If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away. 

-Henry David Thoreau

Henry tells us if we hear something from far away, we should walk in step to it. Now I can handle his poetry, but not his philosophy. The reason for that is because of my age and time in the Word. Here are some bad actors to prove my point.

2 Timothy 4:10

For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica.

2 Timothy 4:14

Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds.

Mark 4:19

but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.

No, I’d be careful of that foreign music. Remember the Pied Piper.

 Give it some thought.

Gary

I believe Ray Prichard is one of the great Bible teachers of our time. He knows how to put the cookies on the bottom shelf so the kids can have easy access. I’ve picked his pockets many times in putting a sermon together and he stated he didn’t mind a bit because he picked someone else’s pocket to make it. There is nothing new under the sun. Here is one of his quotes:

If you just happen to jump out of an aircraft (for ANY reason), don’t forget your “chute”!

Life can be a rut, but it is usually a safe rut. Just make sure when you make a jump, the presence of the Holy Spirit is with you. Once you jump, you can’t return.

Psalm 16:11 

You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Exodus 33:14 

And He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Even the daily grind can be better than the alternative.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Boy, those French, they have a different word for everything!
~ Steve Martin

Does the Bible have something to say about words? Glad you asked.

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.

Matthew 12:37 

For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:36 

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Careful, that mouth of yours is a clip of dangerous projectiles.

Give it some thought.

Gary

You know there is a problem with the education system when you realize that out of the 3 R’s only one begins with an R.
~ Dennis Miller

That’s probably where the system started failing. Let me give you the three R’s of reality. The first is rigor. You are going to have to work now and until death comes for you. Secondly, relevance, i.e., the connection of subjects you’re learning and the practicality of putting them into your daily experience. Then lastly, relationships: life is made up of others, including God.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatever you do, do well, for in death, where you are going, there is no working or planning, or knowing, or understanding.

Give it some thought and sweat it out.

Gary

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser and realized the world would not change, I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country: but it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, I settled on changing only my family and those closest to me, but alas they would have none of it. Now as I lay on my deathbed, I suddenly realize that if I had only changed myself first, then by example I could perhaps have changed my family, and from their inspiration and encouragement to me, I would have been better able to help my country and from there I may even have been able to change the world.

(Taken from the tomb of a Bishop in Westminster Abbey 1100 A.D).

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Give it some thought and begin what God wants changed in your life today.

Gary

If your college degree doesn’t produce enough value for you to pay it off, it certainly doesn’t have enough value for your neighbor to pay it off.

-Author unknown

Don’t be looking for a free ride when everyone else has to pay his own way. Sorry your beer tab and extravagant lifestyle have cost you so much.

Ephesians 4:28 

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

Leviticus 19:11 

“You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Something to ponder… The United States has become a place where entertainers and professional athletes are mistaken for people of importance. I have needed a doctor; I have needed a soldier; I have needed a policeman; I have needed a fireman; I have needed a teacher; I have needed a mechanic. But I have never needed a media personality or a Hollywood entertainer for anything!

–   Author unknown

Who are the individuals who gave us a real shot at life? They are the ones who went to work every day, not needing recognition. If they were taken out of the equation, we would be poor indeed.

Acts 20:35 

In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 15:58 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

 Give it some thought and go to work. The next generation needs you.

Give it some thought.

Gary