Think About It

When we think about the blessings of God, what comes to mind?   For some, they might feel they are in God’s good graces when they receive fiscal gifts.   Others might perceive His blessings when they are successful.   Yet, how many of us think outside the physical realm and focus on something “out of this world”?   When the Apostle Paul reviewed God’s blessings he observed, “Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4).   God’s blessings are more than just what He gives us; it’s also about how He treats us.   When we feel the kindness or tolerance of God, we should get that warm fuzzy feeling. When we sense He is being patient with us, we should beam inside.   Yet, there is another side to this discussion – when we feel blessed what do we do?   Paul admonishes us to repent when we recognize how blessed we are.  ...

It wasn’t long after Jesus was born that joy turned into jealousy.   Shortly after Jesus’ appearance on the planet He received a visit from some wise men.   They made a courtesy stop in to see the local leader and when they told him what they were up to, Herod put a plan in motion to get rid of Jesus.   The plot was so heinous, it would cost an untold number of lives of young boys in Bethlehem.   Jesus would be saved to do what He had been sent to do, but because of Herod’s inhumanity, a lot of people suffered.   A period that began as a time of great hope became filled with godlessness. As I thought about this, I got to wondering what the world is up to today?   After so many people stopped to honor Jesus yesterday, how many are still focused on praising the Lord and Savior and how many are back in a self-serving mode?   I like the holiday season and Christmas Day, but I hope that as we move back into day-to-day life we don’t forget about the joy, p...

It is one of the most often cited passages of the Bible, but I never get tired of hearing it:  “And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’” (Luke 2:8-14).  Folks, I honestly do not know that today is Jesus’ birthday, and quite frankly, I don’t care.  I am just so thankful that so many people will stop their routines and at least t...

This is the most wonderful time of the year – or at least that’s what the song reminds us.  It is magical and brings cheer to a lot of people.  Many of us are blessed to be able to join family for events and reunite with friends to share something special.  If you were to ask a lot of people about the time of year they look forward to, this time of year would be cited as one of the favorites of many of us. Now, while this is generally true, this is not universal.  Some people will not be able to be with friends and family this holiday season – especially those public servants who are working to keep us safe and secure.  There are others, who are lonely – those who for some reason can’t or don’t want to be with family.  For them, it can be a most distressing time of year.  The reason I bring this up is not to diminish the joy we feel, but as a reminder to remember those who are distanced this time of year.  Whether it is because of physical or emot...

As long as there have been battles fought on and around the seas, there has been a need to transport the injured to medical care away from the hostilities.   Yet, on this date in 1919, something new hit the seas.   On December 23, 1919 the USS Relief (AH-1) was launched.   Its distinction is that it is the first ship of the U. S. Navy specifically constructed to be a hospital ship.   This modern vessel was a genuine floating hospital with a capacity of 550 patients.   From this point on, ships weren’t just used to transport – they could also heal on the way. As I thought about this endeavor, the words “meet them where they are” came to mind.   Sometimes the wounded can’t wait to get to where they can be treated, this provided them aid along the way.   Interestingly, is that what Jesus did for us?   Humans needed something more than an aloof King in heaven, they needed someone who met them on our physical plain – so He came to earth from heaven s...

Why should we evangelize?   Why should we help admonish those who doing things that are contrary to God’s will?   It may seem odd, but I believe there are several reasons people teach:   some do it because they believe their religious perspective is superior to those around them … some do it to help people fall in line with their moral code … still others do it to advance some political agenda.   While these might be reasons, I am not sure they are the best reasons to try to teach Christian principles.   Not long ago, I noticed something from the writings of the Apostle Paul who observed, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28).   In other words, a valid reason to teach the message of the Lord is to help people become the best they can be.   It may be tempting to shape people into who we want them to be, but a legit...

When I think of eagles – especially bald eagles – I imagine incredibly beautiful animals and prime predators.   With their massive size, piercing talons and a powerful beak, they sit near the top of their food chain.   Yet, there is something interesting about them – they are susceptible to lead poisoning.   Their digestive system are prone to absorbing lead which can create significant problems for them.   Since they often prey on critters that have been wounded by hunters using lead ammunition, this can have a devastating effect on them.   Who would have thought that something so regal would have their own version of kryptonite?   While environmentalists have made strides in reducing things like lead shot in waterfowl hunting, this continues to be a concern for eagles. The reason I being up this fact of nature is to remind us that even though we may have a lot going for us, we need to be careful in exposing ourselves to concerns that can endanger us – e...