Youth comes but once in a lifetime.   -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I think that when Henry made that statement, he was reflecting on his past. He was probably thinking, “I only had one shot at that and I wasted it.” Then again, it’s possible he was trying to influence the young to consider the gift given to them by God. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Ecclesiastes 11:9 

Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them.”

Give it some thought.

Gary

“Just thinking about a friend makes you want to do a happy dance, because a friend is someone who loves you in spite of your faults.”
― Charles M. Schulz

Charlie sure had that one nailed. I don’t know if I told you, but I’m 73 years old and I never experienced life without friends.  I’ll tell you, it’s like owning gold because they just keep going up in value. Thank God for them and tell them how thankful you are for sharing life with them.

Proverbs 27:9 

Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.

1 Peter 4:8-10 

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Remember that they all need maintenance and thank God for the ones who are low maintenance.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” is a traditional African-American spiritual, first published in 1927. It became an international pop hit in 1957–58 in a recording by British singer Laurie London. It is one of the best-selling gospel songs of all time.  It focuses on the One who created and oversees all that takes place in the universe.

Romans 1:20 

For His invisible attributes, namely, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Psalm 33:6 

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of His mouth all their host.

Beyond all that, He gave us a free will. We can believe Him or reject Him. He left the choice to us.

Give it some serious consideration.

Gary

Do you have an emptiness deep inside, even though you try to fill it with the world’s offerings? Perhaps you’ve never tried a daily dose of the Word of God. Now don’t become so spiritually-minded that you are of no earthly good. Just take a small amount of prescribed, God-inspired medication every day. The right dosage is found in the Scriptures. You’ll feel better filling that void with truth.

Acts 9:36 

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity.

Ephesians 5:18

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit.

 Give it some thought.

Gary

I have this reoccurring dream from my trucking days. I see myself going down a steep and lengthy incline with a full load.  My brakes are not holding me back as they should because they are overheating.  The loss of control is at my door. The outcome of this trip will be disastrous. Then I awaken and realize it was only a dream. However, it was based on some close calls from my past.

Those dreams have a productive purpose. This journey we call life is always on the edge. It pays to be careful, learn its lessons and be prepared as best we can. Does the Bible address this fact? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 22:3 

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

2 Samuel 22:3-4 

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my Savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.

Slow down, take it cautiously and have a trusted Counselor you listen to. Give it some thought.

Gary

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”                                         –Winston Churchill

Winston had that one nailed. He led England through its darkest hour. Life has ups and downs, but courage is the fuel that keeps us going. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Deuteronomy 31:6 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 31:24 

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

Failure and success are found in the lives of anyone, so keep an ample supply of courage on hand. God demands it.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

“Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.”                                      — Cassandra Clare, “Clockwork Princess”

Now, Cassie, I need to state that everyone is writing a book, but reading them most often is a complete waste of time and effort. However, there is a book that everyone needs to read and reread.

2 Timothy 3:16 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

James 1:25 

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Don’t waste time reading someone’s life book, but read the book that gives life. Give it some consideration.

Gary