A Time of War

 Ecc 3:8
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

Today we remember those who fought for our country and our freedom. Soldiers of war who gave their lives so that we may live our lives in freedom. It is sad that there has to be a time of war. A time when we have to stand up and fight for what is right. And in many cases, standing for what is right means giving up life. The fight between good over evil is seen in every society throughout history. Destroying life to save life seems contradictory, but we are surrounded by evil, and evil does not desire compromise. It seeks to destroy and oppress. It desires dominion and instills fear in others and the masses. This, unfortunately, is reality. Solomon recognized as long as evil was present in this world, that war would exist. Jesus some day will return to earth, set up His Kingdom, and all war will cease and peace will reign. But until then, kingdoms will rise above the kingdoms, and those who desire to rule and conquer will continue to force their will and threaten the freedoms of others. 
In our spiritual life, we also fight a war. This war is not against flesh and blood, but we wrestle (fight) “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”(Eph 6:12) We fight for our spiritual freedom in Christ. Satan desires to bring us back into bondage to sin. God has promised to fight our battles for us. In time of war, we can put our trust in the One who will lead us to victory. “Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before! Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see His banner go!“ Fight the good fight of faith!

What is in Your Hand?

 Ex 4:2
​​And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

The things that seem to be of no significance are often the tools God uses to get His work done. What kind of “rod” do you hold in your hands can God use? God asked Moses to throw the rod down. Moses obeyed and Moses saw the power of God. This is not the last time God demonstrated His power through the rod that Moses held. Like Moses, we may feel inadequate for the work He calls us to do. We see so many others with innate talent that could do the job so much better. “Who Am I?” Moses is not the only one who has spoken those words. It has been said that God is not asking if you are able, but if you are available. He is asking us to give our best effort. “Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;”- Ecc 9:10. Do our best, and let God do the rest. We may or probably not be the best qualified person to do what needs to be done, but God is calling us to fill in the gap, make up the hedge and take what is in our hand and use it to the glory of God. Jesus took ordinary men from ordinary occupations, and they did some very extraordinary things. He has put something in everybody's hand, it is time to throw down the rod, and see God at work.

Give it your Best

 Col. 3:23
Whatever you do, do it  heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 

We find similar admonition in the book of Ecclesiastes 9:10 from Solomon. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” The daily task of the day may not seem significant in light of a life-span or eternity, but our time on earth is given to us by God, and we are to be stewards of this time. “Whatever” is all inclusive, it means in everything we do we need to give it our best. This is the motto I have used to inspire my students over the years I taught. I did not expect my students to be perfect, or even always get the right answer, but I did expect them to give it their best effort. God has given most of us hands to work, and a job to do. Sometimes others may not appreciate the work we do and the effort we give. It may even go unnoticed by those around us, but the work we do is for the kingdom and for Christ. We may ask, “Why should I care, no one else seems to care.” But God sees our hearts and our desire to serve Him. We all desire the approbation of others and as human beings the need to be appreciated and needed. This is not wrong, but our ultimate motivation is to honor God and to do our best to please Him. Whatever lot God has given you, do it to the best of your ability and do it to glorify the Father in heaven.

All is Not Vanity

 Ecclesiastes 1: 2,4
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity…One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abides forever.

We are here for a moment in time and then we pass away. All that we leave continues on. We are remembered by those we knew, and not forgotten by those who are close to our hearts, but life moves on for most people. We wake up, prepare our day for work, duties, responsibilities, and wonder what the day will bring. Many live for the material gain of this world, others live for love and a relationship with family and loved ones. What part of life is vanity? How do we make each day count for eternity? Yes, we all want a comfortable life, and to enjoy the things of life that bring joy and gladness, but lasting joy and gladness only come from knowing Christ, and living each day to please Him. We live not in vain if we live to be like Jesus. Let this earth pass away, but give me Jesus, only Jesus.