My Walk With Him: Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God....The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Monday, July 29, 2024

Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God....The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God....The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 8:12-13, 12:13-14

I continue my study of Ecclesiastes using the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for this book. My focus this morning is a commentary assisted review of Ecclesiastes chapters 7-11 and the commentary's fourth (and final) division for these chapters - The Gospel Allows Us to Recover and Pursue God’s Wise Design.

Excerpts and highlights from the commentary on this division:

"In Christ we get to recover and pursue God’s design for our lives. That means living out the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, which looks like contentment with what you have, kindness toward others instead of anger, the ability to control your tongue, a good work ethic, patience rather than arrogantly demanding what you want, and rightly submitting to authority. When you follow God’s design in this fallen world, things may not always work out immediately, but they will work out ultimately."
"God will make all things new in the end [Revelation], and He will set all things right to His original design."

There are AT LEAST two key messages from God I hear loud and clear this morning: (1) we exist to glorify God (not for our own glory or satisfaction), and (2) God is SO good in terms of His grace, compassion, etc. and this grace, compassion, love, etc. is available for anyone who freely accepts it and surrenders his or her life to Him. Because God is SO good for us, why would you NOT want to live for Him?

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE SO good! You pour out compassion, mercy and grace every day for me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of any of these gift, particularly how You laid down Your life for me. My sin is great and it is daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.