True Happiness

O. T. #1547 "True Happiness"
Oct. 18, 2019
Summary of Ecclesiastes 

Aren't we all looking for true happiness in this life?
How do we find it?
Where are we looking for it?
Is it possible to be happy in this life?
Read on for the answers, dear one. 

Almost 3,000 years ago Solomon wrote his sermon. He was the wisest man on earth because he asked God for wisdom. 
Wisdom is the ability to see life from God's perspective and then to know how the best course of action to take. (Life Application Study Bible)

Solomon hoped to spare future generations the bitterness of learning through their own experience that life is meaningless apart from God. True wisdom is found in God, and true happiness comes from pleasing Him. 



Here are some key verses we found in only 12 chapters of this book. 

...there is no new thing under the sun. (1:9)
For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner
He giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that He may give to him that is good before God. (2:26)
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. (3:1)
He hath made everything beautiful in his time... (3:11a)
For he shall not much remember the days of his lif; because God answereth him in th joy of His heart.
(5:20)
For there is not a just man upon earth, that forth good, and sinneth not. (7:20)
For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope...(9:4a)
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. (11:1)
Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. (12:1)

Let hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (12:13)

Are we asking God for wisdom?
Is our happiness found in Jesus?

Is Life Worth Living?

O. T. #1546. "Is Life Worth Living?
Oct. 17, 2019
Summary of Ecclesiastes

LET IT GLOW 

Is life really worth living? 
That is the question the Preacher (Solomon) debates in this book of the Bible. 
What better person than the wisest man whose wisdom and wealth from his God enabled him to live a full life. 
Solomon's first conclusion was: life is not living because it is full of vanity (emptiness). (chapters 1-2)

• Nature continues, while man is here do a brief space of time. We are only a cog in a big wheel. 
• We can't understand it all. Philosophers try to explain life through their ignorance. 
• Pleasures don't satisfy nor do they last. Solomon had plenty of money, pleasure, culture, and fame as king of Israel. 
• Death ends all. It happens to fools and wise, rich and poor. When one dies, they leave wealth to enjoy by another. 

What is Solomon's next conclusion? (chapters 3-10)

• God has a purpose in our lives. Find it, accept it, and complete it-that purpose. 
• God gives riches according to that will. Don't live for riches but for the Lord. 
• God's wisdom can guide us through life. Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus. 

Although we cannot understand all things, God can give us wisdom and we can obey what He tells us.

LET IT GROW 

What is the final conclusion of Solomon after studying this matter? (chapters 11-12)

• Live by faith. Trust God for the results as we follow Hum. 
• Remember that life will end. Rejoice in God's blessings, remove sinful ways from your life, and remember to serve God. 
• Fear God and obey Him. Our labor is not in vain when it is done for God's glory. 

He who does the will of God abides forever.   1John 2:17

Jesus has provided abundant life for us here and now as well as in eternity. 
Friend, have you asked Him to be your Savior so you can have the best life?
(Reference: Wiserbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament)


LET IT GO

May I enjoy the life You have given me.
Use me to share You live and truth today.

Our Duties

O. T. #1545  "Our Duties"
Oct. 16, 2019
Ecclesiastes 12-Part 3
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  (verse 13)

LET IT GLOW

The Preacher, Solomon, is the author of these proverbs written and compiled in this book. Since he said all the way though that life is empty, in his searching for the meaning of life, Solomon comes to two conclusions.
First, life is totally pointless without God-centeredness. Profit is only for those who fear God. Fear of God is reverential awe that emerges when we, with our lack of holiness, are met with righteous demands of His holiness (Isaiah 6). Its total effect is to produce in man an unquestioning obedience to all of God's revealed will. (Liberty Bible Commentary)

David Jeremiah says, "The NT counterpart of Fear God is often stated as 'Love God,' "

How do we do that? Do we thank Him for what He has done for us-physical and spiritual provisions?
Do we talk with Jesus as we walk in His light?
Are we singing His praises?

LET IT GROW

Secondly, keep God's commandments, obey His Word. We are to love God's Word and strive to keep it, practicing it. Rebels will not consider it important nor comply to it. Christians should love the Words of life. Wise people apply it and are blessed.

A true Christian makes obedience a faithful obsession, not an option. (David Jeremiah)

However, we do have a choice-to obey or not to obey.Living for God gives us purpose and meaning in life.

These two things are the whole duty of mankind.

LET IT GO

Love and obey God. 

Goads and Nails

O. T. #1544  "Goads and Nails"
Oct. 15, 2019
Ecclesiastes 12-Part 2
The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.  (verse 11)

LET IT GLOW

Ah, how I do enjoy sitting on the front porch swing surrounded by crisp, cool, fall air. It is time for my hot tea with a couple of sassafras candies dropped into it. It is so quiet that I can hear the birds singing in the distant woods. They are praising their Creator and so do I, bursting out in praise songs. I wish you could be here with me friend. We could talk of so many things going on in our lives, sharing with each other burdens, dreams, and hopes.


Well, it's time to go inside and begin our study of the last chapter of this book. Take a look at our key verse. Do you know what a goad is?

A goad (also called oxgoad) was a wooden rod with a sharp metal tip, which was used to keep cattle moving. Like an oxgoad, wise words or important truths might be unpleasant when first heard and applied, but they could be essential for moving us in God's direction. (Life Application Study Bible)

It is kind of like when we use a sturdy stick or the broom handle to punch the cows, making them move into the shoot of the corral. Sometimes those critters can be stubborn, but they have to go in so they can be vaccinated.

We can be stubborn like cattle. Sometimes the Lord has to prod us to get moving on His path. The words of the wise are like cattle prods-painful but helpful.

Wise teaching helps find the best path in life, but such teaching must be done in reverence for God.
(The Experiencing God Study Bible)

Have we heard any wise words that we need to apply in our life, words which are hard to apply, as we have studied this book?


LET IT GROW

What is the second word that jumps out at us? It is nails, which set up boundaries of a sheep pen or securing a tent.

The words of scholars are like well-driven, given by one Shepherd. How does this apply to us?

Liberty Bible Commentary explains:

The purpose of the stake or fixed nail, is to provide a secure place to which a man may anchor himself during the stormy days of his life under the sun. These stakes furnish man with mental and spiritual anchorage. All of these collected sayings, be they goad or stake, are given by the one Shepherd of Israel (Ps. 80:1).

Is Jesus is our Good Shepherd, our Refuge, and our Strength?


LET IT GO

... of stubbornness so I follow Jesus to where He is leading.
... and let Jesus be my anchor in the storms of my life. 
                                          

Youth and Old Age

O. T. #1543  "Youth and Old Age"
Oct. 14, 2019
Ecclesiastes 12
Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. (Verse 1)

LET IT GLOW 


I don't know which category you fall into-young or old. If you are not a youth now, you may have children or grandchildren who are. Therefore, this lesson would be good advice for them to follow.
If you are a young person, I hope you will heed this advice.

Solomon is contrasting youth and old age in this chapter. What is the wisdom he wants to give to youth?

• God made you, so He is your Creator and you have no rights to yourself. 
• He wants you to be blessed and happy.
• Remember God now while you are young; your memory is strong so thank your Creator for the benefits He has given to you. Worship and serve Him as a young person before evil or pride gets a grip on you. 
• Make sure God is a part of your life while it is easier to believe, hope, pray, obey, love, and bear your cross.
• There is no certainty of life, thus your tomorrow may not be.
• Take care of your health and habits, working while your body and mind are strong.

(Resource: Clarke's Commentary)

May I add, surrender your will to God's will while you are young, then it will be easier when you are older. What you do now does matter.
 Enjoy life now, but don't do anything that will hinder you from. enjoying it when you are old-spiritually, physically, or morally. As a young person, make God your focus, not pleasures.
Be sure prayer and Bible study are a daily part of your life.

LET IT GROW 

What about us older folks, Solomon? Any advice for us?

• Life is fragile like the gold bowl, water jar, and wheel. Life can end swiftly and unexpectedly. 
• Use time wisely and for God's service. Share how God has worked in your life. 
• Share His love and encouragement to others. 
• Don't fear, but trust God to provide and protect you. 
• Let your silver hair be an honor to you, for you are still breathing. 
• Be sure your eternal destiny is sealed in Jesus Christ. 
• Make your words be truth. 

Enjoy the slower years in this season of life. Help others while you can. Use your resources to spread the gospel. Keep exercising your mind and body so you can do your best.

LET IT GO

Bless the Lord o my soul and all that is within me bless His holy name. 

Casting and Knowing

O. T. #1542  "Casting and Knowing"
Oct. 11, 2019
Ecclesiastes 11
Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW


What does cast mean? To send away, for or out; let depart; sow is what cast means in this verse.

What are we told to cast, send out, upon the waters? It is bread, which refers to food.

What is the Preacher talking about here?
Liberty Bible Commentary shares:

Our Preacher employs an illustration from the commerce of the sea. Let your bread of charity go out upon the waters, as ships do in their travels carrying precious cargo hither and yon. Solomon's vessels returned from Tarshish once in three years, bringing rich treasures to his kingdom (1 Kins 10:22). Their return was only possible because they had been sent. If the venture had not been undertaken in faith, the day of reward could not have come. Give to many, so that in your day of need, you will may encounter at least one who in gratitude will assist you.

Are we a giving person? It may be a southern thing-when someone in our church, neighborhood, or community, we take food to the family in sorrow. Meeting their physical needs is a small thing we can do. We can sit with them and listen to them talk in support. God is a God of comfort and He can use people's arms to do it.

Jesus is the Bread of Life. Are we sharing Him with others?

LET IT GROW

Why is this happening? What is the purpose of suffering? When are my prayers going to be answered?

So many questions we have for God throughout our lifetime. Some may never be answered, while some may be.

Look at verse 5: As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, not how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

We may never understand God completely. (Blackaby)

Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother's womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things. (NLT)

So, we live by faith that God is all wise and knows what He is doing. May we not doubt Him, but trust His judgment.

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings. When You don't give the answers, I will trust, I will trust in You.

LET IT GO

Use me to give to others.
Though I don't understand, I am trusting You.

Flies and Tongues

O. T. #1541  "Flies and Tongues"
Oct. 10, 2019
Ecclesiastes 10


LET IT GLOW

Every so often, the cows are moved to the front field just outside my kitchen window. That signals me to be ready to use the fly swatter in the house because inevitably nasty flies will make their way inside our house, probably when the door is opened. Since I know the source of the flies, I definitely do not want any in my house. Today's first verse speaks of flies and how their presence is not good. Continue in friends, for there is a lesson here.

Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. (verse 1)

What does such an unusual verse mean to us?
First, we should look at what various versions say:

As dead flies cause even a bottle of perfume to stink, so a little foolishness spoils great wisdom and honor. (New Living Translation)

Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one  respected for wisdom and honor. (The Jeremiah Study Bible)

Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. (English Standard Version)

Dead flies make a perfumer's oil stink, so a little foolishness is weightier than wisdom and honor. (New American Standard Bible)

Now what lesson could possibly be for us concerning flies?
David Jeremiah tells us, "Foolishness in small matters can have big consequences. Seemingly little decisions and actions can ruin a person's dignity and reputation."

As a little thing as a fly can contaminate anything it touches, so can a small wrong action in our life.
We are warned to be careful as Christians for people are watching us. Evil wants us to fail in having a good influence and fall into sin.




LET IT GROW

Jump down to verses 11-14. 
This passage is not just for the tongue of the babbler but for the unkind tongue, the unwise tongue, the undisciplined tongue, the unreasonable tongue, and the unfaithful tongue. (Prov. 15:2) David Jeremiah 

The wise controls their tongue, words. 
Are this type of wise person?
Do we need a bridle to control our tongue?


LET IT GO

Watch out for small matters.
Control my tongue today.

Happily Married

O. T. #1540  "Happily Married"
Oct. 9, 2019
Ecclesiastes 9-Part 2
Live happily with the woman you love through all the meaningless days of life that God has given you under the sun. The wife God gives you is your reward for all your earthly toil. 
 (verse 9)


LET IT GLOW

The wise preacher is speaking to the guys reminding them how blessed they are to have the
 right-woman as their wife and supporter. I think it can be reversed for us wives. How blessed we are to have a faithful providing husband that loves us all of our life. For the right-man and right-woman to be joined with the bond of love is one of life's greatest rewards.

Life and marriage is not easy. We know that is true if we have been married any length of time. But I say it is worth all the struggles when we stick with each other through those times. Since none of us is perfect, we should not expect our spouse to be perfect either, right? enduring through problems with each other is worth it in the later days. So stay in there if possible.

In Proverbs 18:22, Solomon wrote,  A man who finds a wife finds a good things and obtains favor from the LORD. 

Wouldn't it sad to be married and not appreciate or enjoy the companion God has given?
What can we do today to let our spouse know how much we love them?


LET IT GROW

Wisdom is better than what two things? Verses 16 and 18 tell us strength and weapons of war are the answers.
I don't think those two things are important to us ladies.

Are we receptive to wisdom no matter the source?
Our society honors wealth, atttactiveness, and success above wisdom. However, wise people can be poor, homely looking, and ordinary hardworking folks. We may fit in one of those categories, as I do, but keep in mind, God loves us as we are and gives us wisdom.


LET IT GO
May I be a faithful, supporting, and loving wife that honors God. 
May wisdom be more important to me than wealth, beauty, and success. 
To God be the glory. 

Hope in Our Heart

O. T. #1539  "Hope in Our Heart"
Oct. 9, 2019
Ecclesiastes 9
Whatever you do, do well. for when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. (verse 10 NLT)

LET IT GLOW

Whatever the task we have ahead of us, we should consider it as a gift from God. Therefore, we should consider that we will be accountable for what we we do with His provisions. Once we leave earth, undone tasks will be left undone.

Jesus said "I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. (John 9:4)

Are we taking advantage of the opportunities before us?


LET IT GROW

There is hope only for the living.  (verse 4)

Even if there is evil in a heart, there is hope that the grace of God will change it. Keep praying for those who need a changed heart. God is able to do it.

I smile as I see this happen in a lives in my world. Our God is so very good. Nothing is impossible for Him.

May our heart be filled with joy and goodness and hope.
Are we serving God with gladness?
What is our life telling others about the grace and mercy of God?
Is Jesus our hope?

LET IT GO

May I live joyfully today.
May I share the hope in my heart-Jesus.

How to be Wise

O. T. #1538  "How to be Wise"
Oct. 7, 2019
Ecclesiastes 8
Who is as the wise man? And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

So I wonder what a wise person is like. What does it mean to be a wise person? Solomon mentions the words wise and wisdom some 51 times in this book. It sounds like he is trying to lead us down the path of true wisdom. This teacher of wisdom desires for us to avoid dead-end streets and walk the path that leads to true profit. How do we do that?

It is strange what I found these definitions to be: wise refers to become a Judean; live as the Jews; while wisdom means resembling a Judean: Jewish.

Now that is as clear as mud, until we consider,  Jews were the chosen people of God. They were to love and serve Him as their purpose in life. They had commandments to obey. I'm talking about the Old Testament Jews.

Since we are not a Jew, but a Christian, how can we be wise, acquire wisdom?

Life Application Study Bible gives the best answer I have found:

Wisdom is the ability to see life from God's perspective and then to know the best course of action to take. Proverbs 9:10 teaches that the fear of the Lord (respect and honor) is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom comes from trusting and knowing God; it is not merely the way to find God. Knowing God will lead to understanding and then to share this knowledge with others.

Well then, we are wise when we see life from God's perspective and ask Him which is the best path for us to take. After all, God is all wise. Does that mean when we get in a situation we do not understand, we are to look for God's perspective on the situation?

What is He teaching us here and now? Why has He allowed this to happen? Where is He leading us?
Right now, my husband and I are in a time of rest, as God has revealed to us. September 29 was his last Sunday to serve as pastor. That has been our life for 39 years. It is an adjustment to be made, definitely a change for us. We are enjoying the step back from leadership, waiting on God to lead us down the next path. In the meantime, we healing from battle scars, growing in faith and love of Jesus.

How about you, dear friend? Are you seeking God's perspective on your situation? God has His reasons for things to happen. Are we sensitive to Him? He has the answers to our questions.


LET IT GROW

In verse 15, Solomon is recommending we embrace joy and contentment to lighten our journey through this life. Simply accepting each day with its daily measure of work, food, and pleasure. Are we enjoying what God has given to refresh and strengthen us? We should not spend our energy looking for more than He intends for us.

Are we living a faith-filled life? Life is a special gift from the Almighty.

No one can predict adversity or prosperity, but every person can receive each day's joys as God's gifts. (David Jeremiah)

God has concealed certain things from us; He knows life's secrets. He is infinite and we humans are finite. We owe Him our worship. (Philippians 2:5-11)

LET IT GO

You are the LORD my God.
Open my spiritual eyes to see Your perspective on my situation.
As I rest in Your love, prepare me for the next path ahead.
May I be thankful for all I have.

A Downward Path Can Become Upward

O. T. #1537  "A Downward Path Can Become Upward"
Oct. 4, 2019
Ecclesiastes 7
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. (verse 20)

LET IT GLOW


In verses 23-29, Solomon explains the limits of human wisdom, according to the New Living Translation:

• He tried his best to let wisdom guide his thoughts and actions, determined to be wise, but it didn't work.
• Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.
• He searched for the understanding of the reason for things.
• He found that God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path. (verse 29) The KJV uses the word upright, instead of virtuous, which means right towards God.

Adam was created upright, but then he sinned, turning to his own way. His disobedience separated Adam from his God. However, God provided the blood sacrifice of the animal whose skin was used to cover Adam and Eve's sins.


LET IT GROW

Look at our key verse. Solomon's conclusion here is accurate. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. If we say we have not sinned, then we deceive ourselves. Jesus has provided the blood sacrifice required for us to be upright, right towards God. We can't do it on our own, since we have a sin nature.
Now that is something we can rejoice about! Thank You, Jesus!
Without Him, we spiral down a downward path, into the pit of sin. With Jesus, we follow on an upward path. So let us get up again after we fall down in sin. We only have one life.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You alone are Righteous.
Forgive us of our sins today.

Which is Better?

O. T. #1536 "Which is Better?"
October 3, 2019
Ecclesiastes 7

LET IT GLOW


Solomon lays down some great truths in this chapter. In contrast, he tells us which is better:

• a good reputation than costly perfume;
• day of death than birthday;
• attending funerals than parties;
• sorrow than laughter;
• to be criticized by a wise person than praised by a fool;
• finishing than starting;
• patience than pride.

Those things cause us to examine our life and our accomplishments which are worthwhile. As long as we have breath, there is time to confess our sins and ask God to forgive us. There is time for us to change, to make things right with others. The older I get more is the reality that life is short.

Are we living for Jesus?

LET IT GROW

Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what He has made crooked? (verse 13)
Remember that nothing is certain in this life. (verse 14b)

God allows good and bad to come to us all. We may as well accept what comes instead of balking at them. Some things we can't change. God is in control and will bring good results out of our struggles.

Is the joy of the Lord our strength? Tomorrow isn't promised to us, so let us live it as if it were our last. Truly, there is nothing certain in this life, but His grace is enough.

LET IT GO

Thank You for grace.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Why's and What For's

O. T. #1535 "Why's and What For's"
October 2, 2019
Ecclesiastes 6
That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with Him that is mightier than he. (verse 10)
                                                                                                                                           
                                       
LET IT GLOW

Do you recall that Job wanted to contend with God? Job had some questions to which he wanted answers. Yet, when God conversed with Job, He put Job in his rightful place-creature to Creator. Job could not answer God's questions, for he was mere man and God was Sovereign God, knowing all things.

Man is on earth and God is in heaven. The only proper response of man to such a Being is to hold Him in awe and dutifully submit to His every requirement. (Falwell)

Contend means to rule; to judge. Mightier means powerful.

God is more powerful than we are. Also, He controls the present and the future, not us. I figure we can all agree on that. So why do we question what He does or allows? Guess it is a human thing to want to know the why's and what for's. Maybe it would be easier for us to accept if we only knew the answers.
Well, folks, since I certainly don't have the answers, I guess we will just have to accept that God knows best and has a purpose for everything under heaven. Isn't that called living by faith?


LET IT GROW

Solomon tells us in verses 7-9, according his opinion, that our labor and appetite is not filled. It doesn't matter our situation in life, either. It is all empty, by his thinking.

If only we spent as much time on our spiritual condition as we do our physical condition. We work hard to provide for the flesh, so why not for the spirit in us? I am referring to a lot of people out there. Present company excluded. Obviously, you are not in that group because you are studying God's Word with me. I thank you for your faithfulness and admire you.

How can we whet the spiritual appetite of folks? Maybe by sharing the wonderful things God is doing in our life. Also, by leaving the answers to my questions in God's care.

LET IT GO

May I share with someone today the goodness of God.
I am trusting You with the why's and what for's in my life.

What Are We Taking With Us Into Eternity?

O. T. #1534 "What Are We Taking With Us Into Eternity?"
October 1, 2019
Ecclesiastes 5-Part 2
As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labor, which he may carry away in his hand. (verse 15)

LET IT GLOW

What are we taking with us into eternity when we die? Eventually, death will come to us all. It may not be a favorite subject for to think about, but that doesn't change things, does it?
Solomon made a profound statement in that naked we entered the world and naked we will return (after our clothes have been destroyed by worms.) It's been said that we enter this world with our hands griping, but die with them extended, letting go with hands open. We can't take physical things with us, material products of a life of labor.

What are some thing I think we can take with us into eternity?

• So if we are laboring for Jesus while here, then we can take love and grace and mercy with us when we die.
• We can take His will for our life, being accomplished, completed, finished.
• We can take good works to present to Him.
• We can take other souls that we shared salvation through Jesus Christ with us.
• We can take fruit of the Spirit.
• We can take a thankful spirit, joy, hope.

! Corinthians 3 reveals whether our labor is gold, silver, precious stones or wood, hay, or stubble. When they are put in the fire, they shall reveal what sort of work we did. A faithful servant of Christ is laboring for His kingdom work, not selfishly and monetarily.

And as we receive jewels in our crown, we can lay them all at the feet of our Savior, who made it all possible through His sacrifice that He made for us.

LET IT GROW

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. (verse 20)

So whether we enjoy steak, hamburger, or hot dogs to eat, let us eat them with a heart of joy, giving thanks for the gift from God. I think that when we get to heaven, we will not recall such things. Our joy will be overflowing as our faith ends in sight. No more pain or sorrow. Can we imagine what it will be like? I for one will bow before Jesus. Can it get any better?

We will be leaving material things here for others to us or discard. As my husband has commented, he hasn't seen a U-Hall behind a hearse.

LET IT GO

Thanks be to Jesus, my Savior.
Fill me with Your joy.

A Person of Few Words

O. T. #1533  "A Person of Few Words"
Sept. 30, 2019
Ecclesiastes 5

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever taken a few minutes to listen to what people are talking about when they are in the sanctuary? Many times it is about what they did the past week or what happened to them. Do they speak of how the Lord blessed or protected or provided for them? Well, I am guilty. Perhaps I should be a person of few words.

What is Solomon cautioning us to do when we come into God's presence?

• Guard our steps when we go into the House of God. As we attend worship services, we should be honest and reverent. (verse 1)
• Be ready and open to hear as a careful listener with understanding and obedience toward God.
• Be a person of few words, keeping your mouth shut and not hasty with words. (verse 2)
• Fulfill what you vow to God. It is better to not vow than to vow and not fulfill it. (verses4-5)

Hmm. I think those are good words of advice, don't you? Are we listening to God more than we are talking?

LET IT GROW

In verse 8, we read that He that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.

Though oppressors be high, God is above them. God is higher than creatures, kings, princes, and angels. He is The Most High over all the earth. Therefore, we should fear and reverence God.
Are we thankful for what He gives us? Are we praising Him for being the Most High God who loves us?

LET IT GO

Make me a person of few words, listening to You speak to me, Jesus.

Being a Team Player

O. T. #1532  "Being a Team Player"
Sept. 27, 2019
Ecclesiastes 4
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. (verse 9)

Thank you for your prayers for my brother. He had a hard time after surgery, with his blood pressure bottoming out. Needless to say, it was a long day waiting in the hospital.


LET IT GLOW

What motivates us to strive for success? In verses 4-6, Solomon contrasts the lazy and workaholics.
Workaholics are often driven by envy, greed, and a constant desire to stay ahead of everyone else. However, the lazy people are not workers, but irresponsible. So what is the answer? Work hard but with moderation. Take time to enjoy the other gifts God has given. Realize He, not us, gives us assignments and rewards. We should keep in mind that position, popularity, and prestige are poor goals for a life's work.

Are we trusting in uncertain riches or in our God? Are we using our riches for His purposes?

LET IT GROW

Are we seeking to be a team member? Life is designed for companionship, not isolation, for intimacy, not loneliness. Cooperating with others has advantages. We are here to serve God and others. Those who isolate themselves seem to have a trust issue.

LET IT GO

Jesus, remind me to be a team player, working with others.
May I serve You today.

Everything is Beautiful

O. T. #1531 "Everything is Beautiful"
September 25,2019
Ecclesiastes 3-Part 2
He hath made everything beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Eccl. 3:11

LET IT GLOW


When we go shopping and find a clothing rack with the sign that reads, "As Is," we know what that means. There are flaws. So when we find something we like, we look closely for the flaw. It may be a broken zipper or a missing button or a hole. We don't expect any clothes on that rack to be perfect. And so it should be with people. We should not expect their words or actions to be perfect. After all, we are all sinners. But we do, don't we?
God knows that we are not perfect, yet He has set standards for us. He forgives us when we fail to meet that standard. He is continually working on us , as is, flaws and all. So why do we expect others to be perfect when we aren't? Why is it so hard for us to forgive a wrong they do to us? Can we simply accept others "As Is?"

In God's timing, He is going to make everything beautiful.

Beautiful means fitting. 

Everything that God makes, or that happens, is a gift of God, purposeful, to be desire, and beautiful (fitting). When God sends those things in verses 2-8, they are beautiful. (Hengstenberg)

 Though painful, they are sent for the good purposes of God. They come to us at the fit season. Friends, how can we but accept them?


LET IT GROW 


Take a look at the rest of our key verse. God has implanted eternity in our heart. We can't reason with reasons God does what He does. Simply believe that God is working all things together for our good and His glory, as Romans 8:28 reminds us. So let's enjoy things present and leave the future to God.

Keep in mind that we have flaws, but God does not. Are we trusting God to work things out in our life, in spite of the flaws of ours and others flaws?
Give Him time to make everything beautiful for us, fitting.


LET IT GO

Jesus, make everything beautiful in my life.
I trust Your judgement that all things are fitting for me.

Seasons and Times in Life

O. T. #1530 "Seasons and Times in Life"
Sept. 24, 2019
Ecclesiastes 3
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Eccl. 3:1

LET IT GLOW

We know that nothing is haphazardly happening. Man does not control the world or time, for God does. Our Sovereign Lord is leading our steps into divine activities for His glory and purpose. Solomon uses the word time some 28 times.

Every purpose has its time. (Matthew Henry)

We have seasons in life-birth, childhood, adulthood, senior, and death. What matters is what we do for God within those seasons. My husband's last Sunday for pastoring our church is this Sunday. It may be the last church he pastors, or not, since we don't know what God has in store for us. At our age, we are ready to slow down.

What is the next conclusion Solomon has about life? In verses 1-8, there are 14 pairs of opposites are used to cover all experiences of people under the sun. There is a time for:

1. birth-death
2. plant-harvest
3. kill-heal
4. tear down-build up
5. cry-laugh
6. grieve-dance
7. scatter stones-gather stones.

God has a plan for all people. Basically, we all experience those thing on this list, if we live long enough. Do we see the cycles in life? Hopefully, we discover that without God, life's problems have no lasting solutions. He will give us strength to go through all of them.

The secret to peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God's perfect timing. The danger is to doubt or resent God's timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without His advice. (Life Application Study Bible)

LET IT GROW

 8. embrace-turn away
 9. search-quit searching
10. keep-throw away
11. tear-mend
12. quiet-speak
13.love-hate
14. war-peace.

When is the time for hating? We shouldn't hate evil people, but hate what they do. Love our enemies, remember?

LET IT GO

Help me to honor You, Jesus in my season of life.
Show me those who need Your love and encouragement.
Use me until You call me home to heaven.

                                                                                                                                                                         

Work-Sweet or Sour?

O. T. #1529  "Work-Sweet or Sour?"
Sept. 23, 2019
Ecclesiastes 2-Part 2
       
LET IT GLOW

When you leave a job and go to another, do you leave with a sour taste in your mouth? Or was it sweet?
What is your attitude about your work, what you do? What are your goals? What are your accomplishments? Are your goals to satisfy yourself, then it may be empty, seeking one thing after another, like Solomon. Or is it to serve God and others, which gives us a full life, one that won't leave us sour?

Solomon wrote in verses 17-26, how he considered work vexation of spirit, which is mentioned 4 times in this chapter and a total of 10 times in the book.

Vexation means a feeding upon, grasping after, in the Hebrew language. 
Webster' Dictionary defines it as troubling, irritation, affliction. 

Solomon was saying that he found work empty and troubling his soul.
It's meaningless. He gave up in despair.
Do you feel that way, too?

God knows when we make mistakes, wrong choices, and are misunderstood. He still loves us and knows what we have been through. Do we tell others we are sorry and they don't forgive us? Then we have done what we are told to do. Their unforgiveness is in their head.
So whether we are out in the workforce or at home, we can find purpose. We can show His love by standing for what is right.

LET IT GROW

Solomon decided there was nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. He realized these pleasures are from God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from God? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. (Verses 24-25)

LET IT GO  

Jesus, will you restore my joy in whatever You have me doing?                                          

Does Pleasure Bring Meaning?

O. T. #1528  "Does Pleasure Bring Meaning?"
Sept. 20, 2019
Ecclesiastes 2

LET IT GLOW

Does pleasure bring fulfillment in our life? It is only here today and gone tomorrow, only a memory. Our current society seems to be pleasure seekers. That is why we have so many sports, amusement parts, city parks, and movies. But do they give us meaning in our life?

King Solomon set out to find something to give his life meaning. In verses 1-11, he tried pleasure by:

• using laughter, but it was silly;
• wine;
• seeking wisdom, but found foolishness;
• making gardens and parks, filled with fruit trees;
• building reservoirs to collect water to irrigate his groves;
• buying slaves;
• owning large herds and flocks, more than any king in Jerusalem had;
• acquiring silver and gold and treasures;
• hiring wonderful singers;
• getting anything he wanted.

Solomon denied himself no pleasure. He rejoiced in his work and labor, but in the long run, it was all vanity, empty. "Things" did not produce fulfillment and meaning for this king.
Do you know people like that? They substitute projects, things, activities for the one thing which could bring them purpose and fulfillment-Jesus Christ. He is better than all these things; He is better than life.

LET IT GROW

So pleasures and possessions bring emptiness, according to Solomon. What about wisdom, is it the way to go toward fulfillment? At this time in his life, the king considers it to be not so. (Later, in chapter 12, he thinks differently.) His conclusion is that both wise and foolish people all die in the end. Why pursue wisdom?

We know it is better to be wise than foolish, to live with good judgment rather than spend life in ignorance. Seeking wisdom has definite advantages in this life. Because we are limited in our understanding, it is most important that we come to know God who is infinite and all-knowing.
Solomon realized that wisdom alone cannot guarantee eternal life. Wisdom, riches, and personal achievement matter very little after death-everyone must die. We must not build our lives on perishable pursuits, but on the solid foundation of God. Then even if everything we have is taken away, we still will have God, who is all we really need anyway. God makes it clear that what we do here has a great impact upon our eternal reward. (Life Application Study Bible)

As Christians, we believe living in this world is not all there is. It is our temporary home. Our eternal home is coming, and it will be forever and forever. The only way to spend it in heaven is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. Have you, my friend?


LET IT GO

Don't pursue perishable things, but lay up treasures in heaven for the glory of Jesus.
Remind me always, that pleasures are only temporary.
show me Your will so I can do it today.