I based today’s devotion from an article that carries an important message for all of us to consider. I did some changes to make it more Christ-centered. It is not only worth reading but quite necessary to apply into our lives.

King Solomon enjoyed everything the world could offer but after experiencing what fame, possessions, and prestige can do, he made this simple and profound statement that “All is vanity under the sun.” On the other hand, we can also declare with confidence that “With Christ, the Son - nothing is Vanity.”

An illustration to consider from an anonymous source:

“A business tycoon in China passed away. His widow, left with $1.9 billion in the bank, married his chauffeur. His chauffeur said:- "All the while, I thought I was working for my boss... it is only now, that I realize that my boss was all the time, working for me !!!"

That is the condition of a natural man who only lives for SELF. He thinks satisfaction comes from worldly and material things. He does not see the blessedness of living because his eyes are not focused on the Lord.

People strive to have a healthy body and a strong mind…to pursue the desires of the flesh. They have missed the true purpose of living - to glorify God by serving Him and to make a difference in this world. It really matters What we are living for (GOSPEL) and Who we are serving! (JESUS)

Some interesting facts about life:

⁃ When we use expensive gadgets, 70% of the functions are useless!

⁃ When we drive an expensive car, 70% of its features and potentials are not used.

⁃ When you own a luxurious house or mansion, 70% of the space is usually not occupied.

⁃ We collect and accumulate wardrobes of clothes? 70% of them are left not worn!

⁃ Our life’s works and earnings - all these we will left behind. You cannot find a U-HAUL following a hearse.

Everything we say, do, desire, and accomplish will mean nothing if they are not totally committed to the Lord!

Always Remember:

👉God is the giver of life, use it for His glory.

👉God is the source and author of Love. Love Him above all else.

👉Let us learn to let go, and let God if faced with difficulties we cannot avoid and control.

👉 Be always gracious and humble, even if you are in the right.

👉Remain grounded, meek, and simple, if you are rich and powerful.

👉Learn to be content and stay within your means.

👉Be a loving witness for Christ and a living sacrifice for the sake of the gospel.

👉If you want to touch the heart of God, reach out and touch every one you meet or encounter with the touch of God.

How to deal with our greatest enemy - Self!

🔹Love your neighbors as yourself with the Love of God ✔

🔹Always take time to PRAY and cease not to PRAY ✔

🔹Read God’s word, not only when we need to, but daily. Try to read the Bible through in a year✔

🔹Eat well and exercise. The Lord needs us healthy and strong in order to do His works✔

🔹Live by FAITH, not by sight.✔

🔹Focus our eyes on Jesus. He is the finisher. Without Him, we are nothing✔

🔹Saturate our mind with Biblical TRUTHS. Memorize God’s Word. We will need it in a time unexpected✔

🔹Have a quiet time with God. Be still and know that He is God✔

🔹Good results do not come from our abilities and wisdom. Just be faithful doing the tasks for it is the Lord who gives the increase✔

🔹Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily And while you walk... enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and PRAY.✔

🔹Always be on time in all appointments for God is never late nor early. He is always on time✔

🔹Don't be stuck in life’s circumstances. Continue and move on. We are pilgrims in this world.✔

🔹Don't waste our precious energy on useless things.✔

🔹Dream on. There are more opportunities God has prepared for us✔

🔹Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.✔

🔹Forget issues of the past. Process and learn from them. Never allow the past to ruin your day✔

🔹Life is too short to waste time hating someone. Hate the sins but love the sinner. Forgive and choose to forget✔

🔹Make peace with our past so it won't spoil our present.✔

🔹No one is in charge of our life but God. Surrender the control to Him✔

🔹Smile and Laugh More. The Joy of the Lord is our strength✔

🔹You don't have to win every argument, Agree to disagree. ✔

🔹Call your family often. You need them as they need you✔

🔹Each day do something good to others, even to strangers✔

🔹We are here to serve, not to be served✔

🔹What other people think of you must not be your main concern. It is what God thinks of you✔

🔹Do the right thing always and you will never do wrong!✔

🔹Remember that patience is virtue. GOD heals everything in His time.✔

🔹However good or bad a situation is, everything will come to pass.✔

🔹Like King David, learn to encourage yourself.

🔹Before you sleep at night, be thankful and praise God for the day spent. When you wake up in the morning, thank God for another day✔

▶LAST BUT NOT THE LEAST

👉 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV - “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Lastly, let me share with you this wonderful song that speaks to me every time. It talks about life and how we should live it.

“Only One Life” by Lanny Wolf

1. It matters so little

How much you may own

The places you've been

Or the people that you've known

For it all comes to nothing

When placed at His feet

It is nothing to Jesus

Only memories to keep

2. You may take all the treasures

From far away lands

Take all the riches

You can hold in your hands

And take all the pleasures

That your riches can buy

But what will you have

When it's your time to die

Chorus:

Only one life, so soon it will pass

Only what's done for Christ will (ever) last

Only one chance to do His will

So give to Jesus all your days

It's the only life that pays

When you recall you have but one life

3. The days pass so swiftly

The months come and go

The years melt away

Like new falling snow

Spring turns to summer

And summer to fall

Autumn brings winter

Then death comes to all **