Oliver Cromwell, who took the British throne away from Charles I and established the Commonwealth, said to a friend, “Do not trust to the cheering, for those persons would shout as much if you and I were going to be hanged.”

That would be true of those leading countries all over the world. The day is coming when God Himself will take the reins. Until that time, have pity on them and pray for them as the Bible commands.

1Timothy 2:2

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

Study the forty kings of Israel if you think it’s bad in our present age. It is eye-opening.

If you spent as much time praying for them as criticizing them, you might sleep better and they might change.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I checked the obituary this morning and, sure enough, I wasn’t in there. When you get old, that becomes a habit, because more often than not, there is someone you know written up in there. No, you weren’t in there either, but by the looks of you it probably won’t be long.  The question is are you ready for that sure event?

Jesus made a statement that gives us the assurance of a better place when that event takes place:

John 14:6

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Jesus didn’t leave us in the dark. He can do what no person or institution can do. Where are you placing your bet and what have you done with Him?

Give it some thought.

Gary

My brother-in-law just got back from a canoe adventure in Montana. I asked him about the wildlife out there because they have critters that can harm you. Even some that can eat you.  He said he was awakened one night from the rattle of a rattle snake outside the tent.

You won’t catch me hiking or canoeing in Montana. “Maine, the way life should be.”

The apostle Paul had a real problem with critters in his life:

2 Corinthians 6:4-5

But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses,  in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings;

Paul did that because he was called by God and loved the Church Christ died for. How much more should we endure our minor discomforts and dangers?

Give it some thought.

Gary

David was probably just a young teenager when he went up against Goliath. King Saul had said, “You are only a boy.” However, the hand of God was on David, for that loud mouth, arrogant Philistine would prove this young man was a tool in the hand of God.

God proves us by the seemingly insurmountable difficulties that life presents. The giants are there and sometimes they are so close you can smell their breath.  Go with what God has gifted you with and what He has placed in your hand.  Victory can be had to His honor and glory.

Ephesians 6:13

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

These are not chance encounters, but providential.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I’m reading a book on the history of the Allagash wilderness. A funny account of a logger traveling some distance to go to confession is related. On the man’s return, another woodsman asked him what his penance was. His reply was that he would have to continue working for contractor Cunliffe for another year.

It’s a humorous reply; however, we do find a true account of something similar in the Old Testament. The life of Jacob is an eye-opening study. Jacob means schemer, and that he was. God sent him to the woodshed to work for Uncle Laban for twenty-one years. This is what he had to say about the experience:

Genesis 31:42

Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.”

The application is that God oversees the actions and events of our lives. He brings in individuals who can help shape us into what we ought to be. They are not all appreciated, but very necessary.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I had sprained my ankle doing something that wasn’t well-thought-through. This took place somewhere around eight-years-old and it put me on crutches for the first time. There were no instructions given with the crutches or advice from those who once needed their support.

My first effort in climbing the stairs went without a hitch. However, my descent was a totally different matter. From the top, I placed the wooden supports on the first step and thrust my body forward. I cleared that second step by a foot (no pun intended) and found myself airborne without a parachute.  Needless to say, the healing was much prolonged and added injuries that didn’t help the situation.

My application is – do you really know where the next step is going to place you? Wouldn’t it be nice if you were certain of your next step?

Proverbs 4:12

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble.

If you need a crutch, give it some thought.

Gary

We’ve been having a drought the past couple of years. The other morning there was a nice rain and it seemed like I could watch the grass turn green. It seemed like nature itself was thanking the Lord for the rain.

In all of this, my nephew and I had been planning a couple of Kayak trips. However, these past two summers we’d have had to hike it on the river bed instead. I don’t understand what’s changing; so many speak of global warming. Not being a scientist or one who examines data, I’ll leave that one alone.

However, I am familiar with the One in charge of our environment:

Isaiah 24:4-6

The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth.  The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.  Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt. Therefore earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and very few are left.

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.

• George Washington Carver

Think about it.

Gary