An English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend, and among the thousands of answers received were the following:

“One who multiplies joys, divides grief.”

“One who understands our silence.”

But here is the definition that won the prize: “A friend—the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”

Proverbs 17:17 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Give it some thought and be a friend. Everybody needs them.

Gary

Former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson told his football team: “If I laid a two-by four plank across the room, everybody there would walk across it and not fall, because our focus would be on that two-by-four. But if I put that same two-by-four plank 10 stories high between two buildings only a few would make it, because the focus would be on failing. Focus is everything. The team that is more focused today is the team that will win this game.”

Focus is something the Bible directs every believer to do.

Proverbs 4:25 

Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.

Colossians 3:2 

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Matthew 6:33 

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

You can do it if you stay focused. Give it some thought.

Gary

The devil came to Jesus in Matthew chapter 4 and had a lot to offer Him.  He still appears to have a giving spirit today. He can offer you money through litigation, give you what seems to be a better circle of friends, and even the ability to get your body in shape.  Waylon Jennings sang, “The Taker,” which expresses the concept of self-serving deception well. Similarly, Satan’s gifts are produced to eventually fail and will never be taken into eternity.

2 Corinthians 11:14 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

1 Peter 5:8 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

James 4:7 

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Don’t believe him.  Give it some serious thought before it is too late.

Gary

Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation

–       John Wooden

Consider Noah, Jeremiah, and Paul. These men probably made more enemies than friends in their time on the planet. However, it was God’s view of them that remains of tremendous value in eternity. Don’t be kissing up to people, but do kiss God.

Psalm 2:12

Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Give it some thought.

Gary

There are a lot of Christians doing nothing. But there are no Christians who have nothing to do.    – Anonymous

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that we need to go to work:

Genesis 2:15

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.

2 Timothy 2:6

It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops.

Philippians 2:12

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

If you’re a believer, put down the electronic devices that take up too much of your time and go to work for the kingdom of God.

Give it some thought.

Gary

What is the meaning behind the song, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” which was a number one hit in 1961? Can you believe it was written in 1939?

The true lyrics and meaning likely centered around keeping lions away from cattle herds, something Solomon Linda, the songwriter, did as a young man.

We have one who doesn’t rest and neither should we. He’s out there seeking whom he may devour and he is no pussycat.  Therefore, one should always be on guard.

1 Peter 5:8 

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

2 Corinthians 11:14 

And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

Give it some serious consideration.

Gary