I stared at one of the bricks in the wall of the high school gym in my hometown. I’m thinking, if that brick could only talk. It would bring back memories of youth, excitement, fun and all the drama that the teenage years bring. As teenagers, we didn’t have a clue about life and weren’t about to listen to the insights of the older generation represented by the brick I was now staring at. Truthfully, we couldn’t wait to get away from those bricks. Now an old man is staring at a brick in the wall. Someone needs to come and take me away because I’m listening to a brick.

John 10:20 

Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to Him?”

Ecclesiastes 10:13 

The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness.

Acts 26:25 

But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.

I pray this devotional makes sense to you. It is just the reflections bounced off a brick.

Gary

“I am a rock” is a metaphor meaning that someone is emotionally strong, stable, and unyielding, like a physical rock, often implying a sense of isolation or detachment from others, as famously used in the Simon & Garfunkel song, “I Am a Rock.”

This theory does not hold any water in real life. We were not designed to be alone. Too much of a fulfilled life depends on the actions of others. The outcome is not only based on decisions made on our part, but also on the input of  those who helped to shape us.  Listen to Scripture.

Philippians 2:3 

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

1 Peter 3:8 

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Give it some consideration and thank God for those who made you the person you are today.

Gary

“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” was a song written through the perspective of a dying sheriff living his last moments. His badge and gun were to be removed because he didn’t need them anymore.  If we heed the message, we’ll live as if our activities in this world will have an end.  Only if they had eternal value will they be taken with us into the next world.

Paul knew the yearning for the promise of heavenly peace and rest.

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.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Old Willie sang it and the tears came to my eyes. The lyrics left me haunted by the thoughts of what could have been.  Tragically, once loved ones are gone, it’s too late to show our appreciation.

The children of Israel were marching to Babylon with musical instruments that they could not play because of the thick fog of absolute depression. The only things that kept them going were the promises of God, promises that said there would be a day of return during which healing would occur.

Hang on to the promises of God.

Hebrews 10:23 

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

2 Corinthians 7:1 

Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Give it some consideration and quit listening to Willie.

Gary

We ten-year-olds came speeding down the hill on that homemade sled. The sharp turn that we were to negotiate ended my trip, for I slid off the back, ripping the seat of my pants and long johns on the freshly cut bushes. I was exposing stuff that should never see the light of day and longing for Mom to make it alright. Those are things that can never be forgotten even after sixty-two years.

Speaking now of what shouldn’t be forgotten, consider these verses.

Proverbs 3:1

My son, do not forget My teaching, but let your heart keep My commandments,

Proverbs 4:5

Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of My mouth.

James 1:25

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Some things need to be remembered and some need to be forgotten. Give it some thought.

Gary

My cousin’s casket was being lowered into the ground as I watched one of his trucks entering the mill yard next to the cemetery. He had been a very successful businessman in this life, but life doesn’t last long. For those remaining, life has to go on as usual.  That earthly business is now in the hands of someone else.  This was what I took away for a lesson that particular day.

Joel 1:3 

Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.

Leaving behind something for the next generation seems to be the goal of many. However, leaving something that can be taken into eternity should occupy more of our energy. How are you doing with that?  As long as you breathe, it is not too late to give it some consideration.

Gary

The poor exasperated pastor’s wife is pictured pulling her discouraged husband out of bed by his feet. She shouts, “The dawn is breaking over yonder thicket, the rays of sunlight are touching tree and house and church. You’re the shepherd of yon flock. Get up!”

Everyone has days like that, but pastors have a tremendous obligation for the flock of God.

Ephesians 4:11 

And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers,

1 Peter 5:2 

Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly;

Any pastors reading this, give it some thought and go to work. You have a calling on your life.

Gary