Write from My Heart

Monday, July 13, 2026

Everything is Meaningless: Part 2

Ecclesiastes 2:17-25 (NIV) ¹⁷So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. ¹⁸I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. ¹⁹And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. ²⁰So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. ²¹For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. ²²What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? ²³All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. ²⁴A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, ²⁵for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?

In today’s text we continue our exploration into the apparent meaninglessness of life. What a wonderful example of dramatic irony. Taking today’s text at surface value, it would appear finding pleasure in life is meaningless. Wisdom and foolishness are meaningless because they cancel out each other. Even work is meaningless. Common sense tells us there must be a different intended message, and so there is!

Ecclesiastes 3:12-14 (NIV) ¹²I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. ¹³That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. ¹⁴I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

Digging deeper into King Solomon’s writings we discover the key:

Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV) Now all has been heard; and here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.

Years later, Paul echoed the same message when he wrote,

Colossians 3:17, 23 (NIV) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus ... Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.

Simply stated, nothing has greater meaning, value, and purpose than to live a life full of love and service to God. For only then will we be able to say, “Everything is meaningful!”

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

There are so many who have lost hope and feel as if we are just spinning our wheels from day to day. We wonder if we are truly accomplishing anything of value. Forgive our short-sightedness. For truly, Heavenly Father, when we accomplish daily tasks with the wisdom, knowledge, and skill you have provided for us, nothing is lost; everything is useful to you. The key is focusing on You. There can be no better reward for our labor than to know we did our best for our Heavenly Father.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Everything is Meaningless: Part 2 was originally written for Tuesday, December 27, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Friday, July 10, 2026

Everything is Meaningless: Part 1

Ecclesiastes 1:2-10 (NIV) ²“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly Meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” ³What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun? ⁴Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever. ⁵The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises. ⁶The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes, ever returning on its course. ⁷All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. ⁸All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing. ⁹What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. ¹⁰Is there anything of which one can say, “Look! This is something new?” It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time.

Most definitions for the word meaningless indicate something that is without value or purpose. In today’s text, King Solomon identifies several such apparently meaningless things. Among the many examples are the sun, wind, and water. The sun—rises, sets, rises, sets, etc. The wind—blows here, there, here, there, etc. The water—flows to rivers then oceans, but the oceans never fill. Do we really think King Solomon is suggesting all this is meaningless? Is there no hope left?

We might have to dig a little deeper than today’s text, but a continuing study of Ecclesiastes reveals the answer. Rather than placing our focus on meaningless cycles of repetition, which if we are honest, we are too often tempted to do; we should place our focus upon the magnificent balance of all things created by our Heavenly Father. You see, the sun rises and sets to create sustainable weather cycles. It also measures the time and seasons. The wind blows to create a powerful energy resource, bring cooling temperatures, as well as to provide pollination. Water flows to the oceans, evaporates, and falls back to earth as fresh water thus creating a life-sustaining water cycle. God’s creation sustains our lives and brings hope for renewal.

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow!

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Forgive us when all too often we become bogged down in the redundancy of life, or worse, fail to notice your amazing creation so apparent in our daily lives and so necessary for sustaining life. Forgive us when we take for granted the sun and wind and water you provide. We thank you for your provision. Your creation fills us with humility and gratitude, for without it we would fail to exist.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Everything is Meaningless: Part 1 was originally written for Monday, December 26, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Do You See What I See?

Luke 2:8-18 (NIV) ⁸And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹²This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ¹³Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ¹⁴“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ¹⁵When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” ¹⁶So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger. ¹⁷When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

As you read, I encourage you to visualize this scene: There are many shepherds exchanging stories. How many shepherds are there? Perhaps there are 10, 20, or maybe 50 or more. They are clustered in a group with their various flocks of sheep grazing in nearby fields. There is no need for fencing since each sheep recognizes its own shepherd’s voice. What did the shepherds see? Suddenly, an angel appears bringing the news of the birth of our Savior. Then what do the shepherds see? A whole host of angels singing! The shepherds immediately search for Christ the Lord, and what do they see? A baby in a manger; but the Shepherds see a long-promised Messiah, the Lord.

Mark 10:46-52 (NIV) ⁴⁶Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timeaus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. ⁴⁷when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” ⁵⁰Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. ⁵¹“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” ⁵²“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

Now we fast-forward about 33 years. There is a new scene described in today’s text. Visualize the scene. A blind beggar, so pathetic he is known only as Bartimaeus, “Son of Timaeus,” for he has no name of his own. At least that’s what the crowd saw. The crowd also saw Jesus, a well-known healer and teacher. The disciples saw their leader surrounded by a large crowd.

Yet, blind Bartimaeus saw more than anyone else saw that day. Bartimaeus saw what the shepherds saw—his Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord!

Whether it is Christmas day, or any other day during the year, what (or whom) do you see?

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Christmas Day...EVERY day, open our eyes that we might see Jesus!

In the name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Do You See What I See? was originally written for Sunday, December 25, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

A Matter of Perspective

Matthew 5:21-26 (NLT) ²¹“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ ²²But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of [Gehenna]. ²³So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, ²⁴leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. ²⁵When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. ²⁶And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”

Until recently, my view of this passage focused upon the wrong of others done to me. What a shock to finally catch a glimpse of the meaning of this passage from a different perspective. You see, careful examination of verses 23 and 25 reveal the truth. Allow me to paraphrase: If I remember suddenly that someone has something against me… means that I am at fault (v. 23). Likewise, the use of the term “your accuser” also indicates that I am at fault (v.25). The clear implication is that I have somehow wronged someone in either word or deed. Harmony must somehow be restored. As I become aware of the situation, the responsibility falls upon my own shoulders to make it right; that is, it is incumbent upon me to restore harmony.

There is another thread running through this passage. It is a sense of urgency. Not only am I the one responsible for initiating reconciliation, but I am urged to do it without procrastination. Settle matters quickly!

What a difference a matter of perspective can make!

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Show us where harmony needs to be restored. Grant us courage and resolve to make reconciliation with one another through your great love for us.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion A Matter of Perspective was originally written for Saturday, August 13, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Trust and Obey then Practice and Teach

Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV) ¹⁷Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. ¹⁸For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. ¹⁹Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

Our scripture passage explains that Christ came to fulfill the Law. History reveals that Scribes and Pharisees busied themselves by creating thousands of rules designed to define the parameters of Jewish Law. This is much too broad of a topic for a short devotional. So what can we learn within a few sentences? Perhaps it is sufficient for our purposes to realize that the heart and intent of all biblical laws carries the theme of reverent obedience to God.

Christ came to earth in reverent obedience to the will of God for the purpose of becoming our means of salvation. No other sacrifice could be sufficient. This was something Scribes and Pharisees could not accept. Jesus Christ came as the ultimate fulfillment of reverent obedience to God. Jesus Christ is the definitive example of what it means to walk in full obedience to God’s will and way.

God has a plan for each and every one of his children. He has set forth his will and way in Scriptures and through the example of Christ and those who have gone before us. We are to trust and obey, but that is only the beginning. We are to trust and obey, but notice verse 19; we are then to practice and teach others how to trust and obey. As Christ was our example, so too, are we an example for others to follow. I am reminded of a favorite old hymn, written by John H. Sammis, 1887:

Trust and Obey

When we walk with he Lord In the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.

Not a shadow can rise, Not a cloud in the skies, but His smile quickly drives it away; Not a doubt nor a fear, Not a sigh nor a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear, Not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief nor a loss, Not a frown nor a cross, Are for them who will trust and obey.

But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, And the joy He bestows Are for them who will trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we’ll walk by His side in the way; What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go, --Never fear, only trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

We humbly thank you for the provision of our salvation fulfilled through the reverent obedience of Jesus Christ our Lord. Now as your children, guide us in complete trust and obedience to Your will and way.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Trust and Obey then Practice and Teach was originally written for Friday, August 12, 2016, under the original title, The Ultimate Law; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Monday, July 6, 2026

Reflected Light

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV) ¹⁴You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

There are many definitions for the word shine; however, my favorite has to do with being bright because of reflected light. This speaks to the heart of our scripture passage today. As Jesus gathered his disciples and began to teach them, he told them they would be a light for the world to see. They would be out in the open, not hidden, and it would be their lives reflecting the glory of God to others. In fact, if you read closely, you discover Jesus’ instructions were to shine in such a way that others would see their good deeds—and glorify your Father in heaven.

Lighthouses along the coast were not built for ornamentation. They have a purpose and a function. So do I, so do you, so do all Christians. We have a purpose and a function to reflect the light of Christ in a world full of darkness and despair. But here is the interesting detail. Our radiance is not to be an effort on our part to be noticed in and of ourselves or for others to notice us; but rather, that others might notice Christ through what we say and do.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

You are the true light. Each day may our purpose be to a reflection of You to a lost and dying world. May others see Your love reflected in our lives, for the ultimate purpose of bringing praise to You.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Reflected Light was originally written for Thursday, August 11, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Friday, July 3, 2026

Building Character

Proverbs 9:12 (NLT) If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.

You might recognize this verse from yesterday’s devotional, but I am drawn to its significance.

To me it says quite simply that you alone are responsible for your own character. No one can build your character for you; you must build it yourself through your responses to life’s situations. No one can loan you their character; it belongs to them. You cannot lend your character to anyone else; it is your identification. If you choose the wisdom of God, others will notice your good character. If you choose folly, you alone will be the ultimate loser.

Proverbs 9:10 (NIV) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,

Guide us in Your wisdom so our good character might be a witness for You.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.

The devotion Building Character was originally written for Sunday, April 17, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com