I am joining in on Exemplify’s Kittle Club where we discuss monthly what we are learning in our own personal devotions. This gives me a place to journal a bit and share what I have learned. To find out more click here.

Questions For Discussion:

RECAP of February

• Did you focus on a specific portion of Scripture this month (for example, the Psalms)? If so, share why you chose to focus on that specific portion.

It is all VANITY! Everything under the sun is vanity. This past month I have been soaking myself in Ecclesiastes. I have to admit this is one of my least favorite books of the bible. It left me depressed and somewhat sad, but I think that may be the point God was going for.

Ecclesiastes is often titled Solomon’s foolishness and Proverbs is his wisdom. The book of Ecclesiastes can often be thought of Solomon’s autobiography of the different times he got away from God. Like many of us do today, Solomon tried to find life’s solutions and satisfaction through different venues:

1. Nature (natural science)
2. Wisdom
3. Philosophy
4. Materialism
5. Fatalism
6. Egotism
7. Religion
8. Wealth
9. Morality
10. Idolatry

This list is relevant to us today, we could even add technology. While reading through Ecclesiastes, one theme is that man and his pursuits of happiness are only temporary. Solomon found during his time away from God everything he does is for personal gain; satisfaction and pleasure do not last. Whatever is done for the glory of God is eternal and the joy remains.

Solomon ends in chapter 12 reminding us youth is fleeting.

Our eyesight will become dim.
Our legs will become weak.
We may lose teeth.
Become hard of hearing.
Hair will turn white.
Romance will be gone
Things will frighten us.

Now how can you be joyful after reading that chapter? God, through Solomon reminds us, life is empty if we are living for the here and now. We will become old and empty. Not a pretty picture, huh?

If we are serving the Lord, pointing others to him, we still will become old but we will have an eternal satisfaction and joy.

Even though I do not grow old as gracefully as I should, I know when the Lord brings me home I want my life to have counted for the glory of God.

As I was writing that last sentence, I am reminded of the several women who were mentors in my life. I doubt if you asked them, they would know the impact they had on my life. I think we need to live faithfully and realize we may not know the influence we have on others this side of heaven.

• Are you following along with a specific devotional? If so, tell us a little about the devotional. Do you recommend it for your fellow Kettle Club ladies?

I use Vernon McGee’s study notes of the bible.

• What is a stand out lesson you learned this month? What has the Lord been steadily teaching you?

God has been pressing on my heart that whatever I do I need to make sure it points others to HIM.

Whatever I do: blogging, book reviews, spending time on the computer, mothering, being a wife, etc..

When I am doing the above items, what is my motivation?  Is my motivation traffic to my web site?  Or do what I say point others to Him?  Am I one way with some people and different with others?  Or am I preaching to others through my life?

• Did you find certain distractions kept popping up as you would sit down to meditate on God’s Word? How did you overcome them?

I have been struggling with my depression, bad attitude and yes, some jealousy.  There are a few mornings I got up, sat down with my devotional and said, “I am cranky today Lord.”  In my heart I was thinking this is the last place I want to be because I know my attitude is not right.  God in his grace and mercy met me anyways – every morning.

I have been struggling with lies Satan has been feeding me.  Have you ever gone through a season of “everybody hates me, nobody likes me, I am going to go eat worms?” That seems to be my personal theme this month.  God I think had me study Ecclesiastes to remind me in order to find satisfaction and lasting joy I need to make sure whatever I do I am doing for the glory of the Lord.  I think the Lord allowed me to feel the sadness and emptiness of this book.

• Do you find that when you place your time spent with the Lord before blogging life somehow seems…simpler? Or feels more balanced?

Simpler, no.  More balanced, yes!  God gives me patience and perseverance when I spend time in the word first.

•What are your goals for the month of March? (For example, are you memorizing Scripture or committing to pray about a specific thing?

My goal for March is to make time to study God’s word.  It sounds easy, but each morning when that alarm clock goes off in the early morning I fight not getting up.  I wish it became easier with time, but it does not.  The good news is I know, no matter what my mood is God says to “just come.”  I have NEVER walked away feeling empty.

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