I'm sending this one to Vernon.
Love,
Pat
At 08:43 PM 11/5/03 -0800, you wrote:
> > > OutputWhat's the Use?
> > > Block quote start
> > > Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done
> > under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for
>the
> > wind.
> > > (NKJV)
> > > Block quote end
> > > In other words, what's the use? Have you ever felt that way? Have you
>ever
> > got to that point in your life where you just truly feel like "why
>bother?"
> > > Life, apart from God, will certainly leave you feeling that way. There
>is
> > no security or peace in money, jobs or relationships. You can lose your
> > health,
> > > job, money, family or possessions in the snap of finger.
> > > No matter how diligent, talented or successful you are, in 30 seconds
> > disaster could take it all away. Your house could burn down. You could
> > become disabled
> > > or disfigured in a car wreck. The doctor could call to tell you that you
> > have cancer. Divorce papers might show up. The cops could call to tell you
> > your
> > > child has been murdered. The boss could walk in and tell you that you
>have
> > no job. A stock market crash could wipe out 20 years of investment. A
> > lawsuit
> > > could ruin you.
> > > So what's the use? There isn't any.
> > > Apart from God.
> > > Have you ever thanked God that you don't have to feel like "what's the
> > use?" It's amazing that people can even get out of bed when they don't
>trust
> > in God.
> > > Life would be truly futile and despairing. It is such a blessing to know
> > that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us, cares for us and watches
>over
> > us.
> > > Have you ever contemplated how wonderful it is to have a purpose in
> > living? It is so blessed to realize that God will care for us through
>every
> > hardship,
> > > every trial and every tragedy. Not only will He care for us, but He will
> > use those times to strengthen us, and when the trial is over, we are
> > actually
> > > better off for having had endured it! (Rom 8.28)
> > > Far from being futile and hopeless, Christians get the unique
>opportunity
> > to anticipate that any hardship or loss will actually be a blessing from
> > God.
> > > The greater the trial or suffering, the greater the gift from God. He
>will
> > use it to transform us in to the image of our Savior and will reward us
>for
> > > our faith in Him. As usual, our Amazing, Magnificent God, takes what sin
> > has ruined, and transforms it into unique and exclusive blessing for His
> > children.
> > > Without God, life is truly useless. There really is no reason for living
> > from day to day. For Christians, every moment has a use. Every act, every
> > decision,
> > > every choice, every effort.... every breath we take is saturated with
> > purpose, and a reason to live life with joyful anticipation!
> > > Block quote start
> > > Our Father in Heaven, thank You for giving meaning to our life. May we
> > live every moment to its fullest potential so that You will be glorified.
> > Amen.
> > > Block quote end
> > > Contemplation: Think of work, duties, responsibilities... all the daily
> > aspects of life. Do you sometimes feel like "what's the use"?
> > > Application: Everything we do can have purpose, meaning and blessing if
> > consecrated to God. Learn to dedicate your every moment to God and see if
>He
> > does
> > > not bless life, and give it new meaning.
> > > List of 3 items
> > > 1. What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
> > > 2. What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
> > > 3. What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?
> >
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