It is a good thing we can’t remember coming into this world. The following trials would have haunted us the rest of our lives: the pain, the pressure, the severance of the lifeline, the slap from some hairy doctor, and then all those strange creatures.  Not many years after our birth, our first painful memory is emblazoned on our minds. Thereafter, it seems like trials were a normal part of life and couldn’t be erased from the hard drive. We became Christians and mistakenly believed the worst of trials were over.  Like Biden would say, “Come on, man.”

The Bible makes it clear that trials are not just time and chance but are woven into our very makeup.

James 1:12 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

No, we will never get to the place where we enjoy trials, but it is good to know God has said we can make it.

Think about it.

Gary

James Garner was one of my favorite actors as I was growing up.  He liked to gamble, and I just had to learn how to gamble at cards at a young age. There was a teenager five years older than I was, and he taught me all the different card games.  At the time, I believed him to be Maverick.

Strange isn’t it, how actors had such an influence on our young lives.  Dean Martin could have a cigarette in one hand, a drink in the other, and an arm around a girl at the same time. Yes, I wanted to be like him also, but as hard as I tried, I just never could get a handle on all of that as well as Dean did.

“All the World’s a Stage” was written by William Shakespeare. That sounds good. However, like TV programs and the aforementioned actors, it’s a world of make-believe.  If you would like to be in direct contact with the real world, open the Bible. This book contains the history of life’s reality. From the narratives contained in its pages, you can get a real understanding of what part you are to play in life’s drama.

Colossians 3:23-24

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

If you are going to play a part in what God wants to do, study those who have gone on before.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

You were made for the part, play it well.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones, released in 1965. It was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Fifty-five years have come and gone. Can you believe that Mick is still singing that same old song?

There are individuals like that and, unfortunately, many of them are believers. They just seem to always barely miss the ring as they go flying through the air in life’s circus. They are convinced they are playing solitaire with a deck of fifty-one.

The Bible describes it in the following:

Proverbs 27:20

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied,
    so human desire is never satisfied.

It really doesn’t have to be that way because God offers us so much more.

You can acquire something from God that can change that environment of frustration and clear up the fog of confusion.

Proverbs 19:23

The fear of the Lord leads to life, And he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.

Where do you stand? With Mick or those who draw their satisfaction from God.

Think about it.

Gary

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a 1987 American comedy film written, produced, and directed by John Hughes. I really enjoyed this movie because it reminded me of some of the guys I grew up with. We went through a lot of crazy times and difficult situations, but humor and close relationships helped us make it through it all.  By some miracle, we all made it to adulthood.

My life now still has crazy times and difficult situations. However, now that I’ve invited God into my life, there is the constant assurance of His presence in what a new day might bring forth.

Moses was shouldered with a monumental task but was given this promise from the Creator:

Exodus 33:14 

And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Believers, always rest in the fact that He who knows the future will faithfully guide you to the Promised Land.

Think about it.

Gary

A popular story says that Newton came up with the theory of gravity instantly when an apple fell from a tree and hit him on the head. Maybe that story was stretched a little from the actual event. Newton lived during the 1600’s but gravity had been around since creation.

What kind of a head injury would it take for you to get thinking about eternal things? A Vietnam vet told me the account of a buddy of his who claimed to be an atheist. This soldier related to me that in their first firefight he looked over and this individual was praying.  That’s the hit he needed to connect with God.

The apostle had to be knocked off his horse and the Ethiopian eunuch needed a man to show up out of nowhere.  Nebuchadnezzar needed a nightmare and the Philippian jailer needed a jailbreak.

God uses many a varied method to reach lost children.

Luke 19:10

for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

When did you take a hit?

Think about it.

Gary

The average lifespan in the United States is 78.54 years or about 28,835 days. Just give this some thought, how many of the days of your life can you remember? Now, what days are you looking forward to?

The following is taken from a hymn about a certain day for every Christian.

There is coming a day
When no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky
No more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forever more
On that happy golden shore
What a day, glorious day that will be

We can know the certainty of that event because John, inspired by the Spirit of God, left us the following truth:

1 John 5:13

These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Forget birthdays. This is the day I’m longing for.

Think about it.

Gary

My three brothers and one sister volunteered to serve our country in the armed forces during the 60’s.  One of my brothers was a combat marine and was seriously wounded in Viet Nam. As he was recuperating, he counselled me that I would be stupid if I joined up because as he said, “They tried to kill me over there.” Although he was a realist, he signed up for another tour in that war-torn region, after recovering in a naval hospital.

Service is something to be admired, and I am very proud of the members of my family that made such a contribution.

The same holds true to serving our Savior. The Apostle Paul made the following statement about his service:

2 Timothy 1:3

I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day,

God doesn’t draft anyone but is open to every volunteer.

Some believers even get wounded and get back into the fight.

Think about it.

Gary