myplaceinthisworld's Blog

The chocolate bunny lies in the basket, surrounded by green paper "grass". With Easter morning eyes wide with anticipation, the little boy carefully lifts the candy figure and bites into one of the long ears. But the sweet taste fades quickly, and the child looks again at the candy in his hand. It's hollow!

Empty, futile, hollow, nothing - the words have a ring of disappointment and disillusionment. Yet this is the life experience of many. Grasping the sweet things - possessions, experience, power, and pleasure - they find nothing inside. Life is empty, meaningless - and they sink into despair.

Almost 3,000 years ago, Solomon spoke of this human dilemma; but the insights and applications of his message are relevant to our time. The Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon's written sermon, is an analysis of life's experiences and a critical essay about life's true meaning. In this profound book, Solomon takes us on a reflective journey through his life, explaining how everything he had tried, tested, or tasted had been "meaningless" - useless, irrational, pointless, foolish, and empty - an exercise in futility. And remember, these words are from one who "had it all" - tremendous intellect, power, and wealth. After this biographical tour, Solomon made his triumphant conclusion: "Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone's duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad".(12:13,14).

When Solomon became king, he asked God for wisdom (2Chronicles 1:7-12), and he became the wisest man in the world (1Kings 4:29-34). Solomon studied, taught, judged, and wrote. Kings and leaders from other nations came to Jerusalem to learn from him. But with all of his practical insight on life, Solomon failed to heed his own advice, and he began a downward spiral. Near the end of his life, Solomon looked back with an attitude of humility and repentance. He took stock of his life, hoping to spare his readers the bitterness of learning through personal experience that everything apart from God is empty, hollow, and meaningless.

Although the tone of Ecclesiastes is negative and pessimistic, we must not conclude that the only chapter worth reading and applying is the last one, where he draws his conclusions. In reality, the entire book is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble) and spiritual wisdom (how to find and know eternal values).

Solomon had a very honest approach. All of his remarks relating to the futility of life are there for a purpose: to lead us to seek fulfillment and happiness in God alone. He was not trying to destroy all hope, but to direct our hopes to the only one who can fully fulfill them and give our life meaning. Solomon affirms the value of knowledge, relationships, work, and pleasure, but only in their proper place. Everything temporal must be seen in light of the eternal.

Read Ecclesiastes and learn about life. Hear the stern warnings and dire predictions, and commit yourself to remember your Creator now (12:1).

Saturated with stories of se xual escapades, secret rendezvous, and extramarital affairs, today's media teach that immorality means freedom, perversion is natural, and commitment is old-fashioned. Se-x, created by God and pronounced good in Eden, has been twisted, exploited, and turned into an urgent, illicit, casual, and self-gratifying activity. Love has turned into lust, giving into getting, and lasting commitment into "no strings attached."

In reality, se xual intercourse, the physical and emotional union of male and female, should be a holy means of celebrating love, producing children, and experiencing pleasure, protected by the commitment of marriage.

God thinks se x is important, and Scripture contains numerous guidelines for its use and warnings about its misuse. And se x is always mentioned in the context of a loving relationship between husband and wife. Perhaps the highlight of this is Song of Songs, the intimate story of a man and a woman, their love, courtship, and marriage. Solomon probably wrote this "song" in his youth, before being overtaken by his own obsession with women, se x and pleasure.

A moving story, drama, and poem, Song of Songs features the love dialogue between a simple Jewish maiden (the young woman) and her lover (Solomon, the king). They describe in intimate detail their feelings for each other and their longings to be together. Throughout the dialogue, se x and marriage are put in their proper, God-given perspective.

Much debate has raged over the meaning of this song. Some say it is an allegory of God's love for Israel or for the church. Others say it is a literal story about married love. In reality, it is both - a historical story with two layers of meaning. On one level, we learn about love, marriage, and se x; and on the other level, we see God's overwhelming love for His people. As you read Song of Songs, remember that you are loved by God, and commit yourself to seeing life, se x, and marriage from his point of view.

Se x is God's gift to his creatures. He endorses se x but restricts its expression to a man and a woman who are committed to each other in marriage. God wants se x to be motivated by love and commitment, not lust. It is for mutual pleasure, not selfish enjoyment.

As the relationship developed, the beauty and wonder of a romance unfolded between Solomon and his bride. The intense power of love affected the hearts, minds, and bodies of the two lovers. Because love is such a powerful expression of feeling and commitment between a man and a woman, it is not to be regarded casually. We are not to manipulate others into loving us, and love should not be prematurely encouraged in a relationship.

The power of love requires more than the language of feeling to protect it. Se xual expression is such an integral part of our selfhood that we need the boundary of marriage to safeguard our love. Marriage is the celebration of daily commitment between a husband and wife. While romance keeps a marriage interesting, commitment keeps romance from dwindling away. The decision to commit yourself to your spouse alone begins at the marriage altar. It must be maintained day by day.

The two lovers praise the beauty they see in each other. The language they use shows the spontaneity and mystery of love. Praise should not be limited to physical beauty; beautiful personality and moral purity should also be praised. Our love for someone makes him or her appear beautiful to us. As you consider marriage, dont just look for physical attractiveness in a person. Look for the inner qualities that dont fade with time - spiritual commitment, integrity, sensitivity,and sincerity.

Over time, feelings of loneliness, indifference, and isolation came between Solomon and his bride. During those times, love grew cold, and barriers were raised. Through careful communication, lovers can be reconciled, commitment can be renewed, and romance refreshed. Dont let walls come between you and your spouse. Take care of problems while they are still small.

Purity and sacredness of love are greatly needed in our day in which distorted attitudes about love and marriage are commonplace. God created se x and intimacy, and they are holy and good when enjoyed within marriage. A husband and wife honor God when they love and enjoy each other.

This poem is for those who are hurting from child abuse. For that inner child that will never forget the pain....



Little child lost inside

You are not alone.

Little child lost inside

Open your precious eyes.

Little child lost inside

Let Me dry your tears.

Little child lost inside

My heart breaks over your tender cries.

Little child lost inside

Let Me embrace your fears.

Little child lost inside

Feel My gentle touch.

Little child lost inside

Hear My comforting voice.

Little child lost inside

Know that I love you so much.

Little child lost inside

You are not alone.



This is for all those who have a child lost inside struggling to get out of your cocoon of abuse and shame.

Oh precious child dont curl up and hide your beautiful colors. Reach up and let Jesus rescue you from your pain. Spread your wings dear Butterfly and rejoice in your freedom.......

There are different views on whether there will be a Rapture or not..

The real concern that we should have is if we are ready for Christs' return?? And for us to dwell on the difference of opinions is futile.

Whatever the present situation we are living in or whatever the future holds for us is only in God's control. And worrying or debating the issue will not change what will ultimately occur..

The important thing is to be READY when our Lord Jesus Christ returns for His Church and witnessing to the lost souls and leading them to Christ.

Whether we are in the Tribulation now or whether we are spared physically from the Great Tribulation by a Rapture is of no importance for the Christian who knows without a doubt that they are living a righteous life and putting all their trust and faith in Jesus Christ because we will be with Him either way. If there is a Rapture then we will be with Jesus in Heaven and if there is no Rapture and we are having to endure the Great Tribulation then Jesus will be with us in Spirit. Either way the Christians are safe and protected by our Heavenly Father. The only difference is one will spare us from much pain while the other continues to test our faith and trust.

Have faith in our King that He will provide for us and that He will do what is just and right according to His perfect will, in all ci%#!stances.

We should ask ourselves if we are ready to endure much pain for the glory of our Heavenly Father or are we hoping far a way out of this suffering during the Tribulation. I for one am grateful and humbly fall to my knees and praise God for sending His Son to die on the cross for me and spare me from the eternal suffering in the lake of fire which I so deserve.

If we are ready and seriously, whole heartedly trying to live righteously and seek the Kingdom of God at all times and resisting the devil with the help of the Holy Spirit, then no pain or tribulation will be too great for us to bear for the name sake of Jesus because He is protecting us with His wonderful love and amazing grace. So please dont ponder on the future. I just pray that by the grace of God that we are ready for His glorious and great return to deliver us from this temporary home.

Rest assured that Jesus loves us so very much and if we have to endure the horrors of the Great Tribulation that it will be nothing compared to the suffering in the lake of fire that Jesus Christ has already spared us from by dying on the cross with great indescribable pain and suffering.



What will your heart be dwelling on when Christ returns?

Lying? Gossiping? Living in ##%##ual sin? Anger? Bitterness? Depression? Quarreling? Watching ungodly things on TV or computer? Substance abuse? Laziness? Provoking? Jealousy? etc......... Or will you be walking in the fruit of the Spirit with love, joy, forgiveness, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?... God Bless and Be Ready

If there is one thing that can make someone feel like they dont have a friend in the world, its rejection.. Whether it be rejection from a spouse, co-worker, a friends betrayal, an unappreciative boss, an unfriendly neighbor, or a teenager who suddenly doesnt want to be seen with you anymore - rejection hurts.

We can become so focused on our hurt feelings from rejection that it can become nearly impossible to think clearly or rationally.

For most of us, when we are drowning in the pain of being rejected by someone, our thoughts are often, "How could that person have done or said that to me?", "Do they know how much I have done for them?", "Do they know how much I love them?", "Do they not care about how I feel?", "I sure dont deserve to be treated or rejected this way."

Our human nature wants to "get back" at the ones who have hurt us. Maybe give them a taste of their own medicine. But God has a different plan in mind.

God desires us to handle these challenging and painful situations with understanding and compassion. We need to pray for that other person, and see them as Gods child who has made a mistake and sometimes they dont even realize how their words and actions are affecting others. God wants us to forgive them.

That is His plan. Our plan may choose to harbor anger and bitterness within our hearts. But that only gives Satan a foothold to destroy us. Satan hates us and his plans are to take our focus off Christ and destroy our joy and peace. Which plan will you choose to follow?

We must always keep in mind that each and every one of us requires forgiveness at some point in our lives. We must display a forgiving heart like Jesus. Where would we be today if we had not been forgiven?

Are we better than our Heavenly Father? Do we deserve or require more love than Jesus? Did Jesus not suffer more than we can ever fathom from the hearts of those who reject Him? But yet He is always faithful to forgive.

Our Savior and King understands all too well the agony and pain of rejection. And, yet, we are still forgiven. How can we take that loving and undeserved forgiveness and throw it back in His face by not forgiving others?

Allow God to wash away your PRIDE. Allow Him to wash your soul with His mercy and grace. In His arms, He reminds us that He loves us and adores us despite our flaws and insecurities so we can take our focus off those who hurt or reject us and focus on Him and His amazing love. We have an amazing Heavenly Father that is there to always provide comfort and refuge in His loving embrace. Take all your pain and tears to your Redeemer for He understands and will ease your pain with joy.

Isnt it comforting to know that you never have to try to earn Jesus' approval, and that you can live with a peace of mind knowing that He accepts you, no matter what? There isnt anything you can do or say to make Him love you any more. And there isnt anything you can do or say that will make Him love you any less. He doesnt love us because of who we are but because of who He is.

Although Jesus may not always approve of our actions or choices, He always approves of us as a person, whom He created, whom He loves dearly, and whom He thought was important enough to die for.



Dear Lord,

I pray for Your wisdom on how to deal with situations in which I feel hurt, rejected, and worthless. Fill me with Your love so I can love others, even when I do not feel loved in return. Please help me to remember that the only One who I need to seek approval from is You, and that it is in You alone, that I can truly believe that I am worthy and unconditionally loved... In Jesus Name, Amen.