Better to be a live dog ...

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There is hope only for the living. As they say, “It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!” The living at least know they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, nor are they remembered. Whatever they did in their lifetime—loving, hating, envying—is all long gone. They no longer play a part in anything here on earth.
[Ecclesiastes 9:4-6 NLT]

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The words of Solomon in these verses are absolutely true - if one takes God out of the equation. It is true for those who do not believe in heaven - earth is all there is for such people. It is true for those who see death as final - life for those is limited to their time on this planet. Many people cannot see past what their minds tell them - sometimes these are known as "intellectuals". These are ones who eat, drink and are merry while others hurt, thirst and are hungry.

In contrast are those who embrace the promises of God and see this life as just the beginning of something so much greater. These understand that being born of the Spirit means beginning a life that will surpass death. They realize that their lives are so much more than their times here. People of faith have the potential to lead the richest of lives because they see everything in light of eternity. They embrace a love that will never die. These will one day see God.

Help us to embrace eternity in our everyday living Lord. Open our eyes to the glory of heaven.

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