Two guys walk into a bar and the bartender asks them what they’d like. The first one says, “I’d just like a nice tall glass of H₂O.” The second guy says, “That sounds good. I’ll have some H₂O, too.” The first guy downs his glass with an “Ah, that hit the spot!” The second guy does the same and doesn’t say anything. He’s dead.

He got what he asked for, but should have been more careful as to how he expressed it. Does the Bible address such states of confusion? Glad you asked.

James 4:2

You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.

Aren’t you glad God sometimes denies our request, for it could have deadly results.  By the way, H₂O₂ is the chemical name for hydrogen peroxide.  Give it some thought and consider what you’re asking for.

Gary

Bruce Hornsby’s song “End of the Innocence,” delves into themes of nostalgia, lost innocence, and disillusionment. The lyrics explore the contrast between the simplicity and safety of childhood and the complicated, often harsh realities of adulthood.

When do we begin to realize our world doesn’t always offer protection from harsh realities? How do we become enlightened to just how complex life can be? Does the Bible address this? Glad you asked.

I Corinthians 13:11

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

Ephesians 4:14-15 

So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ,

Give it some thought.

Gary

“A wound that goes unacknowledged and unwept is a wound that cannot heal.” — John Eldredge

That’s true in life. We have been wounded by the fall of the race and also injured by our personal sin. Thankfully, God has provided a Great Physician with helpful advice.

Jeremiah 17:14 

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for You are my praise.

1 Peter 2:24 

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.

You have to love a Physician with the right treatment. Give it some thought.

Gary

If you were a vessel sailing across the sea of life, what kind of vessel would you want to be? Does the Bible address this question? Glad you asked.

2 Timothy 2:20-21

But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

1 Thessalonians 4:4

that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.

Give it some thought and sail on blissfully.

Gary

I have a hard time with my cousin. She is a prolific writer and her narratives always make me cry. Not weep, I mean really cry. It amazes me how she went from that grammar school brat to the woman she is today. It might not sound like it, but I love her dearly.

Memories are in the memory sticks of our mind. They are made up of the good, the bad and the ugly. All of them are needed to keep us between the guardrails of the remaining miles of our journey. They tell us we were here and there must of necessity be a there. Life must be spelled out in a book with its different chapters.

Revelation 20:12

And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

If you are saved, you are not going to stand before this judgment. Your works are to be judged as a child of God at the judgment seat of Christ, which will be for the purpose of rewards (see 2 Cor. 5:10).

Give this some thought.

Gary

I listen to individuals in 12-step programs for addiction and my interpretation of their cry is, “save me from me.” That’s the beginning of enlightenment because the problem is inside. We came into the world with a problem and it only gets worse.

The psalmist had it right.

Psalm 51:5 

Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Slavery needs to be realized

John 8:34 

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.

One must reach out for healing.

1 Peter 2:24 

He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed.

Thank God for deliverance.  Give it some thought.

Gary

“Heaven’s Sounding Sweeter All the Time” is a gospel hymn.  The lyrics revolve around the desire for and anticipation of a heavenly home and reunion with loved ones.

Life has been so good, I can’t complain

When I’m down, God gives me strength to rise again

But I’m weary, from the struggle of it all

So I listen, how I listen for His call

Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time

Seems like lately it’s always on my mind

Someday I’ll leave this world behind

Heaven’s sounding sweeter all the time

Philippians 1:23-24

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.  Nevertheless, to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 

The Apostle Paul felt caught between two worlds.  May our time in the flesh serve God’s purpose.  Give it some thought.

Gary