The devil came to Jesus in Matthew chapter 4 and had a lot to offer Him.  He still appears to have a giving spirit today. He can offer you money through litigation, give you what seems to be a better circle of friends, and even the ability to get your body in shape.  Waylon Jennings sang, “The Taker,” which expresses the concept of self-serving deception well. Similarly, Satan’s gifts are produced to eventually fail and will never be taken into eternity.

2 Corinthians 11:14 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

1 Peter 5:8 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

James 4:7 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Don’t believe him.  Give it some serious thought before it is too late.

Gary

Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation

–       John Wooden

Consider Noah, Jeremiah, and Paul. These men probably made more enemies than friends in their time on the planet. However, it was God’s view of them that remains of tremendous value in eternity. Don’t be kissing up to people, but do kiss God.

Psalm 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Give it some thought.

Gary

There are a lot of Christians doing nothing. But there are no Christians who have nothing to do.    – Anonymous

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that we need to go to work:

Genesis 2:15

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

2 Timothy 2:6

It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

If you’re a believer, put down the electronic devices that take up too much of your time and go to work for the kingdom of God.

Give it some thought.

Gary

What is the meaning behind the song, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” which was a number one hit in 1961? Can you believe it was written in 1939?

The true lyrics and meaning likely centered around keeping lions away from cattle herds, something Solomon Linda, the songwriter, did as a young man.

We have one who doesn’t rest and neither should we. He’s out there seeking whom he may devour and he is no pussycat.  Therefore, one should always be on guard.

1 Peter 5:8 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

2 Corinthians 11:14 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Give it some serious consideration.

Gary

In 2016, football player Colin Kaepernick gained national attention when he protested by not standing while the our national anthem was being performed before the start of games.  Motivated by what he viewed as the oppression of non-white races in this country, Kaepernick was cheered by some and hated by others. The lesson is this: our actions have consequences, and we need to weigh them very carefully before we act.

Does the Bible speak of motivations? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”

Proverbs 4:13

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.”

Do you think Colin considered God in his decision?

Gary

W. Tozer said it this way: “The fall of man has created a perpetual crisis. It will last until sin has been put down and Christ reigns. Until that time, the earth remains a disaster area and its inhabitants live in a state of extraordinary emergency.” 

Being familiar with history and current events, one must agree with that statement.

Jeremiah 5:24 

They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.’

2 Corinthians 4:8 

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

Give it some thought.

Gary