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Ecclesiastes 12 - Spurred to Action

My wife is a gifted English teacher. She can glance at a page and immediately can spot grammatical errors. I'm sure that my work horrifies her. Last year she had her writing class rewrite the Christmas story from a different perspective - from the perspective of one of the participants. It was called Christmas Through Different Eyes. The students loved it, they were inspired.

Ecclesiastes 12:10-11 Indeed, the Teacher taught the plain truth, and he did so in an interesting way. A wise teacher's words spur students to action and emphasize important truths. The collected sayings of the wise are like guidance from a shepherd.

When they finished with their work, we bound it into a collection of short stories and presented it to them on Christmas. Truth had been presented in an interesting way, spurring them to action. It was awesome to read the results.

Father, thank You for gifted teachers like my bride, and for students willing to learn. May I always be a willing student. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Will you act on the truth? Jan
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Ecclesiastes 11 - Disaster Recovery

On September 11th, 2001 when the twin-towers fell, many businesses that were located in them never recovered. Likewise when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast many businesses closed forever. Their contingency plans had a fundamental flaw.

Ecclesiastes 11:2 Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

They never anticipated the extent of the disaster that befell them. Some businesses in the twin-towers had their backup site in the other tower. Some businesses in New Orleans had their disaster recovery sites in downtown high-rises; buildings with their own backup generators and redundant telephone connections. Well, both towers fell. And New Orleans was without power for weeks; the high-rises had no reliable way of receiving diesel fuel. Not to mention that all telephone lines were dead due to same reason - no fuel for emergency power.

Solomon was right, diversify. Spread your assets around because you never know what disaster may come. May we live wisely, heeding his advice and plan ahead.

Father, I pray that we never experience anything so devastating. Please give us grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Peace, Jan
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Ecclesiastes 10 - Walk this way

Several years ago when I was working with the youth in our church, our youth group went to another church for an area-wide rally. While there I ran into a teen that used to attend our youth group. Actually I didn't notice her, she noticed me. She said, "I recognized you by your walk." My walk? I didn't even know I had "a walk". However, I've since found out that apparently the way that I ambulate is indeed recognizable from a distance.

In today's reading Solomon talks about a person who has a particular walk you can spot from a distance, a fool.

Ecclesiastes 10:3 You can identify fools just by the way they walk down the street!

I'm sure you've seen them, bopping along like a fashion model on the catwalk. Or perhaps they are bumping and jiving as if they had a stable of "honeys" waiting back at their "crib". Fools.

Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are established by the LORD; he sets his course.

I truly do try to be one of the men described by Solomon's father, David. Because no matter what I do, I'm going to continue to walk this way.

Thank You Father for directing my steps. May I walk in step with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Walk His way. Jan
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Ecclesiastes 9 - Quiet Words

Following up on my previous dBrag about "Softening", I find this verse in today's chapter.

Ecclesiastes 9:17 But even so, the quiet words of a wise person are better than the shouts of a foolish king.

I've long said that if confronted with an argument, start lowering your voice, eventually the argument will stop. An argument depends on escalation. Peace comes as a result of standing-down. May I remember that when in the thick of it.

Father, may I speak quiet words. May I win the hearts of even the foolish kings with the wisdom that You give. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Speak softer and carry God's word. Jan
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Ecclesiastes 8 - Softening

Yesterday I was "off my game" as one of my friends put it. I was tired, it was late, and there were several of us in a circle, discussing the activities of the evening that had just transpired, and planning future activities. One of my friends said something that I disagreed with. I verbally pounced on him - it wasn't pretty. I wonder if my words and countenance were at all softened?

Ecclesiastes 8:1 How wonderful to be wise, to be able to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person's face, softening its hardness.

The issue was quickly resolved, yet I knew deep down that my response was too exaggerated. I don't think my face was very lit with wisdom.

Lord, why do I do things like that? Please give me grace and wisdom. Help me to be a source of peace and support. In Jesus' name, Amen.

When tired, stay quiet. Jan
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Ecclesiastes 7 - Wisest Fool

The bible is quite true when it says that the wisdom of the world is foolishness.

1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As the Scriptures say, "God catches those who think they are wise in their own cleverness."

Solomon, given divine wisdom, thinking that he is so smart that he has it all figured out, still manages to get it amazingly wrong.

Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 So don't be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don't be too wicked either—don't be a fool! Why should you die before your time? So try to walk a middle course—but those who fear God will succeed either way.

"Don't be too good, but don't be too bad either."?! Um, I don't think so Mr. Wise Guy. What about these verses?

James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

Revelation 3:15-16 I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!

God clearly wants us to be on fire for Him, not cooling our feet in the cesspool of sin every now and then. Sorry Solomon, but you were wrong. The only life worth living is one lived fully alive for Christ.

Lord, may I be always willing to do what You ask. May I avoid the pool. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be truly wise. Jan
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Ecclesiastes 6 - Contentment

What hit me as I read this chapter was Solomon's discontentment. He tried it all, investigated it all, and found that it was all unsatisfying.

Ecclesiastes 6:6,9 He might live a thousand years twice over but not find contentment. And since he must die like everyone else—well, what's the use? ...Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless; it is like chasing the wind.

However, I must again point out that Solomon for some reason limits himself to an earthly perspective. He does not see the life beyond this one. The Apostle Paul however, did.

Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.

Paul doesn't concern himself about his needs. He knows that joys of the reward that is waiting on the other side of this temporary existence.

Lord, may I be Heavenly minded. Thank You for the things that I do have. However, may I not put faith or trust in them. Rather, may I lay up treasures in Heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Are you content? Jan
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Ecclesiastes 5 - How Much?

It is reported that Nelson Rockefeller was once asked, "How much money is enough?". His reply was, "Just a little more." His answer shows that not much has changed in 4000 thousand years. Look at what Solomon penned.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 Those who love money will never have enough. How absurd to think that wealth brings true happiness! The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what is the advantage of wealth—except perhaps to watch it run through your fingers!

I like how this chapter concludes. Solomon sees the wisdom in accepting what God provides and being content.

Ecclesiastes 5:19b-20 To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.

Yes God gives reasons for joy. Look for them.

Thank You Father for joy that comes from You. Thank You for Your blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen.

He is enough. Jan
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(Note: nearly every wealthy or formerly wealthy person seems to be attributed to the quote about "Just a little more." I was not able to definitively determine the original source.)

Ecclesiastes 4 - Up from the Ashes

I have a friend that is currently in prison. I've known him since he was a teenager in the youth group where I was a volunteer leader. His life has not been an easy one. His family is broken - several times, they have no wealth, and there are profound relational problems which contributed to the circumstance that led to his incarceration. Yet he has hope, he knows the Lord. I think God needed to let his choices put him in a place that forced introspection, forced him to seek wisdom. Thank God that he is doing so. He's reading God's word, Christian literature, and he's not afraid to share his faith. It seems that Wisdom has found him even in the depths of prison.

Ecclesiastes 4:13-15 It is better to be a poor but wise youth than to be an old and foolish king who refuses all advice. Such a youth could come from prison and succeed. He might even become king, though he was born in poverty. Everyone is eager to help such a youth, even to help him take the throne.

Jesus said, He came to set the captive free. My friend could have gotten much more time for the crime he was charged with. Mercy has prevailed. In about a year he will be free. If indeed wisdom has found him, then as Solomon said, he will succeed. And like the mythical Phoenix he will be reborn from the ashes to live a glorious future.

Father, thank You that You restore. Thank You that you give us hope. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Be eager to help. Jan
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Ecclesiastes 3 - A Time, A Purpose

Many years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, I went to my first Christian concert. Well actually it was my second, but the first was Pat Boone - he really didn't count, with all of those blue hairs in the front row shouting "Turn it down. Turn it down!". What I consider my first took place in an old ornate Baptist church in Tampa. The musical artist was Sheila Walsh. I had never experienced anything like this. There were strobe lights, lasers, smoke machines, colored lights, and enormous stacks of speakers in the sanctuary! I knew I was in for something very different.

One of the songs that she sang that night was entitled "Turn, Turn, Turn". I later found out that it was a remake of a song by a group named The Byrds. Her version however, had me spellbound and I still consider it to be superior. I'd never seen or read that section of Ecclesiastes before. As a result of the song, tt came to life.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

There is even a season for going to Christian concerts and experiencing the Word of God come to life.

Thank you Father for gifted artists. You are a wonderful creator, bestowing creativity. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Find the purpose. Jan
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Ecclesiastes 2 - Worth Living

I personally have not tried it all, nor do I intend to attempt to; I don't need to. Solomon apparently did try it all, and I can learn from his wisdom - wisdom gained at very high cost to him. Eventually his dalliances cost him his relationship with God and his life.

So what has he learned to this point, besides the fact that life seems pointless?

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please him. Even this, however, is meaningless, like chasing the wind.

He's so close. He understands that God gives, wisdom, knowledge, and joy. But then he adds, it "is meaningless, like chasing the wind." He, although he knew of God and had spoken with Him, did not personally know God. He did not have a relationship. Like Lorien from my previous dBrag, Solomon's perspective is temporal, bound by what he can see, feel, touch, and explain. But God and His love for us cannot be explained! And it never ends.

Father, thank You for Your love. It is what makes living meaningful. Your love is what makes life worth living. In Jesus' name, Amen.

We rejoice because He lives! Jan
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Ecclesiastes 1 - Illusion vs. Eternal Truth

If you've been reading my posts for any time you know that I like to quote from the TV series Babylon 5. Today's reading reminded me of some dialog between Commander Ivanova, a human, and Lorien, an ancient immortal being - the first sentient being to ever exist.

Lorien: I was told you were ready to leave.

Ivanova: Almost. You're awfully impatient for someone who's supposed to be immortal.

Lorien: Not immortal as you mean it. My race can die through illness or injury.

Ivanova: Really, so where are the rest of them?

Lorien: They fell ill and died. Were injured and died. The rest went away. I am the last, and I was the first.

Ivanova: I have to admit, I'm a little bit skeptical about that.

Lorien: Skepticism is the language of the mind. What does your heart tell you?

Ivanova: My heart and I don't speak anymore.

Lorien: Yes, I have noticed that.

Ivanova: Ok, let's assume that in all of the universe, you were the first living being to achieve sentience billions of years ago. Now at that point you'd be doing pretty good to invent fire or the wheel. You couldn't come up with science and technology find a serum for immortality all in one lifetime.

Lorien: It wasn't necessary. We were born, naturally immortal.

Ivanova: That's impossible. Everything dies.

Lorien: Yes. Now. At first we were kept in balance by birth rate. Few of us were ever born, less than a handful each year. Then I think the universe decided, that to appreciate life for there to be change and growth, life had to be short. So the generations that followed us grew old, infirm, then died. But those of us who were first went on. We discovered the Vorlons and the Shadows when they were infant races and nourished them -- helped them and all the other races you call the first ones. In time, most of them died. Or passed beyond the rim to whatever lies in the darkness between the galaxies. We've lived too long; seen too much. To live on as we have is to leave behind joy and love and companionship because we know it to be transitory; of the moment. We know it will turn to ash. Only those whose lives are brief can imagine that love is eternal. You should embrace that remarkable illusion. It may be the greatest gift your race has ever received.

Do you see what knowledge, wisdom, and long life have done to Lorien? He is cynical. He no longer enjoys life - it is ash. He would claim it is realism. However, in his universe there is no God. Therefore there is no greater truth, nothing beyond himself to live for. Yet even he, later in this series, undergoes a subtle change when he encounters someone with a true purpose - a destiny.

In this early chapter of Ecclesiastes the writer, presumed to be Solomon, is of the same mind as Lorien.

Ecclesiastes 1:11,18 People don't remember what happened long ago, and in the future people will not remember what happens now. Even later, other people will not remember what was done before them.  ...With much wisdom comes much disappointment; the person who gains more knowledge also gains more sorrow.

Lorien stated, "Only those whose lives are brief can imagine that love is eternal." However, I know differently.

Exodus 34:6,7a The LORD passed in front of Moses and said, "I am the LORD. The LORD is a God who shows mercy, who is kind, who doesn't become angry quickly, who has great love and faithfulness and is kind to thousands of people. The LORD forgives people for evil, for sin, and for turning against him...

Unlike Lorien, God is real. And He is indeed eternal, immortal, and omnipotent, and He loves - forever.

Father, Thank You for Your unfailing love that You show to me and to all that call out to You. May I joyfully share this truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Love isn't an illusion - it is an eternal gift of God. Jan
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