I remember nights when my brother and I would be the only ones with loaded tractor trailers on an icy road. We’d be trying to get those loads into Canada without spilling. He’d be talking to me on the CB and explaining what was ahead because I was the kid and he was the lead dog. He was my big brother and I would follow his tail lights anywhere. In those days of fear, there was someone I trusted to get me through the dangerous hills and turns.

Half a century has gone by and I still fear the hills and turns. However, I hear someone else’s voice encouraging me to keep it on the road. No diesel fuel is involved now because it’s a spiritual journey.

Luke 11:28 

But He said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”

John 10:27 

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

This world is made up of many a hazardous situation, but God can get us to our destination.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The possibility of journeying through life without picking up some enemies is next to impossible. We, by reason of failure, create some of our own and the tragedy is placed at our feet. However, the ones who are the result of our walk with the Lord cause pain, but they are not something we need to handle alone. Those enemies belong to God and He will deal with them in His time.

2 Timothy 4:14-15

Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.

We don’t know much about Alexander, but thank God his end is in the hands of the Lord. We should feel sorry for him.

Give it some thought.

Gary

My Irish grandfather sure loved his whiskey and partook every chance that presented itself. Fortunately for him, he married a tough French woman who didn’t allow alcohol in the home.  If she caught him near a drink, some serious reprimand would be in order. He learned at an early stage in his marriage that he lived under some strong supervision. She cared for him until he was admitted to the nursing home. That strong woman was one of the best things to have happened to a man who was orphaned at a very young age. The right mate sure can be a good thing.

Proverbs 31:10-12

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 

Give it some thought and thank God for your mate.

Gary

I have this folder in my mind that is titled “friendship.” Every once in a while, I will take one of the memories out of there and examine it.  In this one, I recall this special friend who is a Viet Nam vet who went to war on his senior trip. He looked like a twelve-year-old under that military helmet. He saw things that no man should see and knew fear that is reserved for only a few. When my son died, he was one of the first to call me, though we hadn’t talked in years. Just every once in a while, I need to review that folder and remember how blessed I am to have such friends.

Proverbs 17:17 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 22:24-25

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.

I had the right kind of friends throughout my life and am ever so grateful.

Give it some thought and be thankful.

Gary

Lynn Anderson sang a song a long time ago entitled, “I Never Promised You a Rose Garden.” Take a look at some of the lyrics.

I beg your pardon
I never promised you a rose garden
Along with the sunshine
There’s gotta be a little rain sometime

Let me tell you upfront that God never promised a rose garden to a believer. The prosperity preachers make a “smooth path” their major pitch. However, Scriptures do not bear that out.

Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Let’s make it clear. If you are a believer, the Spirit of God who lives in you, makes it possible. In times of need, He presents Himself as the Enabler, the Helper, the Healer, the Provider, the Counselor, or some other attribute of our God.  But if you are not a believer, then you are on your own.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

I had seen the paperwork of someone I’d known as a kid, who was ten years younger than I, and thought I’d find him in the ambulance bay area and wish him well. He’d had a cardiac episode and would be transported to Bangor shortly. Opening the door of the hospital, I could only see the back of the patient’s head. His hair was white and he was balding, so I figured I had the wrong person. I didn’t take into consideration the toll life takes on the body. Time can show no mercy.

Ephesians 5:15-16 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

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.

Time marches on. Are you dealing with the reality of it? Give it some thought.

Gary

“This weed of self-righteousness will grow on any dunghill. No heap of rubbish is too rotten for the accursed toadstool of proud self to grow upon.” (Spurgeon)

There is only one form of righteousness that completely meets the demands of God and that is the righteousness of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:21 

For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 10:4 

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 

Matthew 5:6 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Be covered in His righteousness and not your own. Give it some thought.

Gary