One of my favorite columnists is New York Times columnist David Brooks. In one of his columns in May he wrote: ?In 1966, 86% of college freshmen said that developing a meaningful philosophy of life was essential or very important. Today, less than half say a meaningful philosophy of life is that important. University of Michigan studies suggest that today?s students score about 40% lower in measures of empathy than students did 30 years ago.?

Solomon shares his message of God’s providence as it relates to human joy: man cannot begin to comprehend God & his infinite power & wisdom, so we are to walk in faith, while trusting & obeying Him, and enjoy all the days of our lives.

As I am writing this, the Gaza war between Hamas and Israel is in a quasi-ceasefire mode, but some fighting has resumed in Gaza. Difficult negotiations in Cairo have begun over the major issues that brought about the conflict. It is a complicated set of issues with many layers and tentacles that connect most of the major players in the Middle East. In addition, there is evidence that this Gaza war has further isolated Israel, especially when it comes to Western Europe.

Solomon discusses the relationship between God’s sovereignty & human character, and begins sharing perspective on a wise person’s relationship with government.

Robert Kagan, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, recently wrote that ?the willingness of the United States to use force to defend its interests and the liberal world order has been an essential and unavoidable part of sustaining the world order since World War II. It is also an essential part of effective diplomacy . . . The question today is finding the right balance between when to use force and when not to.?

Dr. Eckman gives final thoughts on God’s perspective regarding adversity & prosperity in our lives, then begins discussion on the relationship between God’s sovereignty & human character.

In Chapter 7, Solomon tells us that God is the author of both adversity & prosperity, and He mingles them together throughout life. We are encouraged to trust God by being happy in ‘good’ times, and to consider the purpose behind seemingly ‘bad’ times.

Final thoughts on truly enjoying fruits of one’s labor as a Christian, and begin discussion on the Providence of God and Wealth.

According to a recent article in Time magazine, the next dimension of the postmodern sexual revolution, indeed the next civil rights movement, is the transgender one. Kay Steinmetz, author of the Time article writes, ?Transgender people?those who identify with a gender other than the sex they were ?assigned at birth,? to use the preferred phrase among trans activists?are emerging from the margins to fight for an equal place in society.?

Dr Eckman leads discussion on man’s inability to enjoy the fruits of our labors, and how it conflicts with man’s understanding of God’s Providence over all.