"Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good" Eccles.2:1
Remember the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? Dr. Jekyll drank a potion that twisted and ruined his life. That's one potion you wouldn't want to drink.
1.- Read Eccles.2:1-23 and share a verse from it and some of your thoughts on it.
2.- After so much depressing news that we've read today, it's time for some good news. Please go to our website- greatestminimovies.com and watch a good news video. Share it's title and briefly what it was about. Then be on the look out to give out more of our Greatest Mini-movies cards or send the link to others. (An average of 22 people per day are watching our minimovies!) The world desperately needs what you have to offer- Christ, the one who came to give them and us life, life to the full.
I really liked what Eddie shared a couple days ago- "I was busy giving cards away this weekend. One of the guys I've been meeting with for a few months now told me that he has been listening to pastor Mark's sermons. He can't go to church at the moment, but it was encouraging to hear he's consistently being connected. I gave him a mini movies card and said here's some movies you can watch as well. Simple, but I jumped on the opportunity since he was/is open." Excellent Eddie!
Announcements
I am pleased to introduce another new brother joining us. He is a young adult who attends New Life Midway, whom William first invited to join M3. His name is Elijah Hernandez and he is eager to get growing with us. Welcome Elijah!
Since William recruited Elijah and has already earned his Unstoppable award pin, he now graduates from Basic Training (affectionately known as Boot Camp:), and advances from being a Pro to a Coach. Congratulations William!
1.- Eccles. 2:11 "Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."
ReplyDeleteGreat verse reminds us that everything that we do in this world has not eternal significance unless we are doing the will of God. Only then what we do really counts and bring glory to God.
2.- Movie watched: " What if I choose to do nothing".
Movie tells us in a very straight and forward way that by not doing anything about the gospel message and not responding to it is like playing Russian Roulette with out eternal destiny since we don't know when we will die. Thus we should make a decision today and not risk being separated from God for eternity.
Yes Roger, what a haunting verse apart from Christ. Reminds me of a great quote, "Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. Good movie review.
DeleteAre we building with sticks or bricks?
Delete1- Ecclesiastes 2:15-16
ReplyDelete15 Then I said to myself, “The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?” I said to myself, “This too is meaningless.” 16 For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die!
Often we may feel discouraged in something that we may see not going our way. It is always easier and very tempting to give up on things that we may at one point were passionate about. This reminds me of a sermon I heard at church. The pastor was speaking of works. I forgot who he was quoting but the quotes went something like this.
"You may love and not get love in return...... Love anyways"
"What you may build up may be destroyed by fire overnight...... Build anyways"
"You may be caring and people may take advantage of you....... Be caring anyways"
..............and several other examples..
But when i feel like things are meaningless and I would rather give up, because thinking "Whats the point in all this?". I remember
Matthew 6:19-20
19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[e] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So we will all die one day but our life here is only temporary. Heaven is our future hope and goal.
2- I watched "I thought"
You watched and you thought what? : ) thanks for sharing those sermon points. If you have more notes or audio, pass it along please.
DeleteNo, I don't have any notes. Sorry.
DeleteLouis you said that well, and good verse to back you up In Matt.
DeleteMatt. 6:19-20 great verses to remind us what is truly important in life.
Delete1.Ecc 2:14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark." Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate.
ReplyDeleteWise men use their eyes. They walk cautiously, they are guarded so that they won't stumble. Whereas, foolish men live without caution. However, there are things regardless to how you're living your life can still happen to both...natural disaster, poverty, disease and of course death itself. I think about this verse as well from Matt. 5:45 To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].
2. The Bridge - Good News. We have been created revolve around our creator, not have Him revolve around us. If we try to live that way he are hijacking our lives.
Welcome Elijah. Glad you're joining us bro! Congrats Will on the promotion and making me a spiritual grandfather. : )
DeleteNice cross reference verse.
Deletethanks a lot brother!
Delete1. " All their days their work is grief and pain, even at night their minds do not rest; all this is Meaningless." Ecc2:23
ReplyDeleteWe work to build character- but our focus is to build character like Christ so we can lead others to advance his Kingdom. We store our treasures in Heaven!
Work is meaningless, but we have to work if we are not rich, Its the things we do for GOD that brings us blessings...forgiving our tress passer witnessing to unbelievers .
DeleteAmen we do indeed need to build character like Christ to reach other for Him.
DeleteJack, thanks for the reminder that it's not just about building character but to build character like Christ.
Delete1. Ecclesiastes 2:21 "For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune." I struggle to agree with the sentiment that Solomon displays in this verse. Truly all the Earthly work of our hands, the yield of our labor, must one day be left behind, and yes, it may pass to one who has not worked for it. To say that it is meaningless, though, or a great misfortune, this I disagree with. It is a dilemma that keeps me up at night, but shouldn't: What kind of world will my children and their children inherit. Judging by the current state of things, it is reasonable to assume that our current path will eventually lead to a grim future. Perhaps it is the "superman complex" I continue to struggle with talking, but this is all the more reason why my work isn't meaningless. As a teacher, I am in a position to effect change...to help shape the future...to redirect the current course.
ReplyDeleteThe best inheritance I can leave my children is divine wisdom extracted from Scripture...the type of wisdom that is leading me into a stronger relationship with the father. This will be my monument. This will be the mark I leave on this Earth, this and the mark of hundreds of minds educated each year to navigate whatever the future may hold with a accurate moral compass. Perhaps that is the difference between the man who sows for his own benefit and the man who sows for the benefit of all. One will reap only what his two arms can carry; the other will take his share and still fill the arms of countless more after him. To toil for ourselves is meaningless. To toil for our children and all future generations is not. What we toil in also matters. I can leave my children property (a home, car, money), but these will one day run out or fall apart. Instead, I will leave them the example of a Godly man and well-developed sense of their own duty to become Godly men and women. Perhaps, then, all my toil will not have been in vain.
2. I watched "Say NO to Religion". This video briefly but succinctly outlines the difference between religion and relationship. As the concluding statement of the video points out, "Life with God is not about religion...it is about relationship." Jesus did not die on the cross to liberate a nation of believers...He died on the cross to liberate the sons and daughters of the Father. In what world does it make sense to believe that your father is real but not bother having a relationship with him?
well said Osiris. The greatest inheritance is being a godly example to your children. God bless.
Delete2. This is the gospel-- was a good reminder that it's all about Christ. The cross reminds us of what was given up for us and that we are given the chance to stand before Christ if we believe fully
ReplyDeleteEcclesiastes 2 4,8,14,18 I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards.
ReplyDelete8 I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire! 14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.” Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. 15 Both will die.18 I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned.
Solomon certainly worked hard and wisely to attain the resources to do what he pleased. He realized that can't take anything to the grave. I pray that we live a life worthy of what God called us to be.
Welcome Elijah. Glad you are with us. May God bless you for continuing to seek a relationship with Him.
Delete2. Watched what does God look like. Look at Jesus. The video more importantly points out who Jesus is, does. He showed us a great example when he humbled himself to be with us and die for us.
DeleteAmen. live a life worthy of GOD, I pray that my kids would know if before I die
DeleteAmen Sam great prayer. I agreed!!!
Deletethanks for the welcome brother !
Deletethanks for the welcome brother !
Delete1. Ecclesiastes 2:11 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.
ReplyDelete2. I'm an Atheist mini movie. This is a great mini movie for my friend Richard at work. After I told him that I was a Christian and I attend church on a regular basis. He responded by saying I do not go to church, I am an Atheist. I say it is fine but let me tell you how God has changed me. I am thankful to God for calling me in a life of meaning and purpose. He was running to another task and said we need to talk. Richard works in IT and moves around from building to building and work at different locations from time to time. I am in the hunt to meet with him again. I pray I can help Richard understand what God has for him. Amen.
Great job seeking to enrich him. Let the truth set him free. There are more mini-movies to help you. look at the link for believers. http://greatestminimovies.com/believer.html
DeleteGreat dedication Oscar in reaching out to Richard. We will keep him in prayer.
Delete1. Ecclesiastes 2 : 13 Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness.
ReplyDeleteAs a teenager i knew it all, and still do! J.k. But the older i get the world's looks different in so many ways. First i had to learn to just listen. Staying quiet and listening/seeing from my elders you can learn much spiritually. The bible had many great verse but i can get a different understanding from you. Wisdom is earned i believe. Many trials.
2. The video i watched today was set "Set Free!". Redemption! All evil bonds are broken with the grace of God. It is when one realizes that they are ready for change (usually when they hit rock bottom) that they look for help to change their circumstances. I'm prettysure we have been there. He takes us just they way we are and transforms us to his liking.
I agree that young people can learn a lot from listening and observing elders. I remember when I was working my cleaning job as a seventh grader and even through high school the office workers that I cleaned for always offered such great advice. I learned a lot from them. They really enjoyed sharing their wisdom and I was glad to soak up whatever they shared.
Delete1.- Ecc. 2:17
ReplyDeleteSo I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless a chasing after the wind.
I like the way it's presented here in this verse, as the wind is impossible to harness and capture, so one's life can be consumed by seeking and chasing all the worldly entrapments. This chasing of self gratification and stature is but a waste of time and has no value of self worth and dignity, can be burdensome and can cast one in a life of remorse and disparity. Their is more to life than all these accolades, first and foremost is to have God in your life continuously, to be fulfill and at peace with yourself.
Rom. 8:22-23
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to son-ship, the redemption of our bodies.
2.- watched mini movie
"What if I choose to do nothing"
Explains what will happen to all people who do nothing to bring God into their life. It's only a matter of time that we all will come to be judged and cast ether into the fiery pit or be rewarded and dwell in the glory of God's Kingdom. Russian roulette is used to give a illustrative example of how one's death will be certain and will be casted into the fiery pit for staying separated from God.
Love Romans 8. Great to know we have a great God who will one day take us out of this mess.
DeleteArmando, I like the way you put it - Their is more to life than all these accolades, first and foremost is to have God in your life continuously, to be fulfill and at peace with yourself.
DeleteWelcome aboard Elijah ...When I read this chapter I realize Solomon never had to work for anything, I think this is why he hated life. When he was born his father was king, when he grew up he was king and GOD gave him everything, if he had to work for things like we do his attitude towards life would have changed. This is why he got bored easily with stuff....I would not worry about what happens in life after I am dead, I will only worry about my kids, that is what I pray for that GOD will bring my kids too him
ReplyDeleteI agree partially, but I also think its because his relationship with God at that time of his life was not very strong. Even though I'm sure he wasn't working with his hands, leading the construction of buildings and monuments (perhaps to benefit his people) could have been very engaging and rewarding if his foundation was right- he was doing it for God and not for his own pride.
DeleteThis is a good first . Some people damble to see if they could have a little fun it turns out to be meaning less. .2.3." I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives."
ReplyDelete2. The lyricist. This is aout the transformation power of God. And how Christianity can change a man's life.
Happy Birthday Dave Garratt. God certainly blessed us with you dear friend
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Jack! Will call you later.
Delete1 verse 21 stands out the most. But for Christians we dont mind laboring because we know that our labor is for the Lord and will be used for the furtherance of the kingdom, which has no end. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune
ReplyDelete2 I watched "I don't believe in the Bible". It was good and highlights the fact that most people reject the bible without even knowing its content or message.
3 PS Happy Birthday Dave!
Thanks Ed! You must be traveling now. May the Lord be your strength and shield.
Delete1- Ecclesiastes 2:21New Century Version (NCV)
ReplyDelete21 People can work hard using all their wisdom, knowledge, and skill, but they will die, and other people will get the things for which they worked. They did not do the work, but they will get everything. This is also unfair and useless.
Interesting outlook Solomon put out. How we work so hard for stuff and we will perish and others shall enjoy what I've gained in life. I am not bitter for in Matthew 16:26 it says "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" When I read the verse over and over again I thought about what am I doing or what am I leaving for the people I Love ( kids, Wife). I don't know why that crossed my mind. This verse just had me thinking about that. I cant control what other people do but I can do something for my family so if I go with the Lord they will be ok. I am not just talking about finances but also a legacy that I made sure I planted God word in their hearts. That I was an example to them of being a servant of God.
2- Falling Plates. Jesus died for us because he love us.
1.Ecclesiates 2:22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun?
ReplyDeleteThis is what someone who thinks that after we die there is nothing. Of course all this would be meaningless if all we expected was death. Life is for a purpose. Its our chance to earn the right to be in heaven and have eternal life.
2. I watched KKK. This was about a former KKK leader who turned his life around after giving himself to Christ. He had a very troubling upbringing and for him to turn his life around is something the Lord could have only done.
Although we can not really earn or deserve going to heaven Chuy, conditionally God gives us the right to go to heaven. I like how the apostle John says it in John 1:12-13 " Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. That's good that you picked that up that only God could turn that KKK leader's life around. And the truth is that God had to do that for all of us to enable us to follow and live for Him.
Delete1. Eccles 2:13. Oh, I know , wisdom is better than foolishness. Just as light is better is better than darkness.
ReplyDeleteHere wisdom is compared to light and foolishness to darkness . A wise man who walks in the light can avoid tripping obstacles. Whereas a foolish man who was in darkness will not see pit falls.
1. Eccles 2:13. Oh, I know , wisdom is better than foolishness. Just as light is better is better than darkness.
ReplyDeleteHere wisdom is compared to light and foolishness to darkness . A wise man who walks in the light can avoid tripping obstacles. Whereas a foolish man who was in darkness will not see pit falls.
1. Eccles 2:13. Oh, I know , wisdom is better than foolishness. Just as light is better is better than darkness.
ReplyDeleteHere wisdom is compared to light and foolishness to darkness . A wise man who walks in the light can avoid tripping obstacles. Whereas a foolish man who was in darkness will not see pit falls.
1. "I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom." Ecclesiastes 2:3a
ReplyDelete2. Watched "Falling Plates"
Robert, Falling Plates was one of the first videos I watched and I still think of it every time we break a dish. :)
DeleteCongrats William and welcome Elijah
ReplyDelete1: Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise have eyes in their heads,
while the fool walks in the darkness;
but I came to realize
that the same fate overtakes them both.
2: I watched "I'm an atheist" It was knowledgeable, one question was how do we know if there is a god? Its answer was simple if a building needs a builder then its obvious that the world needed a builder as well that's where god come into play. Nothing would exist today If it wasn't for god.
I too asked the same question before, is there really a god? I lived my life for so long as an atheist, running the streets gangbanging and getting high there was a point when I tried so hard to turn my life around on my own and I just couldn't do it. But since I first heard the word of our lord through pastor mark I found it so much easier to change my life style. Through the graces of god I am still here today.
Jose, I'm glad you put your trust is God to turn your life around.
DeleteAmen! Great stuff Jose! I thank God u made it off those wicked streets and now We can be brothers in Christ! ;)
DeleteEcclesiastes 2:14 The wise have eyes in their heads, while the fool walks in darkness; but i came to realize that the same fate over takes them both
ReplyDeleteI watched "Written 700 years before he was born " This was a great minI movie based on Isaiah 53. It was basically about how Jesus came here to help us and all we did was deny Him and he died for us. Now we will follow Him forever!
DeletePhilip, Glad you'll follow Jesus forever! We all have the same fate on earth but it's what we do here that determines where we spend eternity.
DeleteHappy Birthday Dave!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to M3 Elijah!
1 – Ecclesiastes 2: 23 Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless. When I read this verse I thought about the old me and the nights that I’ve laid in bed worrying about something from work. At that time of night there wasn’t anything I could do and worrying about it wasn’t going to change things. The only think it did was keep me from getting a good night’s rest. Now I may send myself a text or e-mail to remind me to do something but if it’s something I’m worrying about I pray for God to help me find a solution and go to sleep.
2 – I watched Adam and Eve were just a myth. This video explains how Adam & Eve and Noah’s Ark are NOT myths. I liked the quote from Mark Middleburg – Christianity isn’t true because I believe it, Christianity is true and I believe it.
Thanks George! We will walk again soon when your schedule permits.
Delete1.)17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
ReplyDeleteresignated with me because i felt like this before .
2.) watched i believe in evolution because it i terested me becuase i always argued my teachers about it in biology class
thanks for the warm welcome brothers , God bless.
Awesome to read your first post Elijah! :)
DeleteHaha, wish I could hear one of the arguments
Welcome to M3, Elijah! I'm sure you will enjoy being a part of the group. :)
DeleteSo glad you're on board with us Elijah!
DeleteGlad you liked the video. May the Lord use this great band of brothers to help you mature and multiply your life greatly.
1.“The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them.” Ecclesiastes 2:14 ESV. We all die in this world. The only difference between people. Are people who have faith in Jesus Christ which will lead them to eternal life in heaven after death on this world. Or people that choose sin and will be going to hell after death.
ReplyDelete2. I watched 321. It was a good video for new believes. It shows explains how you become one with God. Good video.
1. Proverbs 2:18 This reminds me of seeing people fight over the belongings of the deceased. Valuables that are usually worn and spent before the wounds heal. Having things make life comfortable and life's experiences can be fun and exciting and I certainly would like to accumulate much of all. But I hope that I'm remembered for valuing my relationship with God and recognizing his blessing and presence in everything I had and did, especially in my losses and failures.
ReplyDelete2. This is the Good News! A reminder that we often put our strengths and wisdom above God's. We forget how powerful he is. Yet he loves us enough to give us grace we do not deserve.
Good comments on 2:18 Rick. Glad you liked the video. Any plans of coming to Chicago or your kids going down to see you? I want to get minimovies cards to you soon. will mail them if need be.
DeleteAlso, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the pleasures of men-many concubines. (Ecclesiastes 2:8 NASB)
ReplyDeleteThis is what most men strive and dream of but is all empty and futile. I must fix my eyes in what is eternal and enjoy the simple pleasures of life though fleeting can still be enjoyed.
2. Watched I thought.
Some great verses spelling out our need for Christ.
Yeah, I liked that Video to Nick. I love your words about fixing our eyes on what is Eternal.
Delete1And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.
ReplyDelete1) I think that in this section of Ecclesiastics, the Teacher right away dives into exposing three great myths that pleasure and/or achievement and/or knowledge and wisdom can bring fulfilling satisfaction and happiness in life . This may appeal more to people not under oppression who have a little discretionary time and income. Maybe the more affluent the society is like ours, the greater the pursuit is for these. Few men have reached the level to be able to devote all their time and unlimited resource to experience all that these have to offer in life on their own. The Teacher has completely experienced them and a explains his conclusions why all these things are ultimately meaningless.
ReplyDelete2)I watched the greatest mini video called “3,2,1” It starts with #3 and explains the love of God in the Trinity . It continues with #2 and contrasts two men – the first man, Adam and the second Adam who is Christ. Finally it ends with #1 how we have been one in the first Adam but how now we can be one with the 2nd Adam who is Christ. The gospel is clearly presented. The animation if good and the music background is appealing.
2) I watched " I thought" setting this video shows people that we always have to find a good way of thinking. And always helps us learn that God wants us to know about him but also about each other.
ReplyDeletehttp://bible.com/111/ecc.2.3.niv I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.
ReplyDeleteOh how this was for the most part of my "BC"(before Christ) days. Young,restless, no sense of direction. Don't miss those days.
Watched "I'm not a big sinner". Really puts the person who thinks that's sinning is not that bad into perspective about our life and eternity
Always love your insights good brother of mine ^_^
DeleteSuper happy to welcome you Elijah! really feel you can benefit greatly in M3, as we all have, and I know we will all benefit from your future insights provided. Congrats too, Eddie, on becoming a Grandfather once again :))
ReplyDelete1) The verse I chose is:
Ecclesiastes 2:13 "I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness."
I love this for the simple fact that it plainly states Solomon’s findings after all was said and done - - - how Wisdom simply is better than folly. It doesn’t take a lot of thinking about it. The Bible says much, and Proverbs in particular, about the many troubles a fool has. It becomes even more relevant when we hear Solomon spoke from his studies of experiencing it.
2) I watched the video “Draw Me a Picture”. It was a clearly spoken overview of the Gospel, and specifically about Jesus - Who He was, and What He did - I liked it and will definitely keep it in mind to send to someone that has questions about the Gospel’s message.
I love your verse choice, Will. Good thoughts on it as well!
Delete1
ReplyDeleteVerse 2:11: Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
All that we can strive for aim for and desire in the earth is fleeting. As it is said by Jesus; “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” MT 24:35
2
I watched Catastrophic Love. Very powerful video and is encouraging that you will not know the full end of where your testimony will reach as well as the gospel that is shared.
1) Ecclesiastes 2:25 "For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?"
ReplyDeleteI find this as a very important point. God does give us the ability to enjoy things.
2) I watched "How Unique!"; It was a very enjoyable short video on the Uniqueness of Christianity. I liked how the video discussed the differences of Christianity from the other religions. I also liked how it covered the prophecies fulfilled by Jesus Christ too. I always have enjoyed stuff like this, and I think this video would be an excellent one to show people who aren't Christians.
Ecc 2: 22 & 23 NASB), For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.
ReplyDeleteI think of the trades and crafts when I come to this one, the pursuits of wisdom even. The deterioration of our labor and craft over time. Some things may stand those tests, but what do you gain, when you are no longer here to maintain it and leave it in the hands of others?
On a related note, I saw a Denarius (dated 37- 44 AD) the other day. An actual coin stamped under Herod, during the Judean captivity by Rome in a museum. What is the point of the Denarius today? What did the laborer think when it was cast? Will it last, will it be melted down to another form and stamped again? Will the form hold, the pits of decay in the coin from sand, wear and time? But what that Denarius bought did not last- the things it was traded for, the people it was used by. – It stood, as only a symbol of a bygone era that let this piece of metal obtain hard value. Now I couldn’t by a pop with it- technically. But will that laborer see fulfillment now? It is only sitting on display as that relic- as a piece of attributed history. I guess we could all tell Solomon, “at least the wailing wall still stands”...
2. Greatest mini’s: Suicidal
What’s the point wasn’t addressed, but pain was. The pain we feel or felt and the overcoming urge to escape pain. As a promise, we are not here to escape pain but to learn about His hope through it. We don’t’ have the answers to escape and quell everything even our own doubts, but if we seek to inherit anything we have to give it to Him and him alone. He will take it and make his glory form it. I liked how despair and pain and suffering all collide- as an identifier that it is not Him. He is not the one doing it. But that ‘lion’ out there ‘seeking who he can devour.’ Don’t give into it or the fear or doubt. Rest on Him, he who is able to more than we can imagine, and more than we can dream up. As it is for those who give themselves to Him.
Brother Richard, Welcome! i enjoyed your points above. Good insight!
DeleteExcellent Rich! How fascinating and good reflections regarding the denarius. Yes, the wailing wall of Herod's temple still stands, but even Solomon's temple was completely destroyed by the Babylonians. So you make a good point about the brevity of things and their value. So glad to have you with us!
Delete1. Ecc. 2:18-19 says "Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. " -- The joy of finding pleasure in our work's profit is severely diminished by the knowledge that we must eventually hand over our life's work to someone else, and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Our successor or heir has the potential to squander everything. This painful realization causes us to despair that our entire life's work will, in the grand scheme of things, amount to anything significant.
ReplyDelete2. "Falling Plates" is really the message of the gospel. Find true life and power in Christ!
1) 2:18 I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned.
ReplyDeleteIt is not the things we acquire but the relationships we forge that follow us into eternity. Our most important relationship being with the Holy Trinity.
2) Adam and eve were just myths. Questions will reveal if people are parrots or thinkers. Evidence will reveal what is plausible but our presuppositions will fill in the gaps. I must admit while I seek to be objective I am bias to the christian word of God.
1. “I said to myself, “Let’s go for it—experiment with pleasure, have a good time!” But there was nothing to it, nothing but smoke. What do I think of the fun-filled life? Insane! Inane! My verdict on the pursuit of happiness? Who needs it? Ecclesiastes 2:1 MSG
ReplyDelete2.
" what if I do nothing" was the name of the clip. Good lesson on the consequences of not taking action
Testing 3
DeleteTesting 3
Delete1. Ecclesiastes 2:11 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.
ReplyDeleteWithout God providing us a purpose in our life everything we do is meaningless. There is no pleasure, no rewards for our time spent on earth except through God.
2. I watched Falling Plates. I thought it was a good clip that connected well with the day's lesson and probably Ecclesiastes in general. It was about how God created us but we left him and chased after other things to fill the void created.
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DeleteThat's an awesome truth to grasp Mike. When we take our eyes off the Lord, we can again start chasing after the wind in some off based pursuit and end up wasting our precious time an resources. The Lord help us keep our focus on what really matters most.
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