I stood alone in that big barn with the body of an old farmer who had taken his life. All around me were the remnants of equipment that he had used over the years.  Why after a long and productive life does it have to end like this? As a paramedic, we were often the first at those scenes which leave you empty.

Life could conclude so differently if Biblical principles were applied.

Psalm 71:9 

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.

Isaiah 46:4 

Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.

Psalm 71:18 

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.

Seek to end well. Failure to do so affects others.  Give it some consideration.

Gary

Methylphenidate is a stimulant that treats attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It works by improving your focus and reducing impulsive behaviors. Over the years, I never gave it much thought, but looking back now, I realize it sure could have come in handy in preventing some of my dumb mishaps.

There is another method for handling life’s downside that I find effective. The Bible identifies it as prayer. That activity has improved my milage greatly. Try it sometime.

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Jeremiah 33:3 

Call to Me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The old country and western song declared, “He’s leading her across a bridge that he’s planning to burn.” It’s about the evil that takes you for a pleasant ride that has no return. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 11:3 

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Who is leading you? Give it some consideration.

Gary

I just read it somewhere, “Your paper smile covers up a broken heart.” That is not an uncommon phenomenon. I’ve observed that many times in life’s journey. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Psalm 34:18 

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalm 147:3 

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

You don’t have to fake a smile. There is One who can heal the wounds. Give it some thought.

Gary

I’ve told you about my trick-playing brother who was in the National Guard. Well, they sent the old sergeants on a training mission during which they had to climb a mountain. The soldier in front of my brother had his pack opened and, unbeknown to him, every so often a rock was carefully placed into his load. The higher he went, the greater was his unnecessary burden.

My point is, it’s terrible to have to travel through life with a load given by others which is unnecessary for you. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Matthew 23:4 

They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger.

Matthew 11:28-29 (Jesus said)

Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

God doesn’t give us an unnecessary load. Give it some thought.

Gary

What is so ironic about atheists? They’re always talking about God. Isn’t that interesting?  They have a problem with God.

Proverbs 1:7 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Psalm 14:1 (A psalm of David to the choirmaster)

The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

Don’t be a fool. Give God some thought beyond denying that He exists.

Gary

My brother was at National Guard training in Canada.  During their bivouac, he awakened one morning to find his roommate had died in the night. He stepped out of his tent and told the soldiers gathered before him that there was a dead guy in his tent. Because he was a joker, they didn’t believe him. He declared, “I don’t care what you think, but there is a dead guy in that tent.”

We awake to a great number of dead guys in a new day. Are you concerned?

Ephesians 2:4-5

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

1 Corinthians 15:21

For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.

 So, what are your thoughts about dead people?  Have you discussed it with others?

Give it some thought.

Gary