Gripefruit is not one of the fruit of the Spirit. Heard at Calvary Temple Church
(4) I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind.
(5) The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
(6) One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.
ECCLESIASTES 4:4-6 NASB
As I came across these verses today from the Book of Ecclesiastes, I take time to reflect and ponder the meaning. Solomon said that labor done as a result of rivalry was vanity and striving after wind. The King James uses vexation of spirit. The Hebrew word that was translated striving and vexation is r`uwth, which has a meaning of grasping after. To grasp after the wind would be useless unless you had some way to capture and hold the wind. Rivalry can be a good thing if the purpose is not strictly greed, selfishness, or a motive that is only self-centered. I feel that a little competition is good, but we should never glory in our victory over another. As I type these words I am aware that I am guilty of this very thing. Too gloat over some accomplishment over another person is pride, and pride may lead to a quick downfall if not checked. The Holy Spirit rubs against the grain of pride and can make known the little things in our life that are just not in Gods will for us. A rivalry fueled by self-centered pride will produce two handfuls of wind, and what have you got? Nothing. I would rather have one handful of rest, now there is something I can use. Grasping after and capturing the wind is not easy, but it can be done. Flying kites is one example, sailboats are another. Another example of capturing the wind is the parachute. When I was in the Army I was a paratrooper and one of the great thrills of my life has been to rest in the sling of a parachute after having captured the wind. Today Jesus is like a parachute to me. A lifesaver that allows me to capture the winds of life so that they are not in vain. Knowing the Father, walking with Jesus daily, and having the Holy Spirit to keep me in check allows me to use many winds to my advantage, especially the winds of adversity. Today the winds of alcoholism and drug addiction that blew threw my life have been transformed into healing winds, and captured to be put to use by my Lord Jesus Christ. God has done for me what I could not do for myself. The happy balance for me is having a good handful of rest in God. Thanks for letting me share ..JRE
The envy and competitiveness that motivate mans achievements destroy inner tranquility. LAWRENCE O. RICHARDS
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Words of Jesus found in Matthew 11:28-30 NASB
(4) I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind.
(5) The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
(6) One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.
ECCLESIASTES 4:4-6 NASB
As I came across these verses today from the Book of Ecclesiastes, I take time to reflect and ponder the meaning. Solomon said that labor done as a result of rivalry was vanity and striving after wind. The King James uses vexation of spirit. The Hebrew word that was translated striving and vexation is r`uwth, which has a meaning of grasping after. To grasp after the wind would be useless unless you had some way to capture and hold the wind. Rivalry can be a good thing if the purpose is not strictly greed, selfishness, or a motive that is only self-centered. I feel that a little competition is good, but we should never glory in our victory over another. As I type these words I am aware that I am guilty of this very thing. Too gloat over some accomplishment over another person is pride, and pride may lead to a quick downfall if not checked. The Holy Spirit rubs against the grain of pride and can make known the little things in our life that are just not in Gods will for us. A rivalry fueled by self-centered pride will produce two handfuls of wind, and what have you got? Nothing. I would rather have one handful of rest, now there is something I can use. Grasping after and capturing the wind is not easy, but it can be done. Flying kites is one example, sailboats are another. Another example of capturing the wind is the parachute. When I was in the Army I was a paratrooper and one of the great thrills of my life has been to rest in the sling of a parachute after having captured the wind. Today Jesus is like a parachute to me. A lifesaver that allows me to capture the winds of life so that they are not in vain. Knowing the Father, walking with Jesus daily, and having the Holy Spirit to keep me in check allows me to use many winds to my advantage, especially the winds of adversity. Today the winds of alcoholism and drug addiction that blew threw my life have been transformed into healing winds, and captured to be put to use by my Lord Jesus Christ. God has done for me what I could not do for myself. The happy balance for me is having a good handful of rest in God. Thanks for letting me share ..JRE
The envy and competitiveness that motivate mans achievements destroy inner tranquility. LAWRENCE O. RICHARDS
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.
Words of Jesus found in Matthew 11:28-30 NASB