Ecc. 1 [#2]

I just sat down with some dear friends of mine, but because our time was short, I was able to stay here at Chick-fil-a and study for classes and take a quick look at the Bible.

I've always wanted to study Ecclesiastes, but I have often been intimidated by the level of Solomon's knowledge.  I carefully approach the Bible no matter where I choose to study.  Because I had time, I read the first chapter and after much confusion and digging I have compiled some scattered thoughts. I do encourage you to take a look at Ecclesiastes at least Chapter 1 so that this will make more sense to you.

The basic gist of this chapter begins with almost a sense of mourning from Solomon.  His search of wisdom and knowledge brought him to an understanding of life different that I have ever imagined.  "All is vanity!" This was offensive to me at first.  I understood that Solomon did not see worth in life! In verse 3, he questions the work of man in what he can gain as a reward for his toil.  After digging, I discovered that Solomon did not say that all is vain.  There is a crucial difference in the two words that was not addressed in my mind.  The word vain means without meaning or useless and the word vanity means conceited or excessive pride.  With that in mind here is Jeb's thinking.

The value of life on earth is carried way too highly.  You can see where someone's priorities are by what they provide for, protect, and pursue before anything else.  This is typically going to be their selves.  You can also discover this by where they spend their time, their thoughts, and their treasures (money/talents).  We were created to enjoy the glory of God.  This world that He created for us has changed drastically and Solomon is noticing that!  He is at an understanding where any occurrence or issue that we face is not new.  It has happened before and probably has happened multiple times.  Even when we consider the these little, petty insecurities and issues now, we truly won't remember them later.  Ask yourself: What was my mood on the day before Christmas Eve in 2012? You don't remember, do you?  How about this moment two weeks ago?  You can think really hard, but you will not feel what you felt then.. You see this says a lot about us as humans and furthermore as believers.  We were not created to fall in love with this world.  We were not created to live in the past.  "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come." (2 Cor.5:17)  We were created for more than this.  More than the issues and toils and repetitions of life.  We are supposed to strive and obey, no, cherish the commands that God has laid out for us in His Word.

I hope this makes sense.  I pray that God will speak to you through the studying of His Word.

Blessings

John 3:30  "He must increase and I must decrease."

Title-less [#1}

Me.... Blogging.... I would've never thought this would happen, but I am thinking that it can benefit me if it doesn't benefit you the reader.
If I start from the beginning, I should explain who I am.  I think the work "jeb" or "most interesting person" would be a good fit.  I don't claim to be much.  I am a Georgia good ole boy, but when I say I love the Lord, I really mean it: not just a "go to church on Sunday" kinda deal.  I love my family and my friends and I rarely meet a stranger because either I have met them or they have already met a Butcher.  This is me.
I don't really know what else I can add to my resume.  I have some growing up to do, right?  I am 20 years young and about to finish my second year of college - the fourteenth grade.  This is probably the biggest decision I am going to make: what will I major in?  Right now, this is the hot topic that completely stresses me out and lingers in my mind like that ugly zit that just won't go away; everyone brings it up and I'm kind of embarrassed to discuss it in its entirety.  I think that I have narrowed it down to the two most realistic things that Jeb could be a fit for.  I am confident that God has shown me what He wants through my desires.  I feel as if He trusts my decrement and will be glorified regardless of the decision.  But still, its a big freakin' deal to me.  A high school teacher or a physical therapist are my two current options.  Unfortunately, there is not much overlap when it comes to taking the courses, and I have a feeling that school will be expensive and difficult.  That is my mind in a very organized manor in words.
This year I saw it fit to begin this blog.  I don't really know what I am "supposed to" talk about, but I would like to see how long I do this for.  My biggest intention is to see how I have changed from year to year.  I think I have some goals to help keep me accountable.

1. I want to get into a deep, incredibly intimate relationship with God.  The kind where I can't get enough of Him and the same kind that keeps me awake at night out of excitement for the new mysteries and opportunities He has for the next day.

2. Because I love music, I would love to progress in one or two or five instruments.  Primarily the guitar and the piano among many others that I would love to play.

3. I would like to end this year as a healthier person physically.  I have always wanted to do more than clean up really well.  I want some muscle and strength!  I'd love to love to work out. (Yes, I said love to twice on purpose)

Right now, those are the biggest in my mind.  I'm sure that I'll think of more later or something.  I'm not quite sure if I blogged correctly.  Let me know if this was enjoyable or crazy or mediocre! I just would like to be a better, more organized writer!

"For from His fullness we have received grace upon grace." John 1:16

~The Real jeb