For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” (2 Chronicles 16:9)  Asa had been one of Judah’s good kings. The early reforms of Asa, had encouraged the nation to enter into a covenant with Jehovah. The historian records:  And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around.” (2 Chronicles 15:15) However, our last impression of Asa is not good. In the 36th year of the reign of Asa, Baasha, king of Israel, threatened Judah. Instead of trusting in the Lord, Asa entered into a treaty with the king of Syria by giving him treasury from the house of the Lord. Thus, the above verse is part of God‘s unfortunate message to King Asa. Jehovah is pictured as one who is everywhere observing the conduct of men and drawing distinctions. God divides all men into two classes: good and evil. At the first, Asa had been among those who sought God with all of his heart. Sadly, at the end of his reign he became faint hearted and failed. He sought success through compromise rather than implicit trust in God.  Since God knows all that transpires on the earth, he waits for opportunities to interpose in behalf of his people. In times of danger, seasons of affliction, and moments of trial, he shows “Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him”.  God’s omniscience can be of great comfort to those who seek him.  Do we have the perfect heart to whom Divine comfort is promised? This does not mean that we are sinless. But, we must be sincerely willing to acknowledge our transgressions and strive with all of our hearts to walk in God‘s ways. We must refuse to ally ourselves with the world. God is always there to comfort his faithful ones. He will show himself strong and give them great success. By George Slover

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