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- Apr 25, 2006
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19 April 2007
Ecclesiastes 1:16-18
I said to myself, "I have become very wise and am now wiser than anyone who ruled Jerusalem before me. I know what wisdom and knowledge really are." So I decided to find out about wisdom and knowledge and also about foolish thinking, but this turned out to be like chasing the wind. With much wisdom comes much disappointment; the person who gains more knowledge also gains more sorrow.
Imagine walking along a sandy beach when suddenly a strong gust blows your hat clean off your head. It bowls down the beach at an alarming rate; nevertheless you set off after it determined to get it back! But it's as if it's attached to a string worked by a master puppeteer. No sooner do you get close than it's off again further down the beach, always just out of reach, until finally it's caught by a wave and washed out to sea never to be seen again. So, how do you feel? Chasing after the wind is a frustrating, exhausting and frequently futile activity.
Now imagine the same beach and the same conditions - but this time you're sand surfing - standing on your board with the sail firmly in your grasp. Then comes another gust of wind and you're off, racing down the beach on your sail-board! How does it feel? Exhilarating? Thrilling? Scary? Do you want to do it again?!
Jesus describes the Spirit of God as being like the wind - blowing wherever He pleases, arriving at Pentecost like a violent wind, carrying the disciples and the Gospel over the known world. The spirit of the age has us pointlessly chasing after the wind - frustrating and futile - always leaving us feeling that we'll never reach what we're seeking.
The Spirit of God, on the other hand, carries us along on our journey, sometimes at an alarming rate, but always with purpose. However, unless we stand on the board and take the sail in our hands we'll go no where, and that requires an act of faith and courage. So today are you going to chase pointlessly after the wind or get on board and let the Spirit of God take you where He will?
Spirit of God come fill my life this day that I might know your power enabling me to go forward with God - into the future unknown, with purpose and direction. Amen
Written by Christine Gore
Ecclesiastes 1:16-18
I said to myself, "I have become very wise and am now wiser than anyone who ruled Jerusalem before me. I know what wisdom and knowledge really are." So I decided to find out about wisdom and knowledge and also about foolish thinking, but this turned out to be like chasing the wind. With much wisdom comes much disappointment; the person who gains more knowledge also gains more sorrow.
Imagine walking along a sandy beach when suddenly a strong gust blows your hat clean off your head. It bowls down the beach at an alarming rate; nevertheless you set off after it determined to get it back! But it's as if it's attached to a string worked by a master puppeteer. No sooner do you get close than it's off again further down the beach, always just out of reach, until finally it's caught by a wave and washed out to sea never to be seen again. So, how do you feel? Chasing after the wind is a frustrating, exhausting and frequently futile activity.
Now imagine the same beach and the same conditions - but this time you're sand surfing - standing on your board with the sail firmly in your grasp. Then comes another gust of wind and you're off, racing down the beach on your sail-board! How does it feel? Exhilarating? Thrilling? Scary? Do you want to do it again?!
Jesus describes the Spirit of God as being like the wind - blowing wherever He pleases, arriving at Pentecost like a violent wind, carrying the disciples and the Gospel over the known world. The spirit of the age has us pointlessly chasing after the wind - frustrating and futile - always leaving us feeling that we'll never reach what we're seeking.
The Spirit of God, on the other hand, carries us along on our journey, sometimes at an alarming rate, but always with purpose. However, unless we stand on the board and take the sail in our hands we'll go no where, and that requires an act of faith and courage. So today are you going to chase pointlessly after the wind or get on board and let the Spirit of God take you where He will?
Spirit of God come fill my life this day that I might know your power enabling me to go forward with God - into the future unknown, with purpose and direction. Amen
Written by Christine Gore
