Trivia:
Way to go everyone you got the question correct, The military is not one of the three branches of U.S. government.
Which U.S. city do you think is the most expensive to park in? San Francisco; New York City; Seattle; San Diego? Make your guess!
Challenge:
Psalm 49:10-15 "Those who are (worldly) wise must finally die, just like the foolish and senseless, leaving all their wealth behind. 11 The grave is their eternal home, where they will stay forever. They may name their estates after themselves, 12 but their fame will not last. They will die, just like animals. 13 This is the fate of fools, though they are remembered as being wise. 14 Like sheep, they are led to the grave, where death will be their shepherd. In the morning the godly will rule over them. Their bodies will rot in the grave, far from their grand estates. 15 But as for me, God will redeem my life. He will snatch me from the power of the grave."
It is important to understand that when the word wise or wisdom is used in this section of the Psalm, it isn't talking about spiritually wise. It is speaking of living prudently, with human discipline in your life, which has more value, and importance, but however, in terms of eternal outcome falls short.
You see a life well lived outside of Christ brings benefit to ones life, and even to others lives, however, it still is limited to the value that this life can offer. You may ask yourself, just what value is borne from an earthly disciplined directed life? Well the writer takes these verse to point that out.
Even the best contribution of your life will be short lived, and without any eternal reward (your wealth will be left behind in this world) verse 10
They may build great homes and estates, gardens, fountains, gardens, etc. then place their names on them, but ultimately they will be sold and they will be forgotten. verse 11,12
They may even be remembered for their achievements, their contributions, etc. but that influence without spiritual value will come to an end. verse 13
Though they may be respected and honored, they none the less will be dependent on the shepherd they left these accomplishes to. (Example: we are glad for lights, but may not know who developed the various ways that those lights come to us) verse 14
However, no matter how powerful or creative a person may be, without God as the guide in their life their influence will be diminished. At the same time those who live in tune with God and His purposes they will remain influential in this life. "the godly will rule over them" verse 14
Those saints who walk with the Lord, who repent and call upon the Savior for salvation, they will live according to His ways, will live and at that moment of death, their beings (soul) will be taken up from this earth and be found in the glorious presence of their Lord.
So the question is posed, Do you want honor, respect, and praise in this lifetime, or do you desire to leave a presence in the hearts and minds of those you have served in the name of Jesus?
So we have the choice before us each day on this earth. What will it be?
GO WITH GOD Or go with the earthly possessions that you must leave here for others to rule over.
My encouragement to you is: GO WITRH GOD in all you do. Live each day glorifying your Savior, listening to His voice by reading His words, share with Him your life, (your needs, struggles, challenges, and dreams) then lifting your heart and voice in praises for His faithfulness in your life.
San Fran