“Anyone want to buy some exercise equipment? I’m having a going-out-of-fitness sale.” 

When do we finally admit that exercise equipment alone will not get us into shape? We may have the equipment, but without the time, will, and motivation to use it consistently, it cannot make the difference for us.

Now bring that same thought closer to home. Many of us say things like: “I’m going to start reading through the Bible tomorrow.” “I’m going to make prayer a priority starting tomorrow.” or “I know I can do better, and I will—starting tomorrow.”

But how many people never received the tomorrow they were counting on? Maybe that includes you in some area of life. It is worth serious consideration.

James 4:13-14

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 

Gary

I’m reminded of E.B. White’s comment: “People have re-cut their clothes to follow the fashion…People have remodeled their ideas too — taken in their convictions a little at the waist, shortened the sleeves of their resolve, and fitted themselves out in a new intellectual ensemble copied from a smart design out of the very latest page of history.” When slavery to fashion invades the church, our latest ideas are yesterday’s fads. We adopt the world’s agenda — just a few years too late. Many churchmen sport theological bell-bottoms. 

–       Charles Colson, Against the Night,  p. 151.

1 John 2:15-17

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Those bringing the world into the church look ridiculous to both the world and the churched. Give it some thought.

Gary

It used to be if you didn’t feel well, you went to a doctor. These days you have to know why you don’t feel well–in order to know what kind of a doctor to go to.

–       Paul Harwitz in the Wall Street Journal.

There is one great Physician who can always be counted on, and He knows exactly where we’re hurting.

Mark 2:17

And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

If you’re a sinner, He’s the one you need. Be careful though, there are many out there claiming to have the answer to your spiritual problems. Job mentioned some of them thousands of years ago.

Job 13:4

As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all.

Go to the One who can fix it. Give it some consideration.

Gary

What’s the best thing about Switzerland?

I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.

Did you get it? But speaking of some real pluses, I will share a few:

Psalm 103:2

“Bless the Lord O my soul, and forget not ALL HIS BENEFITS.”

Psalm 116:12

“What shall I render to the Lord for all His BENEFITS toward me?”

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Now those are real pluses. Give it some thought.

Gary

Anyone want to buy some exercise equipment? I’m having a going-out-of-fitness sale.” 

When does one conclude that all the exercise equipment in the world is not going to get us into shape?  We don’t have the time, will or motivation to make a difference and that equipment can’t provide these things.

Taking that thought from their town to ours, consider this. I’m going to start reading thru the Bible tomorrow. I’m going to make prayer a priority in my life starting tomorrow. I know for a fact I can do better, and I will be starting tomorrow.

How many people do you know who didn’t have a tomorrow? Maybe you don’t have a tomorrow. Give this some consideration.

James 4:13-14

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 

Gary

The best fly hooks depend entirely on the species you are targeting and the type of fly you are tying or fishing. Premium brands like Tiemco, Umpqua, Gamakatsu, and Fulling Mill are widely trusted for their sharpness, durability, and precise wire gauges.

The big trout is looking for that juicy morsel that will satisfy his taste buds and allow him to live another day. He doesn’t realize how mistaken the decision to pursue is. There is a hook on that thing that spells death.

Speaking of deception:

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.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Make sure you know for sure what you’re biting into. Give it some consideration.

Gary

A poodle and a collie are walking together when the poodle suddenly unloads on his friend. “My life is a mess,” he says. “My owner is mean, my girlfriend ran away with a Schnauzer, and I’m as jittery as a cat.”

“Why don’t you go see a psychiatrist?” suggests the collie.

“I can’t,” says the poodle. “I’m not allowed on the couch.”

Sometimes there is just no access to the help one needs. That is not the case for human beings.

Isaiah 41:10 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Psalm 54:4 

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life.

Psalm 118:7 

The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

Don’t be afraid of crying out for help. Give it some thought.

Gary