“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.”                                         –Winston Churchill

Winston had that one nailed. He led England through its darkest hour. Life has ups and downs, but courage is the fuel that keeps us going. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Deuteronomy 31:6 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Psalm 31:24 

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!

Failure and success are found in the lives of anyone, so keep an ample supply of courage on hand. God demands it.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

“Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.”                                      — Cassandra Clare, “Clockwork Princess”

Now, Cassie, I need to state that everyone is writing a book, but reading them most often is a complete waste of time and effort. However, there is a book that everyone needs to read and reread.

2 Timothy 3:16 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

James 1:25 

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Don’t waste time reading someone’s life book, but read the book that gives life. Give it some consideration.

Gary

The singer put it out there, “My, oh my, you sure know how to arrange things.” Of course, he was being facetious because the plans of this individual blew up in his face. Like Judas, it just didn’t work out.

Matthew 27:3

Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

Opportunities missed and the impossibility of going back will be haunting factors in a multitude of minds throughout eternity. Don’t be someone who will be plagued by those memories. Give it some careful consideration.

Gary

​The Everly Brothers released “True Love” in January 1962. Regrettably,  many individuals have fallen off a cliff chasing the world’s view of love. So where is that elusive dream? Glad you asked because the best definition for love is in the Scriptures.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Make sure the love you’re after lines up with the definition found in the Scriptures. Give it some thought.

Gary

“I think I’ve discovered the secret of life — you just hang around until you get used to it.”                    ― Charles Schultz

The problem with that philosophy is the many variables associated with life. Accidents, opportunities, diseases, and the decisions made by others can throw a monkey wrench into our plans.

We need to be proactive. Actually, the only way to do that is connect ourselves with God’s plan for life.

Jeremiah 29:11 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Proverbs 16:9 

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Trust in His purpose. Give it some thought.

Gary

The person who can swim has no need to fear deep water. That person can stay on top and survive. The one who can’t swim has reason to fear.

The same is true spiritually. In situations of life that sink others, believers can focus on the One who can keep them afloat and thus survive. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

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.

1 Peter 4:12-13 

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.

Let Him keep your head above water.  It’ll soon be over. Give it some thought.

Gary

If I could go back to the sixties, I wouldn’t make the same mistakes. I’d put every effort into making different ones. That’s just the way life unfolds.

James 3:2 

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

James 1:14 

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

It’s best to do what the song says:

Precious Lord, take my hand,
lead me on, help me stand,
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Through the storm, through the night,
lead me on to the light:
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

Give it some thought.

Gary