The singer of “Stand by Me” is Ben E. King. Originally released in 1961, the song became one of King’s most iconic hits, showcasing his powerful voice and emotional delivery.

Using the transistor radio tucked under the blankets of my bed, I listened when I was a young teen—before I had experienced the heartache of people I trusted not standing by me as I believed they would. Later, I discovered the One who would stand by me whether I was winning or losing at the game of life: This is without a doubt my Savior. His promises are trustworthy because He is faithful and true.

Hebrews 10:23 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Philippians 4:19 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

The weather is unpredictable and storms will blow in from nowhere, but He will never leave or forsake us. Give this some consideration.

Gary

As you get older, three things happen. The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.

–       Norman Wisdom

I don’t know when it started to slip, but it sure has. Things get done, but it just takes a little more time. A house repair project must include the time spent looking for the hammer. I know neither one of us left the room, but that tool just disappeared.

Now there are some memories we can’t afford to lose. Here is a list before I forget.

Psalm 145:7

They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and shall sing of Your righteousness.

Proverbs 10:7

The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.

Now if you recall these verses, they will help you finish well.  Give it some thought.

Gary

People wonder what is wrong with humanity but never search for a reason.

That’s like the captain of the Titanic being slightly concerned about a possible anomaly off the right bow of the ship!!!

No, no, there is something seriously wrong here. Prepare the lifeboats for this thing is going down and many will be lost.

Revelation 3:20 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to Him and eat with him, and he with Me.

Matthew 10:28 

And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Get in the unsinkable boat that offers salvation from the present circumstances. Give it some thought.

Gary

A bar is burning to the ground, and a team of firefighters rush in to put out the fire. When they get inside, they see an Irishman passed out from smoke inhalation. They drag him out of the bar, and eventually the Irishman comes to. The firefighter asks, “You were there. How did this whole thing get started?!”

The Irishman responds, “I don’t know; it was burning when I walked in”

Habits can be hard to break and sometimes even detrimental to life itself. We should run a scan over our activities to see if they line up with what a Christian should be.

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.

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.

Give it some consideration before you get burnt.

Gary

FA bungee jump in Brazil turned fatal after a 21-year-old woman was thrown from a bridge without a safety cord on Saturday. Unfortunately, this is a true story. Three less- than-trustworthy individuals claimed the trophy for the height of irresponsibility.

Human beings are still being guided into eternity by similar uneducated and unprepared beings.

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

Look before you leap. Give it some thought.

Gary

The thief had nails through both hands, so that he could not work; and a nail through each foot, so that he could not run errands for the Lord; he could not lift a hand or a foot toward his salvation, and yet Christ offered him the gift of God; and he took it. Christ threw him a passport and took him into Paradise.

–       D. L. Moody, “Day by Day with D.L Moody,” Moody Press.

Moody hit that one out of the park. There is nothing we can do for salvation except believe in the One who died in our place. Give it some thought.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Gary

He was the pastor of a large church. Cancer came knocking on his door. At a national prayer event, he prayed. It wasn’t for healing but, that whatever course this trial took in his life, that God would be glorified and lifted up. Others heard that confession of faith and became bolder to witness of the sustaining grace of our wonderful Savior. This man, unlike many others, knew what the Scriptures taught about this type of situation.

2 Corinthians 12:9

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Is God in charge of our course through life or is it under our control?  Give it some thought, for it rains on the just and the unjust.

Gary