Waylon Jennings sang it so well, “Momma, don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys.” This is one of the statements he made about them, “He ain’t wrong; he’s just different.”  I don’t know about cowboys, but I do know a biblical character that fits that description.

Matthew 3:4-6

Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

I’m not interested in the opinions of cowboys. However, the statements of John, in spite of his demeanor, are right on the bubble. Investigate and give it some careful consideration.

Gary

George Orwell predicted cameras watching us in our homes, but he didn’t predict that we would buy and install them ourselves. Some seem to know where technology is heading – for good or bad.

However, there is One who has been observing our every move since birth. That One is the Creator of our universe. Shouldn’t we get to know Him because He knows us so well?

Psalm 139:15-16

My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

“He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” —Confucius

You don’t have to be a Christian to have common sense. Confucius knew that the biggest problem of man was man himself. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 25:28 

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.

John 3:30 

He (the Lord) must increase, but I must decrease.”

Proverbs 16:32 

Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.

 Give it some thought.

Gary

I am always amazed when people who never read the Bible act so knowledgeable in spiritual things. Even those who read the Scriptures come up with some wacky thoughts. Anything new? No, the Old Testament tells us of such things. 

Jeremiah 23:16

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; they speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord.”

False teachers stand behind many pulpits in our world. Don’t listen to them. Give it some thought.

Gary

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.

–        Helen Keller

Helen had this concept nailed through the school of hard knocks. Keller attended Radcliffe College of Harvard University and became the first deafblind person in the United States to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Does the Bible speak of such a concept? Glad you asked.

James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

Give it some consideration.

Gary

I vividly recall tests from kindergarten. Those were not enjoyable and I believed they were designed to torment us. However, since then I’ve taken thousands of tests and firmly believe they will be offered to me until I get home.

James 1:12 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Preparation and perspiration are the best ways to be ready for tests. Give it some thought.

Gary

The hymn writer put it well.

I’m gonna move from this world of fear,
Kinda gettin’ tired of living here
I want to go home where the winds of sorrow never blow.
Far from the shadow of the tomb,

Far from the sadness and the gloom
I wanna go home when death demands my shattered soul.

John 14:2 

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

Revelation 21:4 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Sounds good, doesn’t it?  Give it some thought.

Gary