I like nonsense — it wakes up the brain cells.  Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.  It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope that enables you to laugh at all of life’s realities.

–       Theodore S. Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss

We are strange creatures. Loving fantasy and avoiding reality seems to be the occupation of the majority. That’s why the Scriptures are avoided and false religion proliferates.  This was the scene two thousand years ago and, unfortunately, remains the same today.

Acts 17:23

for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 

Turn those binoculars around and face reality. Give it some thought.

Gary

I am returning this otherwise good typing paper to you.  Someone has printed gibberish all over it and put your name at the top.

                                                                                 – Source Unknown

Sounds like one of my college English papers, but I wanted the assignment to sound like one of his lectures. That’s the way things were evolving back in the early seventies. I’ve improved since then, and if not, please let me know. We must be understood when we put our name to something.

Galatians 3:13 

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 

1 Corinthians 6:12 

“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.”

May this be clear to you. Give it some thought.

Gary

My Marine brother woke up on a plane filled with Vietnam wounded, looked around and realized he was better off than those he could see. I think “better off” helped him through the rest of his life.

How has “better off” affected your life as you look around at others? Everyone has wounds as a result of being on the planet. Are you thankful someone has offered to help you with yours?

Ephesians 5:20 

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Colossians 3:17 

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Give “better off” some consideration.

Gary

Exodus 35:21

Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments. 

Exodus 36:2

Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work.

These folks were on a journey to a promised land. They had in their possession the promises of God. All their needs were met. No wonder some of their hearts were stirred to commit to God’s plan.

When was the last time your heart was stirred to do something like they did? Give it some thought.

Gary

The Naval doctors told my brother he would face many operations for his wounds and would be medically discharged from the Corps. He refused the operations. This nineteen-year-old worked out furiously and in a little over a year, he was back in Vietnam for another tour of duty.

We’re in a warfare as Christians, and like my brother who wanted to get back to his band of brothers, wounds should never stop us from serving. In addition, Christ’s wounds and sacrifice for the lost and dying should have a similar impact on us.

Isaiah 53:5 

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed

Wounds are a part of being Christian; accept it. Give it some thought.

Gary

My sister served as an instructor in the Army during the time of the Vietnam War. She attained the rank of sergeant. She had wanted to go overseas, but was too valuable stateside where she taught the men going to a foreign land.

During those early years of the conflict, in order to fly standby, you needed to be in uniform. On a flight, an elderly woman sitting next to her asked if she was attending the girl scouts jamboree in New York. You see, in those days woman soldiers did not get the recognition they deserved.

The Bible gives accounts of many women who have served our Lord faithfully, Lydia and Priscilla are examples in the New Testament.  Regrettably, many fail to recognize the input of women in Christian service in our present age.

Proverbs 11:16 

A gracious woman gets honor, and violent men get riches. 

Proverbs 31:30 

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Proverbs 31:26 

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

Honor these women and thank them for their service. Give it some consideration.

Gary

Dressed in a Marine uniform with a helmet on his head, my brother looked so small. He was seventeen, but looked twelve. With our father’s signature, that kid from Allagash was able to enlist once past sixteen. He left this life at seventy-five. At a remembrance event held by his daughters, the girls later gave the flag to me. A flag presentation to a loved one at a funeral represents honorable service, sacrifice, and the nation’s gratitude. The ceremonial folding of the flag is steeped in symbolism, with each of the 13 folds holding a specific meaning, such as life, belief in eternal life, and tribute to the veteran’s service to the country. I had a hard time to stop crying. This was the life of a man who was my brother but, truthfully, we rarely saw eye to eye.

I’ve stood by the gravesite of many who were once my spiritual brother or sister in Christ with similar emotion. Needed comfort came as I reflected on the fleeting life lived, about whom I could say he or she is now gone to Him who loved and washed that one from sins in His own blood.

Does the Bible address this? Glad you asked.

James 4:14 

Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Psalm 39:4 

“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am!

Give it some consideration.

Gary