BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY.…   “I observed everything going on under the sun, and really, it is all meaningless—like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes  1:14 NLT

Trying to “figure out” life is not a new undertaking. It seems through the ages people have found themselves on a journey to find meaning in life, significance in life, to answer questions like, “why am I here and what is my purpose?”

King Solomon as the wisest and wealthiest king of all time found that even in his wisdom, there were still frustrations when it comes to observing life. He observed and seemed frustrated with the lack of power in human activity. He expressed it in the following…

“What is wrong cannot be made right. What is missing cannot be recovered.” (Eccl. 1:15 NLT)

“The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.” (Eccl. 1:18 NLT)

As a result, Solomon began a search for meaning. “I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless.” (Eccl. 2:1 NLT)

Solomon tried to find satisfaction in achievement, “I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards.” (Eccl. 2:4 NLT)

Solomon found that hard work and achievement doesn’t always result in enjoying the “fruit of your labor.” “Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy.” (Eccl. 2:21 NLT)

Solomon found that wealth can be deceptive and fragile, “Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what good is wealth—except perhaps to watch it slip through your fingers!” (Eccl. 5:10,11 NLT)

Even in his wisdom and learning, Solomon realized that no one person has a corner on knowledge,  “I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.” (Eccl. 8:17 NLT)

The end of Solomon’s search and his conclusion is found at the end of the book. Solomon’s final words are both a summary and a warning, “Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” (Eccl. 12:13,14 NLT)

It is interesting how people today will attempt to find significance in the same things that Solomon sought. Man’s search for significance and meaning are after all focused on what people can control, learn or seek to achieve. The world holds up wealth, wisdom, pleasure and financial success as what brings happiness and significance. But like Solomon person after person find that even when they are attained no satisfaction is really achieved.

Solomon found the key. A God-focused existence makes achievement, possession and work meaningful. This world and what it offers is temporary, what is spiritual and what the Lord offers is eternal.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.” Acts 28:30,31 NLT

With these words, the Book of Acts comes to a close. We see this book begins with the proclamation of Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The Book of Acts reveals how that prediction became true. The gospel message begins in Jerusalem, it spreads to other regions through the apostles and others when the church is scattered after the death of Stephen. We Paul and Barnabas and then Paul and Silas on missionary journeys to various regions and then concluding with Paul preaching for two years in Rome.

The gospel spread, but the cost and the trials that unfold challenged the work at every turn. The final section of the Book of Acts focuses on Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem, his imprisonment and the eventual trip to Rome under guard as a prisoner. He endured hardship, threats on his life, storms, and trials.

Soon after the initial uproar over Paul in Jerusalem, the Lord appeared to him, “The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11)

I am confident that Paul could not have anticipated the years and the events that would transpire before the words of the Lord came true. In the midst of all that took place, we are reminded of the words of the Lord to Ananias at the time of Paul’s conversion, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15)

It was in these final chapters that we read of Paul proclaiming the gospel before religious and political leaders while he was a prisoner.

As we reflect on these events we can observe some important lessons about the fulfillment of the Lord’s plan. It often takes longer than we anticipate. What we believe will happen in the near term may be the Lord’s long-term plan. The challenges we encounter may be far greater than what we would anticipate or believe we can endure. This requires keeping our eyes on the Lord and seeing Him work at each step, at each juncture of the journey we find ourselves on. Finally, we can be confident that which the Lord has determined to happen will take place and His plan will be fulfilled and purposes will not be thwarted.

Most of us will not be like Paul. We won’t have the Lord personally appearing to us telling us about His plan for our life. But we can live each day with the confidence that as we place our trust in the Lord He will fulfill His good purpose for our life. In the process, we will discover all that entails.

Remember Paul’s words to the Philippians, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “How can I carry them to the land you swore to give their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” Numbers 11:12-15 NLT

When I read these verses I see a leader at the breaking point. Moses has a great task and a great responsibility before him. We see the Lord had promised Moses at another time when he was overwhelmed by the task he was called to, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

In the midst of the stress of life, it is easy to feel that it is all up to us. That it is our strength, our wisdom, our resources that need to solve all problems. This point in the story of the trip to the promised land the people are complaining about having no meat and only manna to eat. The people are looking to Moses and Moses is looking to himself.

Moses approaches the problem with natural thinking, “Even if we butchered all our flocks and herds, would that satisfy them? Even if we caught all the fish in the sea, would that be enough?” (Numbers 11:22 NLT) The Lord was about to reveal Himself as the God of supernatural supply.

The Lord responds to Moses’ cry in two ways. First, the Lord instructs Moses to have other men share the leadership load so he doesn’t feel alone. The Lord does this by placing His Spirit on 70 elders, who serve with Moses in a position of spiritual authority. Second, the Lord brings quail into the camp that swarm three feet off the ground for miles around God’s people.

In the next account, we see spies sent to scout out the promised land. The twelve spies are impressed with the richness of the land but intimidated by the inhabitants. Joshua and Caleb focused on what God was able to do and said, “We can certainly conquer it.” (Numbers 13:30) The others complained, “All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” (Numbers 13:32,33 NLT)

The masses quickly predicted and prepared for their demise and felt the best option was to return to Eygpt. The Lord’s judgment quickly gets their attention, but they don’t really learn their lesson. Paul would reflect back on this time when he wrote a letter to the Corinthians, “And don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.” (1 Corinthians 10:10)

It is interesting to see this played out during Jesus’ ministry with the feeding of the 5,000. Jesus tells His disciples to give the people something to eat and they report, “we only have five loaves and two fish.” Once again they look to their own devices and resources to meet a supernatural need. The Lord blesses and then multiplies the loaves and fish so the need is more than met.

We can say “God-size challenges require trusting the Lord for supernatural supply.” But that would allow us to believe it is up to us at times and up to God at others. Proverbs challenges us, “in all your ways acknowledge Him…” (Proverbs 3:6)

When the task looks impossible, when what is needed is woefully lacking, remember that there is a God we serve and can call on, who is unlimited in what He can do and what He can supply.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “And now I am bound by the Spirit^[f] to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead.” Acts 20:22,23 NLT

From the time of his conversion to his death, Paul the Apostle faced opposition and persecution for his faith. As the  country song says he had to know “when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.” In other words, when to run, when to escape and when to face with courage and resolve that which he knew was going to bring suffering.

In his early Christian life, he escaped a city through being let down the wall of the city in a basket. In Ephesus when a riot was breaking out, his companions kept Paul from going into the city. In a variety of situations, Paul followed the direction of the Holy Spirit and the help of companions.

During a pivotal time in his life, he was “bound” or compelled the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem.The events that would take place, though in the natural seemed ill-advised, would comprise about a third of the Book of Acts.

After his final time with the Ephesian elders, Paul is in Caesarea when a prophet warns Paul,  ^“He came over, took Paul’s belt, and bound his own feet and hands with it. Then he said, “The Holy Spirit declares, ‘So shall the owner of this belt be bound by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem and turned over to the Gentiles.’”  (Acts 21:11 NLT)

This caused great fear for Paul’s friends, but didn’t faze Paul, but confirmed what he already knew in his heart. Paul’s response was, “You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13 NLT)

This is similar to the words Paul spoke to the Elders at Ephesus, “…my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” (Acts 20:24 NLT)

Paul was a “man on a mission” even though he didn’t know all that would entail. The ensuing years would be years of persecution, trial, and imprisonment. He would have the opportunity to “tell his story” to crowds, kings and religious leaders. He would need to continue to exercise wisdom and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

It would be while Paul was in a prison in Rome that he would write seven of his letters that are part of our New Testament.

We would like to think that the Lord’s will and direction is to keep us and protect us from all harm. Often that does happen. However, there are times when the Lord will use times of trial and hardship for his will to be accomplished and for the gospel and his kingdom to be advanced. At those times we can be confident of the courage and resolve to be “faithful even to death.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers.”  Acts 12:24 NLT

This verse and ones like it are the key verses in the Book of Acts. In Acts 6, 12 and 19 you will read similar declarations. They all take place after some event that would seem to bring discouragement and a “step backward” for the work of the gospel.

Jesus’ great declaration to Peter was, “I will build My Church.” (Matthew 16:18) From the first century to the 21st century, the gospel of Jesus Christ has continued to spread and to be declared to the ends of the earth. In our human thinking, we focus on those that the Lord is using a point in time. The natural question is, “what will happen if…or when?” What will happen when the disciples are all gone? What will happen if something tragic happens to this person or church or movement that the Lord is using?

I know I have pondered those kinds of questions. But we are constantly reminded that the work of the gospel is not dependent upon those whom God uses at a certain point in time or in a certain way, but it is dependent upon the true “Head” of the church, Jesus Christ.

In Acts 12, we find three key events that lead up to the statement, “…the word of God continued to spread….” James the brother of John one of the “sons of thunder” is beheaded by King Herod. Peter is then put in prison facing a death sentence. The Lord miraculously rescues Peter and then Herod, receiving the worship of a god, is killed by the Lord.

So, in three brief events, a martyr, a disciple miraculously delivered from prison, God’s judgment on an evil ruler, in all that happens, in the trials and triumphs of life, God’s Word continues to spread.

We see in our day the persecution of Christians in China, drove the church “underground” – but the Word of God continued to spread. We have seen great men of God come and go, but the Word of God continues to spread. We see the assault on Christianity by Islam, but Muslims are having dreams and revelations of Christ and the Word of God continues to spread.

Paul understood that while he was being used by the Lord in preaching the gospel and establishing churches that the gospel was bigger than he was. Paul was in prison and he wrote to Timothy, “I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” (2 Timothy 2:9 NIV)

We have the opportunity as followers of Christ to take a stand for the gospel, to share the good news of life in Christ. The Lord uses those who are willing, available and faithful. What a privilege that is. The Word of God is going to continue to spread, so let’s do our part, and fulfill our call in our generation and in our time in history as the Word of God continues to spread.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.” (Exodus 36:6,7 NLT)

I recall a comment by a preacher about giving that wasn’t necessarily motivating but carried a degree of truth. He announced, “The Lord has already provided for our need, the problem is the money is still in your pocket!

The Lord gave the Children of Israel the instructions about building the tabernacle and all the furnishings required to complete their sacrifices and worship. But it was the people who provided all the items that were necessary for the project to be completed.

This was not accomplished through a “tax” or an obligation from each of the individuals or families, but rather it was dependent upon those “whose hearts moved them.” We read, So the people of Israel—every man and woman who was eager to help in the work the Lord had given them through Moses—brought their gifts and gave them freely to the Lord. (Exodus 35:29 NLT)

A compelling vision or cause motivates the willingness of people to give and even sacrifice for a project that is bigger than themselves. That is the challenge for every pastor and organizational leader who is “raising funds” for a major project.

I recall a pastor friend who was embarking on a building project for a new church building. He told me that they had several “goals” in mind. They knew what they absolutely needed to at least launch the project. Then they had what they believed as a realistic goal. And then they had a goal in mind that was their “over and beyond” goal – a “miracle” response. When the commitments were calculated they had received a million dollars above the “miracle” goal!

This type of response reminds me of how God’s people responded by giving the articles needed for the original Tabernacle in the wilderness.

Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!” So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project. (Exodus 36:5-7 NLT)

Most translations say, “the people were restrained from giving.” I don’t know of anyone who told someone, “no!” you can’t give any more! But this shows how God is able to work through people as they respond to God’s work.

Years later when the first Temple was being prepared to be built we see a similar response,  ^“The people rejoiced over the offerings, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord, and King David was filled with joy.” (1 Chronicles 29:9 NLT)

What we see in the Old Testament is reflected in the words of Paul in the New Testament, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV)

It is interesting that the one response we see in generous giving is “joy” not relief that the need is met. Joy for the giver, joy for the leader. I am grateful that Debbie and I have been blessed over the years with the generosity of others and have been able to give generously as well. I am sure that many others have experienced the joy of generous giving.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.” Exodus 32:6 NLT

As I once again was reading this account, the stark contrast in this verse that is easy to gloss over caught my attention. You have sacrifice and worship followed by “feasting, drinking and pagan revelry.”  Those activities should not be found in the same context.

This is the first record of the Children of Israel committing idolatry. The irony is that as Moses is on the mountain receiving the 10 commandments, commandment #1 “Thou shalt not commit idolatry” is being shattered to pieces in grand fashion. It seems that worshipping false gods leads to corrupt behavior.

Idolatry would be the Achilles heel that would trap God’s people throughout time. The God who cared for them, established commandments that were for their good, who won their battles and provided all that they needed was easily traded for gods of their own making.

When you have your own god, you can live by your own rules. That basically makes you a god. This becomes self-deception to the extreme and allows for what we read in Judges when it says, “everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” (Judges 2:10)

As Paul writes to the Corinthian church, he draws from this point of time in Israel’s history. To those who needed a moral compass in this church in a pagan culture Paul writes, “These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did.” (1 Corinthians 10:6,7 NLT)

It is just a few verses later that Paul writes,  ^“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 10:13 NIV)

Perhaps we can understand that the temptation to make our own gods, to live by our own rules, is as great as any other temptation that is faced. It doesn’t seem to be an enticing offer, but the call to follow Christ is just that. It is a call to surrender to His leadership. We commit to His ways. We say “no” to ourselves and “yes” to Christ. As a result, we live in His presence and blessing and provision.

The good news is that Jesus saves us….from ourselves.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  (Now the Lord had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the people of Israel. And Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt, respected by Pharaoh’s officials and the Egyptian people alike.)  Exodus 11:3 NLT

This parenthetical sentence in the Exodus story would be easy to overlook. But this one sentence gives some good insight into what was taking place among the people of the land. Not just the Children of Israel, but the Egyptians as well.

The Pharoah was regarded as a god. He was “the” supreme ruler. Moses enters that scene as an advocate for a group of Hebrew slaves. This would not be viewed as a position that you would fight to have. This would not be viewed as a “plum” of political power.

As the plagues took place would think that Moses would have been the “most wanted man” in Eypgt. That he would have been blamed, shamed and despised. Yet this one sentence sends an unexpected message. The Egyptians saw the power of the true God, demonstrated through Moses and this elevated his status in the eyes of the people. We read that he was considered a “very great man” in the land. This status was not just among the common people, but Pharaoh’s officials as well.

We can all think of organizations and situations where the person in the “position of power or authority” was not the one who was viewed as having the greatest respect or influence over people. We often use the term, “the power behind the throne” to describe this dynamic. The irony of this situation is magnified since Moses was raised in the palace as a prince.

As the Children of Israel left Egypt, some of the Egyptians followed them. In time it seemed that they wanted the blessings of the Lord without the commitment to the Lord. Scripture refers to this group as “the rabble.” They were often those who complained the most and the loudest when the going got tough.

However, the bottom line observation is we don’t need to count on “positional recognition” to make a difference and to have an impact. When we obey the Lord, trust the Lord, He can give the favor and the influence that we need to accomplish the task that He has for us.

If the Lord opens up a position of power, like Joseph that is certainly a high calling and grand opportunity. But we don’t need to believe that is required to be a person of influence.

Scripture says of Jesus that He, “grew….in favor with God and man.” He didn’t have a title or a position that was awarded to him by virtue of the politics or culture of the day.

As Peter would say of Jesus in the Book of Acts, “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38 NLT)

We can have respect in a position we hold, but we can also have influence through the respect that is afforded to us when we follow the Lord’s will for our lives.