As you probably noticed by reading these devotionals, I would not have been selected most likely to become a pastor someday. My wife was a seventh grader when we first met. I never expected that we would date, marry and have a fiftieth wedding anniversary. So many events in life start out as an unexpected possibility, but God has a purpose and a plan that can be pleasantly revealed as the river of time flows. God can bring about a blessing that we would least expect.

That was the experience of Jacob when he was thoroughly convinced that he would never see Joseph again. I believe that was also the opinion of Joseph’s brothers; however, God had a different plan.

Genesis 48:11

Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too.”

We don’t know what the Creator has for us just around the corner, but it can be worth the wait.

Think about it.

Gary

She sits there in that car seat, beautiful eyes wide open. Her mind just trying to comprehend what kind of strange world she’s in. Only weeks old, there is a personality already forming in that small body. Signs of intelligence show for she knows that, when she starts to cry, someone out there will come and meet the need of her heart. For me, it was love at first sight.

My prayer for her is that in this evil world she will be protected, that at a young age the need of a Savior will be revealed, that she will receive His gift by faith, that her mind will be appreciative of the many opportunities life has available, and that she will choose the right ones. I also pray that she will love her parents, friends along with enemies, and the church of God. In addition I pray that the Lord will make it possible that when her end comes she can say, “I fought a good fight, I finished my course and I kept the faith.”

Proverbs 3:1-6

My child, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in mind.
Then you will live a long time,
    and your life will be successful.

Don’t ever forget kindness and truth.
    Wear them like a necklace.
    Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.
Then you will be respected
    and will please both God and people.

Trust the Lord with all your heart,
    and don’t depend on your own understanding.
Remember the Lord in all you do,
    and he will give you success.

Life has to be lived on a cursed earth with fallen mankind, and because of that, everyone needs a guiding light.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I guess it is just the way I’m designed, but except for “The Ventures”, I only appreciate the words of a song and not the music. Case in point is, “Red Rubber Ball” sung by the Beetles in 1966.

The story is about a young man who became a temporary ornament in a devastating relationship that stole precious time from him. He states it was a roller coaster ride that came to an end and he really didn’t need her at all.

That sounds good in theory but doesn’t hold up in the test tube of life. The severance of what appeared to be a meaningful relationship will always leave scars and regrets.

Also, he believes the sun is welcoming a new set of experiences much better than the past. How could he possibly know that? The fellow said, “Cheer up. It could be worse.” So I cheered up and, sure enough, it got worse.

Those of us who have been around for more decades than we want to mention realize the emptiness and unreliability of these songs of our youth.

God offers a relationship much more reliable and lasting than any we will find on this planet. Actually, it is the only truly secure relationship we will take with us. Jesus instructing the Sadducees in Matthew 22 made that abundantly clear.

Here is the verse where our Creator reveals the best and most lasting action a human being can take:

John 1:12

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

It is not about the sun, but it is about the Son.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Uncle Lee was an old man well into his eighties who would, on occasion, stop for a brief visit. He would always go to a window overlooking the river and focus on a particular rock to see if the river had risen or fallen. He didn’t wear glasses and I certainly couldn’t see that rock without mine and that always amazed me.

He’s gone now and that rock is still there. It was there a long time before he came on the scene and it will be there a long time after I’m gone.  There are some things in this world that are temporary and some things created for the ages. Memories, like the above mentioned, cause one to realize the brevity of life.

A distraught patient phoned her doctor’s office. Was it true, the woman wanted to know, that the medication the doctor had prescribed was to be taken for the rest of her life? She was told that it was.

There was a moment of silence before the woman continued, “I’m wondering then, just how serious my condition is. This prescription is marked “No Refills!”

Ecclesiastes 12:7

Then the dust will return to the earth as it was,
And the spirit will return to God who gave it.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Journeying through life, we find we are blind to so many things.  Much of our education is trial and error.  God has revealed Himself in our conscience and through creation, but we refuse to let the light in. He gives us experience after experience that should make us fall down before Him, but it doesn’t happen. We give up, but he doesn’t, because He loves us.

Case in point was the nation of Israel during their wilderness journey:

Deuteronomy 29:4-6

But to this day the Lord has not given you a mind that understands or eyes that see or ears that hear. Yet the Lord says, “During the forty years that I led you through the wilderness, your clothes did not wear out, nor did the sandals on your feet. You ate no bread and drank no wine or other fermented drink. I did this so that you might know that I am the Lord your God.”

The hymn writer expressed it this way:

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free

You have the key in your hand. Start unlocking the doors of Scripture. In every book He has a blessing just for you.

How do I know it’s possible? You’re still here.

Give it some thought.

Gary

My brother and I were trucking logs into Canada in the 70s. Fortunately, there was a little greasy spoon bordering the mill yard.  Sometimes late at night we would stop for a cheeseburger and fries. As we were sitting there half in a daze from too many hours on the road, we noticed something that brought us to our senses. The cook had pulled the propane stove from the wall and was checking the gas line for a leak with a lit match.

With just the two of us in the place, I decided to yell loudly, “Bang!” This outburst caused her to throw her hands in the air, quickly stop the endeavor, and place the stove back where it belonged. She didn’t look at me after that, but my brother got quite a chuckle.  That action probably helped our day end well.

There are many articles written on the safe inspection of propane lines by very reputable organizations. These recommendations should be followed to ensure one’s health and safety and that of others.

God has inspired individuals to write sixty-six different books on how to get through this dangerous world without irreparable damage.

It needs to be read and applied and can save us from some explosive circumstances.

Psalm 1:2-3

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Mick sang it as only Mick can do in on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. The title of the song was,” Time is on My Side.” Those of us who were not yet teenagers believed the lyrics. Now pushing hard against seventy, the realization that time waits for no one hits home like a slap in the face.

The Bible has a lot to say about time:

Ephesians 5:16

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Another translation says,” Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.”

1. L. Hunt made millions as a Texas oilman. He was an aggressive businessman with little regard for time. His chief confidant, John, might be called in the middle of the night as quickly as in the middle of the day.

One night at 2:00 a.m., Hunt phoned John. He excitedly declared, “John, I just made the greatest trade of my life. I traded the here for the hereafter… I just got saved.”

If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior, you need to trade the here for the hereafter. You need to be saved. It is the wisest decision you will ever make.

This man grabbed time by the horns. He trusted Christ for his salvation.

Give it some thought.

Gary