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

My daily bread consists of Paula’s homemade bread on which I put a layer of  peanut butter on one slice and homemade apple jelly on the other. I also throw in a banana for good measure. What does the Bible have to say about bread? Glad you asked.

Matthew 4:4 

But He answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

John 6:35

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.

What are your thoughts on bread?

Gary

“One Tin Soldier” is an anti-war song written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter in 1969 as part of the protest against the Vietnam War. It was later featured in the movie Billy Jack in 1971. The song highlights the destructive nature of unchecked aggression and the irony of fighting for something that ultimately offers no true reward.

Man is at war with God and doesn’t realize the consequences. When he does, it will be too late and the damage will be done. This song illustrates a truth we find in scripture.

Romans 8:7

For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.

Romans 5:1

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Don’t be fighting against God. You can’t win. Give it some thought.

 Gary

“Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.”
— Irving Berlin

There are just too many factors that make up life. There are twists and turns, hills and valleys and the constant forces that are out of our control. Much of the time, we must put aside our desires and plans and deal with the situation at hand. So, Irving was not far off, but he didn’t guide us to the tools. God did.

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Give it some consideration.

Gary