Happy Easter to all!

Christ is risen and because He lives, we live forever!!! That means we will live forever somewhere. I believe I have mentioned this before, but it is worth repeating. I read a statement on Facebook that is so true:

“We are not physical beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings living a physical experience.”

We are going to live somewhere for eternity. Because of Christ rising from the dead, He is alive and He gives us the choice to live with Him forever. The choice is totally ours.

I don’t usually share a section from my study Bible. Ok, I have not ever shared what I am about to share with you, but it is so fitting, that I wanted to share with my readers. In my devotions I am reading from Ecclesiastes. You, know the verses that everyone shares:

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

He hath made every thing beautiful in his time… 3:11a”

Well, there is so much more in this small 12 chapter book. But before I share some chapter descriptions, please view the following from the front pages of the book of Ecclesiastes of my study Bible. Be sure to read and consider:

“The CHOCOLATE bunny lies in the basket, surrounded by green paper “grass”. With Easter morning eyes wide with anticipation, the little boy carefully lifts the candy figure and bites into one of the long ears. But the sweet taste fades quickly, and the child looks again at the candy in his hand. It’s hollow!

Empty, futile, hollow, nothing-the words have a ring of disappointment and disillusionment. Yet this is the life experience of many. Grasping the sweet things–possessions, experience, power, and pleasure–they find nothing inside. Life is empty, meaningless–and they sink into despair.

Almost 3,000 years ago, Solomon spoke of the human dilemma, but the insights and applications of his message are relevant to our time. Ecclesiastes, Solomon’s written sermon is an analysis of life’s experiences and a critical essay about life’s true meaning. In this profound book, Solomon takes us on a reflective journey through his life, explaining how everything he had tried, tested, or tasted had been “meaningless”–useless, irrational, pointless, foolish, and empty–an exercise in futility. And remember, these words are from one who “had it all”–tremendous intellect, power, and wealth. After this biographical tour, Solomon made his triumphant conclusion:

“Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil: (12:13,14)…

But with all of his practical insight on life, Solomon failed to heed his own advice, and he began a downward spiral. Near the end of his life, Solomon looked back with an attitude of humility and repentance. He took stock of his life, hoping to spare his readers the bitterness of learning through personal experience that everything apart from God is empty, hollow, and meaningless.

…All of his remarks relating to the futility of life were there for a purpose: to lead us to seek fulfillment and happiness in God alone. He was not trying to destroy all hope, but to direct meaning. Solomon affirms the value of knowledge, relationships, work and pleasure, but only in their proper place. Everything temporal must be seen in light of the eternal.

Read Ecclesiastes and learn about life. hear the stern warnings and dire predictions, and commit yourself to remember your Creator now (12:1)”

Chapters and Descriptions:

1. Everything is futile. The king finds wisdom meaningless.

2. The king finds pleasures meaningless. The king finds work meaningless. Pleasure is from the hand of God.

3. A right time for everything

4. Oppression and sadness in life. The blessings of companionship. Success does not last.

5. Have respect for God. To enjoy life. It is a gift from God.

6. The king finds life meaningless.

7. Wise advice for living.

8. Those who fear God are better off. Happiness in work comes from God.

9. Everyone has a common destiny.

10. Behave wisely.

11. Generosity will be repaid. Enjoy life fully.

12 Remember your Creator now. Fear God and obey his commandments.

Friends, Life is God.  How do we connect with God?

Romans 10:9,10 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

(Life Application Study Bible. King James Version. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Carol Stream, Illinois)