Two words to repeat when facing any trial or confusion: “BUT GOD”.

Acts 7:9-10

Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. 

1 Samuel 23:14

David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.

Romans 5:6-8

For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Give it some thought.

Gary

In the boxing ring of life, I get beat-up once in a while. However, once back in my corner between rounds, I have those that encourage me to get back out there. I thank God for them and couldn’t go on without them.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 

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

1 Corinthians 9:26

Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

Finish this round, and when the bell rings, there are those waiting to patch your wounds and put you back into the ring.  In the believer’s corner our ultimate Friend, who sticks closer than a brother, also offers His tender love and care. Give it some thought.

Gary

Carl Boberg was the composer of what became the English hymn, “How Great Thou Art.” It was based on Psalm 8 and was used in the ‘underground church’ in Sweden in the late 1800s when the Baptists and Mission Friends were persecuted.  This song has been a blessing for Christians in the English-speaking world for over 75 years.

Oh Lord, my God
When I, in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout the universe displayed

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing
He bled and died to take away my sin

This hymn should bring tears to our eyes and instill wonder in what our Savior did on Calvary.

Galatians 6:14

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Give it some thought.

Gary

John Philip Walker Lindh, a.k.a. Johnny Taliban, was captured by U.S. forces after the invasion of Afghanistan. He was an American who decided to become a Muslim and fight for this terrorist group. Can you imagine giving up the life provided in this country for such a cause?

The country he hated brought him home, fed him and gave him medical attention. It then freed him to practice his warped religion. How many countries of the world would have done that? However, he’s still Johnny Taliban. Some never learn.

2 Peter 2:22

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

Sadly, some can’t be helped. Give it some thought.

Gary

On a cold, dark night, six of us boys were hitchhiking. Since we were too many for most vehicles to accommodate, I suggested four guys should hide in the ditch while two stood on the roadside, thumbing a ride. This old Corvair passed us, then came to a stop. We opened the door and all six of us  scrambled in. Was that driver ever surprised! I encouraged him to put it in gear and we’d all reach our destination.

Beware of whom you pick up along life’s road because things might not be what they seem.

Matthew 16:6

Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.”

Matthew 7:15

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

The powers of darkness lie in wait for the unsuspecting traveler. Don’t be caught by them.  Give it some thought.

Gary

Straight roads do not make skillful drivers.

– Lao Tzu

Case in point is the life of Joseph found in the book of Genesis. There is a verse that describes his looking back at the twists, turns, mountains and potholes of his life as he speaks to his brothers.

Genesis 50:20

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.

Child of God, keep your eyes on the road and don’t get caught up in the hazards. Focus. For around the next turn, the journey might end. You’ll be home at last.

Give it some consideration.

Gary

In Genesis, Jacob is on the run because of his sin and deception. However, in a place called Bethel, he comes face to face with God. He’ll never forget Bethel and the words the Creator points directly at him.

Just want to ask you, where did you first meet the Savior? What did He have to say to you and how did you respond? What were the circumstances?

John 10:27-28 

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of My hand.

Proverbs 30:5 

Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

My Bethel was St. Pamphile, Quebec. Where was yours?

Give it some thought.

Gary