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Category: Spiritual Health

We’re Being “Auto-Corrected”

We’re Being “Auto-Corrected”

Usually it’s a fairly nice feature.  You happen to misspell a word in a text and your phone takes it upon itself to right (write!) your wrong.  This can save you from embarrassing yourself.

Then again, your phone can auto-correct your words and embarrass you even more!

Here’s one example I found online: 

Texter one (the father):  “Your mom and I are going to divorce next month.”

Texter two (a grown child):  “What???  Why?  Call me, please!”

Texter one (the father):  “I wrote Disney and this phone changed it.  We are going to Disney.”

That was a tame example.  There were many more where auto-correct provided an outlandish, preposterous, inappropriate and/or even offensive reply.  Highly embarrassing indeed!

I’m fairly confident that, unless you are extremely careful and take the time to painstakingly reread your texts before sending, you have sent messages with messages you didn’t mean to send! 

And the mess-ups weren’t mess-up of your own doing; they were inserted into your texts by “auto-correct.”  Which was actually an “auto-INcorrect.”

It’s nothing personal.  It’s simply Artificial Intelligence demonstrating a remarkable LACK of intelligence.  It thinks it knows best … but it doesn’t always.

Have you ever considered that we are surrounded by a culture that is constantly attempting to “auto-correct” our beliefs, morals and actions?  Sometimes the pressure is subtle; often it is blatant.  Always it is present.

Yes, it is perhaps especially impactful to our teenagers and college students.  And especially those on secular campuses. 

But make no mistake about it – it impacts all of us!  We clash with “auto-correct” through our coworkers, our neighbors, our friends … even our family members sometimes.

Furthermore, it impacts virtually every aspect of our lives!  If you doubt this, you are either blissfully naïve or ensconced in denial.

Society’s “auto-correct” list is literally endless.  Sexual propriety and acceptable speech are just two obvious examples of moral issues that society’s “auto-correct” attempts to define.  There are many more.

“Auto-correct” is extremely influential in promoting what our peers deem to be “significant values” and “proper priorities.”  These are often radically different than what our Lord tells us.

Then there is the matter of absolute truth and where (and whether!) it can truly be found.  The common consensus is that truth is subjective (up to each individual) – not objective (non-negotiable).  Scripture presents a totally different perspective.

Think about it just a little and it’s clear; we are bombarded by “auto-correct” in our lives.  Even more so than in our documents and texts!  Sadly, the world’s “auto-correct” is actually usually “auto-INcorrect.”

The Apostle Paul’s words are as every bit as significant today as they were 2,000 years ago.  They are words we would do well to take to heart.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2).

When the Holy Spirit is transforming us through God’s Word, and renewing our hearts and minds through God’s truth … well, that is the perfect “auto-correct!”  It’s a correction that we can be confident is actually and absolutely correct!

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Matthew 5:13-16 (the words of Jesus)
“You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

“You are the light of the world.  A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

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The Weather Forecast is … ?

The Weather Forecast is … ?

It’s not all that unusual.  Undoubtedly, you’ve experienced it yourself.  But it’s still rather … weird.

The other day I was driving home on the freeway with my wipers swinging to clear the raindrops from the windshield … while just a few miles ahead beamed bright, blue skies. 

“That’s Michigan for you,” the locals will say.  Nevertheless, it’s disconcerting to be navigating a rain shower while having to reach for one’s sunglasses.

And isn’t that rather like life?

There are almost always dark clouds and rain drops hovering over us.  Meanwhile, there are also always blue skies – blessings! – to be seen if one only takes the time to look.

With our sin-infected lives existing in this sin-permeated world … “bad weather” of some kind is a constant.  Yet, as God’s children richly loved and abundantly blessed by Him … Son-shine is also always present.

The storm clouds may dominate our view at times, but they cannot stifle the brightness of God’s love, goodness and faithfulness.  Both are constants; it’s just a matter of degree.  Sometimes it seems as if the storms dominate; sometimes we rejoice in predominately beautiful blue skies.

Yes, it’s weird.  And both unfortunate and fortunate too.  But it’s the reality of life in a broken world. 

Yet, our God is working – always working – though we may struggle to understand his ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9).  We may sometimes wonder why certain downpours are occurring.  Nevertheless, the Lord has his own holy and perfect reasons.  And he doesn’t owe us an explanation.

God makes it clear.  “I am the Lord, and there is no other.  I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things” (Isaiah 45:6-7).

Jesus himself said, “Your Father in heaven … causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:44).

This is true, both literally and metaphorically.  Of course, we have no issue with the sunshine in our lives.  But we could do with less storms.  Which may cause us to wonder, “Why doesn’t the Lord cut us, his believers, a break?”

The Bible is packed with insight on this very thing.  Believe it or not, our struggles may be God’s greatest blessings to us! 

Besides the fact that sin negatively impacts everything in this world, here are just a few reasons why our loving Heavenly Father allows “bad weather” to affect his children’s lives:

Our Heavenly Father is disciplining us as children he loves

Hebrews 12:7&11 – Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.  For what children are not disciplined by their father? …  No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

God is using our struggles to build our spiritual character …

Romans 5:3-5 – Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

… And refine our faith …

1 Peter 1:6-7 – In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

… And make us spiritually stronger and more firmly anchored

1 Peter 5:10 – And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

The Heavenly Father knows that hardships move his children to turn to his Word and cling to his promises …

Psalm 119:67, 71 – Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.  … It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.

… And rely upon his holy Son, Jesus

John 16:33 – [Jesus said,] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world.”

After God has comforted us in our troubles, we are able to comfort others

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

The Lord knows that earthly storms make us long for the peace of our heavenly home

Romans 8:18 – I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

The Father allows storms to come to his children so he can deliver them …

Psalm 34:19 – The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

… If not in this life, then ultimately in the life to come

James 1:12 – Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Black storm clouds and blue skies simultaneously?  That’s life in this world for Christians.  But we do not despair, for our God gives us some wonderful, all encompassing promises that give us confidence.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that “… in all things God works for the good of those who love him …” (Romans 8:28).  And our Heavenly Father himself assures us, ‘“I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11).

So yes, there are always some “storms” in our lives.  But the blue skies of God’s love are also always present, which makes the nasty “weather” much more bearable.

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Romans 8:35, 37–39
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Blessings through the “Quiet”

Blessings through the “Quiet”

The fishing experience wasn’t ideal that evening.

It wasn’t because I didn’t catch any fish.  (I did.)  And it wasn’t because the view was lousy.  (It was as lovely as always.)  Nor was it due to the heat or humidity.  (The comfort level was actually wonderful.)

Rather, I struggled to fully enjoy the experience due to the roar hammering across the lake.

The lake we live on, (Shamrock Lake), is being dredged.  We thought the dredging process was completed last year, but apparently they are wrapping it up this summer.  Which means there are large dredging pipes floating on the surface, and the nearly unending bellowing of the large dredging boat.  (The company works day and night when in full swing.)

The dredger sounds like a semi-truck laboring up a mountain pass at full throttle – but at three times the volume.  Even at a distance, the roar rolls belligerently across the water.  Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to ignore.

Normally, evenings fishing off our dock are peaceful and relaxing; the sounds normal, nature-based and soothing.  The shriek of an osprey or eagle.  The quacks of ducks and the honking of geese as they fly in and splash to a rest on the water.  The good-night birdcalls as they settle into their resting places after another day.  A muskrat swimming quietly to his feeding spot.  Bullfrogs bellowing their unique call.  The splash of fish feeding aggressively on the surface.

But that evening, I could hear none of it.  Just the blaring of a very large motor sucking up the silt that had settled on the bottom of our lake.

I do understand that the process will produce a better lake for us to enjoy.  But if only it could be done quietly!

Sitting there that evening, missing the blessings of the quiet, it occurred to me that the world produces a prodigious amount of “roaring” that is also difficult to ignore.  The opinions of influential and “highly knowledgeable” people, the overabundance of information on the world-wide web, and the nearly constant audio input from our phones, radios and televisions (which we ourselves typically opt to listen to!) can create a lot of “noise.”

Sometimes we need to quietly soak in the peaceful voice of our God.

Where is it that our Good Shepherd “refreshes [our] souls?”  David was inspired to write that it is when we are “lying down in green pastures” and when we are “beside quiet waters.”  (Ps. 23:2-3).  In other words, in peaceful places where there are soothing sounds!  Namely, where we hear our Good Shepherd’s voice, and his alone.

Another psalmist was inspired to write these words: “[The Lord] says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’   The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10-11).

The prophet Jeremiah encourages the same approach: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:25-26).

The quiet voice of our Savior informs us that he is real, that he really loves us, that he forgives us and that he has saved us.  It reminds us that he is with us, that he will provide for us and protect us, and that he has wonderful plans for us.  And so much more!

Cacophony is all around us.  Some we can’t avoid.  (Like a dredging boat on the lake!)  Some we choose to hear, or at least passively accept. 

Seek the quiet.  Pursue peaceful time to hear God’s speaking.  Be still and listen to your Lord. 

He speaks to us in public worship and Bible studies at our church.  He also speaks to us in our private devotions as we read his Word, as we listen to and sing his truths-put-to-song in Christian music, and as we personally reflect upon his messages.

The roar of the world will be here as long as the world stands.  Thankfully, the quiet voice of the Lord will also be here that long … and well beyond.  (Mt. 24:35). 

The key is finding quiet time to hear the quiet words.

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1 Kings 19
11 The Lord said [to Elijah], “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind.

After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 

12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.

And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.

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The Benefits of Being Selective

The Benefits of Being Selective

I love to watch the birds.

Our God was so creative in his creating process!  Like every aspect of God’s animal kingdom, birds come in multiple sizes and shapes – most with distinctive features and coloration. 

Some diehard bird watchers chase after the birds, going wherever they need to go to hopefully see different species.  I prefer to bring the birds to me.  Of course, the best way to do that is to hang a bird feeder or feeders in a conveniently observed place.

I have two feeders in easy view from our front windows.  One is an oriole feeder with a very specific food unique to drawing in the black and orange birds.  (Grape jelly!) 

The other is a traditional platform feeder with cages on each end for seed blocks, which the woodpeckers like to peck at.  (I thoroughly enjoy watching them!)  In the main part of the feeder, I pour the seed in from the top, and it spills out on both sides of the platform.

The frustration I ran into with the main feeder was that the birds I really don’t care to feed or watch, (especially grackles and red-wing blackbirds), would bully the rest of the birds away while they gorged themselves.  I’d fill the feeder with common birdseed one day and gangs of those piggy black birds would have it completely cleaned out by the next!

One Sunday afternoon my brother-in-law and my nephew stopped over to fish off our dock.  Not only did we catch a few fish and have a great conversation, but my brother-in-law (an avid bird feeder himself) clued me in to safflower seeds.

I had seen bags of safflower seeds for sale in the birding sections of local stores, but I didn’t really know much about it.  After our talk on the dock, I did some quick research on it.  Turns out that grackles and blackbirds don’t like safflower seed!  Squirrels either!

However, cardinals, bluejays, finches, grossbeaks, and chickadees – some of my favorite birds – love them! 

How did I never hear about this before?

So I purchased my first bag of safflower seed and began to mix it in with the regular seed.  Sure enough, the black birds still came, but they pushed the safflower seeds out of the feeder.  After the typical seed was gone, so largely were the bullies.  But the cardinals and finches still came to eat the leftover safflower seeds!

It didn’t take long until I transitioned completely to the new seed. Now I don’t get nearly the quantity of birds at my feeder, but the visual quality of the those who come, and the frequency of their visits, has improved significantly.

It occurred to me that there is a spiritual application to this.  Simply stated, the things that we choose to “feed” our hearts and minds will correlate with what we see in our spiritual lives.

If we are primarily feeding on the usual “seed” that the world ingests, our hearts, minds and lives will probably be rather common – looking much like the rest of the world.  By the same token, if our spiritual diet is elevated to a higher level, so also will our spiritual well-being.

Stated differently, the more we focus on worldly things (wealth, possessions, position, power, success, and etc.), the more worldly we will be tempted to become.  The more we focus on spiritual things (God’s Word, God’s love, God’s forgiveness and salvation, God’s promises, God’s blessings – both now and forever, and etc.), the more Godly we will become, and the more spiritually stunning we will appear.

Being selective in what we feed the birds can provide great dividends.  Being selective in what we feed ourselves can provide even greater ones!  And much more important ones!

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The Unappealing Path (A Story)

The Unappealing Path (A Story)

The archangel streaked through heaven’s glory, drawn to the brightest Light in that brilliantly lit place.  Or more accurately, to the Beacon whose radiance radiated throughout the entirety of heaven. 

The angel drew to sudden but smooth stop before Jesus – effortlessly executing the transition from an upright posture to a prostrate one in one seamless motion, coming to rest before the Lord with his extensive wings draped over his head in deference to the Mightiest One before him.

“Greetings, Michael,” Jesus said.  “Well done on the battlefront.”

“Our foes are relentlessly fighting.  And they continue to gain spiritual ground among the humans, as you know,” the angel replied. 

“Yes, they are.  It is the way things were predicted, so it is the way things will go.”

“I want to banish them to the darkness immediately!” Michael retorted.

“I know, Michael.  All in due time,” the Lord replied.  He sighed, then he continued.  “As earthly time marches on, more and more people will reject me altogether.  It is prophesied and it is inevitable.  That’s tragic enough, and I grieve for every one of their souls.”

Jesus paused.  “But what really saddens me are all of the people who DO know me … yet miss out on so many of the blessings I intend for them in their earthly lives.”  It was impossible to miss the sorrow in Jesus’ voice.

“Stand, mighty warrior.  I will show you the human dilemma you already understand, but in a manner you haven’t seen before.”

With a single, swift and strong flap of his wings, Michael lifted himself up.  Jesus nodded at him, then swept his arm before them.  Instantly a window opened in the multi-hued glory, revealing a view of an incredible sight. 

Before them stretched an expansive corridor, as wide as a seven-lane freeway.  It was paved with large, impact-absorbing – yet firm, strong and resilient – panels of material.  It was perfectly smooth; even the seams were tight and even. 

Wide billboards lined the way and impressive signs hung over the road.  Simple but brightly lit messages scrolled across their faces: “You are doing great!”  “Relax and enjoy the journey!”  “No doubt – the best route!”  “The wisest don’t despise it!”  “The best way to a new day!”  “The easy leads to the pleasey!”

Food stands were readily available; cold refreshments easily accessible.

The highway descended at a gentle grade with no elevation gain visible at any point.  Comfortable benches were situated throughout for resting where needed.  There were even escalators for the ease of those who preferred not to walk the easy downhill!

Demons, invisible to the people on the path but clear to Michael, were flurrying every which way to provide the support needed to keep the walkway functioning and to promote the comfort of the travelers.

Throngs of people covered the road … across the width and throughout the length.

Impressive gateways stood at the end, beyond which was a swirling, cloudy darkness.  Many paused at that point, but the words emblazoned above the arches seemed to put the travelers at ease.  To their eyes the words said, “ALL WILL BE WELL!”  In reality, they read “WELCOME TO HELL!”

As the people passed through the gates and into the darkness, they toppled helplessly into the pit … while watching demons cackled in evil glee.

“Let us put an end to the demons!” Michael scowled in righteous anger.

“We will.  Again, in due time,” Jesus replied.  “You, of course, recognize what you are seeing.

“Yes, Most Exalted One,” said Michael.  “This is the wide and easy road to the abyss that you spoke of on the mount.  I well recognize it.”

“Indeed,” Jesus replied.  “And what are your observations regarding it?”

“It has always been heavily trafficked.  But lately, even more so.”

“Correct.  Absolutely tragic that so many insist on traveling it,” said Jesus, as a tear slide from his eye.  “The demons coerce, but the people acquiesce.  Travelers on this route think this is the easy way, but it is the opposite.  They are actually miserable already now, but the worst is yet to come.”

The Lord diverted Michael’s attention to the mountains rising immediately beside the highway.  A small, rocky and uneven path wove its way slowly up the flanks and eventually into the heights above.  It appeared to be a challenging route with few amenities available.

Leading to the main but small path were multiple tinier paths which had diverted from the expansive freeway.  The exit signs on the wide way which called attention to these scrabbles were simple and nondescript; barely noticeable among the flashing promotions all around them.

Each exit sign to the narrow path said two simple words: “The Way.”  Further up the mountain where the tiny trails converged into the larger (but still small) path was a sign stating the same: “The Way.”  In comparison to the wide, smooth freeway, only a few people could be seen scrambling up this rough route.

Michael spoke.  “Fewer on this path these days.”

“Thankfully though, some still walk the path of Truth and Life, and pass through the narrow gate into glory,” Jesus replied. 

Then he continued.  “This is the long view … the overview of the two paths to different destinations.  Now let me show you the closer view of the narrow path to heaven.  In some ways, what I’m about to reveal is almost more tragic than the throngs on the highway to hell.  (Though that is the ultimate tragedy!)  Thankfully though, this next tragedy is generally temporary.”

Jesus waved his arm again, and the view changed.  Now they were looking at the narrow, rocky, rising path to heaven.  Angels walked along with the travelers, their wings stretched above and around them in a protective canopy.  “My faithful fighters for you, Most Exalted One,” Michael stated proudly.  Jesus nodded in agreement. 

Demons were also situated along that way, feinting attacks on the people and promoting various side paths.  Naturally, they heavily, alluringly and effectively tried to seduce God’s people down sin paths. 

In addition, the devils sponsored attractive advertisements posted over side paths offering everything the human heart could desire.  Popularity.  Wealth.  Success.  Power.  Fun.  And yes … Ease.  None of which is essentially evil, but all of which can be distracting.

They even tried to pull “The Way” travelers down paths of ongoing poor choices – ones the people knew were unhealthy and unwise.  And down paths of past hurts and heartaches.  Down paths of oppression even!  The devils promoted these routes as “A Familiar Path” or “The Usual and Comfortable.”  And a surprising number of God’s people chose to take them!

In short, the demons promoted any alternate and adjusted route along “The Way” that might attract and appeal, and pull God’s people off the main path.

All these meandering routes still led to heaven, but they increased the difficulty of the trip.  Each side path brought greater struggles – physically, mentally, emotionally, and especially spiritually.  Even the paths labeled “Easier” were harder! 

All of these side path led to multiple additional path options … each extra option heavily pushed by the demons … and each leading only to more problems.  If a traveler on “The Way” took too many side paths or followed them too eagerly or too long, they could eventually find themselves back on the wide and easy path to hell.

But after every side excursion … and even after multiple diversions … the small, least appealing path labeled “The Way” was always accessible. 

Jesus shook his head sadly.  “The tragedy of this view is that all of the people on this path to some degree … and some people to a large degree … get sidetracked from the simplest, most beneficial path onto other detours that rob them of the fullness they can have in me.  And they know better!”

The Savior continued.  “My Way seems less appealing, but it brings so much more!  Even during their lives on earth!  Love!   Forgiveness!  Salvation!  Peace!  Joy!  Self-worth!  Fulfillment!  Purpose!  I bring all these things to people to the degree that they remain on ‘The Way.’  And yet so many choose the detours that bring only more burdens and heartaches.  Any side-trip that turns a person’s focus off me, my saving sacrifice, my love, and my truths essentially robs them of truth, joy and fulfillment.”

The angel responded emphatically, “If only your people recognized this!  The demons!  The distractions!  The disillusions of other paths!”

“Yes, Michael.  If only they did.  My path seems empty, but it is full!  It seems barren, but is alive!  It seems mundane, but is exciting!  It seems more difficult, but is easier!  It seems a dead end, but it leads to life!  It seems unappealing, but is actually most appealing!” 

“But you know all this,” the Lord stated.  He paused, then asked.  “What are your observations from this view?”

“As stated earlier, there are fewer on this path than in the past.  And the travelers seem to be more easily diverted.”

“It has always been a challenging journey.  But now, more than ever,” Jesus replied.

In holy fury, Michael snapped his wings with a load crack.   “Then let us finally do away with these tormenting demons who continue to defy you and deter your people!”

Jesus closed the “window” and looked directly at him.   “I know how you feel, dear archangel.  And this is why I summoned you.  I wanted to share all this to make it clear that we draw closer to the End … to the time when your unending battles will finally end.”

Michael snapped his wings again.  “It cannot come soon enough for me, Most Exalted One!”

The Lord smiled and said, “There are still some who will be brought off the wide and easy road to destruction and onto the narrow path of life.  When the last one steps onto ‘The Way,’ the End will come.”

It was the angel’s turn to smile.  He responded, “I am glad to hear it!  In the meantime, may your people remain on your path, Lord Jesus, and rejoice in all the blessings you bring them there!  It is a narrow path, but the best one!  It is the path to life – both temporally and eternally.”

“That it most definitely is,” the Savior replied.

Then the archangel extended his wings and sped back to the battlefront.

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Matthew 7:13-14
“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Revelation 22:20-21
[Jesus,] who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” 

Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!  The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

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What If …?

What If …?

The start of a new year has always been a logical time for people to reassess their lives, and recommit to beneficial personal goals.  According to online articles, almost 40% of people make New Year’s resolutions.  The most common ones are health related, followed by finances. 

Unfortunately, most commitments fall to the wayside – often quite quickly.  Almost 25% don’t even make it a week; the majority of the rest fall off in just a month or two.  Less than 10% actually keep their resolutions for the entire year.

Nevertheless, I thought I would toss out some possibilities for spiritual resolutions.  Though most people wouldn’t consider these at all important, as Christians we realize spiritual matters are actually the most significant … even if perhaps we don’t always properly prioritize them.

A few disclaimers, suggestions and significant points ahead of the list:

  1. It’s a long list! Some suggestions are more church related; others more people related.  All, however, are personal.  They relate to each of us as individual believers.

  2. No one can or will be able to fulfill all of these perfectly. Unfortunately, we’re all perfect sinners and therefore imperfect people. (Rom. 3:23).

  3. I certainly don’t have all these down, (not even close!), so I am in no position to claim superiority over anyone.

  4. This is NOT an exercise in guilt! Rather, it’s an opportunity to reflect and consider.

  5. All that being said, please don’t simply disregard the list offhand. Our Lord does want us to grow in our thankful living for him.  (Rom. 12:1).

  6. Perhaps a beneficial way to approach this list is for each of us to note the points where we are lacking and might want to improve. Choose a few (maybe even only one!), and strive to make the necessary changes to grow in these areas.

  7. Finally … thanks be to God! Through his grace, we are adopted into his family and made his children.  We are dearly loved and abundantly blessed by God himself!.  We are fully forgiven, people filled with peace and hope, and heirs of salvation. (Gal. 4:4-7).  This affects where we will live forever, and also how we live already now.  God’s profound love for us is our motivation to live for God.

So on to the list.  What if …

  • Every Christian read a portion of the Bible every day? (Acts 17:11)

  • Every parent faithfully taught their children God’s truths from little on? (Deut. 11:18-19)

  • Every believer was active in their prayer life? (1 Thes. 5:17)

  • Every church member actively prayed for their church and their fellow members? (Jms. 5:16)

  • Every member attended one of their church’s worship services every week? (Heb. 10:23-25)

  • Everyone sang all the hymns and worship songs with all their heart? (Ps. 9:2)

  • Every talent (musical and otherwise) was utilized to enhance worship?

  • Everyone regularly attended at least one Bible study offered at their congregation? (2 Pet. 3:18)

  • Every child regularly attended Sunday School?

  • Each believer’s spiritual light shone brightly all the time so all could clearly see? (Mt. 5:14-16)

  • Every person invited at least one person to church per week? (2 Cor. 5:18-20)

  • Every congregational member brought at least one new person a year into the church family?

  • Everyone made a point to talk with at least one new/different person a week at church?

  • Everyone greeted any new faces at worship, Bible study or church activities? (Php. 4:21)

  • Every adult member was making regular visits of some kind to other members?

  • Every person begged to have their gifts utilized in the Lord’s work? (1 Pet. 4:10)

  • Each of us tithed (gave 10%) of our income to the Lord? (Mal. 3:10)

  • Every member designated a gift to their congregation in their will?

  • Every member did at least five special activities of ministry (service) a year? (Eph. 6:7)

  • Every believer eagerly filled Jesus’ “new command” to love one another? (Jn. 13:34)

  • Each of us “clothed ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” as we deal with one another? (Col. 3:12)

  • We forgive one another as the Lord forgave us? (Col. 3:13)

  • Everyone made it their goal to encourage others in their walk with God? (1 Thes. 5:10-11)

  • Everyone perfectly understood and applied Christian freedom? (Gal. 5:13)

  • Everyone put the best construction on everything others said and did?

  • Every member was willing to lovingly rebuke a believing brother or sister where necessary? (2 Tim. 2:2)

  • Everyone was able to rejoice in and listen to a loving rebuke from another?

  • Everyone was comfortable enough to talk to others and seek godly advice about their life decisions?

  • We totally trusted the Lord regarding everything? (Prov. 3:5-6)

  • Each of us gave thanks in all circumstances, as God wills? (1 Thes. 5:18)

  • Everyone strived to glorify God in every thought and action they did? (1 Cor. 10:31)

  • We didn’t make excuses; we just did what we know is right?

Are there any items that should be added to this list?  Any that especially spoke to you?  I’d be delighted to hear your thoughts in the comments section. 

Thanks be to God for Jesus our Savior – for the atonement he made for us, the forgiveness he won for us, and the salvation he earned for us!  And thanks be to God that we are able to live for Jesus our Savior!

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2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

Romans 12:1-2
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

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Beware the Hook!

Beware the Hook!

I am blessed that I can now walk out our back door, stroll onto our dock and be fishing in a matter of 5 minutes.  And I take advantage of this blessing as often as I can.  (Which isn’t as often as I’d like.) 

Fishing is generally regarded as one of those pastimes which can provide wondrous relaxation.  But if things are going well, the relaxation will be punctuated frequently by sudden excitement. 

All of which makes fishing so enjoyable … at least for the fishers.  For the fish, however, it’s literally a matter of life and death.  The wrong decision leads to some significant consequences.

Many factors weigh into whether a fishing expedition is successful.  Weather conditions, water temperature, time of day, the phase of the moon, and the particular place one is fishing (both the body of water and where one is fishing that water) can impact whether fish are caught or not.

But the most crucial element of all in a typical fishing excursion is the hook.  If one wants to catch fish in the traditional manner of fishing, they must use at least one hook.  And extra hooks are extra good, if legally allowed! 

It goes without saying, however, that just a bare hook will generally catch nothing besides seaweed.  Even the dumbest fish knows better than to impale itself on a bare hook.  Rather, the fisher-person adorns the hook with something that will (hopefully!) entice a finned fellow to bite.

Those hook adornments can take many different forms.  The most common are almost certainly worms of some kind.  However, the most effective bait for panfish on our lake seems to be “wax worms” or “waxies,” which are the larvae of wax moths.  Powerbait can be extremely effective for trout; smelly baits for catfish.  Gadgets made to look like fish or other critters (with treble hooks attached) can be retrieved or trolled to entice a strike from a predatory fish.  Finally, there are endless variations to the presentation of the catching apparatus called a “hook.”

Consider the names that refer to these fishing standards: attractants, lures, bait, and hooks.  And no wonder!  Their very purpose is to attract a fish, lure it to take the bait and get hooked!  When that happens, it’s great for the fisherman, but not so great for the fish.

As humans, we are familiar with the concept of predation.  Even if we don’t actively hunt or fish, we are aware that we are at the top of the food chain.  In the physical world, we are predators … if not actively, then passively.  However, it is crucial we recognize that in the spiritual realm we are the prey! 

The Apostle Peter paints this illustration for us: “Be alert and of sober mind.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”  (1 Peter 5:8).  That “someone” is you and me!

And just like the fisher does when pursuing fish, so Satan dangles baited hooks before us.  He will present the hook in different ways for different people and at different times.  (We are all pulled by our own unique temptations, and he will bring out what he knows works best on us.)  But be assured that under that enticing attractant or attached to that seductive lure is a sharp and potentially deadly barbed point.

Sometimes the fish don’t even recognize the hooks under the bait until it’s too late.  But there are other times that they DO know about the hook, but STILL come after the bait. 

Have you ever dipped your worm-covered rig in the water right next to a frequently used fishing dock?  If so, then you know that seasoned little fishees will quickly, adeptly and repeatedly strip the crawler off your hook while you watch, and as you futilely attempt to catch them.

That’s how we are too sometimes!  We know that Satan is trying to hook us on an attractively arrayed temptation, but we still bite.  Often eagerly!  Like the little fish, we think we can get away with it.  But sometimes those overconfident biters miscalculate and find themselves hooked.  The same can happen to us.  Bite on a temptation too often, and we could suffer far more than we anticipated.  The spiritual ramifications could be profound.

This is what Paul was writing about to the Corinthian Christians: “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Attractive?  Alluring?  Absolutely!  But beware the hook!

We are so easily persuaded to nibble on “goodies” that aren’t good for us.  Thankfully our God is forever faithful.  Take to heart this sobering reminder and these encouraging insights from the Bible:

“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.  And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

That’s certainly comforting to know.  But even more comforting is the knowledge that the Lord has also provided forgiveness through Jesus for those times when we bit on an alluringly decorated hook! 

How good is our God!  How blessed are we!  All the more reason to swim on past Satan’s temptingly tantalizing hooks.

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As the Rain Falls

As the Rain Falls

As I type this week’s post, the sky is gray and sputtering light moisture. It’s a welcome sight, as we have been in a bit of a dry spell for a while now. This is unusual for this time of year in central Michigan. Normally, May is our wettest month of the year, with an average of 3 ½ inches of rain falling.

In fact, the warmer months in Michigan provide a bounty of rainfall. It’s not always raining by any means, but it rains frequently enough to keep the grass a brilliant green and the flowers and trees well-watered.

Those of you who are familiar with the state of Washington where we used to live know that the rainy season there is from mid-September until maybe mid-June. Dry days during those months are rare. However, during the summers hardly a drop of precipitation falls. Which means that unless one makes a point to water the lawn, the grass dies. As do the flowers in the beds.

So when the rains return, many western-Washington locals rejoice. The grass will turn green again!

Different places; different climates.

Regardless of where one might live or be, rain is a crucial element … though it’s often a blessing we tend to take for granted. But water is no insignificant thing! Without it, plants and animals die. Most locales are supported primarily by precipitation that falls from heaven, either as rain or snow, which waters the soil and accumulates in rivers, lakes and oceans.

The simplest illustration of this truth can be found by considering the amount of moisture that falls in various places, and how those lands look.

For example, Mawsynram, India and Tutunendo, Colombia are both near the equator and consequently receive some of the highest precipitation totals in the world – over 460 inches a year! (If you would like to see pictures of the foliage there, look the cities up. It is beyond lush!) Meanwhile, Egypt averages only three-hundredths (0.03) of an inch per year, and its landscape is much starker.

These are extreme examples. But the same holds true in our own country, albeit in less dramatic fashion. Yet the differences are dramatic enough. Hawaii is our top-rain receiver with approximately 64 inches annually; Nevada our lowest at only 9 ½ inches. Needless to say, the flora appearances in those two states are significantly different! (For a quick comparison of the amount of annual rain/snow in the states, check out the color-coded map from “CurrentResults.com” at the bottom of this article.)

The state of Washington where we used to live clearly demonstrates the impact of precipitation. With the Pacific Ocean on the west border, several mountain ranges bisecting the state, and serious elevation differences around the region, the amount of annual precip varies greatly, as does the vegetation in the various zones. On the coast below the Olympic Mountains resides a temperate rainforest which accumulates about 120 inches of rain per year. On the rolling plains east of the Cascade Mountains, the trees and plants are quite different because typically less than 10 inches falls.

It’s interesting to compare our former city and our current one. Tacoma gleans about 40 inches per year (mostly in the fall, winter and spring) and the plant life there appropriately reflects it. Everything is green there three-quarters of the year, but not over summer. Clare receives almost the same amount (in snow and rain), but mostly in the warmer months, making summer gloriously green.

It’s quite a simple concept actually. The more rain that waters the land, the more the land flourishes.

The Lord grabs this concept and turns it into a telling illustration through the prophet Isaiah. “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).

It’s the same simple concept! The more the soil of our souls are watered by God’s Word, the more our souls flourish spiritually.

Through the Gospel, the Holy Spirit creates faith in our Savior (Titus 3:5-6), nourishes that faith (Ephesians 3:16), and fosters fruits of faith (Galatians 5:22-23). The more our hearts are watered by the Word, the more we blossom spiritually. Our hearts, minds and bodies are impacted. Our attitudes are altered; our thoughts are adjusted; our actions are improved; our lives are blessed with spiritual abundance.

That’s why God shares his Word. That’s what God desires to accomplish. That’s the purpose for which God sends it out. To water souls so they produce a rich harvest of faith and fruit! So soak up as much spiritual moisture as you can!

What a blessing when rain falls and waters the land. But the greater blessing is when God’s truth nourishes hearts, and lovely faith flowers burst forth!

As Moses exclaimed jubilantly shortly before he died: “Listen, you heavens, and I will speak; hear, you earth, the words of my mouth. Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:1-4).

Praise God for the rain! For the physical, but especially for the spiritual!

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To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

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Not Asking for Much

Not Asking for Much

“Lord, give me answers, and give them to me NOW!”

I know that’s not the way the expression goes.  But it seems to me that “answers” could definitely be substituted for “patience.”  We may actually be more insistent on getting answers than gaining patience.  In fact, we are typically extremely impatient when we don’t have the answers we seek.

I’m not referring to doctrinal or theological answers.  My observation is that most Christians active in their churches are comfortable with most of the tenets of their congregation and/or church body.  The Bible is quite straightforward and clear.  If one knows the Book, they also know the true God and the truths He shares. 

It’s generally not God’s essence and divine characteristics that trip up believers. Nor is it matters such as morality, conversion, redemption, forgiveness, providence and salvation that causes God’s devout people issues.  Even those areas where God’s Word doesn’t provide more specifics don’t usually cause us problems. Nor do we typically obsess about the distant future.

Rather, it’s the uncertainty of tomorrow! 

It’s all the immediate unanswered questions that plague our lives.  What will happen in this situation?  What will he or she or they do?  What should I do?  What should I say?  How will this huge unresolved unknown play out?  And when?  Where will things stand in a week?

“Lord, I’m not asking for much.  Just give me the answers.  And give them to me NOW!  Then I can finally find peace.”

No, friend!  The path to true peace is not found in answers to the immediate dilemmas.  It’s found in the faithfulness of our good and loving God!

This is precisely what Jesus told his disciples and what he tells us: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives [which cannot provide true peace!]. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Keep in mind that when Jesus spoke these words, it was the very day he would be taken away by the mob.  It was a highly emotional time when the disciples had multiple and significant unanswered questions.  The Lord had been preparing them for his suffering, death and departure, and the eleven had no idea how this could be or what this meant for them. 

So Jesus showed them the source of peace; “my peace I give you.”

Not that the apostles understood this truth at that moment or were able to apply it properly.  Nevertheless, Jesus gave them the key.  The Answer to the unanswered questions is … Jesus!  That is, trusting Jesus to take care of the uncertainties in their lives and their future. 

And Jesus is the Answer to our unanswered questions too!

Most Christians will verbally acknowledge this as truth.  However, saying something doesn’t automatically mean believing something.  There is often a disconnect between words and actions.  Especially in regard to trusting the Lord.  And especially when there is so much uncertainty in our lives!

Our approach to the unknown is typically similar to Thomas (whom we typically castigate for doubting that the Lord was risen!) … “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

But that’s not believing at all!  That’s merely documenting the visible and physical facts.  The Bible defines faith (trust!) in this way: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do NOT see” (Hebrews 11:1).

Having confidence and assurance that the Lord will work out the details of our tomorrows is extremely challenging for us who want tomorrow’s details today.  (Which we maintain would give us peace, but it wouldn’t because there will always be more uncertainties on the horizon!)

Again, peace will only be experienced regarding our life questions when we trust Jesus, the Answer, to provide them.  The more we trust Him, the more peace we have!  Regardless of the number or immensity of our unanswered questions.

It’s no accident that the Holy Spirit gives us this encouragement through Peter: “Cast all your anxiety on [the Lord] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).  The illustration is striking!  The act of casting something causes it to leave our person.  And the heavy and burdensome item God urges us to cast upon him … the almighty, all-knowing and loving Lord … is our anxiety!  Because when we do, the burden is lost and peace is found.

Is this easy?  No.  Is it necessary?  Yes.  Is it beneficial to our frame of mind and our view of the future?  Absolutely!

The degree of difficulty in doing this, and the blessings in doing so, are attested to by the incredible volume of passages in the Scriptures which urge us to trust in the Lord.  So give your unanswered questions to God … and don’t take them back again!  He can (and will!) handle the uncertainties much better than us, because there are no uncertainties for him, and there is nothing beyond his capabilities to handle.

As the father of the demon-possessed boy said to Jesus when asking him to free his son, so say we: “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).  Because the more we trust our Savior, the more we will find ourselves freed as well.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).  “May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you” (2 Thessalonians 3:16).

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,  and he will make your paths straight.

Psalm 37 – selected
3 Trust in the Lord …. 4 Take delight in the Lord,  and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord;  trust in him and he will do this … 7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 Romans 8:28 & 32
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him … He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

How to Interact on This Blog

To Comment – Please share your thoughts!  (Commenting is the fun part!)  To do so, click on the “Comments” tag under the title and start typing.  I, and many others, would love to benefit from your insights!

To Subscribe – Go to the “Follow This Blog Via Email” column.  If you don’t immediately see that box, click on the “Comments” tag under the title, and scroll to the very bottom.  You should find it there.  OR simply comment you want to follow and I can add you!

Prioritizing Priorities

Prioritizing Priorities

We’re just back from a wonderful post-Easter trip to Washington.  So this week I’m resharing a post from several years ago.  I pray it is thought-provoking and beneficial to you.  It’s certainly a great reminder to me!

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We all recognize that priorities are important, but few of us actually prioritize our lives.  At least, that’s the way it seems to me.  (And I count myself among the guilty!)

If asked what is truly important in our life, we could provide excellent answers: God, family, health, home, security, freedom, etc.  Yet often our day-to-day decisions don’t line up with the top items on our self-proclaimed priority list.

Why is this so?  We’re logical, practical people; why are those key items we deem critical so commonly neglected and even downright disregarded – overshadowed by so many lesser things?

There are many factors, of course.  But ultimately the root causes are brought on by the unholy trio of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature (flesh).  Satan enthralls our sinful natures with the wonders, pleasures, and responsibilities of the world, leading us effectively and easily away from pursuing the truly significant things.  Satan is the ultimate deceiver and distractor, and sadly we are easily dissuaded.

Consequently, we are constantly chasing after the “urgent” in our lives instead of devoting ourselves to the “important.”  Typically the “urgents” overwhelm us, receiving tremendous attention, while the “importants” quietly recede into the background.

Or to say it another way, we focus a tremendous amount of time and energy on “nick-nacks” rather than on true “treasures.”  And this leaves us frustrated and somewhat discombobulated.  We realize innately that our focus is misplaced and our emphasis off.

Thankfully, our Lord never mixes up his priorities.  And we are one of his top treasures!  The One who created the cosmos and orchestrates the world’s events – both great and small – made our salvation a top priority.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Furthermore, our loving Lord is with us every second of our lives.  He provides for us, protects us, guides us, and blesses us (Jer. 17.7).  How fortunate we are to be at the top of God’s priority list!

So how do we recognize the highest priorities in our lives?  And a more challenging question: how we do we live properly prioritized lives?

Here’s an exercise to evaluate our top priorities, and the order of those priorities.  It’s a variation of a process someone shared with me once.

Think of your priorities as personal treasures.  Now imagine yourself ruled by a king.  The king is powerful, and he is greedy.  He demands all your treasures … except for 10 items. 

What 10 treasures would you keep?  Take your time and think this out.  You must be specific, and you can only retain 10.  Recognize that treasures can also be spiritual or non-tangible.  Write your choices down.

Now imagine that this greedy king decides he wants more, so you have to give up another treasure.  Now you’ll be down to 9.  What will you give up?  Record your decision.

Repeat the process until you whittle your treasures down to one item.  (This process becomes increasingly agonizing as you go along!)  But after making your final decision, you are left with the top priority in your life!  The rest of the order of your treasures/priorities has also been established in descending order by the choices you made along the way. 

I trust that the Lord, his Word, and your faith rank highly on your list in some manner!  As Jesus himself reminded us, “Seek first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

If you don’t care for my suggested approach, do an online search for setting priorities.  You’ll find many other alternatives.  The key is that you identify what your top priorities are.

Well done!  Your priorities are established.  But now the real challenge begins.  How do you live your life properly reflecting your top priorities?  How do the treasures you identified receive the daily recognition they deserve?

Here are a few suggestions to maintain course:

1. Print your list of priorities and display it in prominent places where you will see it and be reminded of what is truly important to you.

2. Commit to necessary changes. Simply noting your priorities won’t automatically translate into keeping those priorities; deliberate adjustments are needed.

3. Organization and self-established structure will help safeguard your priorities. Ranked sub-categories under your main points will help clarify your focus even more.

4. Set a schedule and routine that incorporates and supports your top priorities. Set times for specific key tasks, and hold to them.

5. Routinely address the most important things (your “treasures”) first. If less important things don’t get done, they don’t get done.  But you will still have given due attention to what’s most important to you.

6. Share your priorities with others who will encourage you and will hold you accountable.

7. Recognize that priorities can change over time, so reevaluate occasionally.

Establishing priorities … and living according to them … really should be a priority for all of us.  Because our “treasures” need to be properly treasured!

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Here are some wise Biblical words from an exceptionally wise man named Solomon.  The point of sharing these words is not to demonstrate that everything in this world is meaningless, but that many of the things to which we devote our time and energy are actually not so important.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-14
I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11
I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my labor, and this was the reward for all my toil. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 2:22-26
What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness …

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