When I was young, a lot of decades ago, the Bee Gees were my favorite group of singers. Both they and I separated as time went on; however, a stanza in one of their ancient songs struck me. The title of the song is Words.

You think that I don’t even mean
A single word I say
It’s only words and words are all I have
To take your heart away

I got to thinking about that statement and the realization hit me that this is the way most people look at the Scriptures–since you can’t believe people, you can’t believe what God has to say.

An elderly lady told me today after a Bible Study in the nursing home, “We have to believe that because it is the Word of God.” She acknowledged that some things from the Word of God are difficult to believe.

God has chosen words to speak to the human race.

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of God.

These words, unlike the words of the Bee Gees, can take our heart away forever.

Think about it.

Gary

This was a historical statement: “As long as the grass shall grow and as long as the river flows.” Such were the promises given to the Native American people by Andrew Jackson. The grass continued to grow and the rivers continued to flow, but the white man’s words rang hollow. Within ten years, the promise was broken.

The Muslim warrior promised seventy-two virgins in heaven also fits into this category as does a place in heaven being secured by producing multiple children. This includes the good old boys who think they will sit around drinking beer and telling jokes in heaven.

Don’t picture heaven from the depths of man’s evil imagination but get it from the Creator of that wonderful place. The truth about heaven lies in the ancient words of Scripture.

John 14:1-2

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Is it time to find the truth about that eternal reality?

Think about it.

Gary

In the fall of ’82, I was cutting hardwood trees for firewood on a ridge. I felled a tree which landed into another hardwood, bending it over like a slingshot. Suddenly, it sent my falling tree flying back at me. There was no time to run, so I dove in the opposite direction. The tree slammed into the tire of the skidder. It was the closest call I ever had while harvesting trees.

I’ve viewed forestry accidents where death was involved and can’t explain why I made it out of that situation. The Bible says the rain falls on the just and the unjust so that leaves me without an explanation.

The question in my mind is what have I done between now and the fall of ‘82?  Did I make any difference in this world in which I live?  I’m sure most of you can relate and tell your own stories of close calls. Did we glorify God because life continued?

1 Corinthians 10:31 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

In a dangerous and uncertain world, we must consider these things.

Think about it.

Gary

“Lord, I Hope This Day is Good” is a song written by Dave Hanner, and recorded by American country music artist Don Williams. It was released in November 1981 as the third single from the album “Especially for You.” I’m not supporting the biblical accuracy of the song but the craving of many a man to have God ordain his day.

Lord, I hope this day is good
I’m feelin’ empty and misunderstood
I should be thankful, Lord, I know I should
But Lord I hope this day is good

Lord, have you forgotten me
I’ve been prayin’ to you faithfully
I’m not sayin’ I’m a righteous man
But Lord I hope you understand

I don’t need fortune and I don’t need fame
Send down the thunder, Lord, send down the rain
But when you’re plannin’ just how it will be
Plan a good day for me

The major problem with the song is with the word righteous. In scriptural terms it means right with God. We need to be righteous to have such access in prayer. Righteousness is not in us but was given to us because of the finished work of Christ. He has righteousness and we have sin. He took our sin and gave us His righteousness.

Romans 3:21-22

But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe.

Give it some thought and have a good day.

Gary

It was a hot Saturday morning in June of ’64 and our bikes were ready for the adventure. I talked him into the trip because I used the bait of attractive French girls that could be seen along the way. A round trip would involve about twenty miles with some steep hills thrown in the mix for bikes with only one speed.

For some reason, I had an inward desire for a challenging adventure or just experiencing the unknown. I guess my inexperienced motto was, “Let’s just do it.” The snag was always to find the right person for such a pursuit.

The account of two close friends is found in the twentieth chapter of first Samuel. So Jonathan said to David, “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you.” With that kind of bond between two individuals, great things can be accomplished for the kingdom of God.

Do you have a friend who will step out and help you accomplish things for God?

Think about it.

Gary

PS. By the way, we didn’t see any girls and I can’t imagine any would have been impressed with us.

Albert Einstein was a super-intelligent man who made a great number of interesting and profound statements about our universe. Here is one you can comprehend with a relatively low IQ.

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe.”

Over three thousand years God published that using the smartest man in the world:

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 4:5

Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Human stupidity has a cure and it is by consuming large portions of Scripture with appropriate rumination. This is followed by working the energy out in everyday experience.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Hey, look at that U-Haul trailer being pulled by that hearse as it travels down the street.  That individual must be taking all his stuff with him. No, it is just a figment of our imagination. Everyone dies and no one takes his or her things with him or her. It doesn’t matter if you are smart or dumb.

Psalm 49:10

For all can see that the wise die,
    that the foolish and the senseless also perish,
    leaving their wealth to others.

Woody Allan said, “I’m not afraid of death; I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” Well, Woody, you will be there when it happens and that is guaranteed.

Hebrews 9:27

And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

What are your plans for this event?

Think about it.

Gary