New York City’s Mayor David N. Dinkins, when urged by Manhattan officials to buy some property thought to be an “extraordinary opportunity for the city,” said: “If they’re selling elephants two for a quarter, that’s a great bargain. But only if you have a quarter–and only if you need elephants.”              –Leonard Buder in New York Times.

I’ve considered all the storage facilities we drive by on our trips around the county. It amazes me how much stuff we store that we might never use, perhaps leaving it to those who might send it to the landfill.

We’ve prospered since the start of our journey, and I’ve considered some attractive elephants. I have the following concerns though: Where will I put it and when will I ever have time to use it and maintain it?

Does the Bible address this human phenomenon? Glad you asked.

Luke 12:15 

And He said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

1 Timothy 6:9 

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Give it some consideration because elephants put out a lot of useless discharge.

Gary

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.” ― St. Augustine of Hippo

That old guy from Hippo sure had that right. The Bible is clear on the fact that what God expects of His children needs to be addressed sooner, rather than later.

Ephesians 5:15-17 

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Proverbs 27:1 

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

James 4:17 

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

When it comes to cans, get off your “can” and do what you can. Give it some consideration.

Gary

Mohammed Ali was not a power puncher boxer like most. He explained his method of knocking people out. He said, “It wasn’t only one big punch, but rather, a series of blows that usually brought my opponents down.” He explained that a rapid combination of blows caused a kind of a short circuit in the brain. In other words, the brain couldn’t process all of that information, and for a moment, the person would lose consciousness. According to his interviews, that’s how he scored a lot of his knockouts.

Do you realize our opponent, the devil, uses the same principle? He is not looking for a knockout with one single strike, but he uses a multitude of carefully crafted incidences that will bring us down.

Ephesians 6:11 

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Ephesians 4:27 

And give no opportunity to the devil.

We’re in a fight and must be familiar with the strategy of our adversary. Give it some thought.

Gary

My older brother said, “You don’t have to do this.”

I replied, “When I was an idiotic teenager, drunk and being a fool, you came to take me home.  When I needed a car, you sold me yours for half of its value. When I was messed up in a hill with a loaded logging truck, you came to the rescue, and then when I was in Bible college, you sent money every month.” I need to do this.

Does the Bible address something like this? Glad you asked

Proverbs 11:25

The generous soul will be made rich,
And he who waters will also be watered himself.

I could never repay his generosity, but I was compelled to try. Is there someone who has shown you kindness and it’s now time for you to provide refreshment in some form?  Give it some thought.

Gary

The signs posted on the interstate warned that the speed limit was now 55 and underneath that it stated that the fines would be doubled.

Now I know the Bible says if we break one of God’s laws, we are guilty of all (James 2:10). However, from studying Scripture it becomes obvious that some sins bring on a much greater judgment here on the planet than others. Sodom and Gomorrah are prime examples, along with the following:

o    Adam and Eve were banned from Eden instead of being killed for disobeying God.

o    Moses was forced to leave Egypt after killing that man.

o    Moses was not allowed into the promised land after striking the rock twice.

o    The great fish swallowed Jonah.

o   The tiny city of Ai defeated the Israelites due to someone who took things he was not supposed to in the camp of the enemy.

The believer should heed the warnings, for there could be severe consequences just ahead. Give it some thought.

Gary

“If you choose to not deal with an issue,
then you give up your right of control over the issue
and it will select the path of least resistance.”
– Susan Del Gatto

There is an entire book written addressing this concept. That book is found in the Bible and is named after its chief character, Daniel. He was taken captive by a foreign power and faced many a conflict in his long life. However, he always chose to deal with the issues because he recognized he served, above all else, a Holy God.

Daniel 1:8-9

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore, he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. 

Do what is right and God will take care of the situations. Give it some thought.

Gary

Rather fail with honor than succeed by fraud.      – Sophocles

Many try to cheat their way through life. I’m not judging because I’ve sometimes taken that shortcut in situations, especially on the interstate. Blue lights let me know that I’ve been caught, which didn’t save me time or money. “Do the right thing,” God says.  He’s right.

1 Corinthians 2:14 

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Matthew 6:33 

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Don’t make a trooper chase after you when he has more important things to do. Also, for the believer, God sees it all and could make you pay. Give it some thought.

Gary