The signs posted on the interstate warned that the speed limit was now 55 and underneath that it stated that the fines would be doubled.

Now I know the Bible says if we break one of God’s laws, we are guilty of all (James 2:10). However, from studying Scripture it becomes obvious that some sins bring on a much greater judgment here on the planet than others. Sodom and Gomorrah are prime examples, along with the following:

o    Adam and Eve were banned from Eden instead of being killed for disobeying God.

o    Moses was forced to leave Egypt after killing that man.

o    Moses was not allowed into the promised land after striking the rock twice.

o    The great fish swallowed Jonah.

o   The tiny city of Ai defeated the Israelites due to someone who took things he was not supposed to in the camp of the enemy.

The believer should heed the warnings, for there could be severe consequences just ahead. Give it some thought.

Gary

“If you choose to not deal with an issue,
then you give up your right of control over the issue
and it will select the path of least resistance.”
– Susan Del Gatto

There is an entire book written addressing this concept. That book is found in the Bible and is named after its chief character, Daniel. He was taken captive by a foreign power and faced many a conflict in his long life. However, he always chose to deal with the issues because he recognized he served, above all else, a Holy God.

Daniel 1:8-9

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 

Do what is right and God will take care of the situations. Give it some thought.

Gary

Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.      – Sophocles

Many try to cheat their way through life. I’m not judging because I’ve sometimes taken that shortcut in situations, especially on the interstate. Blue lights let me know that I’ve been caught, which didn’t save me time or money. “Do the right thing,” God says.  He’s right.

1 Corinthians 2:14 

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Matthew 6:33 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Don’t make a trooper chase after you when he has more important things to do. Also, for the believer, God sees it all and could make you pay. Give it some thought.

Gary

This headline caught my eye: The foods that make you smell more, according to science.

Now this is not our major problem regarding the embarrassment scale. The overriding humiliation that is produced by us comes from our speech and not our body. Our words make us more or less attractive.

The Apostle Paul is a case in point:

Acts 20:36-38

And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

My prayer is that when I depart, people will miss me for my words and not the way I smell. But as many of you know, I do hope that the offending foods are broccoli and raisins, which I would gladly keep out of my diet.

Give it some thought.

Gary

In the greatest difficulties, in the heaviest trials, in the deepest poverty and necessities, He has never failed me; but because I was enabled by His grace to trust Him He has always appeared for my help. I delight in speaking well of His name.

–       George Müller

George Müller was famous for his orphanages in Bristol, England, where he cared for over 10,000 orphans throughout his life. He trusted Christ in what seemed like insurmountable odds and proved God to be true to His Word.

Maybe we haven’t experienced such results in our lives because, when God asked us to step out by faith, we refused.

Hebrews 11:6 

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.

Matthew 21:22 

And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Step out and experience the hand of God working on your behalf. Give it some consideration.

Gary

“Maine, the way life should be,” that was the advertising motto for the state of Maine for many years. I grew up here and concur with that statement. There is no other place on the planet I would rather be than here. The other 49 states have nothing to offer me.

However, there is one more state to consider and that is the one mentioned in Scripture.

Philippians 4:11

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

Psalm 144:15

Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!

1 Corinthians 7:24

Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

Memorize these states; they will do you well. Give it some thought.

Gary

A good leader is someone who knows what he’s bad at, and hires someone who’s good at it to take care of it for him.                                                                                        – John Flanagan

I’ve seen that played out by the best. Many have become rich because they followed that principle. On the other hand, many have lost their shirt because they believed they were good at everything.

Salvation is a case in point. We can’t save ourselves or keep ourselves and that must be etched into the fiber of our being.

Jesus can save, keep, and deliver, and in Him we must trust and not ourselves. We are incapable of doing the job.

Psalm 9:10 

And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

Psalm 40:4 

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!

As the perfect Lamb of God, He has done what we are incapable of.   Give it some thought.

Gary

 He is Able