When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser and realized the world would not change, I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country: but it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, I settled on changing only my family and those closest to me, but alas they would have none of it. Now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realize that if I had only changed myself first, then by example I could perhaps have changed my family, and from their inspiration and encouragement to me, I would have been better able to help my country and from there I may even have been able to change the world.

(Taken from the tomb of a Bishop in Westminster Abbey 1100 A.D).

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Give it some thought and begin what God wants changed in your life today.

Gary

If your college degree doesn’t produce enough value for you to pay it off, it certainly doesn’t have enough value for your neighbor to pay it off.

-Author unknown

Don’t be looking for a free ride when everyone else has to pay his own way. Sorry your beer tab and extravagant lifestyle have cost you so much.

Ephesians 4:28 

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Leviticus 19:11 

“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Something to ponder… The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. I have needed a doctor; I have needed a soldier; I have needed a policeman; I have needed a fireman; I have needed a teacher; I have needed a mechanic. But I have never needed a media personality or a Hollywood entertainer for anything!

–   Author unknown

Who are the individuals who gave us a real shot at life? They are the ones who went to work every day, not needing recognition. If they were taken out of the equation, we would be poor indeed.

Acts 20:35 

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 15:58 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

 Give it some thought and go to work. The next generation needs you.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I would head for the river as a young boy and my brother would yell, “I hope you drown.” However, he would always follow me to make sure I was safe. When our daughter died shortly after birth, he took care of all the arrangements, including a little dress and coffin. We struggled with each other throughout our lives, but I always knew down inside he cared. He left this world a few weeks back, and I miss this one I knew would be there when I was in trouble.

The Bible makes it clear we should care for each other even if we disagree.

Galatians 6:10 

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Philippians 2:4 

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Give it some thought and care when it’s time to care.

Gary

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