Yesterday, while in Tennessee in a Revival Meeting, I drove to the little city of Crossville. I was preparing (gathering materials) for research on several new sermons. Dozens of them I hope! As I went into town I saw this river! Named “Obed!” My mind (as would yours too) immediately flashed to the Book of Ruth! And little Obed who was born of Boaz and Ruth and became a progenitor of Christ Jesus our Lord!

Today’s Bible Lesson …

Yes, a road “sign” brought 4 chapters of the Word of God to my palate for delicious meditation! I actually have felt for some time that God might be leading me to preach a series of sermons from the Book of Ruth. It is filled with beautiful history … and typology … clearly pointing to Jesus! The whole Narrative there ends with the birth of that baby, little Obed! “And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.” Ruth 4:17 (In Hebrew “Obed” means “serving!”)

Then I recalled a Preacher friend I had years ago. He’s no doubt in Heaven now. (Pastor Roy Mallard by name.) He constantly used little “memory prompts” like the sign I’ve pictured above.

When he bought gasoline at a “Gulf” station, he witnessed to someone there about the “great GULF fixed” between Heaven and Hell!

And back when “Phillips 66” stations existed, Brother Roy always told someone nearby about the Bible, God’s Word, with its “66” Books!

And so forth.

All I’m saying today is that one can condition his or her mind, our very thinking processes, to “associate” everyday events and sights and experiences … with the things of God!

Every sunrise, for example.

The other day we met someone named “Hadassah!” (Esther’s other name in the Bible!)

And a little girl named “Anastasia,” the very Greek noun for “resurrection!”

Such reminders are everywhere!

In Psalm 10:4 the Holy Spirit (through the Psalmist) indicted (blamed) the “wicked” … because “God is not in all his thoughts.” Think of that, even for the unrighteous! God expects to be in ALL one’s thoughts!

Lesson’s over!

I want my eyes peeled today to look for things … spiritually oriented!

Think about it!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell