wisdom

Solomon’s Chase

July 9, 2024

How about a poem day? Here is my reflection on Solomon’s chase for lasting happiness and meaning in life.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance…Ecclesiastes 3:1-3

In our church, we are studying the book of Ecclesiastes and I am grasping things in a fresh new way. It makes me want to testify to God’s everlasting goodness and joy. Solomon, over and over, stresses how futile it is to chase things that don’t last.

I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. Ecclesiastes 14:1 ESV

My brain considered the alternative to chasing the meaningless. What is the most meaningful thing I could do for God with whatever days I have left?” I asked myself. My answer?… to chase HIM, to fill up each day with praise to God, because that is worthy of the time He gives me, gives US!

Sooo..after much praying and soul-searching about all the “fun” and vain things I have chased, that did not leave me happy, I asked God to forgive me and help me put my realizations in a poem based on Solomon’s search for meaning. I hope this honors Him and encourages you to keep striving to enjoy all the blessings God gives, but also to resist the pull of the world to find happiness in things that do not bring lasting peace like He does. ( I am preaching to myself here!)

“Solomon’s Chase”

My vanity’s a futile chase, that ends up winning time erased

For nothing lasting have I found, I’d take with me when heaven-bound

Though many suns have come and gone, and I’ve exhausted all roads drawn

No lasting joy can I afford, save in the knowledge of the Lord

God’s truth outlasts the schemes of man, for joy without the Lord’s a scam

God-given hope lives past the grave where earthly sorrows will not save

Though trials seem to last too long and struggles take away our song

God has a plan for joy untold, while in His will and in His fold

The dreams of God, I now will seek, throught the day and through the week

Eyes focused on eternity, Lord send me what YOU want for me

I’ll treasure all Your hand will give, and love You ev’ry day I live

Though Your servant weak and small, my soul will gladly give You all.

With love from the Father to you, have a wonderful day and rest of the week!

Tina

Going Shopping

November 17, 2020

Do you have a habit of going to the same stores all the time? Is it because you like knowing exactly where to find what you need? It’s so convenient, isn’t it? Returning to the most reliable, dependable stores is a no-brainer. The more times they have what we need, the more likely we are to go back to the same place.

It’s the same train of thought for spiritual needs. We can have that same reliability factor and find what we need from the Bible every time. God makes it so easy; He is there in His Word whenever we go looking for Him. One-stop shopping! There’s nothing God cannot supply out of His stores of goodness and wisdom. He’s available 24 hours, to hear us, help us, and never too busy to watch over us. He never fails:) That’s convenience!

Awhile before He was crucified, Jesus talked to the disciples; they were sad because He would be going away soon. They didn’t even have to ask for comforting though. Jesus already knew they needed it. He does that for us too; He knows our feelings and hearts before we ask for something. Out of love, Jesus comforted the disciples with these words that He knew would encourage them.

Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. Matthew 16: 23-24 NKJV

Jesus loves us so much and wants to be our go-to person for peace, comfort, wisdom, everything. Someday, instead of reading Jesus’ words, we will hear them in person! What a day that will be!

This is a taste of Heaven!

Friends, I hope you know you are so loved. I pray for the you, readers of the words God leads me to write. This blog is my attempt to please Jesus by getting His and His Father’s Words out in the world a bit more. I haven’t always had that as my priority, but it’s never too late to make a change, He tells me:) We need to be ready and willing to tell the world why we have hope in a sometimes dark world.

Father,

Please bless my brothers and sisters who are reading this. Plant in them a joy and a hope that shines out to others. Give us what we need to accomplish Your will. When we need help, nudge us to go to Your supply of wisdom, Your word. Please give us opportunities to use what You teach us. We love You! Amen.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Matthew 7:7 NKJV

GROWwork:

Insert your name into the verse above, as if Jesus is talking to you. For example, in Matthew 6:23….. “Tina…I will see you again and your heart will rejoice and your joy no one will take from you.” That is powerful! Inserting your name will remind you that He is speaking to you personally.

Love and prayers to all,

Tina