A defendant isn’t happy with how things are going in court, so he gives the judge a hard time.

Judge: “Where do you work?”

Defendant: “Here and there.” 

Judge: “What do you do for a living?” 

Defendant: “This and that.” 

Judge: “Take him away.” 

Defendant: “Wait; when will I get out?” 

Judge: “Sooner or later.” 

-Pate Ferry

We appreciate answers to our questions that are well thought out and intelligent. Half-baked responses are frustrating to say the least. I sure am glad God does not communicate like that.

Colossians 4:6 

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

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

In 1969 this was one of my songs:

In the year 2525, if man is still alive
If woman can survive, they may find

In the year 3535
Ain’t gonna need to tell the truth, tell no lie
Everything you think, do and say
Is in the pill you took today

In the year 4545
You ain’t gonna need your teeth, won’t need your eyes
You won’t find a thing to chew
Nobody’s gonna look at you

In the year 5555
Your arms hangin’ limp at your sides
Your legs got nothin’ to do
Some machine’s doin’ that for you

In the year 6565
You won’t need no husband, won’t need no wife
You’ll pick your son, pick your daughter too
From the bottom of a long glass tube

In the year 7510

If God’s a coming,

I’m going to cut it off here because it mentions God letting it all happen.

That song-writing prophet had his dates wrong, for the fact is that God won’t let it go that far. After all, it is His creation.

Isaiah 5:20

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

2 Corinthians 10:5

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

Give it some thought. I’m going home.

Gary

An exercise for people who are out of shape: Begin with a five-pound potato bag in each hand. Extend your arms straight out from your sides, hold them there for a full minute, and then relax. After a few weeks, move up to ten-pound potato bags. Then try 50-pound potato bags, and eventually try to get to where you can lift a 100-pound potato bag in each hand and hold your arms straight for more than a full minute. Once you feel confident at that level, put a potato in each bag. 

         —Beverly Gross

Had you on that one. Let’s go for an application. People think they need more church (5 pounder). Keep the commandments (10 pounder). Pray more (50 pounder). Give more (100 pounder). Now face the reality.

Try this:

Romans 10:9-10 

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Galatians 2:21 

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.

Workouts won’t produce what faith can if placed in the right person.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“Kick the can” was a game we played as kids. All you needed for this game was a discarded fruit can and a hoard of neighborhood kids. It had to take place just prior to sundown. Everyone hid and the person on the can had to catch sight of those hidden, then run to tag the can and say, “I see so and so.” While he was trying to find others, someone could sneak up and kick the can and be made the winner. It was a great game that provided a wonderful way to end our day.

Life was simple then for kids. Today, it is too complicated and lacks the kind of interaction we enjoyed, while our technology leaves many isolated.

What does the Bible say about future youth?

Zechariah 8:5 

And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.

My opening paragraph isn’t happening today, but I believe in a future time kids will be once again play “kick the can” in the neighborhood.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I grew up on property that bordered the Allagash River. That river was an integral part of my life. We swam in it during the summer months and skated on it in the winter. Sometimes, we would pretend it was the Rhine River and we would wade across it to invade Germany and defeat Hitler. It remains a beautiful sight and is refreshing on many levels. Kayaking it, whenever possible, also increases my awareness of its allure.

Looking back over my years here on the planet, I realize God set in place many parts that shaped me into what I am today. Yes, I have a Biblical basis for that.

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

How many parts of your life are you thankful for?

Give it some thought.

Gary

He does such a great job combing his hair. It’s impressive how he’s able to hide the horns

They walk among us, but like Martin in the sitcom “My Favorite Martian,” they are not of us. Make no mistake, they look so very charming on the outside but are devilish on the inside. I’m not just making this up. It has a Biblical precedent.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Better take a second look; remember Little Red Riding Hood.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I don’t know why they reacted like that. It certainly wasn’t called for. I felt like saying, “Your biscuit’s not done in the middle.” Meaning, you haven’t completed an acceptable thought.

The Bible certainly has a lot to say about our speech and the type of person speaking.

Ephesians 4:29 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Psalm 19:14 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Let that biscuit of yours have time to cook through before serving.

Give it some thought.

Gary