Beyond the Weekend

February 1 | Enjoying the Gifts of God

February 1, 2019

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Read: Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Listen: Ecclesiastes 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Wrapping up this week, you may be wondering, “If I’m not to put my value in pleasure, wisdom or my vocation—then what’s left?”

Well, that’s the point of Ecclesiastes 2 and the author gives us a word to the wise. He wraps up this chapter telling his readers to eat, drink and take satisfaction in their toil. He is suggesting that we enjoy the gifts of this world, and recognize who it is that gives them.

God blesses us with many gifts such as food to enjoy, relationships with others, and beauty all around us. He gives us wisdom and knowledge so we can learn and grow. He gives us creativity and the capacity to work and bless others.

If we want to enjoy these things truly, then we should recognize that they are gifts from our God and cannot give us value. Watch this video clip below as Pastor Jeff Manion challenges us to remember these things don’t define us.

When we know these don’t define us—we can enjoy pleasure, wisdom and work for the gifts they are from God. Instead of searching for life’s meaning in pleasures and experiences, knowledge or wisdom, or the work you do—allow Christ to fill the empty spaces of your heart today.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

God gives us the gift of being his hands and feet here on earth. As you think about where you get value in life, consider how you can reflect Jesus today. Spend a few minutes thinking about how you could serve someone generously this week. Maybe it’s offering to share your time helping someone on a project, saying a kind word at the right moment or giving financially to someone you know could use it. Write down what you will do and come up with your next step to make it happen. Then stick with it.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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