The little word “now” is a very interesting word. The word means, “at the present moment of time or without any further delay.” The Holy Spirit moved the writers and translators of the Bible to use that little word quite often throughout the Scriptures.

Hebrews 9:26

He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.

It was a one-time event that paid in full the condemnation that we all deserve. Don’t you appreciate that “now” event?

Give it some thought.

Gary

For my first foray up Mount Katahdin, I brought five people along. After the first mile, three of them were complaining about my going too fast and that the way was too hard. I patiently explained that what lay ahead was even more difficult terrain and that they should probably return to the vehicle. They did so, and one other person and I continued the climb to the top.

Complaining in difficulty robs people of enjoyment, both in this life and sometimes in the world to follow.

Philippians 2:14-16 

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Admittedly, this Christian experience has its difficulties, but it surely is worth the pain and tribulations. The feeling of reaching a mountain top can’t compare to the glories of heaven.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“Everybody wants to save the Earth; nobody wants to help Mom do the dishes.”

― P.J. O’Rourke, All the Trouble in the World

Galatians 6:2 

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

2 Thessalonians 3:13 

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

They waited on us in our youth, and now is the time to return the favor.

Give it some thought.

Gary

In 1969, Neil Diamond sang “Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show.”
This song was written about a revival meeting he attended, just for the fun
of it, in Jackson, Mississippi. The charismatic preacher led him to have a
career as a charismatic singer.

People have mocked these gatherings and sometimes it was a mockery of
the gospel message. However, many times the preaching brought folks to
salvation and had an effect on the spiritual condition of the country.

It’s not the eloquence or dynamics of the preacher, but the power of the
Holy Spirit when the Word is presented that leads people to Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:3-5
I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech
and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the
wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

In Acts chapter 8, we read about a man who professed to be a believer, but time proved that profession to be empty. He wanted something out of Christianity that would be prestigious and monetarily valuable. He wouldn’t be the first phony, nor would he be the last. People like him attend church every Sunday.

Does the Bible address these phenomena? Glad you asked.

Philippians 3:18

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

They were in the church of Philippi and they are in your church.

Give it some thought.

Gary

When Elvis was a young singer, he sang this song to sell records to the Christian community. Whether he believed the words or not, some day we will know. However, this should be the driving force of every believer.

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to light
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home

Psalm 31:20 

In the cover of Your presence You hide them from the plots of men; You store them in Your shelter from the strife of tongues.

Psalm 51:10-12 

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from Your presence, and take not Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

I certainly want my hand in His until I reach the other shore.

Give it some thought.

Gary

My grandson and I are caught in a severe thunder storm. The rain is torrential and the logging road we’re riding on with electric bikes looks like a river. Though I’m a seventy-one-year-old, I’m screaming like a seventeen-year-old and so is he at the age of twenty-one. We were having an experience together that neither one of us will ever forget in this lifetime. However, a generation from now, that experience will never be brought up.

Speaking of experiences, the Apostle Paul was the master. Once he was scourged with thirty-nine lashes, three times he was beaten with rods, and he was stoned once and left for dead. He suffered shipwreck three times and faced drowning while adrift in the sea for a night and a day.  Hounding him across the Roman Empire, certain Jews sought to kill him, and false brethren betrayed him (2 Cor 11:24-28).

His are the experiences that count for eternity.

Give it some thought.

Gary