By the grace of God, I’ve enjoyed some new things in life. As an eight-year-old, I pedaled around on a new bike that opened up my world. I had the fortune of enjoying many new careers. At one time, I dated a new girlfriend who has been at my side for fifty-two years. Along the way, I moved into a new home, met new friends and had new grandchildren. However, well above everything else, was a new life that only God could give me.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 

My desire and prayer is that all who read this have the newness that only comes through Christ.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The apostle Paul was trying to convince the Corinthians, who struggled with wanting the showier gifts, that there was an activity much better than those they desired. That action was to love others. Now it doesn’t mean to be stupid, because some have to be loved from a great distance. It does mean that the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge would have an end in the early church, but love would never have an end.

1 Corinthians 13:8

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

If you want a gift that makes an eternal difference, it’s love. If you are a believer, you have it. But the question is do you use it?

Give it some thought.

Gary

Shoveling off my roof because I live in northern Maine is always a challenge. Having been a paramedic for years, I know old guys fall off of roofs. Some die and some are badly injured. My secret to success in this matter is to always plan my falls. It has happened on occasion, but due to proper planning, it never results in an injury.

The same is true in life. Stumbling is a real possibility and one needs to be ready for it. Does the Bible address this subject? Glad you asked. Jude is the expert.

Jude 1:24 

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy,

Jude 1:12 

These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted;

Have you noticed all the things that could trip you up?  Please be careful out there. Give it some thought.

Gary

Walking on hot coals is something that we’ve read about over the years, but never experienced. Now you might believe that act is possible, but I don’t. I believe the Biblical account of the activity. However, if you are going to try it, I’d like to be there as a witness. I could always use a good laugh.

Proverbs 6:28

Can one walk on hot coals,
And his feet not be seared?

The Biblical account or personal experience, which one will you hitch up your wagon to?

Give it some thought and stay away from hot coals. By the way, the context is adultery.

Gary

Why did the soccer player take so long to eat dinner?

 Because he thought he couldn’t use his hands.

-anonymous author

Since I am not writing to soccer players, unless they are Christians, here is how you are to use your hands.

Psalm 134:2 

Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!

Psalm 90:17 

Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!

Come on now, use those hands the way God intended when He placed you on the planet.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Some would have you believe that all you need is to have faith in God, and it doesn’t matter what god it is. That sounds really good to the multitude, for with that belief system everyone makes it. Just don’t read the Scriptures because it blows that philosophy out of the water.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

If you are going to rest secure in the promise of eternal life, you had better check the foundation.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Sidney E. Cox, 1887–1975, was a Psalm Author and Composer. In 1951 he composed the following lines of a hymn.

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,
All I have to do is follow.

Strength for today is mine all the way,
And all that I need for tomorrow.

Not that our travels through life aren’t without difficulties, but like the children of Israel in the wilderness, we have the tools available to make the journey.

John 8:12 

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 12:26 

If anyone serves Me, he must follow Me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him.

Give it some thought and start walking.

Gary