The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. I’ve needed a doctor, a teacher. I need farmers every day. I need truck drivers every day. I’ve needed an auto mechanic, a plumber, a painter, and a lot of other skilled everyday people. I have NEVER, not once, NEEDED a pro-athlete, a media personality, or an entertainer for ANYTHING!

–       Unknown author

Philippians 4:19 

And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:32-33 

For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

God meets our needs. Give it some thought.

Gary

My brother was a full-time master sergeant in the National Guards. His superiors sent a group of old sergeants for special training. Stopping for a break on a hike, he teased a southern friend he had made.

He told him, “My dad always said, ‘Son, keep your rifle clean because one of these days the South will rise again.’”

This soldier had a sense of humor, but the need to be ready is something the Bible mentions many times.

Matthew 24:44 

Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Matthew 25:13 

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

Do you practice readiness? Give it some thought.

Gary

One of America’s fondest legends is that of Johnny Appleseed, a folk hero and real-life pioneer apple farmer in the 1800s. Johnny Appleseed’s real name was John Chapman. He was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, in 1774. His dream was to produce so many apples that no one would ever go hungry. He was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Ontario, as well as the northern counties of West Virginia.

What the country’s orchards are today has some roots in what Johnny accomplished. Does the Bible address sowing and reaping? Glad you asked.

Psalm 126:6 

He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

Galatians 6:7 

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

Give it some thought and start sowing.

Gary

The End of the World by Skeeter Davis

Why does the sun go on shining?
Why does the sea rush to shore?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me any more

Why do the birds go on singing?
Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love

I wake-up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does

Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said, “Good-bye”

It sure is sad when you don’t know the One who loves you unconditionally and will never leave you nor forsake you. Don’t go around singing old Skeeter’s song.

Hebrews 13:5 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Give it some thought.

Gary

Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be. –Thomas Kempis

Thomas had it right. However, there is One who can bring about real and lasting change and that is God.

2 Corinthians 5:17 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

1 John 3:9 

No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.

Change is possible. Give it some thought.

Gary

The story is found in 1 Samuel. A young shepherd by the name of David was asked by his father to take food to his brothers who were fighting in Saul’s army.  You probably know the rest of the story. This would be step one on the journey to kingship for a young boy.

Obedience in small things will lead to larger things if we are faithful. Never miss an opportunity to serve the Father.

1 Samuel 17:18 

Also take these ten cheeses to the commander of their thousand. See if your brothers are well, and bring some token from them.”

1 John 5:3 

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

Luke 6:46 

“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?

If you hear the Father’s voice, do what He asks of you.

Give it some thought.

Gary

We played ball on that front lawn with the neighborhood kids. The field was probably 30 feet by 40 feet in size. Sticks were used as the bases and the highway was a homerun hit. I don’t know why no one got hit by a car, nor why the adults didn’t say be careful of the road. It was just one of the things we did as kids and it was great. What does the Bible say about children? Glad you asked.

Psalm 127:3-5 

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

Matthew 19:14 

But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”

Try to keep them safe, but let them be children.

Give it some thought.

Gary