My dad’s in his hospital bed with half his brain inflamed with cancer. I’m on one side of that bed and a member of the clergy is on the other side. He said, “Mr. Gardner, you are going to walk again.”

I blurted, “No, he isn’t. My dad is going to die.” That didn’t go over so well. Lies told to my father by me in times past were many, but this was a time for truth, and it was the truth he was going to hear. I was too concerned about the consequences of his believing a lie at that time.

Truth is important. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

John 8:32 

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Psalm 86:11 

Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.

Give it some thought and stand for the truth.

Gary

No longer able to speak for himself, my dad looked at me with an expression that I interpreted as, “Do something for me, Son.  I don’t want this done to me any longer.”

I then told the nurse, “Don’t put that tube in my dad’s nose. This is over.” It’s the last constructive thing I could do for my father. I did many destructive things in my youth, things I certainly regret today. However, honoring him in his last days is not one of them.

Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Exodus 20:12 

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

1 Timothy 5:8 

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Give it some thought.

Gary

That Neil Diamond song, “Forever in Blue Jeans,” came out in the 1970’s and was a hit. However, like so many, I also understood it to be saying, “the Reverend Blue Jeans.”

But it don’t sing and dance and it don’t walk
And long as I can have you here with me
I’d much rather be forever in blue jeans

I’d like to springboard off of that to focus on the those who see themselves as a “reverend.” This character is an oddity that has appeared in the contemporary church. His or her concern is not about doctrine but about making everyone feel comfortable and complacent. Sin, sanctification and judgment are left out of his or her sermons because the market won’t bear it. Music, testimonials and mythology have replaced prayer, Bible study and edification.  Like Ed Sullivan, these “revered ones” want to create a “really big show” to bring the crowd back for another week, a crowd that desires entertainment and not commitment.

Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

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.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Sitting in a row of small desks that graced my third-grade classroom, I teased the little girl in front of me. Really, I had a crush on her and meant no harm. Fifty years would pass before I found out how much that girl was hurt by my comments. The reality of that pains my heart, but there is not a thing I can do about it. God has forgiven me, but I’m not so sure about her.  The damage caused by words is hard to calculate. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 18:21 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 29:20 

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Colossians 4:6 

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

We can’t correct the past, but the lessons can be powerful. Give it some thought.

Gary

He awakened this A.M. because of the usual pain in his back. He took a quick shower, rinsed and put his teeth in, cleaned his trifocals and put his hearing aids on. Then he combed the little hair he had left. He hit the car starter to warm up the vehicle which he would use to go to the nursing home, where he would visit his wife who hasn’t known him for the past two years. On the highway, with cars passing him repeatedly, he wondered why their kids haven’t called in weeks.

Does the Bible address this scene? Glad you asked.

Psalm 90:10

The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Does he know this life is coming to a conclusion and a new, different experience is about to begin?

Give it some careful consideration.

Gary

My two-year-old niece had fallen asleep at her grandmother’s house. Her mother laid her on the bed in an uncle’s room which had multiple deer heads mounted on the wall. Some time passed, and the mother went to see why her daughter wasn’t up. She was found motionless, frightened eyes fixed on the trophies mounted in there. She whispered, “Mom, there are dogs on the wall and they’re watching me.”

There is so much to learn about life, and sometimes parents just can’t keep up. However, we are to instruct our children as best we can. You can never tell when frightening experiences will confront them.

2 Timothy 3:15 

And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“People can’t drive you crazy if you don’t give them the keys.”

– Mike Bechtle

1 Peter 4:8 

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Ephesians 4:2 

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Love ‘em and don’t give them the keys to move you in the wrong direction. Give it some thought.

Gary