A guy spots a sign outside a house that reads, “Talking Dog for Sale.” Intrigued, he walks in.

“So what have you done with your life?” he asks the dog.

“I’ve led a very full life,” says the dog. “I lived in the Alps rescuing avalanche victims. Then I served my country in Iraq. And now I spend my days reading to the residents of a retirement home.”

The guy is flabbergasted. He asks the dog’s owner, “Why on Earth would you want to get rid of an incredible dog like that?”

The owner says, “Because he’s a liar! He never did any of that!”

It’s sad when someone is the owner of something of great value but doesn’t recognize the potential and as a result gives it very little value.

Case in point: There are an estimated 5 to 7 billion Bibles in the world. However, the majority holders of these sacred books consider them of no value. Do you know what you hold in your hands?

1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Luke 12:7

 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Psalm 139:14

I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful; I know that full well.

Don’t be like the majority. Treasure what you have. Give it some thought and don’t be barking up the wrong tree.

Gary

When I was a boy, I was told that anybody could become President. I’m beginning to believe it.

–       Clarence Darrow (1857-1938)

I wonder if Darrow was reflecting on the Old Testament prophets’ comments on leadership.

Isaiah 1:23

“Your rulers are rebels, partners with thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow’s case does not come before them.”

Ezekiel 34:2-3

“Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock.”

Considering the fact that we’re 40 trillion dollars in debt, I agree with Clarence. Give it some thought; don’t put much faith in politics and be led by God’s Word.

Gary

I tried having my mother’s phone disconnected, but customer service told me that since the account was in my dad’s name, he’d have to be the one to put in the request. The fact that he’d been dead for 40 years didn’t sway the rep. Then a solution hit me: “If I stop paying the bill, you can turn off the service, right?”

“Well, yes,” she said reluctantly. “But that would ruin his credit.” – Jeannie Gibbs

What about after death?

Ecclesiastes 12:7 

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Revelation 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Poor credit or a credit score of 850 won’t make any difference. The only score that counts is whether you are saved or that you chose to remain in your lost condition. What’s your rating? Give it some thought.

Gary

I don’t know where this statement came from, but it sure sounds like the human experience of too many. “I’m a prisoner of the wind.”  Now does the Bible address this theory? Glad you asked.

Ephesians 4:14 

So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.

Hosea 8:7 

For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. 

Jude 1:12

These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead.

Yes, be careful out there in the wind. Give it some thought.

Gary

Not everything that counts can be counted. Not everything that can be counted counts. 

–      Dr. Charles Garfield.

The most meaningful aspects of the human experience cannot be measured with metrics or statistics. Examples include deep emotions like love and trust, or abstract traits like integrity, curiosity, and creativity.

Do most human beings really understand what counts? Here’s some of what God’s Word has to say about that topic:

Micah 6:8

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Do you know what counts? Give it some thought.

Gary

“Through Every Storm” is most notably a powerful, comforting Christian worship song performed by acclaimed Southern Gospel artist Janet Paschal.

Impossible to go through life without some hurt, some pain
And you can’t live in sunshine always, sometimes it rains

But God knew every step you’d take
each valley you’d go through
and He chose long ago to walk with you through every storm

God will somehow take you safely without harm
though at times you may feel frightened and alarmed through every storm

Those nights that you’ll spend waiting for the sun
And when you feel your strength is gone, He’ll come
And carry you through every storm

I know you know yourself so well,
with all your weaknesses inside
And you can’t see how you could ever face a lonely night
but don’t you understand your strength is never quite enough
My God’s gonna have to help you do it;
I know He’ll see you through every storm

God will prove Himself time and time again
And when your efforts aren’t enough, He’ll take over then through every storm

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Consider it.

Gary

It takes a strong person to admit when he’s weak. I don’t know where I picked up that statement, but it is certainly refreshing when you can see it played out in life. Does the Bible address this? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 28:13

 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and turns away from his sins will find compassion and mercy.

Psalm 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to You, and I did not cover up my iniquity… and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Don’t pretend to be something you’re not. Give it some consideration.

Gary