War breaks out in my existence; trouble presents its ugly face, and tribulation desires a shot at me.  Is this normal?  Glad you asked.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

The hymn writer expressed it well.

Trials here are sometimes many,

And oft’ times my feet grow weary

Till it seems I almost stumble and fall

But the tender hand that leads me,

Is the one that keeps me steady

And I know that I will make it, after all.

You’ll make it. Take the hand He offers and hold on. Give it some consideration.

Gary

Do you desire joy or a strong dose of patience? Is perfection a concern of your heart? Does the Bible answer these perplexing questions? Glad you asked.

James 1:2-4

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

God is working and developing your faith and character for His glory. Give it some thought.

Gary

It is said that Abraham Lincoln, when he was president of the U.S., was advised to include a certain man in his cabinet. When he refused, he was asked why he would not accept him. “I don’t like his face,” the president replied.

“But the poor man isn’t responsible for his face,” responded the man’s advocate.

“Every man over forty is responsible for his face,” countered Lincoln.

Take a look at your face:

James 1:22-25

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

What do you see? Give it some thought.

Gary

Do you have those days of toil that amounts to nothing when you look back as the Sun sets? Feel like you’re running a footrace in water up to your neck. Exerting so much energy with so little results. Try this on.

Our labor for the Lord is:

1) a labor of love (I Thes 1:3).

2) a labor not in vain (I Cor 15:58).

3) a labor known by Christ (Rev 2:2).

4) a labor God does not forget (Heb 6:10).

5) a labor which is to be done together (I Cor 3:9).

6) a labor for eternal things (Col 1:28-29).

7) a labor which is to reward (I Cor 3:8).

8) a labor done to be accepted by Him (II Cor 5:9).

9) a labor which doesn’t have an end (Luke 10:2).

Look these verses up and give them some thought.

Gary

“The Wanderer” is a song written by Ernie Maresca and originally recorded by Dion, released on his 1961 album, Runaround Sue. The song, with a 12-bar blues-base verse and an eight-bar bridge, tells the story of a travelling man and his many loves.

The song depicted the fact that so many never find what they’re looking for. Life is made up of an endless search for something that can’t be found. The loves of life dissipate like the morning mist.

However, there is One searching for those of us who have had such experiences.

Luke 19:10 

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

1 John 4:10 

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Are you wandering about or have you been found? Give it some thought.

Gary

From the Tulsa, Okla., Gusher: “There was a typo in lawyer Ed Morrison’s ad. His logo is: ‘Your case is no stronger than your attorney,’ not ‘stranger.'” 

–       Reader’s Digest.

You sure can ruin a good ad by typing just one wrong letter. There’s quite a difference between stronger and stranger. He probably lost some clientele for that one.

Making mistakes is just ingrained in the human experience. However, when it comes to where you’ll spend eternity, focus is a must. Here’s how accurate the Scriptures are in serious matters.

Matthew 5:18

For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.

The Bible is accurate. Give it a read.

Gary

We’ve stood there many times with broken hearts because a loved one would no longer walk life’s pathways with us. In addition, we knew that this scene would likely be repeated many times. However, grieving like others with no hope is not in the cards for us. The Scriptures give us hope that is not available for unbelievers.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

Give is some careful consideration the next time you find yourself in such a spot.

Gary