In 2016, football player Colin Kaepernick gained national attention when he protested by not standing while the our national anthem was being performed before the start of games.  Motivated by what he viewed as the oppression of non-white races in this country, Kaepernick was cheered by some and hated by others. The lesson is this: our actions have consequences, and we need to weigh them very carefully before we act.

Does the Bible speak of motivations? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 16:3

“Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”

Proverbs 4:13

Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life.”

Do you think Colin considered God in his decision?

Gary

W. Tozer said it this way: “The fall of man has created a perpetual crisis. It will last until sin has been put down and Christ reigns. Until that time, the earth remains a disaster area and its inhabitants live in a state of extraordinary emergency.” 

Being familiar with history and current events, one must agree with that statement.

Jeremiah 5:24 

They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.’

2 Corinthians 4:8 

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;

Give it some thought.

Gary

Mac Davis recorded a song in 1980 that became an international hit called, “It’s Hard to Be Humble.”

Oh Lord, it’s hard to be humble
When you’re perfect in every way
I can’t wait to look in the mirror
Cause I get better looking each day

I know that could never be you, but if someone on my devotional list needs this enlightenment, here it is.

Proverbs 22:4 

The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs 11:2 

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

James 4:10 

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.

If you can’t relate, then share that with someone who can. I’d advise you to duck, however.

Give it some thought.

Gary

S.D. Gordon stated, “We can do many things once we have prayed; we can do nothing until we have prayed.”

Dr. Lee Roberson put it this way: “Prayer is the Christian’s secret weapon, forged in the realms of glory.”

This most difficult of Christian endeavors must be taken seriously and put into daily practice.

Philippians 4:6 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Colossians 4:2 

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

Give it some thought and kneel before the Almighty, in your heart and mind. We older folks may not be able to kneel physically anymore, but it’s our attitude that matters.

Gary

Her name was Lady and she was a Chow-Retriever mix. She considered me an equal and a necessary part of her brief life. We put up with each other on a daily basis and put a pile of memories into our hard drive. Now that she’s gone, I have an empty place that no other canine has been able to fill.

Please don’t misunderstand me, but there are a multitude of believers who have passed through my life who have left me with the same emotional dilemma. I guess that’s the design of life. However, unlike Lady, I’ll be seeing those believers when the saints go marching in.

1 Thessalonians 4:13

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

My GPS was to take me to a Baptist church in a central Maine community. I was to have a funeral service with the pastor there. That modern navigational tool took me to a Pentecostal church. The third time this happened, I decided to find a high point in the lay of the land and look for a steeple, knowing the Baptists like to build a steeple with almost the same volume of wood as the main auditorium. Sure enough, there it was on a side street. These steeples are landmarks that can be seen from a great distance.

We need to place landmarks that can be seen from a great distance by our testimony in Christ. Those around us should know where we’re at.

Luke 8:39 

“Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Psalm 66:16 

Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what He has done for my soul.

Give it some thought and let your life guide others as they travel along.

Gary

On Saturday, February 1, 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it re-entered the atmosphere over Texas and Louisiana, killing all seven astronauts on board. Everyone on board believed he or she was returning home, never expecting to meet God that day. However, some law of aerodynamics was broken and the results were catastrophic.

This life is a short flight from the cradle to the grave, and no man knows how it will end.

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 thought before you make your final approach.

Gary