This dead man in Luke 19 never considered water as much of anything while he was alive, but now… He never considered prayer while he lived, but now… The spiritual condition of his brothers didn’t bother him before, but now… Attitudes certainly change after death.

Luke 16:24

“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’

What is important to you while you live? Give it some thought.

Gary

Most fairy tales begin with ‘once upon a time’ or ‘a long time ago’, and end with telling the reader that the characters ‘lived happily ever after’. They are great for the imagination of little ones but, alas, they are only made-up stories.

Not true with Scripture. God created the heavens and earth. Adam and Eve were real. There was a flood. Jesus died for our sin and rose the third day. One day in the future, He is returning for His Church. These are facts and not fairy tales and should be taught to our children.

Deuteronomy 6:7 

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

Stick with the facts. Give it some thought.

Gary

How many can relate to the following statement? “A lifetime of suffering  exchanged for a moment of pleasure.” Some say the quote originated with Bette Davis. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Romans 8:6 

For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Galatians 5:16 

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Abraham’s offspring, apart from Isaac, have been a constant thorn in the side of the nation of Israel. These momentary lapses in morals can be devastating to many.

Give it some thought.

Gary

You’ve heard that dreaded statement. “Their mailbox is full. You can’t leave a message.”

It’s too bad our memory capacity couldn’t be like that, “I’m not accepting any more bad memories.”

Israel had a problem with remembering God’s intervention on their behalf.

Psalm 77:11-14 

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples.

You could resolve to be focused on or bring forth only good memories from now on. Only good memories?  Impossible, but thank God there are good memories because they help quiet the bad ones.

Give it some thought and meditate on the words of the psalmist.

Gary

Someone once stated that happiness was just an illusion. To many in our world, that might get a thumbs up. However, the Bible’s definition is quite different and holds a blessing for many who apply its principles.

Psalm 144:15

Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.

Psalm 146:5

Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God:

Proverbs 3:13

Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.

Give it some consideration and put on a happy face.

Gary

Twelve thousand, seven hundred thirty-two B-17s were produced during WW2 and 4,735 were lost. Most were downed by the Germans. Others went down with mechanical problems and some were involved with accidents with other B-17s. It was war.

It reminds me of believers in the field of service. There are so many sad endings.  If only…

The Bible records the failures of mankind: Adam and Eve (Gen. 3), Cain and Abel (Gen. 4), Noah and his sons (Gen. 9), Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 16), Lot and his daughters (Gen. 19), Jacob and Esau (Gen. 27), Joseph and his brothers (Gen. 37), Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10), Aaron and Miriam (Num. 12), Israel and Canaan (Num. 14), Moses and the rock (Num. 20), Samson and Delilah (Judges 16), Samuel and his sons (1 Sam. 8), David and Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11), Solomon and his harem (1 Kings 11). And on and on it goes, right into the New Testament, where we find disciple after disciple and church after church marked by failure and disappointment. It was war.

It’s dangerous out there, so stay close to God’s path for your life.

Gary

I like this post I picked up from an unknown source.

Athletes and entertainers are mistaken for people of importance.

I’ve needed a doctor. I’ve needed a teacher.

I need farmers every day.

I need truck drivers every day.

I have needed a car mechanic, a plumber, a house painter and a lot of other everyday people.

But I have never, not even once, needed a pro-athlete, a media personality, or a Hollywood celebrity for anything…

especially for moral or political advice. 

Give it some consideration and remember what we especially need every day.

Psalm 143:8 

Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.

Lamentations 3:22-23 

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Gary