Who would know if the prophet Jeremiah were preaching today? The modern church is described as a rock concert, fun time for all ages, and a great place to hear interesting stories to tickle the ears.  Should it be a place without offending anyone, which means an absence of conviction from the Holy Spirit?

Let me introduce you to Jeremiah:

Jeremiah 5:30-31

“An astonishing and horrible thing
Has been committed in the land:
The prophets prophesy falsely,
And the priests rule by their own power;
And My people love to have it so.
But what will you do in the end?”

The church should be an assembly of people desiring to learn more from the Word of God.

Give it some thought in case Jeremiah’s message is also for the modern church.

Gary

I started to read an article about how to improve memory, but now I can’t remember where it is. This short-term memory loss is getting to be an aggravation. I sure am glad the long-term memory is still there to keep me on track.

God has a lot to say about memory:

John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Psalm 119:11

I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Exodus 4:12

Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”

Remember to let me know you’re reading this.

Give it some thought.

Gary

My nephew sent me drone footage of the square miles showing the area I grew up in.  The two rivers I swam in and the island of my ancestors where we played war were captured magnificently. The bridge that we kids threw everything off of that we could get our hands on still provided a throughway.  There was the knoll we went sliding on. Peeking out was the inlet that froze first as winter approached. I saw the footprint where our house once stood and all the neighbors’ homes. The pasture where old Joe kept cows and horses still looked like animals could graze there. And lastly, the school containing thirteen years of my youth lay below. I can’t help but hear the words of “Country Road” in the background of my memories.

Houses get old and disappear along with our mortal bodies, but the land remains the same. Only memories can be extrapolated from what I saw, good memories of things long gone.

Proverbs 10:7 

The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Isaiah 46:9 

Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,

Memories can be good. Give it some thought.

Gary

There’s no such thing as soy milk. It’s soy juice.
– Lewis Black

Milk, according to definition, is a white liquid food produced by the mammary glands of mammals. It’s amazing how the advertising industry takes such liberty, further saying tuna is the chicken of the sea. No, it doesn’t have feathers, lacks a beak, and can’t fly.

The same happens with the Word of God. Take a look at these verses.

Galatians 1:8 

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

2 Corinthians 11:4 

For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

I love milk and nothing can substitute for the real thing. Give it some thought.

Gary

“The circle of an empty day is brutal and at night it tightens around your neck like a noose.”

                                                                        –   Elena Ferrante

Days are given to us by God and in each day are opportunities for multiple things. The most important of which is to get to know Him better.

Psalm 118:24 

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Matthew 6:11

Give us this day our daily bread,

Ephesians 5:16-17 

Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Don’t go into this day without God. Give it some thought.

Gary

Bob:  “Looks like you’ve been missing a lot of work lately.”
Joe:   “I wouldn’t say I’ve been missing it, Bob.”

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, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Genesis 2:15

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

Give it some thought and go to work.

Gary

“I walk around like everything’s fine, but deep down, inside my shoe, my sock is sliding off.”
—Anonymous

We all carry something annoying that we hope stays hidden from others. The time will come, we know, when relief will be available. Until then, we press on.

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.

Psalm 38:4

For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me.

Maybe, if there is a pebble in your shoe, you should stop and take it out.

Think about it.

Gary