Gadarene Swine Law: Merely because the group is in formation does not mean the group is on the right course. If you could examine them closely, you would find they were really possessed.

That brings me to today’s crowd. Have you examined what drives them to believe and do what they do? Obviously, there is something wrong because what they are doing is not of the nature of their heritage. Something outside human consciousness is involved here. Does the Bible address these phenomena? Glad you asked.

Ephesians 6:12 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Matthew 8:16 

That evening they brought to Him many who were oppressed by demons, and He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

The ballot box will not be effective in dealing with this curse, but God will in His time. Give it some thought and don’t be running with a herd of demon-possessed pigs.

Gary

About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age. 

–       Gloria Pitzer

 Everything else requires work and this is the definition of work: the exertion of effort or the application of energy to produce a result, achieve a goal, or complete a task. Does the Bible address this expenditure of energy? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 16:3 

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Philippians 2:12

Therefore, My beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in My presence only, but now much more in My absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

Make sure you read that correctly. It says work out your salvation, not work for your salvation. Now give it some consideration and get to work.

Gary

The tombstone is leaning over precariously, and the engraving is almost indiscernible. It may be that there is no family left alive, they don’t really care about their ancestor, or they know the body is merely a person’s tent for a short period of time. Of course, there is no one home, but those remains are waiting for a promised future event. Daniel spoke on this subject some 2500 years ago.

Daniel 12:2

And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

What will be the hope of your physical body when the dead are reunited with their bodies and stand before the Creator? Give it some careful consideration.

Gary

I have some antique farm equipment on the front lawn, meaningful gifts from a beloved brother-in-law. Tacked up on the beams in the basement of my home are some old number plates that had belonged to me or my son. Some empty soda bottles from the 50’s sit quietly on the windowsill in my study. Different articles on the foundation shelf relating to moose display my fascination with these animals. My diplomas and awards hang on the wall and are meaningless to everyone but me. I’ve also stored some communications from many individuals in various places because they have meaning. My toolboxes contain a multitude of tools that will never be used by me or anyone else. A plastic model of the battleship Bismark that my grandson printed for me holds a special place and sits out in the open. Many coffee cups with numerous sayings that will never be filled with caffeinated liquid adorn a place or two. That’s enough. Someday, when I’m out of here, someone will have a load of stuff to take to the dump.

I’m reflecting on all of this and wondering what have I accumulated for eternity? Let’s consider the following verses:

Matthew 6:19-20

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Luke 12:20-21

But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?

So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.

Just thinking. How about you?

Gary

Human beings are incurable optimists. They believe they have a pretty good chance to win a lottery, but that there is hardly any chance of their getting killed in a traffic accident.

Your chance of winning a major multi-state lottery jackpot in the United States is roughly 1 in 300 million. Your chance of dying in a car crash is 1 in 107. My point is, keep your eyes on the road and not the lottery.

Right thinking:

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Colossians 3:2 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Check out your rationale according to God’s truth. Give it some thought.

Gary

A ventriloquist is performing with his dummy on his lap. He’s telling a dumb-blonde joke when a young platinum-haired beauty jumps to her feet. “What gives you the right to stereotype blondes that way?” she demands. “What does hair color have to do with my worth as a human being?”

Flustered, the ventriloquist begins to stammer out an apology.

“You keep out of this!” she yells. “I’m talking to that little jerk on your knee!”

Sometimes when we don’t fully understand the situation it is best to be quiet. I’ve put my foot in my mouth many times and it always left a lasting bad taste.

Does the Bible address this phenomenon? Glad you asked.

1 Peter 3:15

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Colossians 4:5-6

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

To avoid addressing the wrong jerk, use your head. Give it some consideration.

Gary

My brother was a paratrooper in the 60’s. You should have seen him with those bloused boots and paratrooper cap. Now he is an old man in the veteran’s home. I didn’t know what to say that first day he was there, so I told the staff he had been a paratrooper so they could leave the window open so he could jump out occasionally. No one thought it was funny, not even me.

The Apostle Peter had that problem at times.  One occasion was at the Mount of Transfiguration.

Mark 9:6

He said this because he didn’t really know what else to say,

Lesson: If you don’t know what to say, keep your mouth shut. Think about it.

Gary