Ecclesiastes - Various
Day 147 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Ecclesiastes; much like my study of the Psalms and Proverbs, my commentary presents the chapters of Ecclesiastes according to topic areas and this morning my focus includes Ecclesiastes search for meaning, and the importance of finding meaning.
My commentary* describes the premise of Solomon's wisdom: [o]nly the Creator of the universe can know the true needs of his creatures and provide for their ultimate fulfillment", and that "[h]uman insight cannot give a clue as to what is meaningful; only 'the wisdom that comes from heaven' can imbue one’s life with lasting purpose." My commentary also describes Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as "[a] message...aimed directly at the young people for whom much of the wisdom literature is intended."
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Most people seek to live a life of purpose and meaning and often find life unsatisfying. As for me, I know that I exist both because of God and for God - to glorify Him. As we seek to glorify Him, we must find how God gifts us in terms of skills, abilities and passions (spiritual gifts) - we are to use our time, treasure and talents to further God's Kingdom.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me and help me find ways to serve and glorify You. I am grateful for all that You do and I am blessed by serving and glorifying You. I am undeserving of all the ways You bless me. I sin...daily, including worry. 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 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.
When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done.
No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their
efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the
wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17
Day 147 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues with a study of Ecclesiastes; much like my study of the Psalms and Proverbs, my commentary presents the chapters of Ecclesiastes according to topic areas and this morning my focus includes Ecclesiastes search for meaning, and the importance of finding meaning.
My commentary* describes the premise of Solomon's wisdom: [o]nly the Creator of the universe can know the true needs of his creatures and provide for their ultimate fulfillment", and that "[h]uman insight cannot give a clue as to what is meaningful; only 'the wisdom that comes from heaven' can imbue one’s life with lasting purpose." My commentary also describes Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 as "[a] message...aimed directly at the young people for whom much of the wisdom literature is intended."
*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.
Most people seek to live a life of purpose and meaning and often find life unsatisfying. As for me, I know that I exist both because of God and for God - to glorify Him. As we seek to glorify Him, we must find how God gifts us in terms of skills, abilities and passions (spiritual gifts) - we are to use our time, treasure and talents to further God's Kingdom.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me and help me find ways to serve and glorify You. I am grateful for all that You do and I am blessed by serving and glorifying You. I am undeserving of all the ways You bless me. I sin...daily, including worry. 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 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.
