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God created us for community…. (devo reflection)

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

God created us for community, for relationship. I know for me, personally, I cannot thrive in isolation, which is ironic, considering I am not a huge people person. People exhaust me. But I know what it feels like to feel “other than,” which is why I try to let others know that I see them, I see Christ in them–their value and worth as a human because they are His.

Ecclesiastes 4:10a If either of them falls down, one can help the other up….

God made me an encourager, but spring is a tough time for me for a host of reasons. However, I am finding that the one sure way I can connect with Christ’s peace, even now, is by encouraging others. Sometimes it is with a kind word. Sometimes it is just by sharing my own struggles so that others know they are not alone in theirs. I have found that if I allow Him, God can use me, always, to encourage others, and He will bless me in the process.

Ecclesiastes 4:10b …But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Lord, Thank you for this deep need to encourage Your people. Thank You that You can use my struggles to buoy others, that I know without a doubt that any good that comes from me is because of You, and that I know when I get past myself to encourage Your people, You will always bless me in return. Thank You for this need for community–even though people are hard for me–and for the connection and relationship with others that always brings me closer to You. Amen.

Ecclesiastes 4:12b …A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Have a blessed day.

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The larger goal…. (devo reflection)

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Today is the official end of my Spring Break. Tomorrow starts the final push to graduation. Teachers and students both are tired, and now we’ve had a taste of freedom, so these final weeks are hard. Ultimately, at this time of year, I have to remind myself that I do this job not to make it to summer vacation but because all those years ago, God called me to be a teacher.

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Finishing the race doesn’t mean finishing the school year, or my career, it is about the larger goal. And while, as a public school teacher, I can’t preach my faith, God shows me His presence with me in the classroom every single day in myriad ways. And so it is with you. He’s with you, guiding you, incorporating you into His ministry wherever He has you currently planted. Trust Him.

Ecclesiastes 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Lord, Thank you for time to rest and renew. Thank you for unexpected opportunities and beach sunrises and time with family. As we head into this last eight weeks of the school year, give us all the strength and the will to finish strong. And help all of us, no matter what we do in life, to remember the larger end game–eternity with You. Thank You for the hope of eternity. Amen.

Philippians 3:14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Have a blessed day.

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The conclusion of the matter…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 12:13a Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter….
The premise of the bulk of Ecclesiastes is that everything is pointless. In the last two verses of the entire chapter, the author makes his real point, phrased by one commentator as: “If God cares as much as this, nothing can be pointless.” Putting aside my issues with the rest of the book, I can fully get behind this sentiment.
Ecc 12:13b …Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
If nothing is pointless with God, that means every trial, every heartache, every misstep has a purpose—to bring me closer to Him. I cling to the eternal hope in that thought. It allows me to say, in those times when my heart is shattered and life makes no sense, “I do not like this, God. I do not understand it. I do not want it. I would never choose it. But I know You. I love You. I trust You. I know You can use ALL things, even this, for my good and Your glory. Draw me closer to You.”
Ecc 12:14a For God will bring every deed into judgment….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the hope that can only come from You. Draw me closer. Always. Help me to live this life for You and my eternal home. Amen.
Ecc 12:14b …including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Have a blessed day.
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What my heart longs for…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 11:4a Whoever watches the wind will not plant….
I read commentary for background details that I might not otherwise know, but I always take their words and hold them up to my own filter, to what I know to be true of my Savior. Commentary views this section through the lens of disobedience: if you don’t do what you are supposed to because you are too busy focusing on the little details, you are being disobedient. The implication, at least in my mind, is that you will be punished for that disobedience.
Ecc 11:4b …whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.
I think the analogy of God as parent is appropriate. As a parent myself, my primary focus is not the disobedience of my children so I can punish. Rather, my heart longs for them to trust that what I want for them is in their best interest and to be obedient because of that trust. That shift in perspective, for me, is huge. That trust, for me, is a daily struggle (and the fact that it is a struggle is a daily frustration).
Ecc 11:5a As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed a in a mother’s womb….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for not being a task-master God, who jumps at the opportunity to punish disobedience. Thank You for wanting me to trust You and for Your fierce patience as I traverse this path. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ecc 11:5b …so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.
Have a blessed day.
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Sharpening the ax…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 10:10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success. (NIV)
Commentary contained an interpretation of verse 10 that focused specifically on the Christian worker. But if we are all to work as though working for God instead of human masters (Col 3:23), wouldn’t that be all of us, all the time?
Ecc 10:10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. (NLT)
Renewal is important. Nourishing my soul so that I can give my Savior 100% effort is important. If my ax is dull, it will take more effort for the same outcome, leading to burnout. If I’m burned out, I’m no good to anyone.
Ecc 10:10 If your ax is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead.  (GNT)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder to nourish my soul, to be still and know, so that I can root myself in You. Help me to sink my roots deep into Your love. Give me a firm foundation. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ecc 10:10 If you don’t sharpen your ax, it will be harder to use; if you are wise, you’ll know what to do. (CEV)
Have a blessed day.
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Focus on hope…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 9:4 As long as we are alive, we still have hope….
Once again, I am intentionally choosing to focus on hope as I read Ecclesiastes. The second half of verse 4 is: “…just as a live dog is better off than a dead lion.” Not very positive. But the first part, as long as there is life, there is hope, I can definitely get behind. Hope, God’s hope, is what keeps me going.
Ecc 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might….
And with verse 10, I choose to focus on hope, shoving aside the second part of the verse, which says, “…for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” I know that God can use ALL things (Romans 8:28), so whatever the task in front of me, I’ll work at it with all my might, as though working for God instead of human masters (Col 3:23).
Ecc 9: 17 The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the hope that can only come from You. Thank You for allowing me to focus on the positive and uplifting. Help me to shine Your light for all to see. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ecc 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
Have a blessed day.
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The enjoyment of life…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 8:15a So I commend the enjoyment of life….
At a glance, this verse appears to finally contain some positive counsel: Eat, drink, and be merry! And while that is upbeat at least, the sub-context is: Life is meaningless. You may as well make the best of it by enjoying the meaningless pleasures. Sigh.
Ecc 8:15b …because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. 
For me, it boils down to trust—something I am really bad at, but I’m trying. There is so much I do not understand in this life, and I think one day I will be in a position to find answers. But when that day finally arrives and I see Jesus face to face, I really don’t think those answers will be so important any more. So I try to trust —through my anger, confusion, and heartbreak—in the One who loves me fiercely. And I try to find the joy in each day because that joy is a gift from God.
Ecc 8:15c …Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life….
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You that I don’t see life as meaningless, even when I don’t understand. Thank You for infusing Your joy in every day. Help me to see and savor it. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ecc 8:15d …God has given them under the sun.
Have a blessed day.
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Jesus is my hope…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 7:14a When times are good, be happy….
Once again the speaker takes a depressing view of the situation (look all the way to the end of verse 14), but I just can’t. Again, I know the speaker’s endgame is to remind the audience that only God’s presence gives life meaning. When I look at these verses, that truth is what I see.
Ecc 7:14b …but when times are bad, consider this….
The end of verse 14, the fact that “Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future,” is supposed to be the real zinger, but that’s where I find the most hope. I can’t know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future, and I know He can use all things for the good of those who love Him (Rom 8:28). That’s why, “…I will always have hope….” (Psalm 71:14). Jesus is my hope.
Ecc 7:14c …God has made the one as well as the other. 
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the hope that can only come from You. Infuse my spirit with Your hope so that I can share that hope with the world. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ecc 7:14d …Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.
Have a blessed day.
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Words can be a gateway…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 6:11 The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone? (NIV)
This verse talks about the futility of arguing, continuing to throw words at a situation. I am reminded at once of the futility of social media, where armchair philosophers throw words into cyberspace, often with the sole goal of stirring the pot. Definite futility.
Ecc 6:11 The more words you speak, the less they mean. So what good are they? (NLT)
However, I am also reminded of calls for assistance on social media, calls for prayer, posts that galvanize people to positive action, and I am reminded of James 2:17, “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” Words can be a gateway to beautiful, affirming action and can be very good indeed.
Ecc 6:11 For when there are many words, they increase futility. What is the advantage for mankind? (CSB)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that I need to be careful with my words, that I need to use them for good, to praise You and to edify others. Help me to use my words to shine Your light. Draw me closer. Amen.
Ecc 6:11 The longer you argue, the more useless it is, and you are no better off. (GNT)
Have a blessed day.
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Rooted in my identity in Christ…. (devo reflection)

Ecc 5:15 Everyone comes naked from their mother’s womb, and as everyone comes, so they depart. They take nothing from their toil that they can carry in their hands. (NIV)
I’ve mentioned that reading Ecclesiastes is hard for me because of the hopeless overtone used to drive home the point that everything is meaningless unless God is in the midst of us. I agree completely with the sentiment, but I wish God were underscored earlier and more often in this book.
Ecc 5:15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us. (NLT)
This verse, however, reminds me of the need for balance in life, of the fact that life isn’t just about work. I focused so completely on my job at one point that I let it consume my identity. I saw myself as a teacher first and foremost. And while being a teacher is a crucial piece of who I am, first and foremost, I am a deeply, fiercely loved child of God. Period. Everything else is rooted in my identity in Christ.
Ecc 5:15 We leave this world just as we entered it–with nothing. In spite of all our work there is nothing we can take with us. (GNT)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Reading through Ecclesiastes is difficult because of the sorrowful undertone, but life without You is definitely sorrowful. Thank You for the hope that can only come from You. Help me to draw closer to You and to shine Your light. Always. Amen.
Ecc 5:15 They came from their mother’s womb naked. They will leave as naked as they came. They won’t even be able to take a handful of their earnings with them from all their hard work. (GWT)
Have a blessed day.