“Sometimes I lie awake at night, and I ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong’.
Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.”
― Charlie Schultz

This common thought has been plaguing man since the Garden of Eden. It’s not the past that should concern us, but the future. Does the Bible address this malady? Glad you asked.

1 John 2:1

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous

Adam, Moses, David, Solomon or a multitude of others could have made a similar statement. However, God gave them a future and a hope.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Self-pity is our worst enemy, and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world.

– Helen Keller

This statement was made by a blind woman who spent a lifetime being a benefit to her world.  Does the Bible address this topic? Glad you asked.

Romans 5:3 

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,

1 Peter 5:7 

Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

This world is not about us, but about others. Give it some thought.

Gary

I’ve learned –
that you can get by on charm
for about fifteen minutes.
After that, you’d better know something.

–       Unknown author

Proverbs 31:30 

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Matthew 23:28 

So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

It is not how we present ourselves to others that has value, but what we are before God.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

You’ve likely taken a bite of an unripe grapefruit and experienced the unpleasant sensation, a taste that bites you back; it’s too bitter. Maybe you entered a conversation with some people and a statement was made that, even after all these years, the bitter taste is still in your mouth. Gargle with some Scripture is my advice.

Ephesians 4:31 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 

Hebrews 12:15 

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

There, was that better? Give it some thought.

Gary

“Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.” — Simone de Beauvoir

Simone certainly had some wacky ideas, but this thought that entered her mind can be a benefit.  However, if the God of the Bible is not your enabler,  it’s for nothing. Your future depends heavily on what you do with the Creator. God’s Word is our introduction to Him.

Hebrews 3:7-8

So, as the Holy Spirit says:

“Today, if you hear His voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
during the time of testing in the wilderness,

Today might be your last chance to change the future. Give it some thought.

Gary

Do you know who invented the sandwich? Let me enlighten you. In the mid 18th century, the 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718–92), an English nobleman, is said to have eaten food in this form so as not to leave the gaming table. Makes sense to me because I also hated to leave the gambling table.

However, I brought the sandwich to a state of perfection. Starting with two thick slices of homemade bread, I lather peanut butter on one slice and apple jelly on the other, then I add a slab of extra sharp cheddar cheese. The final layer consists of slices of bread and butter pickles. I squish this tightly with one hand, bring this sandwich to my mouth, bite into it, and enjoy. Now I know I should have patented this before I shared it with you, but it is my contribution to the world.

Don’t gag until you taste it. Interestingly, it reminds me of my attempts to get people interested in the Word of God.

Psalm 34:8 

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Psalm 119:103 

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Job 12:11 

Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food?

Give it some thought.

Gary

Coming off Mount Katahdin in a cold, bone-chilling rain, I knew that stopping to rest was not an option. Movement was the only thing keeping hypothermia at bay. Why did I do such things? I guess the answer is because I could. After it was over, I treasured the experience.

Many events in my life have been outside the box. However, their additions have put me where I am today and I’m thankful to my God for them. So many situations are difficult, but later appreciated. Don’t forget this principle, and just endure what you might be going through right now.

Romans 8:28 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Give it some consideration and keep going.

Gary