One of the many blessings in my life is the fact that I am surrounded by good neighbors. They have proven themselves such over the years.  In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus defined what a good neighbor exemplified. That individual who was supposedly more knowledgeable in the law was shocked because that was not the accepted definition in Israel. However, in this incident and others, Jesus revealed that His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.

Good neighbors reveal themselves in so many ways. Mr. Rogers is okay, but let Jesus teach you about being a good neighbor.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I put my finger on that little square sensor that fires up my computer. No one in the world except me can start my computer using that method.  Probably there are a number of individuals glad there is only one of me, but thankfully for them, God only made one. That fact was revealed in Scripture over three thousand years ago.

Psalm 139:13-14 

For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.

Ephesians 2:10 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

There is no one like you. Go out and serve Him. Give it some thought.

Gary

I’ve learned –
that you shouldn’t compare
yourself to the best others can do
but to the best you can do.          – Author unknown

2 Timothy 2:15 

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of Truth.

Galatians 5:1 

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

Give it some thought; then give it your best.

Gary

It was called “The Eve of Destruction.” The song came out in 1965 and referenced social issues of its period, including the Vietnam War, the draft, the threat of nuclear war, the Civil Rights Movement, turmoil in the Middle East and the American space program.

We’re down the road sixty years, and it looks like the prophet was wrong. On the subject of such prophets, this is what the Bible has to say.

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Jeremiah 23:16 

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.

Man can’t destroy the world. God has a plan for it. Give it some thought.

Gary

Serenity is defined as the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled, representing a tranquil existence and inner quietness even amidst life’s complexities. Someone once prayed, “Lord, grant me the serenity to remember who I am.”

Well, here’s what you need to recognize about yourself:

Psalm 139:14 

I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.

Psalm 119:73 

Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Your commandments.

Psalm 144:4 

Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

Rest in who you are and seek what you can become in Him. Give it some consideration.

Gary

If you ask me, life is like kayaking through rapids in the dark. So many things can go wrong and uncertainties await at every turn. Sure could use some light as I try and navigate between the shores. Fortunately, God has provided such illumination.

John 8:12 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 1:5 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Psalm 119:105 

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Give it some thought and keep paddling; your destination lies just ahead.

Gary

It’s a line from a song by Casting Crowns:

If I had only known the last time would be the last time
I would’ve put off all the things I had to do
I would’ve stayed a little longer, held on a little tighter
Now what I’d give for one more day with you

The contemporary saying is, “You don’t miss the water until the well goes dry.” There are many who have gone off the scene that we are sorry that more time was not spent with them. The lesson learned would show proper maintenance for the ones we have in our lives now. Make plans and keep them close.

Romans 1:8-9

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers,

Ephesians 1:15-16

Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

Give it some thought and give them a call. Sending a prayer heavenward for them might not be a bad idea too.

Gary