Tag Archives: life

Brevity Of Life

Life is short. We have heard that saying before and perhaps we have uttered that statement ourselves. The saying itself is so common as to border on cliché. Yet, we know there is much truth in this statement. Our time on earth is limited and it passes so quickly.

As Christians, perhaps we should take stock of our lives from time to time. What are doing that is going to last? Are we using our time wisely? Or, are we wasting our lives on foolish pursuits that we will never amount to anything?

Paul tells us “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)  It is vital that we make good use of our time. We only have one life to live. May we live it for the glory of God.

How can we accomplish this? One way is to continue in God’s Word. Frequent Bible study will keep us focused on the eternal so we will not get caught up in the temporary.

Another way to redeem the time is through worship. Worship keeps our hearts tuned in to Christ and helps us to remember to live as wise ones instead of fools. Worship helps our thinking to remain strong and centers us upon the things God—the only things that will last.

Sharing our faith will encourage us to make the most of every opportunity.  As we share the gospel regularly, we will are reminded that our ultimate home is heaven and not earth. Witnessing will direct us to a greater cause than simply getting through the day. Seeing someone come to know Christ is a great way to “seize the day.”

My prayer, is that we would examine ourselves and that God would reveal areas that need to change. May we live with Godly wisdom as our guide. Let us redeem the time and make good use of the incredible gift of life we have received from God.

Tony French

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In Jesus

11 Since there are many things that increase vanity, How is man the better? 12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?     

Ecclesiastes 6:11-12

The writings of Solomon in this book can be difficult to follow. At times several different themes emerge in short order. At the same time, the theme of hopeless without God prevails from start to finish in this testament of the “preacher.”

Seen through the lens of the world, the book of Ecclesiastes is depressing and unfulfilling. The book’s purpose is to show us the problem. This writing repeatedly tells us not to seek lasting peace in the world’s system.

Another purpose of this book is to point us to the solution for the vanity of life under the sun. His name is Jesus!  He can forgive you, cleanse you, and put you on the path to heaven. If you have not yet done so, consider placing your trust in Him for forgiveness.  Turn from your sin and trust in Him to save you and place you into His family. He loves you and gave His all for you!

Tony French

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Unfulfilled

3 If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he– 4 for it comes in vanity and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness. 5 Though it has not seen the sun or known anything, this has more rest than that man, 6 even if he lives a thousand years twice–but has not seen goodness. Do not all go to one place?

Ecclesiastes 6:3-6

We must recall that Solomon’s writing is basically from an earthly perspective. Apart from God, there is no fulfillment in life. It is through our relationship with Christ and Christ alone that we are brought peace, power, and contentment.

Solomon’s book seems true for those who are without God. One could paraphrase these verses in the following way; not being born seems to be superior to an unfulfilled life. If there is no contentment, no peace, and no purpose to life, then why be born in the first place?  All die and are forgotten.

I am thankful that there is more to the story. Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again so that we may have life in abundance. Our lives have meaning and purpose because He lives.

Tony French

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Beware

5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

James 3:5-6

The principle described here is simple yet profound. The precept taught here is this—small things can cause great damage. The veracity of this statement is unquestionable. And it is never truer than in the case of the tongue.

The human tongue, though one of the smallest parts of the body, can speak words that dishearten, destroy, and kill the spirit and vitality of others. Many a marriage, friendship, and relationship has been “set on fire” by damaging words.  And destructive words have ended up decimating hearts and lives since Genesis 3.

Christians ought to mark their words carefully. Our conversation can bring life and help to others, but, it can also cause irreparable harm to those even that we love. Let us speak words of life and hope. May our talk be seasoned with grace and filled with love.

Tony French

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The Invitation

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

Revelation 22:17

The final call of Scripture is poignant to everyone today. The calling of Revelation 22:17 is a gospel invitation to repent and trust in Christ. The metaphor of thirst and water come into play as the “Living Water” (John 4:11) issues three invitations in this verse.

**Come—Don’t wait, believe in Jesus today. Folks always think they have more time. Don’t delay, my friend. It could be too late.

**Drink—Trust in Christ through faith. Believe in Christ’s death and resurrection and confess the Lord Jesus today. (Romans 10:9-10) Jesus is the only one who can quench you thirst eternally.

**Live—Water is vital for life and without it we die. In the same way, all need the living water of Christ in order to have eternal life. Jesus offers salvation as a free gift. Believe in Him today and your spiritual thirst will be over. Christ will not give a perfect life. But, He will be with you and you will have His peace. Live in Christ today!

Tony French

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Persevere

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12

The apostle gives Believers everywhere assurance and hope as face the worst days of their lives. Trials and tribulations will come to everyone. Christians, however, persevere during the difficulties because they have the promises of God. True Christ-followers receive eternal life with Jesus. And nothing can take that away.

The crown mentioned in verse 12 is the crown of life, or the crown of eternal life. Those who are truly saved will persevere. We may sin and we may make mistakes. But, the true Believer will not quit and give up. They keep on going even when it’s tough. The ultimate reward is life with Christ for all eternity.

Are you ready to give up? Realize that God is with you and that your trials are leading you to Christ.

Tony French

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Blessing

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

James 1:17

Dear Christian, we are blessed. We are abundantly blessed. It doesn’t always seem to be the case. But, we are blessed beyond measure. In no particular order, consider these blessings today…….

God has saved us.

God sustains us.

God secures us forever.

We are blessed with food.

We are blessed with clothing.

We are blessed with shelter.

We are blessed with finances.

We are blessed with family and friends.

We are blessed by the Church.

We are blessed with the sustaining power of Jesus.

We are blessed with the Holy Spirit’s presence at all times.

We are blessed with eternal life.

These are but a few of the blessings and gifts that God has given us. We may not have everything we want, but, we have more than enough. Dear Christian, you are blessed!

Tony French

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Creator

26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

Genesis 1:26-27

The creation accounts teach the origins of all things. The last act of creation was bringing human life into existence. A consideration of Genesis 1:26-27 would be in order here.

God created human beings. Humans are not biological, evolutionary accidents. Rather, each person is created specifically and personally by the Lord Himself. Each life has dignity and worth no matter the “human” circumstances of their birth. Why? Because God created them.

God created human beings in His image. All people, male and female, are created by God to be image bearers in this world. Being created this way means that humans can think, reason, and have fellowship with God. Even though sin destroyed that fellowship, humans can now have relationship with God through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The image may be marred because of sin, but, each human carries the imago dei nonetheless.

Finally, God created human begins for His glory. Our purpose in life comes from glorifying God by believing in Christ, trusting in God for salvation, and in living for the Lord each day. We don’t find purpose in glorifying ourselves. We find contentment and peace in glorifying God. We are created for His glory and not our own.

Blessings to you all!

Tony French

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