Finding True Wisdom

 “But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. It cannot be purchased for gold, nor can silver be weighed for its price. 

From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? God understands its way, and He knows its place. For He looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole heavens, to establish a weight for the wind, and apportion the waters by measure. 

When He made a law for the rain, and a path for the thunderbolt, then He saw wisdom and declared it; He prepared it, indeed, He searched it out. 

And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.’”

‭‭(Job‬ ‭28:12-13,15,20,23-28‬)

We have seen a lot happen in the past 1 1/2 years with Covid-19. I don’t plan on getting political here.

Job asked a good question and pondered some points that maybe we also should be. While in this world we won’t always have the answers, we can know One who has them because He has created all things and allows all things to point us to Him. And that’s they key, looking to God for the answers, to gain wisdom that does not come from mere man.

Before I begin I want to share a testimony of God’s amazing goodness. 

I have not posted a blog since March of this year. Before then just minimal posts for about a year. Not sure why, but I thought it was just time to stop. 

Well, perhaps I was wrong. God had other plans. And He worked in exactly the way He knows how for me. The thought came last week to starting the blog up again. Not sure where the thought came from, I put it out of my mind, maybe thinking the Lord would let me know for sure if this was from Him or my imagination. Crickets for about a week.

Then I get a phone call this morning from a friend of ours. My phone was off so I didn’t receive it immediately. Listening to the message he left I was surprised to hear that Tom, you know who you are, wondered if he had missed some blogs. Seems on checking, his gmail account was lost through a technical glitch. He asked if he could add him to my list to receive again. 

Only God could do this! Not only did He reveal an issue for Tom but answered my question. I love how He works. So, hopefully a short blog for starters. (Hah!)

So, we might have been fearful and/or angry this past year regarding issues related to COVID. Again, I will not focus on that. I can tell you that during this time I have begun to trust more in the Lord, which draws one closer also. I listened to several credible online church pastors who all said the same thing: God is in control. Well, shouldn’t this have been something we’d known all along??

He IS in control as He has been and always will be. 

Because He is God. 

He has all the answers and He knows just what it takes to get as many as possible to look to Him, not government or man, to get us through all this. As one ministry leader says repeatedly, Things aren’t falling apart, they are falling into place.

Keep this thought in mind…the Bible says He was, He is and He is to come. This references Jesus. He was, as we know from Old Testament scripture prophesied. He is, as also prophesied and which account was seen by hundreds of witnesses. He’s alive today in the lives of His followers. And He is to come. He will return, as the Bible says, at a day or hour which no man knows. He will come as a thief in the night. And we must be ready today. 

But where can wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?  That place is in the Word of God. Divinely inspired, written, as it were, through the power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of about 40 men. Documentation of things, that we might know, that we might not be unaware. Not some newspaper or news media source, no matter how good, but what God’s views are. In order that we be aware, we must enter into that Word. 

Just keep in mind the thought that God is in complete control, He always has been, always is and always will be…Things aren’t falling apart, they’re falling in place. I’m sure there will be more to follow! And…

Revelation‬ ‭1:8‬ ‭- “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”‭‭

The Times In Which We Are Living

1Corinthians 10:11 - Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 

There are those who study Bible prophecy. They read headlines and take note of what’s happening in the world and compare it to what the Bible has already said would happen. Some is speculation; not all is perfect prediction. But…we can know the times in which we are living. The Bible tells us that these things were written as examples for us today. The Bible in general was written that we may know what God desires of and for us. It points out right and wrong ways to live. It also shows us the signs we need to be looking for.

Don't bypass the scriptures. They are not difficult to understand. There are so many more that say the same things. One just has to want to understand. God has said that wisdom is the most important thing we need to have. But not man's wisdom, but His. 

We are seeing an unusual display of events with the Covid-19 disturbance. No one has definitive answers, yet. Media, as they are wont to do, can exaggerate, in either direction. Who do we believe? I know I am not the only one who realizes that we cannot trust man or his words implicitly. But I also know that others would agree that we can know what the truth is because it is in the Bible. The Bible tells us if we are in Christ we need not fear because He will be our protector. He is our only Rock of salvation. He knows the end from the beginning, which man cannot. (We can see based on events of the day compared to what the Bible says where we are in the grand scheme of things; we just won’t know the absolute end. Only God knows this.) He calls us during these times to seek Him....because He IS our only hope...for those who trust and believe in Him.  I just don't know how much more I can explain that simple promise. 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12) There is a very real evil that manifests itself in all the junk happening in the world. He is also very subtle, using things that seem very innocent to deceive. I won't go into all that. But, thankfully, there is also a very real good in the form of God or Jesus who will fight this enemy someday...and win. But that win is only for those who have overcome by the blood of the Lamb.  And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. (1Peter 1:17-19)

What will the signs look like? What might we be seeing today?

And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Luke 21:26)

And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. (Luke 17 26-27)

What God may be pointing out above is no one looks to Him for answers. Man thinks man can take care of all this. So they look to man and continue to live as they always have…without regard or acknowledgment that there is a God out there who really does have everything under His control. But man doesn’t always want to recognize that. Voting in the right party or stashing away money, hoarding food and supplies will not cause us to always be safe. And I know this is not something people like hearing. The name of Jesus and His Word is an offense even to those who don’t hate God. But if we are not looking to Him for the answers, and we don’t like what He has to say (Bible), there is a problem. It’s not my problem; it’s not God’s problem either. It is a problem with anyone who doesn’t want to choose Him or truly believe or trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. The one who puts their trust in the things of this world and of man has no hope. It's that simple and true. It's like the people did in the days of Noah, a truly terrifying story.  (Genesis 6 and 7) 

Jesus will return some day. (Matthew 24:3-31) The days we are living in seem to point to this; actually for years we have seen evil abounding more. Lifestyles have changed. In some cases we’ve become very relaxed in our way of life; we’ve become spoiled. When that happens there is a false security that life will always be great (and that any country can be made great again) and that any little hiccup in life will be overcome. Think about all the natural disasters over the years that have escalated. Think about the number of abortions on a yearly basis. Think of the violence. Think of the type of entertainment we are now seeing on television and in the theaters. Think of the language being used. Think of how God's name is spewed as a curse. Think of homosexuality. It's a growing... We can believe that as long as it doesn’t affect me it’s okay. But that’s not what God thinks. He calls many things that people suggest we be tolerant of abominations. That’s a strong word. 

We have seen when times are bad churches can be filled with those seeking God. But when things get to normal, they go back to their life as usual, what they are accustomed to. God can bring about evil to bring good. The best that could come of evil is a heart that turns to God. That’s all He wants for this sinful, and growing more so, world. Jesus died that we would always have the hope of eternal life. He doesn’t want anything but our hearts. In return for our turning to Him, repenting and believing in Him, humbling ourselves, and trusting in Him, He gives us assurance of eternal life. Death may come in some way but we need it fear because He will be beside us.

We are living in trying times. Man has ever been going against God, since the Garden of Eden. There has always be a small number who seek Him. Sin is escalating and it is just a matter of time when God has had enough, and as I have heard and read, that last person is saved. Who will that last person be? Who will truly be heading toward a glorious reunion with God? Who will take Him seriously enough to seek Him and follow Him…and endure until the end? The argument is, we’ve heard for a 2,000 years Jesus is returning. People (idiots might I even say) have predicted His return and it has proven to be false. We are to beware of those false prophets. We cannot know the day or hour, but we can know the times in which we are living. The fact is, He will return. Will you be ready? Do you turn away from the things of God or His Word? Don’t do it. 

A day will come when His Church, those people who have believed, followed, shared His Gospel, endured the criticism, endured rejection as Jesus did, will be taken out of this world. When that happens things will get worse than we have seen now. What seems disastrous today will not compare to that day. The Bible mentions birth pains. I believe we are living in a time of those birth pains. While this all sounds like doom and gloom and nonsense, I know what good is on the other side for those whose hope is in Christ alone, not government, man, self, money... That good is the end of this world and the beginning of a new life with Christ, who has returned, in a new earthly situation. All evil will be removed for 1,000 years. It will be as it was intended all along, like the Garden of Eden. THEN…the promise of heaven. Only Jesus is our hope. Call on Him. Be serious about it.

Romans 15:4 - For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Food for the Soul

Proverbs‬ ‭24:13-14‬ ‭- My son, eat honey because it is good, and the honeycomb which is sweet to your taste; so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; if you have found it, there is a prospect, and your hope will not be cut off.

The Proverbs were written by King Solomon. He was the wisest man of his day. He prayed for God to give him wisdom over anything else and it was granted to him. It is something we all should seek (from God) everyday.

We all know honey is a thick liquid, sweet and easy to eat. If anyone has eaten the more solid honeycomb it requires a bit of chewing yet also provides much deliciousness. 

This reminded me of another scripture that tells us we need to grow in maturity in the Word. When a child is born it only has milk and soft foods. As it grows it develops a taste for solid foods. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:13-14‬)

It is God's desire that we fill ourselves with His Word. By it comes wisdom. That wisdom shows us who God is, what we are here for, what we should do, how we should do it and the difference between good and evil. It shows us all we need to know for a good life, not necessarily one that will be easy, but how to get through those times...by calling on God, His Word. It is food for the soul.

True wisdom, from God, gives life. It gives hope. I'm certain nearly everyone is given the opportunity to get this. It comes through the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ. Receive Him when He beckons. Take in the sweetness of the Word, Jesus, and learn true wisdom. 

This says it all: ‭

Psalm‬ ‭119:103‬ ‭- How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Created to Know Him

Ecclesiastes 1:14 - I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes on the surface seems like a depressing book but it really isn't. It was written by wise Solomon who wrote the proverbs. Solomon asked that God give him wisdom over all else but God gave him all else as well!

Solomon pondered life and all that it has to offer. From birth to death, what was the one thing that would make a man great? Even wisdom was a burden because one would then realize that, like Job 1:21 says, ...Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

It's an age old question: What's the purpose of life? We are born, we live, we work, marry, suffer, rejoice, age and eventually die. Nothing lasts forever, except the things of God. He has created, He replenishes, He causes things to die and grow again. Just like nature He can do the same for mankind. Nature comes and goes according to set seasons; what dies returns as new. Man has the opportunity to do the same through Christ. And at the end of time those who become God's children will live forever with Him. Hallelujah.

What is our purpose then? To enjoy what we can while we can? I listened to an online sermon awhile ago. The bottom line: we are here to serve and glorify God, not selves. That's it. If we are not doing that our lives will be meaningless. If we realize we are working for Him then, like Solomon figured out for us, and what others in the Bible have said, none of what this life has to offer has any meaning, but what we do for Him is all that matters.

God didn't create us for nothing but He also didn't create us to do great things, although we can. He created us that we might know Him. And when we know Him we serve Him. He can use all people, great or small, rich or poor, who serve Him. We cause others to know Him, who then can serve Him. The end of it all? Life eternal with the Creator...if we seek Him. 

What this world has to offer is nothing. What we achieve is nothing new under the sun. We can't take it with us. I have mentioned this many times because it is MY understanding of what is "important" to me...I have 39,000 photos on my phone's camera. I probably have more than that on our computer. Who's going to care when I die? It's what I do; it's a gift God has given me. I don't really use this gift to the full potential; I don't try to sell my photos. Occasionally I will print and frame one for decoration or a gift. But it's a vanity, a grasping for the wind! I doubt it's even something I do to glorify God other than to capture His creation.

Everything is a vanity, a grasping for the wind. "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1:2,12:8) All through Ecclesiastes Solomon is defining these vanities. He spoke truths. It's an interesting and not too lengthy book. Worth a read. But the bottom line as Solomon points out: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

At the top of every page in my Bible is a phrase to describe a main point on that page. Here are the ones from this particular Bible: 

Wisdom excels folly

Everything has its time

A time for every purpose

*Two are better than one

Enjoy what God gives you

The value of wisdom

Wisdom strengthens the wise

Fear God and enjoy life

Time and chance happen to all

Wisdom brings success

Remember your Creator

Wise words are like goads

I like fear God and enjoy life. We can enjoy life if we are fearing God. Life isn't as wonderful without Him. There really is no meaning to life without Him. *Two are better than one! When we understand this, know Him, know our purpose in and through Him, we have it all! There is no hopelessness in Christ. We can accept death. We can know there's more beyond that time.

1Timothy 6:6-7 - Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Rock or a Hard Place?

Acts 4:11-12 - This is the "stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone." Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

I wrote the other day, as many other days, about the only way to reconciliation with God being (through) Jesus. He is also called the Door. My thoughts continue.

When we are in a dilemma and anxieties hit and we feel we are between a rock and a hard place, what do we do, where do we turn?

The message in the Church should always be: for a multitude of issues, and sins, seek first the kingdom of God. There are no multiple ways. He provides all we need: guidance, wisdom, peace, protection. Buddha can't do it, a pastor or priest can't do it, nor a rabbi; no astrologer or palm reader or spirit guide or self-help book or psychologist. There is only one way. Jesus. He can be the Rock in the midst of a hard place.

Do we ask Him daily for His wisdom, guidance and peace in all situations? Why not? If He is the way, truth and life, why wouldn't we? By the power of His Holy Spirit we can know His eye is on us, His sparrows. He will never leave nor forsake those who seek Him first. 

He will guide and give wisdom to those who seek Him through His Word and through conversing (praying) with Him. He will listen if He knows we are truly seeking.

He knows those who actively seek Him. He opens eyes, minds and hearts to them. If you knew someone who wanted nothing to do with you, did not appreciate you or pay attention to you or respect you, wouldn't you choose to shake them off? In a way, that's what God might do. He still knows everything about you and knows what you're up to, but until you pay mind to Him, He might back away and leave you to your own devices.

If, however, that person suddenly, humbly, changes their mind about you, maybe because they finally see a need to believe and trust in you and seek your guidance, wouldn't you give them a second chance? Just what God does. 

A rock and a hard place. The Rock and a hard place. The Rock is strong, solid. When you need security, He's the Rock to stand on.

2Samuel 22:2-4 - And he said: “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; the God of my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; my Savior, You save me from violence. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies.”

Every Good Gift

James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

I thank God for the life He has given me and especially for the opportunity to go deeper in life with Him because of Him. Life is not just about all the things we deem so important in the physical. That stuff is not important in the grand scheme of things. (Remember, you can't take it with you, or ...we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. - 1Timothy‬ ‭6:7)‬ ‭What's important is knowing Him. All the luxuries, the material things, the food, the drink, the cars...none of this matters in the light of eternity. 

When one has Jesus he has it all. How can I express this any more clearly? Jesus, what He brings to a person, and the life He offers us is the greatest thing. When we meet Him and begin to really know Him He shows us things that are greater than we could ever imagine. He offers, through His Word and through His Spirit...which He gives us when we receive Him...open doors to wisdom and understanding and knowledge we could never have believed existed. We are so narrow in our thinking without Christ. Really, we are. 

King Solomon asked God for one thing and that was wisdom. Because he did God gave it freely and so much more. He wrote all the Proverbs, the book of wisdom. He shared this wisdom with the rest of us. Later in life, though, he let the love of at least 1,000 unbelieving women cause him to stray. This is what happens when we look to the things of this world to satisfy over the things of God. Of course, before we know God we don't know any better...

Before Christ it's all about ourselves. No thought to the Lord. Imagine what it might be like to view everything through the eyes of God! A friend and I get together about once a month. Everything we see in the news we see through the eyes of God. We can't help it. We know just enough about Him and His Word to know that He is putting the pieces together in this puzzle of life. 

God is orchestrating people and events to bring about His will. There's no way we can even guess all the whys and hows. If we know Jesus and understand this we can trust Him for the future and ours. Without Him one can't do this. 

For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; (Proverbs‬ ‭2:6‬)

How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:16‬)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ‭‭(James‬ ‭1:5‬)

In the world we want to achieve but most likely do not find total satisfaction. We must achieve more...and more...and more. We're always striving for the next big thing. We search for the next big "whatever" that is most important to us. What is that thing to you? 

I have a nice phone and a good camera. My thing is photos. I take them daily. It's like I always want to capture the next moment. What for? I admit, they don't satisfy. I've bemoaned the fact that they just exist on the computer with no place to go. And when I die, they will get pitched. I know this. And I'm okay with this. 

One thing I never want to let go of is more understanding of God's Word. Being in His Word brings contentment. It miraculously does something...it settles my spirit. I will feel I've been listening to Him speak. He imparts something new or just reminds me of His promises, admonishes me. We can never get enough of His Word. It can always bring fresh understanding even after having read something many times. How can that be?? Because He is. His wisdom is endless and new and fresh. 

I'm thankful for any wisdom, knowledge and understanding God will give. Do I fully understand all the things of God? Of course not. He gives as we have need of it. But we have to start somewhere and that place is surrendering to God. It's letting go of all our ideas of what life is about and what is important to us and seeking those things He has for us. Seeking Him is what truly is important. What He has to offer is so much greater. It's life giving and it lasts, unless we decide we no longer want it.

Will you join me in receiving wisdom for the first time or further wisdom from the Lord God Almighty. He has so much more, lasting and satisfying things to give. One is assurance of eternal life in Christ. Next time something on the news angers, frustrates, saddens or frightens you, think about wanting to see it through the eyes of God. Your perspective will change. I guarantee it. 

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

‭‭

Standards

Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

Lots of division in the world today. If you think about it, it centers around one's beliefs and what is perceived as truth. There are opposing opinions about everything. It might make life interesting but in some cases lack of truth is just dangerous. Appropriate for today with an election about to take place. What are each of the candidate's stand on truth? What's their truth? Do they know God's truth? I'm thankful for God's wisdom and His truth. No matter what happens with this election, He is who I rely on.

Reading about wisdom in the Proverbs solidifies this belief. Of course there are other books that talk of wisdom. In fact...the word is mentioned about 220 times.

With Him are wisdom and strength, He has counsel and understanding. (Job 12:13)

How can anyone cause someone else to lay hold of this wisdom? We can't without the Holy Spirit. 

There is also great division in the world about God. This is sad because some day the truth will be known and it will be too late for some. One will either be on the side of right, having wisdom, or wrong and lacking wisdom. And even this statement will cause division as one could say, what makes you think you are right?

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children. (Hosea 4:6)

People might react to this word from God, calling Him intolerant and unloving. But He is neither. God is love...and His patience (longsuffering--a very good word I might add) are incredible. But He has standards. He has shown them to us. He has His Commandments. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. (James 2:10) Guilty of all...

God's standards are high...and we have no hope of being able to perfectly keep them. His ways are not our ways. His thoughts not like ours. Never will be, even with some of His wisdom!

So if we cannot attain perfection on our own, nor do all He requires, some might consider abandoning God altogether. What's the point? Why not live as best I can and be happy in this life? 

His hard word tells us to enter the kingdom of heaven we must keep His commands. Oh, but how if we cannot on our own? Are we all doomed? Are we all going to feel as hopeless as Paul when he bemoaned:

For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? (Romans 7:19-20,24)

There's that division again, within our own selves. Wanting to do what is right in our own will but not able to perfectly keep God's commands, which ends in death. But who can work hard enough, strive on their own to adhere to each command, daily? We can't. We hold on to this sinful flesh. Nothing we can do alone will meet God's high standards. His ways are not our ways. He is perfect; He expects perfection. He has His standards.

So what's the answer? What do we do? Paul later answers it himself: I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! ... (Romans 7:25) 

God provided the way. His name is Jesus. Roman's 8:1-2 finishes Paul's statement. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 

We confess Him as Lord and Savior of our life. We are filled with His Spirit. We believe all He has spoken. We serve Him. We live our lives to glorify Him...because of all He did for us 2,000 years ago. He came down from His rightful place in heaven to do His Father's will on earth...so that all His human creation, who were never meant to be separated from Him, might be reconciled to the Father through His work on the cross. Oh, what a Savior!

So, back to wisdom. It's something we receive when we receive Christ. We can be smart on our own, in that flesh Paul bemoaned about. But in the Spirit we have better wisdom! Even this is difficult to understand, without Christ. It's why we need Him. Nothing is better in life than to have Christ, His truth which we receive from the wisdom His Spirit imparts.

Proverbs 3:13-14 - Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.

A Hope and A Future

Colossians 1:4-6 - ...since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth...

Paul had been thanking God for these brothers and sisters in Christ in Colossae previous to this. He knew what they had received. 

If one have receives Christ as Lord and Savior one has received the hope that is spoken of. And someone has also thanked God for what that person has received. They have heard and comprehended the very truth Paul is speaking of. Perhaps these persons are even sharing that truth...being fruitful and growing His kingdom through it all. 

Paul goes on to say he and other believers continued to pray: For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. (Colossians‬ ‭1:9-12)

We need a daily filling of His knowledge for that spiritual wisdom and understanding that we may abide in and live in accordance with His will. It must be God's wisdom we receive. No one else can provide that wisdom and excellent hope. That comes from His Word. 

Finally Paul gives thanks for the strength only God gives to endure the life of joyful obedience and patience in Christ. He has given us this great inheritance, one that far exceeds what we have in this natural world. Here come the confirming words again from Ecclesiastes: All is vanity, a grasping for the wind. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter [of life]: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. (Ecclesiastes12:13)

He truly is an amazing God. Nothing is impossible with Him. What we absolutely can not imagine, He already knows. What trials we have might just be drawing us closer to Him because He knows the thoughts He has for us...for peace, not evil, for a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Paul reminded the Colossians that:

Colossians 1:13-14 - He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

Revelation

Revelation 1:1 - The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants--things which must shortly take place.

Want to be clued in to things which must shortly take place before Jesus Himself returns? 

The truth of God's Word is revealed to those who seek it. 

For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. (‭Galatians‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬)

In order to fully understand we must come into relationship with Christ, as His Book reveals throughout its pages. 

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬)
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (‭I Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭9)

God gave His Son the revelation of the last days. He shares this information with those who seek it. 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬)

This relationship comes from a new spiritual birth, being born again. 

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭3,5‬)

From there the Spirit of the living God draws us into knowing Him more. 

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. (‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭44-45‬)

When we turn to Him He makes it possible, through His Spirit, to know the things of God.

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (‭1Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭13)

...do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬)

When we know the Lord, are born again, in relationship with Him, begin to know the things of God, i.e., understand His Word, we are given the mind of Christ.

But God has revealed them [hidden wisdom] to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For “who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1Corinthians 2:10,16)

Praise God for His love for all people. He never stops seeking those who seek for Him. He never turns away someone ready to repent and know His truth. He desires that none should perish. Without Him we are nothing...nothing...nothing.

Without His knowledge a lot of confusion and fear will arise. We will see things we've never seen before. We already see some things that we can relate to that are beyond our belief would happen in our lifetime. And it will escalate. Who is ready? 

The revelation of Jesus Christ, Who He is, what He has done, what He still does and what He will do when He returns, is ours just in believing in Him, knowing Him in your heart, not your mind, trusting Him and giving your life to and for Him.

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus... Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (2Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭5‬, Acts 4:12)

We Can Have It All

Ecclesiastes 1:2 - "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."

It sticks in my mind and heart. It's a thought that lingers throughout any given week. Vanity of vanities. We have been in the Book of Ecclesiastes in Sunday school. I've mentioned that before. All I can say for sure is that in the end everything boils down to just one thing! I will get to that later.

Just in the twelve chapters of Ecclesiastes the word vanity, or some form of it, is mentioned 34 times. As we have discussed, one example after another of our own vanity is brought up, from our desire to have a collection of "whatever" it might be (for which it was eventually realized as pointless) to the extreme example of living in absolute plainness as some religions do. Both are vanity. One is sort of a claim that we have the means to have our stuff. The other says some don't need all "your" stuff and we will live meagerly. Neither is totally wrong if it doesn't consume us. 

Solomon asked first for wisdom from God over anything else and he got it plus all he could ever have wanted. But listen to what Solomon had to say later:

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. (‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭10-11‬)

Does that take the wind out of your sails like it did Solomon? All that we have, all we have worked for...will someday be meaningless. It's like the old saying, you can't take it with you. Or, you come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. All the things we hold so dear will might just mean nothing to the next person. It will be nothing new under the sun; what was done before, will be done again. 

I get this! I love photography. I know I have some amazing pictures. I have thousands of pictures. I try to weed them out occasionally and find it hard to get rid of some. But someday those pictures will be meaningless and just discarded by someone who could care less about them. They have no meaning for anyone but me. Vanity...a grasping for the wind. What's the point? And yet I still take photos, as if to capture the moment, capture the beauty...for me. 

We strive for all the worldly goods and accolades from others in this life. And, why, is the question Solomon is bringing up. Why, when we can't take it with us? What's the point? 

Here's the point...one can have all the stuff in the world, a big house, nice car, greatest college education, high paying job, all that money can afford, and still not have it all and will never be satisfied. Each Sunday this comes up. All the worldly pleasures. One only wants more. The stuff never satisfies. Think about it. Am I right? And, hey, it's not me talking anyway, so don't get mad at me! Solomon, the man who asked God for wisdom over anything else, had it all and this is what he narrowed it down to for us to realize...an example. 

There is only one thing that will satisfy. His name is Jesus Christ. I'd heard a teaching on the simplicity of Christ. It delved into what some churches today seem to need to do...remove the simple message of Jesus Christ and replace it with fun, excitement, visual effects...theatrics. And when that isn't enough anymore, then what? What will entice people to stay in church? More donuts and coffee? More light shows during worship? There was a time when just the message of Jesus Christ, with its preaching, in no uncertain terms, on sin and God's grace and mercy when we have come to grips with our sin.

The simplicity of Christ. It's a choice we make...simplicity of Christ or the vanity of pleasure. In the very end, only one wins out. Not only do I want this in my church but in my life. Narrow everything down to what matters most. Is what matters most knowing Jesus, having Him? Period. Is He the center, the main focus? If we have Him, we have it all. 

So I'm learning a lesson. When I die I do not want a bunch of stuff that someone has to sort through. What I want to be remembered for is my love for and devotion to Christ. The simplicity in life. We are told we are to be content in any circumstance. This message is also for those with little possessions. If we have Jesus that's all that should matter because in the end, when we die, if we do not have Him, we have nothing. If we know Him, we have it all. 

Ecclesiastes 2:14-16 - The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I myself perceived that the same event happens to them all. So I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, it also happens to me, and why was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart, “This also is vanity.” For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool!