I saw that all labor and all skillful work is due to one person’s jealousy of another. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. , The fool folds his arms and consumes his own flesh. Better one handful with rest than two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind. Again, I saw futility under the sun: There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “Who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself of good things? ” This too is futile and a miserable task. Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up. Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm? And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken. Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings. For he came from prison to be king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. I saw all the living, who move about under the sun, follow a second youth who succeeds him. There is no limit to all the people who were before them, yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.
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3 Days
“Hurry sickness” is an expression that has been coined to describe behavioral patterns involving the rapid pace at which we conduct our activities and the volume of tasks we take on---and that we model for our children. God did not intend us to “run ourselves ragged.” The Sabbath He instituted indicates a need for rest and dependence on Him. This week we consider the importance of slowing down.
Spiritual FOMO is a thing—scrolling, striving, secretly wondering if you’re missing out on a better, shinier walk with God. In this 3-day plan, author Heather Hair uses her warmth, wit, and wisdom to call you back to what matters: you’re not late, not less, and not lost. God isn't handing out gold medals for a holy hustle—He’s already marked off a lane just for you (and no, it’s not a sprint). Your race. Your pace. Let's go.
5 Days
God's plan is for you to live a meaningful, impactful, and purposeful life, but sometimes things get in the way. What are the things that endanger God's plan for your life? What should you look out for when your purpose is at risk? This devotional is a manifesto for a life of meaning, relevance, and significance.
Christians are different. They can’t help it. When you’re born again and filled with the Spirit, it changes you. This leads to different values about right and wrong and a different lifestyle to match it. This series of 5-day plans uses the 10 Commandments (following the classic Augustinian ordering) as a vehicle for an alternative, Christ-like morality and Jesus' way of living.
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