Mac Davis recorded a song in 1980 that became an international hit called, “It’s Hard to Be Humble.”

Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
Cause I get better looking each day

I know that could never be you, but if someone on my devotional list needs this enlightenment, here it is.

Proverbs 22:4 

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 11:2 

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

James 4:10 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

If you can’t relate, then share that with someone who can. I’d advise you to duck, however.

Give it some thought.

Gary

S.D. Gordon stated, “We can do many things once we have prayed; we can do nothing until we have prayed.”

Dr. Lee Roberson put it this way: “Prayer is the Christian’s secret weapon, forged in the realms of glory.”

This most difficult of Christian endeavors must be taken seriously and put into daily practice.

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Colossians 4:2 

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Give it some thought and kneel before the Almighty, in your heart and mind. We older folks may not be able to kneel physically anymore, but it’s our attitude that matters.

Gary

Her name was Lady and she was a Chow-Retriever mix. She considered me an equal and a necessary part of her brief life. We put up with each other on a daily basis and put a pile of memories into our hard drive. Now that she’s gone, I have an empty place that no other canine has been able to fill.

Please don’t misunderstand me, but there are a multitude of believers who have passed through my life who have left me with the same emotional dilemma. I guess that’s the design of life. However, unlike Lady, I’ll be seeing those believers when the saints go marching in.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

My GPS was to take me to a Baptist church in a central Maine community. I was to have a funeral service with the pastor there. That modern navigational tool took me to a Pentecostal church. The third time this happened, I decided to find a high point in the lay of the land and look for a steeple, knowing the Baptists like to build a steeple with almost the same volume of wood as the main auditorium. Sure enough, there it was on a side street. These steeples are landmarks that can be seen from a great distance.

We need to place landmarks that can be seen from a great distance by our testimony in Christ. Those around us should know where we’re at.

Luke 8:39 

“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Psalm 66:16 

Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.

Give it some thought and let your life guide others as they travel along.

Gary

On Saturday, February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it re-entered the atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana, killing all seven astronauts on board. Everyone on board believed he or she was returning home, never expecting to meet God that day. However, some law of aerodynamics was broken and the results were catastrophic.

This life is a short flight from the cradle to the grave, and no man knows how it will end.

James 4:14 

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.

Psalm 39:4 

“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

Give it some thought before you make your final approach.

Gary

Two words to repeat when facing any trial or confusion: “BUT GOD”.

Acts 7:9-10

Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. 

1 Samuel 23:14

David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.

Romans 5:6-8

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Give it some thought.

Gary

In the boxing ring of life, I get beat-up once in a while. However, once back in my corner between rounds, I have those that encourage me to get back out there. I thank God for them and couldn’t go on without them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Corinthians 9:26

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

Finish this round, and when the bell rings, there are those waiting to patch your wounds and put you back into the ring.  In the believer’s corner our ultimate Friend, who sticks closer than a brother, also offers His tender love and care. Give it some thought.

Gary