Jesus, being God and man, had the knowledge of God for what was ahead but also the fear of man when unbearable pain is going to be experienced.

No, there was no other plan for the redemption of man. This would have to be played out with even a separation from the Father during the excruciating pain of the cross.

Matthew 26:39

He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

Not possible, is written over the answer to this prayer.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Would God call us to make a step of faith like He did to Abraham in our present age?

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 

What would you do if convinced by your study of the Word that the author of the universe was calling you into something special? I’ve heard the testimony of many a missionary and pastor who have had such an experience.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.

Give it some thought.

Gary

When I was a kid I read about Superman. He could fly, had x-ray vision and could lift anything. Good for the imagination but no benefit for my life.

I listened to the song haunted house.

From outer space there sat a man
On a hot stove with the pots and pans
“Say, that’s hot” I began to shout
He drank a hot coffee right from the spout

He ate the raw meat right from my hand
Drank a hot grease from the fryin’ pan
He said to me “Now, you better run”
(And don’t be here when the mornin’ come)

That man stayed even though it was haunted. He was so brave I wanted to be like him. It never happened.

Then as life would have it, I found the real thing. The one who could save my soul and transport me all the way to heaven

Matthew 19:26

But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

He can do the impossible.

Think about it.

Gary

Sometimes we have to translate the Bible into the language people most understand.

Matthew 7:12 would go something like this;

Tweet others as you would like to be tweeted.

It would still be what God desires to communicate to us.

Think about it.

Gary

Songwriters Keith Getty and Stuart Townend put together a wonderful piece of music. They related in that song: discovery, stability, rest, security and hope that God provides. All the ingredients necessary to motivate us through this life are found here and are taken from God’s Word.

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

What a comfort to know whatever life throws at us we can get through.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The Call of the Wild is not just a book by Jack London. Sheep hear that voice and head out into the most dangerous places earth can invent.

Jesus gives the sheep an alternative.

John 10:27 

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

The one who put us here knows our each and every need better than we do.

Can you hear Him calling?

Think about it.

Gary

The world wants to conform us and God desires to transform us. These are two opposing forces pressing in on the life of every believer.  The one that will win is the one that we allow complete access to our decisions.

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Every day is a new day of choices that we make in relation to what part God is going to play in our existence.

God has a will for us and so does the world.

Give it some thought.

Gary