We all know the old Christmas story about Ebenezer Scrooge, the old man whose appearance reflected his life of greed. However, an opportunity was given him for redemption and the story ends on a good note.

The Bible addresses this subject. Take note of the following in our verse: gathering for nothing, the flesh being eaten and the last day approaching.

James 5:3

Your gold and silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure in the last days.

 I pray each and every one of you has repented and will end well.

Give it some thought.

Gary

My grandson was eight and on a hike with me. We had to cross a swamp and I heard his young voice say, “Pup, come get me. I’m stuck.”

I told him to just work harder to free his foot.  He tried without success.

Again, I heard his voice, now edged with fear, “Pup, come get me. I’m stuck.” I did.

I always feel sorry I didn’t go at the first invitation. My past is haunted by those times I could have helped and didn’t. There are those who really need us and we should be there.

Galatians 6:2 

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

John 14:14 

If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

Keep an eye on those in your charge.  They might get stuck in a bad situation and they are counting on you. Christ did that for us.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Thirty-three hundred years ago, a man made a decision that changed the world. Looking down the road, he was struck with the realization that a relationship with God needed to be made. The world’s dreams are elusive and uncertain, but the way of the Lord is sure. The treasures of the world are not worth the love affair, and the love of God is real and lasting. When it’s all over, we will certainly know which one had the greater value.

Hebrews 11:26

esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

See the word reward? It’s based on a life lived for something that moth and rust cannot corrupt, compared to the mirage offered by the age.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Progressive ideology sounds good in theory, but in practice I have my doubts. It supposedly promotes better ideas. In the Garden of Eden, a being came into that perfect environment with a better idea than God. Consider how that played out. Potential changes need close examination. Cases in point:

Proverbs 25:14 

Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.

2 Corinthians 11:14 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Revelation 12:9

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

You are best to believe in the plans God has for you and not the philosophies that come out of demented human imagination.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

Published in 1954, “This Ole House” is an American popular song written by Stuart Hamblen.  It is about a man describing his body as an old house that can not longer be repaired and its end is near. Look it up and give it a listen. After a time, our body is beyond repair and we should be anticipating our new home.

Philippians 3:20

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Corinthians 5:8

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

Just over the horizon and coming into view is the roof of my new home.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I’ve often told you about that crazy Frenchman who is a friend of mine. He sometimes sends me an email that makes me cry. Case in point:

On Grandma’s last night, my grandfather walked over, picked up my grandma from the bed, and rocked her a good part of the night.  I could hear mournful words, “Oh, ma petite, Annie” (Oh, my little Annie) over and over.  She died peacefully in his strong arms in that huge rocking chair.  

Now for Scriptural truths on how to love a wife:

Ephesians 5:33 

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

Genesis 2:24 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

I’d like to end like that. However, I would prefer she would be rocking me.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Bobby Bare sang it and the title is, “The Winner.”  It is a humorous piece with a tremendous lesson concerning being a winner in the eyes of the world. Pain followed each so-called victory. This is not a hymn. However, you can learn a lesson from it.

Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

1 Timothy 6:17

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.

Give it some thought, for winning could be losing.

Gary