“Lord, I Hope This Day is Good” is a song written by Dave Hanner, and recorded by American country music artist Don Williams. It was released in November 1981 as the third single from the album “Especially for You.” I’m not supporting the biblical accuracy of the song but the craving of many a man to have God ordain his day.

Lord, I hope this day is good
I’m feelin’ empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful, Lord, I know I should
But Lord I hope this day is good

Lord, have you forgotten me
I’ve been prayin’ to you faithfully
I’m not sayin’ I’m a righteous man
But Lord I hope you understand

I don’t need fortune and I don’t need fame
Send down the thunder, Lord, send down the rain
But when you’re plannin’ just how it will be
Plan a good day for me

The major problem with the song is with the word righteous. In scriptural terms it means right with God. We need to be righteous to have such access in prayer. Righteousness is not in us but was given to us because of the finished work of Christ. He has righteousness and we have sin. He took our sin and gave us His righteousness.

Romans 3:21-22

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.

Give it some thought and have a good day.

Gary

It was a hot Saturday morning in June of ’64 and our bikes were ready for the adventure. I talked him into the trip because I used the bait of attractive French girls that could be seen along the way. A round trip would involve about twenty miles with some steep hills thrown in the mix for bikes with only one speed.

For some reason, I had an inward desire for a challenging adventure or just experiencing the unknown. I guess my inexperienced motto was, “Let’s just do it.” The snag was always to find the right person for such a pursuit.

The account of two close friends is found in the twentieth chapter of first Samuel. So Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you.” With that kind of bond between two individuals, great things can be accomplished for the kingdom of God.

Do you have a friend who will step out and help you accomplish things for God?

Think about it.

Gary

PS. By the way, we didn’t see any girls and I can’t imagine any would have been impressed with us.

Albert Einstein was a super-intelligent man who made a great number of interesting and profound statements about our universe. Here is one you can comprehend with a relatively low IQ.

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”

Over three thousand years God published that using the smartest man in the world:

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 4:5

Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Human stupidity has a cure and it is by consuming large portions of Scripture with appropriate rumination. This is followed by working the energy out in everyday experience.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Hey, look at that U-Haul trailer being pulled by that hearse as it travels down the street.  That individual must be taking all his stuff with him. No, it is just a figment of our imagination. Everyone dies and no one takes his or her things with him or her. It doesn’t matter if you are smart or dumb.

Psalm 49:10

For all can see that the wise die,
    that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
    leaving their wealth to others.

Woody Allan said, “I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” Well, Woody, you will be there when it happens and that is guaranteed.

Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

What are your plans for this event?

Think about it.

Gary

Chris Stapleton wrote this song about his father back in the mid-2000s, but only recorded it after his father passed away in 2013.

Daddy doesn’t pray anymore
I guess he’s finished talking to the Lord
He used to fold his hands and bow his head down to the floor
But daddy doesn’t pray anymore

I remember even when the times were bad
He thanked Jesus for everything he had
For a good wife and three children
And the food upon our plates
Yeah, everything was right when he said, grace

Daddy doesn’t pray anymore
I guess he’s finished talking to the Lord
He used to fold his hands and bow his head down to the floor
But daddy doesn’t pray anymore

There was a time when we didn’t get along
‘Cause I thought I was right and he was wrong
Still when I laid down at night
I’d hear him get down on his knees
And say a little prayer for me

Today I followed daddy down to church
And listened to the preacher read God’s word
We sang his favorite hymn but daddy didn’t make a sound
This afternoon we’ll lay him in the ground

Daddy don’t pray anymore
I guess he’s finally walking with the Lord
He used to fold his hands and bow his head down to the floor
But daddy don’t pray anymore

Chris Stapleton lost his greatest asset when his father was no longer praying for him. He was brought up with a father who communicated with God. Those who communicate with God have a tremendous ministry on behalf of those who don’t.

Paul mentions praying for the Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:17

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.

What have you prayed on behalf of others?

Think about it.

Gary

In my trucking days I had a friend that rode with me and his name was Jacob Brake. Jake Brake is an engine-braking mechanism installed on some diesel engines. When activated, it opens exhaust valves to the cylinders, right before the compression stroke ends, releasing the compressed gas trapped in the cylinders, and slowing the vehicle.

When I was descending a grade, my foot would come off the pedal and my friend would do everything possible to help keep my speed down. I always counted on him, and if he were to fail, I would be in deep kimchee. That never happened to me because he was faithful. The noise he made was a blessing to my ears.

The Bible speaks of friends like that. Take the time today and read Romans 16. We can accomplish things in the spiritual realm because they are the wind beneath our wings. Listen to them as they work for you.

Give it some thought.

Gary

We dropped our grandson off at the airport after a two-week stay.  This vacation involved hiking, biking, an ATV trip to the Allagash, fishing, visiting family and church, mowing lawns, cutting trees, navigating a pontoon boat, jet-skiing, thirty-two games of cribbage and the preparation of many of his favorite meals, plus eating more junk food than one should. We cried as we drove away because that experience was now history.

My grandfathers were never in a position to do that with me for various reasons. One being at that time when you turned sixty, it was not socially acceptable to be acting like a teenager. Times have changed and for the above mentioned relationship, I’m glad they have.

He’s going to be in college this fall on a full scholarship in the engineering program. Our son, his father, did a good job raising him and it shows. One generation passes and another takes its place.  I pray one day our grandson can spend quality time with his grandson.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the faith of the grandparents could be passed from generation to generation?

Ephesians 3:21

to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Give it some thought.

Gary