When we were kids, firecrackers were illegal in Maine but could be purchased by anyone in Canada. A friend and I walked across the international bridge with that intent. On our return to the states, the custom officer asked, “Anything over?”

Trying to pull the wool over his eyes, we both responded, as smugglers would, “No.” 

I think there was a smile on his face as we two criminals walked out onto the highway to hitchhike home with our contraband.

You know, there are individuals who believe kids should be given a chance just because they’re kids. They wouldn’t stoop so low as to hurt them with the law. I believe Jesus considered that with the woman taken in adultery.

John 8:7

And as they continued to ask Him, He stood up and said to them, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.”

That officer understood the gravity of our situation because of the foolishness of our youth.

Don’t beat people with legalism when all they need is understanding. Give it some consideration.

Gary

Actress dies after reportedly consuming frog venom at a spiritual cleansing retreat. This was an actual article in the news recently. Now the sad thing is that human beings know they have a sin issue but are in the dark about how to rectify the problem.

Let me make it clear. God has an answer that works powerfully.

I John 1:9 

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Titus 3:5 

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

You don’t have to drink venom, but you do have to embrace Christ’s redemptive work through His shed blood, which provides the forgiveness of sins.

Give it some careful consideration.

Gary

As a kid playing war and running through the woods, I was abruptly encountered to an old, unseen barbwire fence. Over sixty years later, the scars are still there. The scars from a car windshield breaking because of the kinetic force of my body can still be seen on my face. Then there is the scar on my chest from a triple bypass that is still quite visible.

Those don’t bother me as much as the painful, emotional scars known only to me. However, I know the Great Physician will someday take those away and I won’t be haunted for eternity with the memories that are the source of such pain.

Revelation 21:4 

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Kind of looking forward to that which is way beyond the capabilities of plastic surgery.

Give it some thought.

Gary

In the song, “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas, the statement is made that the only thing lasting forever is the earth and sky. Unfortunately, the writer either didn’t know or forgot the fact that even the earth and what is contained in the sky will not last forever. The following Scriptures support that point:

Revelation 21:1

Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea.

2 Peter 3:12

looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

Because of Christ, I have a home prepared far away from here. That place is also available for you. Give it some careful consideration.

Gary

The only experiences I have with trucks nowadays is what I might watch on YouTube and the smell of diesel when I take a trip on the highway. However, I sure do love poems about truckers and love to hear their stories.

The ever-present sound of a diesel

Going through its gears

Is the steady beat and constant rhythm

He’s known for many a year

Pastoring, trucking, working in the woods industry and being a paramedic have been experiences I’ve had in my life at various times.  I’m so thankful God has given me all those opportunities.

Ephesians 5:20 

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Colossians 3:17 

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Give it some thought.  Appreciation is medicine for the soul.

Gary

I watched the state employee testing the ladders owned by the town’s fire department. He wasn’t testing them to break them but to prove they could withstand the pressure. God does the same for us. Testing proves to us that we can take the pressure.

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.

James 1:3 

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

James 1:2 

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

God built you for such a time as this. Don’t buckle. Give it some thought. Be one of those who passes the test.

Gary

“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.”  Teddy Roosevelt

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Get going. Keep moving. God placed you here for a purpose and it was not to be a quitter. Give it some thought.

Gary