Chaos engulfed my backyard sanctuary this past week. Initially, a family of raccoons took up residence under our deck. I worked a couple of summers ago to completely cut off all access below the deck using wire mesh, leaving one small opening for a water hose with a cover in place. Those diabolical raccoons flipped the cover and moved on in.

After a couple nights of hazing the raccoons, in a bleary-eyed state I poured my coffee and gazed out the window at a mama skunk and her two adolescents clawing around in our flowers. Alarmed and caffeinated, I launched the defense of my gardens.

Along with the hygiene issues and the smell, skunks wreak havoc by digging for grubs and worms, thus uprooting sensitive plants. Raccoons will eat most anything, including the best a garden produces. In just a few days, these critters can undo months and months of work.

Which is what came to mind this morning when I read this bit of wisdom from Solomon: One sinner destroys much good.

Satisfying, beneficial ways of living can be undone by one person out for destruction. Gun violence steals innocent lives, and drunk drivers do the same. Vandals close parks and ruin access for all. When I look around, plenty of evidence supports Solomon’s insight.

As much as possible, you and I and our society must watch for the “one sinner” and slow them where we can. Perhaps we can avoid at least some of the ruin such a person brings.

As for the varmints in my yard? By aiming bright lights under the deck I edged the raccoons out, then I screwed down the hose cover—foiling them for now.

The battle still rages with the skunks. I filled holes under the fence and scattered mothballs. I’m hoping the fox that roams our neighborhood comes to my aid—I’ll embrace any ally in this epic struggle of man versus beast.

Ecclesiastes 9 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Bryan Padron

Paul encouraged Timothy to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

In doing so, Paul referred to Timothy’s faith, which first took root in his grandmother, Lois, then infused his mother, Eunice. Paul also pointed to his own example, as well as the heroic service of Onesiphorus, who searched out and revived Paul as he languished in prison.

Paul encouraged others to be strong. To the Ephesian church he wrote, be strong in the Lord and in his might power, and encouraged the believers in Philippi that he remained content in all situations through him who gives me strength.

Grace is the inward source of such strength. I cannot produce this on my own, but I needn’t remain passive. I can eagerly ask the Lord for his help to appropriate the power of grace.

Jesus told Paul, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. So Paul responded with this philosophy: Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Unique strength to face the world flows from the grace found in Jesus Christ. Paul possessed it. Lois, Eunice, Onesiphorus and Timothy gained it. This strength in grace waits for you and me. Ask the Lord to begin to grant it in your life.

2 Timothy 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Alireza Esmaeeli

Mark Twain once remarked, the older I get the more clearly I remember things that never happened. 

How far back can you remember? How many people from your past can you call to mind? I can think back two generations, but beyond that I rely on old photos and stories from family.

How about six generations? No one carries a living memory of those ancestors, they exist as a genealogical records and family lore, if we’re lucky enough to possess those.

Solomon wrote of the finality of death and the reality that we won’t be long remembered. No one remembers the former generations…for the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten.

Both the good and the bad of my life will fade from the minds of future generations. I’m OK with that. Solomon’s stark assessment pricks the bubble of my pride and reminds me that I’m not quite as important as I think.

Solomon added, to the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Fretting about a future legacy that evaporates bit by bit is so much less important than pleasing the Lord today.

Which is good for me to remember.

Ecclesiastes 1 & 2 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Roman Kraft 

Be content with what you have—it’s quite a trick, isn’t it?

A vast industry exists to stop you and me from feeling content. Marketers expose us to thousands of ads a day via billboards, television, radio and the internet. Students attend universities to study advertising, sometimes called creative communication.

Advertisers hope to shape you—to influence you—to mold you into the type of person they want you to be. Do they keep the flourishing of society at the heart of their business model? Do they have your best interests at heart? Of course not. Profits make their bottom line, and our money is the means to their success.

Counter this churning with Paul’s wisdom. Writing to expose those who hoped to act godly and therefore achieve financial wealth, Paul added:

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

A simple thought running counter to a message we hear a thousand times a day, every day of the year.

Contentment never follows the purchase. Material goods wear out, fall from mind, or simply get lost in the back of a closet. The answer we’re told is to buy more and feel better. We often do feel better for a short time, but still lack contentment.

Take Paul’s word to heart. Close your computer and turn off the TV. Roll his words around in a quiet moment. Let this radical idea of contentment with godliness, of resting in the Lord and enjoying his gifts, settle into your soul.

1 Timothy 6 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez