Those relationships that put fire in our soul can’t be lauded enough. It has been stated as such: Humans need meaningful relationships because they are essential for mental, physical, and emotional well-being, for they provide support, joy, and a sense of belonging, and contribute to increased longevity, better health outcomes, and personal growth.

It is best described in Scripture.

1 Samuel 18:1 

As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 

Proverbs 27:17 

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Those people who encourage, defend, promote and love us unconditionally are a godsend. Thank Him for them.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

“I Don’t Remember Loving You” typically refers to John Conlee’s 1982 country song, where the lyrics revolve around a man who has lost his memory and is unable to recall his past love or suffering due to his lover’s infidelities.  It portrays a man driven to insanity or extreme heartbreak.  The object of his anguish shows up to apologize for the heartache, but her husband’s mind is no longer there.

Lesson: Life is short and the consequences for certain actions can be irreparable.

Galatians 6:7-8 

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Isaiah 59:2 

But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

Country music often contains more wisdom than much contemporary Christian music.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”        — Albert Einstein

Albert had that one nailed. Every day is a new day and should be filled with activity. Don’t slow down, especially if you’re doing good.

1 Peter 4:10 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Mark 10:45 

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Get off your can and go out there and do what you can. Give it some serious thought.

Gary

“One of the most valuable lessons that you have to learn is to do the thing you have to do whether you like it or not.” – Author unknown

Have you learned that lesson? Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Isaiah 1:19 

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

John 14:15 

“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

Acts 5:29 

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.”

Just doing what you like will lead to some very serious disappointments.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

I’ve been asked how I come up with these devotionals. The basic answer is that God has made me a fisherman. I throw a line in the Word, into past experiences, in the news, in literature and the many resources I’ve been richly blessed with. Also, if you have something worth considering, please send it to me. I milk many cows, but churn my own butter.

1 Peter 4:10 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

James 1:17 

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Romans 11:29 

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

I pray these devotionals are a blessing to you. Give it some thought and be a blessing to others.

Gary

I didn’t believe I would ever graduate with a master’s degree, but I did. I didn’t believe I could dive off the high board, but I did. I never believed I would climb Mount Katahdin 10 times, but I did. I never thought I could date that girl, but I did. This list could continue, but you might think I’m bragging.

Above all, the before things mentioned are the things I accomplished through Christ. He desires we test things that seem to be, humanly speaking, out of our reach.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

2 Timothy 1:7 

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Put the challenges of the Creator to the test. His Word tells us, ye have not, because ye ask not.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The second paragraph of the first article in the Declaration of Independence contains the phrase “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”. Jefferson’s “original rough draft” is on exhibit in the Library of Congress.

Does the Bible speak of pursuits? Glad you asked.

James 1:11 

For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Psalm 34:14

Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it.

Proverbs 21:21

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.

What do you pursue? Give it some thought.

Gary