Preaching at the funeral of a friend who left a testimony in this world was a blessing to me.  Family, friends and coworkers sat and listened as I related the story of the new birth that shaped the man. The Word of God is such a powerful force in changing the trajectory of a life. My friend’s life was speaking of God’s saving power through that eulogy.

John 3:3 

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

1 Peter 1:23 

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;

Hebrews 11:4

Having trusted, he still continues to speak, even though he is dead.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

The penalty for laughing in a court room is six months in jail; if it were not for this penalty, the jury would never hear the evidence.

– H. L. Mencken

Honestly, there is nothing funny about lying, especially when it is done to make money or get off the hook.

Proverbs 10:2 

Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit, but righteousness delivers from death.

Hebrews 13:5 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Give it some thought and don’t lie to the jury.

Gary

Whitewater rafting down the Penobscot in our younger years presented excitement and challenges. A wave came from nowhere, took Paula out of the raft, causing her to disappear under the water. She found herself under the raft and decided she was in need of prayer. In the prayer she sent heavenward, she simply cried, “Lord, when I need my next breath, let me be above the water.” Her prayer was answered when she surfaced, and one of the members of our group pulled her out by gripping her life jacket at the shoulders. It was in the nick of time because she was about to be jammed between the raft and a large rock.

It reminds me of the short prayer of Peter when he was going down into the sea.

Matthew 14:30

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

I’ve used that prayer often. Have you? Give it some thought.

Gary

It was a sign on the front window of a plumbing company. “We repair what your husband fixed.”

This can also be put up as an advertisement for a marriage counselor’s office. The truth of God’s Word is required for a successful marriage.

Ephesians 5:25

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her”

About the same responsibility is placed on the wife.

Ephesians 5:33

 “Let the wife see that she respects her husband.”

Work at this and keep the love flowing. Give it some thought.

Gary

He was a frequent flyer when I was a paramedic. On those trips, we would banter back and forth. During one ambulance run, I asked, “Were you in the war?” and he replied he had been. I continued, “Were you the man who shot down the Red Baron?” With a red face and steam coming out of his ears, he shouted, “No, no, not the First World War, the Second World War!” I won on that trip.

Humor is good when it has a place. Even the Bible refers to humor, i.e., the laughter of God.

Psalm 2:4

The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

Psalm 37:13

but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming.

Proverbs 1:26

I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you—

Defying the Creator of the universe is a futile exercise.  Don’t let Him have a chance to laugh at you. Submit to His authority. Give it some thought.

Gary

Killer mom Susan Smith is now ‘complete nightmare’ after parole was denied: report

By Mollie Markowitz

In 1994, she had buckled her one-year-old and three-year-old sons in the car and allowed it to disappear into the lake. The guards stated that she was a model prisoner during the last few years leading up to her parole hearing. However, after it was denied, she reverted to her old selfish ways. She even tried to sell her story for a movie deal.

Some people supposedly turn over a new leaf, yet we discover it’s the same leaf, only on a different side. The killer mom’s change was intended to fool people. It seems that she is not interested in the new birth. However, she still has time.

There was such a person called Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 who professed one thing, but lived another. This is what Peter had to say about him:

Acts 8:20-21

But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 

Don’t be fooled by these people. They are what they are. Give it some thought.

Gary

The pilot came on the intercom and announced that our attendants for the flight would be Jacqueline and Kennedy. Some humor was involved in the statement. A lady was sitting beside me, and I wanted to add to the humor, so I stated, “I never thought I’d be flying with Jacqueline Kennedy.”

I felt a coldness in the cabin and realized she probably had not heard the captain and thought I was being fresh. I knew I shouldn’t dig the hole any deeper, so I looked out the window the rest of the trip, thankful that I would never see her again. The following verses come to mind:

1 Thessalonians 4:11

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

Proverbs 10:8

The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.

I was sure glad when I had a flight with a seat by myself. Some meditation was in order. I gave it some thought.  Will you?

Gary