A good rule to remember for life is that when it comes to plastic surgery and sushi, never be attracted by a bargain.”

–       Graham Norton

There are some dangerous things being offered out there and one needs to beware. The Bible does address the need for awareness.

Colossians 2:8 

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 

But test everything; hold fast what is good.

Give it some thought.

Gary

It was 1965 when the Beatles recorded their song titled, “Yesterday.” This song contained the bad breakup of a couple because of a wrong statement. The singer now saw the future as a dark cloud because of the events of yesterday.

Those statements and actions of yesterday influence the course of our future. No matter how we desire the opportunity to alter things, it won’t happen. All we have is the present, which is the sum of all those historical events. In light of that, what ought we to be?

Peter, inspired by the Spirit of God, provided this guidance:

2 Peter 3:11

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 

Our actions today will shape our future. Give it some thought.

Gary

Lying on its side, the car looks like it’s gone through a car crusher. The former occupant is on the lawn with no obvious injuries, but a strong smell of alcohol emanates from this conscious person.

I’ve seen a number of accidents with light vehicle damage, yet the occupant of that vehicle is dead.  Why do some live and some die?

Psalm 146:4 

When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

Who is in control of these situations? I think I know. Do you?

Give it some thought.

Gary

I love my country. However, half this country believes the nation will be destroyed if the candidate supported by the other half wins the election. I’m here to tell you from Scripture that the day after the election, the sun will come up and He who sits on the throne will be in complete control of the situation. God has placed us here as Christians to serve Him during the good times and the bad times. He’s in charge of both.

Daniel 2:21

And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.

Romans 13:1

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.

Revelation 19:16

On His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

I don’t believe politicians give me much hope for the future, but the Word of God gives me that proper balance.

Give it some thought.

Gary

She was just a child with a 22 bullet in her head. Kids playing with guns is a recipe for disaster. Her blood covered my right hand as I tried to control my emotions and deliver her to the ER alive. Almost forty years later, it can still bring tears to my eyes. Life’s tragedies play out in every community across the country and someone has to be there to try and pick up the pieces. I volunteered for this position.

I believe this was a calling on my life, but there was an even greater calling.

“Who will go for us?” is a line from the Bible verse found in Isaiah 6:8.

What have you been called to do?

Give it some thought.

Gary

An acquaintance told my wife that she missed my working for the ambulance service because I could bring so much calmness into a chaotic situation. What so many didn’t know was that every time my pager went off, my stomach would tighten and I would never feel prepared for the situation that I was about to face. I think if anyone enjoys this occupation, he or she needs a shrink. Only saying— my personal experience. When I arrived at a scene, I would put on my “I’m-in-control mask.” Then, I’d go about trying to bring order out of the chaos. That lady didn’t know I had such a thing.

How many wear a mask so no one can tell what is on the inside? The Pharisees wore a mask and Jesus removed it in John 8:7.

 “Let him who is without sin among you, cast the first stone at her”

You, behind the mask, give it some thought.

Gary

This elderly couple was well-known for the verbal combat that they engaged in their entire married-life together.  On this day, he was leaving the apartment on a stretcher and they both knew that their being under the same roof had come to an end. She had a stricken look in her eyes like she was losing something special that she’d never have again. I felt like saying, “Are you sorry?”

 Sadly, some don’t appreciate their spouse until such an event takes place.

Ephesians 5:28 

In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.

Ephesians 5:33 

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Yup, give it some consideration.

Gary