That Neil Diamond song, “Forever in Blue Jeans,” came out in the 1970’s and was a hit. However, like so many, I also understood it to be saying, “the Reverend Blue Jeans.”

But it don’t sing and dance and it don’t walk
And long as I can have you here with me
I’d much rather be forever in blue jeans

I’d like to springboard off of that to focus on the those who see themselves as a “reverend.” This character is an oddity that has appeared in the contemporary church. His or her concern is not about doctrine but about making everyone feel comfortable and complacent. Sin, sanctification and judgment are left out of his or her sermons because the market won’t bear it. Music, testimonials and mythology have replaced prayer, Bible study and edification.  Like Ed Sullivan, these “revered ones” want to create a “really big show” to bring the crowd back for another week, a crowd that desires entertainment and not commitment.

Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 

For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Give it some thought.

Gary

Sitting in a row of small desks that graced my third-grade classroom, I teased the little girl in front of me. Really, I had a crush on her and meant no harm. Fifty years would pass before I found out how much that girl was hurt by my comments. The reality of that pains my heart, but there is not a thing I can do about it. God has forgiven me, but I’m not so sure about her.  The damage caused by words is hard to calculate. Does the Bible address it? Glad you asked.

Proverbs 18:21 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 29:20 

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Colossians 4:6 

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

We can’t correct the past, but the lessons can be powerful. Give it some thought.

Gary

He awakened this A.M. because of the usual pain in his back. He took a quick shower, rinsed and put his teeth in, cleaned his trifocals and put his hearing aids on. Then he combed the little hair he had left. He hit the car starter to warm up the vehicle which he would use to go to the nursing home, where he would visit his wife who hasn’t known him for the past two years. On the highway, with cars passing him repeatedly, he wondered why their kids haven’t called in weeks.

Does the Bible address this scene? Glad you asked.

Psalm 90:10

The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Does he know this life is coming to a conclusion and a new, different experience is about to begin?

Give it some careful consideration.

Gary

My two-year-old niece had fallen asleep at her grandmother’s house. Her mother laid her on the bed in an uncle’s room which had multiple deer heads mounted on the wall. Some time passed, and the mother went to see why her daughter wasn’t up. She was found motionless, frightened eyes fixed on the trophies mounted in there. She whispered, “Mom, there are dogs on the wall and they’re watching me.”

There is so much to learn about life, and sometimes parents just can’t keep up. However, we are to instruct our children as best we can. You can never tell when frightening experiences will confront them.

2 Timothy 3:15 

And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Give it some thought.

Gary

“People can’t drive you crazy if you don’t give them the keys.”

– Mike Bechtle

1 Peter 4:8 

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

Ephesians 4:2 

With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,

Love ‘em and don’t give them the keys to move you in the wrong direction. Give it some thought.

Gary

I knew that piece of logging equipment called a skidder was going to roll over and there wasn’t a thing I could do about it. Hanging on and waiting for the drama to be over, I didn’t even have time to pray. How many times I came close to death or serious injury while working in the woods industry can’t be calculated.  I’m here now with all the body parts God gave me at the time of birth. What do I attribute this good fortune to? Here it is:

Psalm 23:6

Surely Your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

Scripture enlightened my understanding of life’s journey. Is that the case with you? Give it some consideration.

Gary

I really need to increase the amount of dopamine released in my striatum, which is a key region in my brain related to motivation, action and cognition. This has been made perfectly clear to me, but like the Apostle Paul I can’t seem to be able to pull it off.

Romans 7:15

For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.

It is so refreshing to know that one of the greatest saints that ever lived had the same problem as I have.  Don’t you just love the Scriptures? Even if you don’t produce enough dopamine, you’ll still be okay. Keep on keeping on.

Give it some thought.

Gary