Prediction

The word is predictability, meaning capable of being predicted or known in advance. Humans believe they have a handle on that when it comes to the weather.  Does the Bible address this concept? Glad you asked.

Matthew 16:2-3 

He answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ And in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

Forget the weather predictions. What about predicting where you’ll be in the future?  Jesus did address the importance of prediction based on the Scriptures. How about opening the Bible and making some educated guesses?  Give it some consideration.

Gary

He’s Different

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

Watching

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

Self

“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

False Prophets

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

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

Tests

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