DATE POSTED
Wednesday, November 27, 2024, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Quoted from the Amplified Bible (AMP) and found in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3

THE SCRIPTURE READS
² “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities! All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity [futile, meaningless—a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes, merely chasing the wind].”
³ What advantage does man have from all his work Which he does under the sun (while earthbound)?

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
As my study took me into the book of Ecclesiastes, I found it extremely interesting how the wisest man ever lived, started off this book in announcing himself as a ‘Preacher’! This is because he had a message to tell, but yet appeared so negative about life itself in his introductory verses. However, the Holy Spirit alerted me to something that has crossed my mind several times in the past, about why we do some of the things we do. I would imagine that King Solomon thought that for a man who has it all – money, riches, wives, king of a whole kingdom, etc., why is it that even he could reflect on things that occur with, or without, him in the picture. My career was in the financial industry, and our firm often reflected on why customers would choose to bank with us, versus the competition down the street that offered the same products and services. In another example, let us take a moment to reflect on why we choose to shop at a certain place for our groceries, or other household goods. Many stores offer the same thing, but for certain reasons, we find ourselves at the same store getting the same products. Why? What makes the difference. When we were hired, our boss had multiple options on who they could, or should, hire. Have you determined why they chose to hire you? I believe that one way we could be satisfied on this is to have someone share with you what they overheard your boss saying about you behind your back. I had that satisfaction, and it gave me a renewed perspective on my boss and on my dedication to his employment. I believe that Solomon was allowing the Holy Spirit to encourage us to not look at the vain things that we may never be remembered for, like how we may have dressed, or how ladies may put on extra makeup to stand out in a crowd, or how we worked effortlessly to rise above the rest, even if it meant degrading others. Friends, God’s Word is filled with principles to guide us in being more like Him, especially in our workplace. It’s not through our preaching at work that we succeed in transforming the unbelievers. For Jesus is the only one who can bring true, godly change in a person’s life. Our job is to reflect the ways of Jesus in our everyday life, not just at church. Honesty in giving a good day’s work whether our boss is watching us, or not. Dedication to our boss in promoting him and his business above anyone one else in the marketplace. Loving our coworkers, like the Bible teaches us to love others like we love ourselves. Showing love like Jesus loved – even when coworkers, friends or family say and do things that we may not like or approve of. Be willing to speak up in love about the things you don’t feel are God-led or God-approved. Remember, it’s not your job to be God, but it is your job to act and respond like the Holy Spirit is teaching you about God. God don’t need our help in accomplishing His perfect will, because there will always be too much of the world in us, no matter how hard we strive to follow and obey God. I once lived in a home for a short while where the father would have a small devotional and prayer before breakfast, with all household members present at the table. He never preached at me, or challenged me on my words or actions, but his actions showed me what a true man of God must be like. He made a difference in my life. Do you suppose that you have made, or are making, a difference in the lives of those who encounter you? Are they seeing Jesus here on earth, or are they experiencing a hypocrite claiming to know Jesus? Let’s strive to let Jesus work out His will and purpose in our lives and never be bothered by a life of vanity where others encountered you but never saw the love and compassion of Jesus.

PRAYER
In these days of trying to outdo each other, I’m afraid that it may be easy for us to lose sight of honoring the will, design and teachings You left for us in Your Word, oh Lord. When we do this, I’m afraid that much of what we accomplish might be considered vanity, for it achieves our goal of moving ahead, but seldom aligns with Your teachings. Please forgive us Lord and grant us strength and determination to be submissive and obedient servants of yours. Please keep us faithful to the things You require of us and that You desire to do in the lives of those we cross paths with. Please have Your will and way in our lives, for Your glory. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. I would also suggest that you speak with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com and share your good news! Perhaps one of God’s servants will pray with you and give you help and/or encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, or subscribe for a daily email containing each new devotional, please go online to NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, please allow me to encourage you to find a church home nearby your home and attend as frequently as you could. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk, while making every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that, while also growing in your faith, as you worship with fellow believers!