Book 'em Dan-O

If you are over 50, then this picture will probably remind you of one show: Hawaii -5O. If the name doesn't ring a bell, how about "Book 'em Dan-O". A seventies show through and through, the plot was a little predictable, but the scenery was spectacular! As I remember, it was on quite a few years, but I couldn't tell you how long. One thing was certain, the police always got their man (or woman as the "case"might be). Somehow, I wish life could be like that show; in the space of an hour (45 minutes if you exclude the commercials) whatever crime was committed was solved and the legal system had already begun to grind the offender into the pumice soil of the islands. Real life isn't like that; the wicked sometimes seem to get away with whatever they want to do and never seem to get their "just desserts". Even the best of us have bad things happen to us; consider the Apostle Paul's attitude in the last book he "penned".

2nd Timothy

2Ti 4:14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Lord will repay him according to his works,
2Ti 4:15 of whom you also must beware; for he greatly opposed our words.
2Ti 4:16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.
2Ti 4:17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
2Ti 4:18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for his heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

World English Bible

Paul had a problem with Alexander actions and he put it in the hands of the judge of all the Earth; God. He knew that he didn't have much time left and wasn't going to see this man punished, but he also knew that God views things on a MUCH BIGGER TIME SCALE. So, the next time you see someone do something wrong, remember that God will eventually make everything right, but it might take a lot more than an hour. On the last day, when all history is reviewed in heaven and the final judgments are pronounced, I wonder if the commercials are included? One thing is certain, when God books em, they stay booked!

Just another fork in the road

"Did you ever have to make up your mind, pick up on one and let the other one ride; its not always easy and its not often kind, did you ever have finally decide" sang the Lovin Spoonful back in the 60's. Sometimes you just have to do it; make a decision. How? Well, how do you decide anything? Are all decisions the same; I don't think so! Which candy to buy or which player to choose for the ball team is just not the same how many exemptions to claim for taxes or who will be your spouse for life. Bottom line is... the more important the decision, more care should be taken. Your intuition may be fine for choosing candy, but I think its wise to think awhile before buying a house. Face it, when it comes to the REALLY IMPORTANT decisions in life, EVERYTHING comes into play; The mind, experience, intuition, advice, friends... absolutely EVERYTHING!!! What is the most important decision you will ever make; does it involve your career, your spouse, your home, your car or something else?? Read this short passage to find out.

Matthew
Mat 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?"
Mat 16:14 They said, "Some say John the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."
Mat 16:15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
Mat 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Mat 16:17 Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
Mat 16:18 I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."
Mat 16:20 Then he commanded the disciples that they should tell no one that he is Jesus the Christ.

World English Bible

We value things by their duration; a car lasts longer than a bouquet of flowers and a house lasts longer than a car, that's why diamonds cost more than cotton candy. What is the longest lasting thing you can think of; for me, its forever with God. The way there is by making a decision to follow and obey Jesus. That begins with making a decision about who he is and that is a fork in the road everyone must be confronted with. So, carefully use EVERYTHING YOU HAVE; consider all you want, but make the right choice and never, ever, ever look back, your life depends on it because forever is a long, long, long, long time!