Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
 
We often read Solomon'’s great conclusion, (vs.13) then teach that the secret to happiness is for man to fulfill his purpose – to fear his Creator and to keep his commandments!  When one refuses to obey God he fails to fulfill the reason for which he was created.  The end result is to fail to find true satisfaction in life.
 
However, we often forget verse 14.  The word “for” connects these thoughts with the previous message.  Why should one “fear God and keep his commandments”?  Because, ultimately judgment is coming!  There is a day of reckoning approaching when every man’'s deeds, good and evil, will be brought before the judge.  Not one deed will go unnoticed,– both those done in the open and those done in secret.  All will be placed before the judge!  Paul says,  “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. “2 Corinthians 5:10)    Thus, one must obey God because of the eternal consequences.
 
What a tragedy!  Most men will miss out on the secret to a satisfying life “under the sun”, then will miss the joy of eternal fellowship with the Father!
 
By George Slover

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
 
In the context of the above passage Paul refers to his thorn in the flesh (vs. 7,8).  Many have speculated as to just what that thorn was.  It is my opinion that “the thorn” is a figurative reference to the various persecutions and distresses referred to in chapter 11 and verses 22-28.
 
Concerning this thorn, Paul had asked God three times for its removal.  God’s answer was "“no"”!  God’s reason:  "“My strength is made perfect in weakness”". (vs.9) God said, “"Paul, I’'ll match your weakness with my strength!  I'’ll be with you in the tough times, and I'’ll help you get up when you are weak.”"
 
One of our greatest fears is insufficiency!  We reason, “how can I possibly get through this difficulty?”  We worry about being deprived of life’s basics such as love and appreciation.  God promises that when all else fails: "My grace is sufficient!  I'’ll be with you”!"
 
So, brother, take it to heart!  Live each day and face each challenge with renewed strength, and trust God to supply the lack.
 
By George Slover
 

And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.  And he, himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.”"  (I John 2:1,2)
 
It is common among friends for one to say, "“I’'m there for you”."  This is offered as support and consolation to the discouraged and those who are grieving.  We are happy to know that our neighbor has our concern at heart.
 
However, when I die I want someone else to be there for you and me!  Because of our sin, we need an advocate.  Jesus Christ is the only one qualified to plead our case before the judge.  He is also a “propitiation” or an appeasement to God’s wrath.  He is fully qualified to comfort us (Hebrews 2:14-17), and understands our temptations.  Therefore, when we face the Judge in that final day we want Jesus on our side.
 
However, Jesus will be “there for us” only if we meet certain conditions.  If we rebel against God'’s will, Jesus will not be our advocate.  Don’'t misunderstand me.  Jesus does not require perfection, but he does expect us to try.  John says, “But, if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (I Jn. 1:7)  If we will remain true to the faith, Jesus will be our advocate and present us “blameless” before God. (Colossians 1:20-23)
 
Knowing the simple terms and conditions we must now do all within our power to make sure Jesus is our friend and advocate.  Our eternal destiny depends upon it!
 
George Slover  

What profit has a man from all his labor In which he toils under the sun? One generation passes away, and another generation comes; But the earth abides forever. The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, And hastens to the place where it arose. The wind goes toward the south, And turns around to the north; The wind whirls about continually, And comes again on its circuit. All the rivers run into the sea, Yet the sea is not full; To the place from which the rivers come, There they return again. All things are full of labor; Man cannot express it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor the ear filled with hearing. (Ecclesiastes 1:3-8)
 
In the passage above Solomon observes the endless, boring cycles of life.  Under the sun there is nothing new; all is vain and empty. Such is the view of the one who pursues everything in life except what really counts.
 
This picture is all too familiar in modern America.   The straight life of the homemaker is a mindless day of dirty dishes, waxing floors, changing dirty diapers, and planning meals for an ungrateful family.  The life of the workingman is forty- hour weeks, two-week vacations for kids, cleaning out garages, mowing a lawn, income tax forms, and bills, bills, bills.  Life seems ordinary and pointless.  
 
Several years ago our family worked together on a family paper route.  From that experience I learned a valuable lesson that made my task much easier. There was an older couple that would express so much appreciation to me for having their paper on the porch on those cold winter days.  There was much more to my laborious task than the paycheck at the end of the month.  It was the joy of serving God and others! Even though it was a simple task, it was the reward of making a difference in someone’s life and the peace that comes from being their servant.  God takes the ordinary and pointless out of life and gives every job a reason.
 
Paul says: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”(Col. 3:24) Notice the focal point of this passage: “you serve the Lord Christ”.  Each day I must be reminded that no matter what the work – “I serve the Lord Christ”.  This is true of the homemaker, the workingman, or the student.  It is true of the physician and the paperboy.  Whatever the job –“I serve the Lord!”  He is the reason to live!  He is to be the focal point of all of my plans.  Without Him life is empty and monotonous!
 
By George Slover

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”  (1 Peter 4:10)

For 10 years of my young life, it was my privilege to perform with a band. Precision marching, concert, and jazz were all a part of my experience. At each venue the success of the performance depended on the help of each member doing their part well.The body of Christ, and its success may be compared with the success of a band.

I remember occasions during a band performance when the cymbal player had only one note in the whole piece. But without that note, the concert was not complete. In the Lords church each member is given a gift from God.  These talents are given to individual Christians for the good of the whole church. Every member of Christ’s body is a steward of the gifts given to them. This means that each member is expected to nurture and, and use that gift.

The success of the performance also depended on each bandsmen playing in tune. God has given the body of Christ parameters. If one speaks it must be according to the oracles of God. (Vs. 11)  If it is the gift of ministering, it must be according to one’s ability. (Vs. 11) Flutes don’t sound like drums. A trumpet is not a clarinet. So each member of the body must be content with the gift they have. They must use that gift according to God’s directions so that harmony will prevail and God will be pleased.

Members of the body may serve in various ways, but in the context of love the end result is beautiful. (Vs. 8) A service rendered out of genuine care for others will produce the richest music. The disciples Peter was addressing were “pilgrims of the Dispersion”. (1:1) They were experiencing fiery trials. (1:7)  But, through compassion, shoulder to shoulder, they could lift the spirits and bolster the courage of one another.

Sometimes our work in the Lord goes unnoticed and receives very little appreciation. Our self-love may repulse us from the task at hand, but Peter has an antidote for that. The apostle instructs us to render our service with a view to God. “If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11) 

The body of Christ is designed for mutual service. No one is wholly the giver or the receiver. Everyone has a gift, and everyone has a need. Dear brother, find your gift. Take directions from God. And use the gift that you have with passion. When each member of the body is doing their part in love, the results will be like a tune played with perfect precision, and God will be honored.

By George Slover