Russia ditches nuclear security amid China visit, ‘dangerous decade’ ahead, expert warns. The headlines can be scary. There was the war to end all wars, WW1. Then some twenty years later there was WW2. Now we look down the barrel of WW3.

Jesus had something to say about wars:

Matthew 24:4-8

Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.  For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.  You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of birth pains.

Don’t fear war but serve Him who is in control of it all.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Bob: “Looks like you’ve been missing a lot of work lately.”
Peter: “I wouldn’t say I’ve been missing it, Bob.”
—Bob (Paul Wilson) and Peter (Ron Livingston), Office Space

Unfortunately, for some, work seems to be a problem, but for the child of God, work has an eternal purpose. It can’t save us, but it can give us a better life and an eternal investment that can never be taken away.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12

For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Work was created by God for you. Adam was told to work.

Genesis 2:15

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

Think about it.

Gary

When David Bellamy wrote “Old Hippie,” he had no idea that he was serving as a spokesperson for part of the “thirtysomething” generation at that time. That song was followed by two more and led to the spiritual conversion of the old Hippie as he entered the final quarter.

Many in the baby-boomer generation became disillusioned about life and tried to escape in drugs or alcohol. Some, fortunately, found the One who can make sense of it all. The third song in their trilogy tells of the music that can save the soul.

Here’s one song that can:

Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see

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.

If you haven’t found peace, try God’s Word.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Having a legal firearm within a home comes with responsibility for the gun owner, especially if there are children in the home. Ensuring that all family members understand how the gun should and should not be used is vital in making sure no accidents occur.

However, I just want to state unequivocally that words have caused more damage that guns ever have. Words have led to deaths and damages to the family that can never be repaired, not to mention what they can do to the soul.

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 16:24

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

Words, when used considerately, can bring tremendous blessing, but in the wrong hands, they can be killers.

Think about it.

Gary

“Before you marry a person, you should first make them use a computer with slow Internet to see who they really are.”
                                                                                                             —Will Ferrell

You guessed it, the Bible has a lot to say about patience and anger.

Proverbs 14:29 

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

James 1:20 

For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

Romans 12:12 

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen the explosions produced by individuals over the years. Admittedly, some have been caused by my lack of self-control. However, none have been able to produce anything but more damage to the soul.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“Life is currently described in one of four ways: As a journey, as a

battle, as a pilgrimage, and as a race. Select your own metaphor,

but the finishing necessity is all the same. For if life is a journey, it

must be completed. If life is a battle, it must be finished. If life is a

pilgrimage, it must be concluded. If life is a race, it must be won.”

                                                                              -Dr. J. Richard Sneed. 

Here it is. I didn’t ask for it, but I must complete it. Sometimes it is like a fog that lifts momentarily and then returns unexpectedly. Then at other times, it is a race and I feel so far from the finish line. Someone must be mindful of me and give me strength, wisdom and that all-necessary perseverance till time is up. That someone must be the Author and Finisher of my faith.

Romans 12:2 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Isaiah 41:10 

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Hang in there, my friend, because the finish line is just around the corner.

Think about it.

Gary

“My mother always used to say: The older you get, the better you get, unless you’re a banana.”
 —Betty White

You are probably not a banana, so here is some sound advice for your waning years.

Proverbs 16:31 

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life.

Psalm 92:14 

They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,

Proverbs 20:29 

The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.

Take the remainder of life by the horns, you matriarch or patriarch.

Think about it.

Gary