Snapshots and Synapses

A summary of Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, the wisest man of all time, reflecting upon man, the world and life’s meaning.   What benefit do people get from all the effort which they exert on earth? Of all that has ever been accomplished, what has been truly worthwhile? So I decided to look at all options and discern for myself what was worth pursuing in life, in the limited years man has on this world.  Should I seek wisdom and knowledge? Should I pursue self-indulgent pleasure or material wealth?  I realize that wisdom is preferable to folly, but just as one dead fly in perfume ointment gives off of a rancid stench, so a little folly can outweigh much wisdom. I have come to understand that pursuing carnal pleasure or possessions is ultimately folly.  If an iron ax head is blunt, and a workman does not sharpen its edge. He must exert a great deal of effort; so wisdom has the advantage of giving success. For wisdom provides protection, just as money provides ...

One of my favorite stories about Jesus is when he’s approached by His friend, Peter, who asks how many times he should forgive a person. (See Matthew 18:21-35 ) Peter threw out a number, suggesting that a person should be forgiven 7 times. Seven (7) was understood to be the number of perfection and completion, so Peter was demonstrating his understanding of how important it is to forgive. But it’s hard to discern a person’s heart, especially from a short and simple story. Was Peter asking in order to justify himself and his own self-righteousness or was he being sincere in trying to understand God’s view on forgiveness? Regardless, Jesus responds in a way that Peter wasn’t expecting, saying that we should forgive 70 times 7, figuratively explaining that there is no limit to the number of times we need to forgive others. Jesus then goes on to tell a story that explains this concept, tying how we are forgiven with our ability to forgive.   As we know, Peter like all Jesus’ friends ab...

Then we will no longer be little children, tossed and carried about by all kinds of teachings that change like the wind. We will no longer be influenced by people who use cunning and clever strategies to lead us astray. Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head. ~ Ephesians 4:14-15   Speaking the truth in love sounds easy, but in practice it can be really hard. It can be hard to speak truth, fearful of how it will be received, and it can be hard to speak in a loving fashion when the truth can seem so obvious or when it’s being casually disregarded. But God made us to live in truth and love, to speak truth to others with love in our hearts. As I wrote this, I felt concern that my words could hurt people I care about: friends, colleagues and relatives. I don’t want to bludgeon anyone with the truth, but I don’t want to be unclear about the whole truth, explained if you read through to the end . There are many mo...

My timing and God’s timing have never quite been in sync: I was ready to graduate from college while still in high school; ready to get married before I had even met my wife or matured enough emotionally and spiritually to stay married; not ready to take ownership of my vocation, finding it easier to blame others; and not ready to write today’s blog. The truth is, I can be both overly eager, not taking the time God gives me to prepare, and slow to move out of my comfort zone. Fortunately, God’s timing is always perfect.  We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan. ~ Romans 8:28 The truth of that Bible verse has been increasingly penetrating my heart since I first put my trust in Jesus, learning to trust Him more and more. It tells me that I don’t need to have it all figured out. I have my part, and God has His. I’m called to take ownership of my actions, to be responsible in doing what I know to be right a...