Do you know who invented the sandwich? Let me enlighten you. In the mid 18th century, the 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718–92), an English nobleman, is said to have eaten food in this form so as not to leave the gaming table. Makes sense to me because I also hated to leave the gambling table.

However, I brought the sandwich to a state of perfection. Starting with two thick slices of homemade bread, I lather peanut butter on one slice and apple jelly on the other, then I add a slab of extra sharp cheddar cheese. The final layer consists of slices of bread and butter pickles. I squish this tightly with one hand, bring this sandwich to my mouth, bite into it, and enjoy. Now I know I should have patented this before I shared it with you, but it is my contribution to the world.

Don’t gag until you taste it. Interestingly, it reminds me of my attempts to get people interested in the Word of God.

Psalm 34:8 

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

Psalm 119:103 

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Job 12:11 

Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food?

Give it some thought.

Gary

Coming off Mount Katahdin in a cold, bone-chilling rain, I knew that stopping to rest was not an option. Movement was the only thing keeping hypothermia at bay. Why did I do such things? I guess the answer is because I could. After it was over, I treasured the experience.

Many events in my life have been outside the box. However, their additions have put me where I am today and I’m thankful to my God for them. So many situations are difficult, but later appreciated. Don’t forget this principle, and just endure what you might be going through right now.

Romans 8:28 

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.

Nahum 1:7

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Give it some consideration and keep going.

Gary

My daily bread consists of Paula’s homemade bread on which I put a layer of  peanut butter on one slice and homemade apple jelly on the other. I also throw in a banana for good measure. What does the Bible have to say about bread? Glad you asked.

Matthew 4:4 

But He answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

John 6:35

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.

What are your thoughts on bread?

Gary

“One Tin Soldier” is an anti-war song written by Dennis Lambert and Brian Potter in 1969 as part of the protest against the Vietnam War. It was later featured in the movie Billy Jack in 1971. The song highlights the destructive nature of unchecked aggression and the irony of fighting for something that ultimately offers no true reward.

Man is at war with God and doesn’t realize the consequences. When he does, it will be too late and the damage will be done. This song illustrates a truth we find in scripture.

Romans 8:7

For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.

Romans 5:1

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Don’t be fighting against God. You can’t win. Give it some thought.

 Gary

“Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it.”
— Irving Berlin

There are just too many factors that make up life. There are twists and turns, hills and valleys and the constant forces that are out of our control. Much of the time, we must put aside our desires and plans and deal with the situation at hand. So, Irving was not far off, but he didn’t guide us to the tools. God did.

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Give it some consideration.

Gary

I’ve learned –
that it’s not what you have in your life
but who you have in your life that counts.

–        Unknown author

Life is made up of many entities like people, angels, and God. Now how do we handle this mix of personalities? Whom do we invite in and whom do we reject? Remember, it’s whom you have that counts.

Hebrews 1:14

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.

Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. 

Proverbs 11:14 

Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Many want to help, but do we invite them in?  Give it some thought.

Gary

Luke 10 tells the story of the Good Samaritan. He was someone hated by the audience of the chapter. As a Samaritan, he was an individual whom no one would ever consider to be a savior of men, yet he was willing to give of himself so another could live. Whereas, the purportedly religious of the story passed by that helpless man.

Whom does the Good Samaritan represent?  It’s not you and it’s certainly not me. It’s Christ.

1 John 4:14 

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world.

Luke 1:47 

And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Acts 4:12 

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Were you without hope on a dangerous road when the Savior appeared?

Give it some thought.

Gary