From an old country and western song, “You can put me in the cold water, but you can’t keep me down.” The meaning is I can be shoved around, but when I’ve reached my limit, shovers beware. There is a time and place where one needs to fight back. Christians are encouraged to fight, but they should be those who fight at the right time for the right things.

1 Timothy 6:12 

Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

2 Timothy 4:7 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Ephesians 6:13

Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Give it some thought.

Gary

I was probably in my thirties when I ran into a friend on the fairgrounds. He said, “Hey, let’s go for a ride on that scary thing called the Zipper.” I wanted to win my friend to the Lord, so I couldn’t say no. Now I fear those rides, and motion sickness is something that has tormented me all of my life.  That journey so petrified me that my knuckles turned white from gripping the safety bar.  The only good thing about it was that I was so scared that I didn’t get sick.

1 Corinthians 9:22 (The apostle Paul had this to say.)

To the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

James 5:20 

Let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Give it some thought, and if you desire to win others, it might require you leave your comfort zone.

Gary

Most organizations have a goal and it is usually to get the money out of your pocket into theirs. Unfortunately, this includes so-called Christian organizations. One televangelist has a goal of being the first billionaire pastor. When Christ returns, He will, undoubtedly, upset the tables of some money-changers.

1 Timothy 6:10 

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

Hebrews 13:5 

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Don’t give these people your money and don’t send it to me because you’ll be responsible for making me like them.

Give it some thought.

Gary

It’s a stanza in a song by Tom Waits which was released in 1999. It’s not a Christian song, but it is one that describes a life without hope.

So if you find someone
Someone to have, someone to hold, don’t trade it for silver
Oh, don’t trade it for gold
‘Cause I have all of life’s treasures and they’re fine and they’re good
They remind me that houses are just made of wood
What makes a house grand, oh, it ain’t the roof or the doors
If there’s love in a house, it’s a palace for sure
But without love it ain’t nothin’ but a house
A house where nobody lives

If one desires a life and a place to feel at home, it must start with Christ. This world can be a lonely place and a change of location will not produce different results.

John 10:10 

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Proverbs 21:21 

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor.

Give it some thought and let Him build you a place of refuge.

Gary

Saunter up to the bar and order a drink, but what will be the result? Broken homes, car accidents and ruined careers are oftentimes the answer. It doesn’t have to be that way.

My suggestion is to develop a different thirst and that is a thirst for God. He heals homes, prevents accidents and creates jobs to meet the need.

Psalm 63:1

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.

Place your order with the one who fashioned you from the womb. Give it some thought.

Gary

A magnet is a piece of metal with a strong attraction to another metal object. The attraction a magnet produces is called a “magnetic field.” The question I ask of you is, “What forces are you being drawn to?”

Psalm 55:21 (spoken of a traitor)

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, But war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, Yet they were drawn swords.

James 1:14

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.

John 12:32

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.”

Check out the magnetic fields in your life. Give it some thought.

Gary

Honey #6

Did you know propolis produced by bees is one of nature’s most powerful antibiotics? Propolis seems to help fight against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Now do you know why the Word of God is called honey? It keeps you from being infected by the false.

1 John 4:1 

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Matthew 24:24 

For false Christ’s and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Take in the honey. Give it some careful consideration.

Gary