewing each day as a divine gift. So, we’d be wise to acknowledge His sovereignty as our feet hit the floor.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“Oh, I’m going to be composted. When one of my horses dies, we dig a giant hole really deep in one of my fields,” Stewart began. “We have a pet cemetery. And the horse is wrapped in a clean, white linen sheet and very carefully dropped down into this giant, lovely grave.” 

“I want to go there,” Martha Stewart plainly stated. 

I need to write to her and say, “Martha, I don’t know where you’re going, but it will definitely not be with an old nag.” In reality, there are only two places we can go.

Matthew 25:46

And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Luke 16:22-23

So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. ²³ And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Please, Martha, give it some consideration.

Gary