Strange sometimes how situations play out. Sometimes individuals set out to do you some damage, but the results of their actions prove to be a benefit to you.
Joseph experienced that phenomenon in the Book of Genesis.
Genesis 50:20
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good
We need to trust God in those adverse situations when it seems so dark and difficult to understand.
Give it some thought.
Gary
When I was a youth, the most important endeavor was to get ready for winter. Storm windows had to be put on, canning had to be completed, firewood was stacked in the shed and antifreeze was checked in every radiator. Times have changed and these concerns are not so relevant. However, winter hasn’t changed. It comes every year.
Paul spoke on this topic.
2 Timothy 4:21
Do your utmost to come before winter.
There was a need that only Timothy could fulfill. That is if he were there on time.
Is someone looking to you to be there on time?
Think about it.
Gary
I tried to share Christ with that fellow and I really had a concern for his soul. Sometime later I observed him talking to another man and realized the laughter was about my actions. Anger rose up inside of me which was the wrong reaction after I reflected on the Word of God.
1 Peter 4:14
If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.
You can’t be effective for Christ if the reactions of those in the greatest need will deter you.
Think about it.
Gary
TV, magazines, newspapers and even billboards advertise a particular medication that can alleviate whatever is wrong with you. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if that were all true?
However, for those of us who have been around for at least a half century, experience has taught us deception is common practice.
There is a place to find something that really works and that is the wisdom that comes from the Word of God.
James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Remember to take all your pills, but never under any circumstances leave out the Word of God.
Think about it.
Gary
One more time I will quote Alan Jackson’s song “The Older I Get.”
And if they found a fountain of youth
I wouldn’t drink a drop and that’s the truth
Funny how it feels I’m just getting to my best years yet
He knew there was something better than the fountain of youth. The Word of God makes a similar statement.
Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retains her.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but life can get extremely crazy. However, what comes directly from God can bring us back to a sane mind and divine happiness.
Give it some thought.
Also, I’ll try not to sing any more of Alan Jackson’s songs for you.
Gary
“All that glitters is not gold” is an ancient saying that has more than proven itself accurate over a lot of years. Many a person held the gold in his or her hand as life came to a conclusion and discovered to his or her horror it was worthless.
So many have been hurt and have hurt others because of the gold.
God has offered many an individual something much more valuable.
Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold;
That which comes from God has eternal value and should be sought after with all our being.
Give it some thought.
Gary
It was a long time ago. In my mind I picture a group of boys dividing up the herd into teams starting with who wins the bat toss.
What about the last pick or the one neither side wanted?
How do we measure each other’s worth?
The standard for measurement with God is much different.
For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
In the Christian realm we shouldn’t practice the common misconception of overvaluing ourselves and undervaluing others.
Give it some thought.
Gary