Monday; October 23

          I don’t often quote modern pundits (much less stars), but the other day a quote from Tom Hanks caught my eye.  When he was honored by the National Archives Foundation with the "Records of Achievement Award" CNN quoted Hanks as saying, "’People are upset about what's going on today. They're furious, they're frustrated, they're worked up,’ Hanks said. ‘If you're concerned about what's going on today, read history and figure out what to do because it's all right there.’".  As I reflected on Hanks’ comments it got me to thinking about the greatest reference of all times, the Bible.  I would imagine that most of us would agree that our nation and our society are facing struggles, but the Bible helps to put things in perspective.  In the years leading up to the time of Noah (and the flood) the Bible notes, “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.”. (Genesis 6:5-6)  Can you imagine how angry God had to have become to want to get rid of His wonderful creation and start over?  When Solomon reflected on life he noted, “That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.  So there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)  When we put these two thoughts together we can come to the conclusion that throughout history people have had problems – serious problems – yet, there is also a message of hope.  Things have been tough in the past, but there is an answer.
          The Bible is more than a rule book for getting to heaven, it is the blueprint for living life successfully.  History teaches us that when we deviate from the Word of the Creator we end up in a mess, but the Bible helps us to refocus on what can get us back on the right path and lead us to an abundant life.  Are we willing to look back to get ahead?
          Think About It!

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