“The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.”
― Terry Pratchett, Diggers

An open mind is okay, but like your computer it needs a good antivirus program to keep it safe from the evil that lies in wait.

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.

Matthew 24:24 

For false Christ’s and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Working knowledge of Scripture is the best antivirus for an open mind. Give it some thought.

Gary

Matthew 6:25-27

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” 

Wouldn’t it be nice to just read these verses and never worry again? I must admit, it didn’t happen for me. Did it for you? I’m just appreciative of the fact that God takes care of me whether I worry or not. He knows our struggles with this common tendency. The likelihood to fret, shouldn’t stop us from moving forward by faith however.

Give it some thought.

Gary

2 Kings 7:3

Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die?” 

That question should be considered by every one of us. Why are we sitting, waiting for death, when there is a possibility of finding eternal life by accepting God’s gift.

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Give it some thought.

Gary

We hold up pictures of animals before a three-year-old and ask that little one to name them. Do you know that the Bible addresses that same concept for believers? We shouldn’t judge, but we also shouldn’t have our head in the sand.

Matthew 7:6

“Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.” 

Philippians 3:2

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

2 Peter 2:22

What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

Seemingly, some creatures can’t get away from what they are. Give it some consideration.

Gary

The tombstone will never say “killed by alcohol”, but that would be the truth. The tombstone will never say “killed by greed”, but that would be the truth. The tombstone will never say “killed by drugs”, but that would be the truth. The tombstone will never say “killed by rebelliousness”, but that would be the truth.

The tombstone will never say “killed by selfish ambition”, but that would be the truth.

What should be on your tombstone?

Psalm 90:12 

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 39:4 

“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

Before the tombstone is ordered, give it some thought.

Gary

“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)

Are there stupid questions in the Bible? There sure are and here is the first stupid question asked in Scripture. Cain was trying to cover the fact of his brother’s murder.

How about others? Do they concern you? Any wrong you’re trying to get away with? Can you fool God? Will He not be holding us accountable?

Exhausting questions. Give them some thought.

Philippians 2:3 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Ephesians 5:21 

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Gary

“Did God really say . . . ?” (Genesis 3:1)

The first question of Scripture was presented by Satan. His target for using such a method was to confuse and direct Eve in a direction away from God. It worked. Eve dialogued with Satan and the results were catastrophic.  I had three funerals in a week as a result of that question. I also will die as a result of that question and so will you.

My concern is what effect are the questions of Satan having on your life? Does it lead to a conversation with him? He’s a smooth talker, but we should never forget his goal is to destroy.

James 4:7 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Give it some thought.

Gary