His name was William Griffin and he was a sword swallower. He came to Bridgewater, Maine, in 1903 with the circus. It was his last exhibition by swallowing a sword. He died in the hospital as a doctor tried to save him from bleeding. This was not his first near-death experience by swallowing swords. Just seems like some people never learn. Or maybe, they just don’t want to go into any other line of work even if it kills them.

I don’t want my obituary to state that I died by swallowing a sword. When death comes, I desire the report to read something like King Josiah:

2 Kings 23:25

Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.

This was not what was said of over 90% of the kings of Israel after their death.

I don’t measure up to that, but it is my desire to leave something that honors my Savior.

.

What do you want said of you?

Give it some thought.

Gary

I never understood how a diesel engine works, but I drove an eighteen-wheeler for years. The principles behind electricity elude me, but I still turn the lights on at night. The doctor said I needed a triple bypass and I trusted him completely, although I’m not familiar with cardiac surgery. It’s been five years since the procedure and I’m still snowshoeing.

God’s love, mercy and grace are over my head, but I have embraced it. You don’t need a high IQ to accept things that have proven effective for years.

Jude 1:2

Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Like I said, you don’t need to be a nuclear physicist to be a partaker of things you don’t fully understand.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

The quality of life that we enjoy today lies in the fact that so many people lived out that statement. Someone has to be first. That has always been true of the Great Commission and the millions who have been reached as a result.

2 Corinthians 10:16

to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s sphere of accomplishment.

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

 I’m so glad Abraham and the Apostle Paul practiced that principle.

 How about you? Is it time to step out?

 Give it some thought.

Gary

It was Christmas Eve when the mother opened the door and the devil was standing there. She turned to her eight-year-old son and said, “I think you misspelled Santa, Tommy.”

He can show up at any time and you sure don’t want him in your life or in the life of your kids. The great problem is he doesn’t have a pitchfork, a tail or horns which would make him readily identifiable. As a matter of fact, he is quite attractive, but deadly.

1 Peter 5:8 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

2 Corinthians 11:14 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

James 4:7 

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

Be careful as to whom you open that door for and don’t let appearances fool you.

Give it some thought.

Gary

My niece’s husband is a retired navy pilot. On many occasions, he had to land and take off on an aircraft carrier. He revealed, that on approaching the ship, the pilot sees what looks like a toy boat some kid placed in the lake. He sent me the following quote.

“Courage lifts an aircraft into the air

Caution returns it to the ground”

The Bible has a lot to say about both acts:

Joshua 1:9 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Ephesians 5:15 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

Courage and caution need to be well mixed into the fabric of life.

Give it some thought.

Gary

To the writing of love songs, there will be no end.  If there is no end of love songs, nor will there be an end to somebody–done–somebody–wrong songs. So, where oh where can you be secure in a love song?

Glad you asked:

Psalm 119:165

Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.

Desiring to be secure in love, we should take on the challenge of loving the Word of God

Psalm 4:2

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

Psalm 32:10

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.

Give it some serious thought.

Gary

I got some negative feedback on yesterday’s devotional, so I’m led to defend my taste.

Most, obviously, have never tasted the combination of salt and vinegar chips with whole milk. Ask yourself: How did the banana-split come into being? Who put peanut butter on chocolate to create the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup? What would the baked potato be without sour cream?  How many other combinations have tickled our palettes?

Application:

Psalm 34:8

O taste and see that the Lord is good;

How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Psalm 119:103

How sweet are Your words to my taste!

Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

1 Peter 2:3

if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

Let me know what you think after you try it. This might become a national taste sensation.

Give it some thought.

Gary