It was a story told by Diane Rogers found in Reader’s Digest. It goes like this: ”My son-in-law was washing his truck when he turned the hose on his five-year-old. She ran around laughing and giggling. Unable to control her happiness, she shrieked, ‘This is too much fun, Dad! How did you come up with it?’”

She didn’t realize the value of experience that accumulates over the years. The kind of experience that can bring joy to others. Yes, you are right the Bible does mention the principle.

Job 12:12

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. 

Proverbs 24:32

When I saw, I reflected upon it;

I looked, and received instruction.

If the carnal experiences of life can help us give pleasures to others, just think of what the sharing of spiritual experiences can do.

Give it some thought.

Gary

RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner, operated by the White Star Line, which sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on 15 April 1912 after striking an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, England, to New York City, United States. Of the 2,240 passengers and crew on board, more than 1,500 lost their lives in the disaster.

She was billed as the ship that couldn’t sink, and all we can say is she sank without reaching her destination on her first voyage. 

How’s it going on your voyage through life? Think you’ll make it? Are you relying on some man-made religion, philosophy, or tradition?

Here are some we can read about who made a bad decision to trust in something other than the Word of God:

Acts 24:25

Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time, I will call for you.” 

Acts 26:24

Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!”

Both men sank because their faith was misplaced.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The soldier’s first article of faith is summed up nowhere more eloquently than in an 1865 letter from William Tecumseh Sherman to U.S. Grant: “I knew wherever I was that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place, you would come–if alive.”

You can tackle huge projects and overcome tremendous challenges if you are confident others have your back. Let me quote a divine and human source of such confidence because of the support of others.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 

And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 

Philippians 1:6 

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Life is a challenge and the opposition is good at throwing curveballs, but we must have confidence in the help of others.

Give it some thought and fight on.

Gary

To keep your marriage brimming
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;
Whenever you’re right, shut up.

 -Ogden Nash

This is a quote I’ve used while performing many marriage ceremonies. At the time, the couple probably didn’t get the full weight of the poem. However, looking back at their video, they can let it hit home.

Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Ephesians 5:33

However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

If you haven’t yet memorized this poem accompanied by these verses, do so now.

Give it some thought.

Gary

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

-Walt Disney

Walt Disney built a tremendous empire because he acted on his philosophy that every day you go to work. It would be nice if someone like him were at the helm of Disney today. That being said, the Bible speaks of doing for every believer.

James 1:22

Be ye DOERS OF THE WORD and not hearers only deceiving your own selves

Gal. 6:9

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Heb. 13:16

But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Give it some thought and go out there and do it.

Gary

Something we had to learn quickly at school was the fact that there were some bad cats. You needed to give some real space to these individuals. Also, there were some who just didn’t like you, no matter how hard you tried to befriend them.

Those early school days were just preparing us for the real world. For there, too, there are some you should stay away from and some who will never be your friend.

Romans 16:17

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.

2 Timothy 2:23

But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.

Proverbs 1:15

My son, do not walk in the way with them.

Keep your feet from their path,

You can’t win them all. Give it some thought.

Gary

I graduated from high school in the spring of 1970 and talked my dad into letting me have a job in the woods’ industry. I worked with two Quebecers who couldn’t speak English. Through that entire summer before college that employment provided good money. However, working with people whose language you don’t understand is a challenge. They were probably saying in front of me at times, “Why do we have to work with the idiot son of the boss?”

The Bible does speak of being clear and gracious when you speak.

Proverbs 16:24 

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 

Proverbs 17:28 

Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

Give it some thought; don’t sweat the speech of others, but be conscious of your own.

Gary