Set Apart For God -Song of Solomon 8:11-12

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 8:11-12 (NIV)
She: “Solomon had a vineyard in Baal Hamon; he let out his vineyard to tenants. Each was to bring for its fruit a thousand shekels of silver. But my own vineyard is mine to give; the thousand shekels are for you, Solomon, and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.”

Song of Solomon 8:11-12 (MSG)
The Man: “King Solomon may have vast vineyards in lush, fertile country, where he hires others to work the ground. People pay anything to get in on that bounty. But my vineyard is all mine, and I’m keeping it to myself. You can have your vast vineyards, Solomon, you and your greedy guests!
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(The Shulammite Bride): “Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon; he entrusted the vineyard to caretakers; each one was to bring him a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit. My very own vineyard is at my disposal; the thousand [shekels of silver] are for you, O Solomon, and two hundred are for those who tend the fruit.” -AMPLIFIED

“He that chooses God, devotes himself to God as the vessels of the sanctuary were consecrated and set apart from common to holy uses, so he that has chosen God to be his God, has dedicated himself to God, and will no more be devoted to profane uses.” ~Thomas Watson

Over the past few days, we have focused on the fact that our young Bride has kept herself pure for Groom. She and understood the necessity of doing so and she set herself apart in order that she might bring joy and pleasure to her husband.

Her: “Solomon had a vineyard in Baal-hamon; he let farmers tend it and charged each a ransom for its produce—1,000 pieces of silver. My vineyard is my own—mine to lend or mine to lease. Solomon, you may have your 1,000; those who tend the fruit, your 200.” -(VOICE)

Our young Bride shares with us the story of how her love story began. Solomon, her Lover, owned a vineyard in Baal-hamon. He rented it out to some farmers, her brothers. As was stated near the beginning of the book, our young Bride worked in the vineyard, doing whatever her brothers directed her to do. While there she met her Lover and fell in love with him and he with her.

What is alluded to in our text, in verse 12, is that our young Bride saved herself for her husband. She had decided from a young age that she would obey the standards set by her family, in particular her brothers, and she set herself apart and consecrated herself for Groom.

The Girl: “Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon, which he rented out to some farmers there, the rent being one thousand pieces of silver from each. But as for my own vineyard, you, O Solomon, shall have my thousand pieces of silver, and I will give two hundred pieces to those who care for it.” -(TLB)

To be consecrated or set apart means to be dedicated to the service of God. It means that one’s main concern is do what God has called them to do. It alludes to the fact that you will do whatever your Maker calls you to do, obedience. The Bible has much to say about being consecrated or set apart for God.

David tells us that God has set apart for himself the righteous: “But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and dealt wonderfully with] the godly man [the one of honorable character and moral courage—the one who does right]. The Lord hears and responds when I call to Him.” -Psalm 4:3 (AMP)

Moses reminded the people of Israel that they had been set apart for God: “Remember you are people who have been set apart for Him; He has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the earth.” -Deuteronomy 14:2 (VOICE)

Paul tells us that we should not conform to the ways of the World; for we have been transformed: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].” -Romans 12:1-2 (AMP)

John reminds us that we should not love the ways of the world: “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out—but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity.” -1 John 2:15-17 (MSG)

Peter admonishes us that we have been chosen and set apart: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” -1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)

“God has set apart His people from before the foundation of the world to be His chosen and peculiar inheritance. We are sanctified in Christ Jesus by the Holy Spirit when he subdues our corruptions, imparts to us grace, and leads us onward in the divine walk and life of faith. Christian men are not to be used for anything but God. They are a set-apart people; they are vessels of mercy, they are not for the devil’s use, not for their own use, not for the world’s use, but for their Master’s use. He has made them on purpose to be used entirely, solely and wholly for Him. O Christian people, be holy, for Christ is holy. Do not pollute that holy Name wherewith you are named. Let your family life, your personal life, your business life, be as holy as Christ your Lord would have it to be. Shall saints be shams when sinners are so real?” ~Charles H. Spurgeon

My friend, we are to be consecrated and set apart. We have been bought with a price; (See 1 Cor. 6:20) therefore let us honor and glorify God with our bodies, minds, and spirits.

“Jesus Christ has bought us with His blood, but, alas, He has not had His money’s worth! He paid for ALL, and He has had but a fragment of our energy, time and earnings. By an act of consecration, let us ask Him to forgive the robbery of the past, and let us profess our desire to be henceforth utterly and only for Him – His slaves, owning no master other than Himself.” ~F.B. Meyer

My Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am wholly yours. I pray that I never allow anything to come between you and me. Our relationship is sacred. I understand the cost of my salvation was a great price for you. The fact that you have asked me to keep myself holy and blameless before you is a small price to pay for an eternity spent with my Lord and Savior. I am honored to consecrate myself for your service, Lord.

Love Expressed – Song of Solomon 4:1-4

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Solomon 4:1-4 (NIV)
He: “How beautiful you are, my darling! Oh, how beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goats descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing. Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.”

Song of Solomon 4:1-4 (MSG)
The Man: “You’re so beautiful, my darling, so beautiful, and your dove eyes are veiled by your hair as it flows and shimmers, like a flock of goats in the distance streaming down a hillside in the sunshine. Your smile is generous and full—expressive and strong and clean. Your lips are jewel red, your mouth elegant and inviting, your veiled cheeks soft and radiant. The smooth, lithe lines of your neck command notice—all heads turn in awe and admiration!”
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(The Bridegroom) “How fair and beautiful you are, my darling, how very beautiful! Your eyes behind your veil are like those of a dove; your hair is like [the shimmering black fleece of] a flock of [Arabian] goats that have descended from Mount Gilead [beyond the Jordan]. Your teeth are like a flock of newly shorn ewes which have come up from washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost her young. Your lips are like a ribbon of scarlet, and your mouth is lovely. Your temples are like a slice of the pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with rows of [glistening] stones, whereon hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.” -AMPLIFIED

NOTE: “Because stimulating images come forth when the lovers describe in intimate detail each other’s bodies, Jewish men were discouraged from reading this greatest of songs until the age of 30.” ~VOICE footnote

The Groom has arrived and stepped out of his lavish carriage to meet his bride. As he steps out to meet her we find him overcome with her beauty and he begins to express his deep love for his bride in a delightful, heart-warming manner.

Him (to her): “You, my love, are beautiful. So beautiful! Your eyes are like doves nestled behind your veil. Your hair moves as gracefully as a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Mount Gilead. Your teeth are pearl white like a flock of sheep shorn, fresh up from a wash. Each perfect and paired with another; not one of them is lost. Your lips are as red as scarlet threads; your mouth is beautiful. Your cheeks rosy and round are beneath your veil, like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is elegant like the tower of David, perfectly fit stone-by-stone. There hang a thousand shields, the shields of mighty men.” -(VOICE)

Solomon looks at his Bride and is captured by her great beauty. He takes the time to comment on each feature that he finds attractive, and expresses why he loves it.

Your eyes: are much like two lovely cooing doves.

Your hair: falls cascading down from your head like the goats descending Mount Gilead.

Your teeth: are so pearly white, they remind me of freshly shorn sheep who have been scrubbed clean. Each tooth is perfectly matched and not one is missing.

Your lips and mouth: are red like scarlet thread and are quite alluring.

Your cheeks/temples: are twins of loveliness, reminding me of matching halves of pomegranate.

Your neck: is ever tall and stately, an elegant tower festooned with jewels.

One can pick up on the fact that this Groom is overwhelmed by the beauty and loveliness of his Bride.

King Solomon: “How beautiful you are, my love, how beautiful! Your eyes are those of doves. Your hair falls across your face like flocks of goats that frisk across the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are white as sheep’s wool, newly shorn and washed; perfectly matched, without one missing. Your lips are like a thread of scarlet—and how beautiful your mouth. Your cheeks are matched loveliness behind your locks. Your neck is stately as the tower of David, jeweled with a thousand heroes’ shields.” -(TLB)

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”
~C.S. Lewis

Do you know that the Lord sees the beauty and loveliness in each of us. He sees us for who we truly are, our potential, what we can be; in fact, what He created us to be. David wrote these words describing his wonder over God’s hands-on, detailed creation of people.

“Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, the days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” -Psalm 139:13-16 (MSG)

And Scripture tells us that God loved us so much that He was willing to send His Son, Jesus, to die for us in order that we could be reconciled with Him.

“When we were utterly helpless, with no way of escape, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners who had no use for him. Even if we were good, we really wouldn’t expect anyone to die for us, though, of course, that might be barely possible. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ” -Romans 5:6-8 (TLB)

Remember, when God created you and I He had plans for our lives, good plans. He intended for us to have a relationship with Him. He wanted for us to

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that. At that time, you will call out for Me, and I will hear. You will pray, and I will listen. You will look for Me intently, and you will find Me.” -Jeremiah 29:11-13 (VOICE)

To the children of Israel, God told this, despite their tendency to sin:

“God told them, “I’ve never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!” Jeremiah 31:3 (MSG)

I remind you that nothing, nothing at all, can ever separate you from God’s love. Paul, writing to the church in Rome, reminded them of this truth:

“So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God’s chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture: “They kill us in cold blood because they hate you. We’re sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.” None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” -Romans 8:31-39 (MSG)

“Measure not God’s love and favour by your own feeling. The sun shines as clearly in the darkest day as it does in the brightest. The difference is not in the sun, but in some clouds which hinder the manifestation of the light thereof.” ~Richard Sibbes

My friend, God sees the beauty in you. He created you with a purpose and plan in mind; and despite the fact that we are sinful creatures, He still loves us. If we will but submit to His will for us, that beauty will shine forth.

“Nothing can separate you from God’s love absolutely nothing. God is enough for time, God is enough for eternity. God is enough!” ~ Hannah Whitall Smith

My Prayer:
Dear Lord, I am so blessed by your never-ending, overwhelming love. Thank you for loving and caring so much for me, a sinner that you were willing to send your one and only Son to die for me. I am indeed blessed to call you my very own. Thank you for looking past my sin and seeing my beauty and potential. God, you are so faithful and good to me.

Just As I Am – Song of Solomon 1:5-6

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Song of Songs 1:5-6 (NIV)
Dark am I, yet lovely, daughters of Jerusalem, dark like the tents of Kedar,
like the tent curtains of Solomon. Do not stare at me because I am dark, because I am darkened by the sun. My mother’s sons were angry with me and made me take care of the vineyards; my own vineyard I had to neglect.

Song of Solomon 1:5-6 (MSG)
I am weathered but still elegant, oh, dear sisters in Jerusalem, weather-darkened like Kedar desert tents, time-softened like Solomon’s Temple hangings.
Don’t look down on me because I’m dark, darkened by the sun’s harsh rays. My brothers ridiculed me and sent me to work in the fields. They made me care for the face of the earth, but I had no time to care for my own face.
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“I am deeply tanned but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, [I am dark] like the tents of [the Bedouins of] Kedar, like the [beautiful] curtains of Solomon. Do not gaze at me because I am deeply tanned, [I have worked in] the sun; it has left its mark on me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; they made me keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard (my complexion) I have not kept.” -AMPLIFIED

We need to understand that God accepts us just as we are; just as we will see that the Lover accepted the Beloved just as she was. What we need to understand, though, is that the Father does not want us to stay the way that He found us. He wants us to allow Him to work within us to bring about His purpose and plans for our lives.

“(to the young women) Look at me, young women of Jerusalem. I am dark but beautiful. I am dark like the tents of Kedar; I am beautiful like the curtains of Solomon’s temple. Don’t stare at my dark skin, for the sun looked down on me. My brothers’ anger scorched me; they made me work all day long in the vineyards, so I did not have time to care for my own vineyard, to cultivate my own body.” -(VOICE)

We find the Beloved concerned over her looks. She, speaking to the the maidens of Jerusalem, tells us that her skin has become dark from spending so much time working out in the sun. We will learn in upcoming verses that the Beloved is a shepherdess. From our text today, we also learn that she works in the vineyards.

The Beloved is concerned that others look down on her because of her dark skin. She troubled that others will judge her; not understanding what she has gone through or what she has had to endure. She tells us that her brothers were angry with her. Why, we do not know, nor is it implied. The consequences of that anger, though, were that the Beloved worked all day long in the family vineyards, neglecting her own personal vineyard; and she became extremely tanned. (Being tanned was not considered beautiful at this time. We find that the Beloved still was able to see the beauty in herself, despite the fact that she was not like all the other girls.)

NOTE: The vineyard in this passage is being used as a metaphor in this passage of the Beloved’s body; which should be bringing delight to her Lover.

“The Girl: “I am dark but beautiful, O girls of Jerusalem, tanned as the dark tents of Kedar.”
King Solomon: “But lovely as the silken tents of Solomon!”
The Girl: “Don’t look down on me, you city girls, just because my complexion is so dark—the sun has tanned me. My brothers were angry with me and sent me out into the sun* to tend the vineyards, but see what it has done to me!” -(TLB)

The Beloved understood that the Lover accepted her just as she was. She did not need to change her looks or her personality; she was loved as she was.

There is an old Methodist hymn that conveys this truth; it is entitled:

Just as I Am, Without One Plea

1. Just as I am, without one plea,
but that thy blood was shed for me,
and that thou bidst me come to thee,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

2. Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot,
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

3. Just as I am, though tossed about
with many a conflict, many a doubt,
fightings and fears within, without,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

4. Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
sight, riches, healing of the mind,
yea, all I need in thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

5. Just as I am, thou wilt receive,
wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
because thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

6. Just as I am, thy love unknown
hath broken every barrier down;
now, to be thine, yea thine alone,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come.”
~Text: Charlotte Elliott, 1789-1871 Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868

Too often we have the mentality that we need to become good enough before God can accept us. I will remind you of a verse from the book of Isaiah:

“We are all infected and impure with sin. When we put on our prized robes of righteousness, we find they are but filthy rags. Like autumn leaves we fade, wither, and fall. And our sins, like the wind, sweep us away.” -Isaiah 64:6 (TLB)

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we all are coming out of a life of sin. But God, who is rich in mercy is able to pick us up and help us change. Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus these words:

“It wasn’t so long ago that you were mired in that old stagnant life of sin. You let the world, which doesn’t know the first thing about living, tell you how to live. You filled your lungs with polluted unbelief, and then exhaled disobedience. We all did it, all of us doing what we felt like doing, when we felt like doing it, all of us in the same boat. It’s a wonder God didn’t lose his temper and do away with the whole lot of us. Instead, immense in mercy and with an incredible love, he embraced us. He took our sin-dead lives and made us alive in Christ. He did all this on his own, with no help from us! Then he picked us up and set us down in highest heaven in company with Jesus, our Messiah.” -Ephesians 2:1-6 (MSG)

Paul goes on to say this about God’s gifts of forgiveness and purpose for each of us:

“Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” -Ephesians 2:7-10 (MSG)

My friend, God does accept each of us just as we are. But He does not want us to stay in the condition that He found us. He is in the business of changing people. He wants us to allow Him bring about His purpose and plan in each of our lives. In the book of 1 Peter we find this admonition:

“So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.” -1 Peter 1:16 (MSG)

I leave you with a bit of guidance that Isaiah gave us:

“There will be a highway
called the Holy Road.
No one rude or rebellious
is permitted on this road.
It’s for God’s people exclusively—
impossible to get lost on this road.
Not even fools can get lost on it.
No lions on this road,
no dangerous wild animals—
Nothing and no one dangerous or threatening.
Only the redeemed will walk on it.
The people God has ransomed
will come back on this road.
They’ll sing as they make their way home to Zion,
unfading halos of joy encircling their heads,
Welcomed home with gifts of joy and gladness
as all sorrows and sighs scurry into the night.” ~Isaiah 35:8-10 (MSG)

Think about it!

My Prayer:
Oh God, thank you for loving me and accepting me as I was. I did not need to change who I was for you to love me; which is good news for me, for I could never be good enough. Lord, in your great mercy you provided the way for me to become right with you; and I will be forever grateful. Because of your great mercy toward me, I want to be obedient to your will in my life. Please, change me. Make me and mold me into the person that you have always intended for me to be. Have your will in my life.

What is my Purpose? – Ecclesiastes 12:8

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 12:8 (NIV)
“Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Everything is meaningless!”

Ecclesiastes 12:8 (MSG)
It’s all smoke, nothing but smoke. The Quester says that everything’s smoke.
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“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “All [that is done without God’s guidance] is vanity (futility).” -AMPLIFIED

“Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.”
~Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?

The book of Ecclesiastes is winding down to its end at this point. Once again we find the Teacher referring back to his beginning argument, life is meaningless. In the New International Version that word, “meaningless” is used 39 times in the book of Ecclesiastes. In the Hebrew the word used actually translates into English as “breath”. This conveys to us not that life is pointless or trivial, but instead fleeting or short-lived. Time passes by so quickly and as one grows older we can testify to the fact that life is short.

“The meaning of life, according to Christian faith, is ultimately found in Jesus Christ. In him, the questions about identity, origin, meaning, purpose, and destiny are answered with a profound hope. We are the beloved children of God, created by our heavenly Father to reflect His glory, walk in His love, and do His will in our lives.” ~Philip Wijaya

“Life is fleeting; it just slips through your fingers. All vanishes like mist.” -(VOICE)

We find the Teacher reiterating that life is short and the end of life creeps up upon you when you are unaware. Way back at the beginning of the book we find the Teacher telling us this:

“Life is fleeting, like a passing mist. It is like trying to catch hold of a breath; all vanishes like a vapor; everything is a great vanity.” -Ecclesiastes 1:2 (VOICE)

It seems, at this point in the Teacher’s assertion that not much has changed in his line of thinking. But in a few short verses we will find that the Teacher, in his quest for understanding the meaning of life, will provide us with the conclusion that he has finally understood for himself. And it is this:

“When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, every hidden and secret thing, whether it is good or evil.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (AMP)

“All is futile, says the Preacher; utterly futile.” -(TLB)

So, what is the meaning of life, what is its ultimate purpose? Is it only to be born, live a short, fleeting life trying to find happiness, and then to die? If that is the case, than the Teacher’s original assumption was not wrong; life would be meaningless. The Bible does not give us a point blank answer about what life’s meaning is, in other words you will not find a verse that says, “The meaning of life is….” What you will find in Scripture are many verses advising us on what will give our lives hope, meaning, and purpose. Let’s take a look:

1.) God loves us. This truth alone should fill us with hope and wonder.

“For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] [a]only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him.” -John 3:16-17 (AMP)

2.) God knew us even before we were formed in our Mother’s womb and He had plans for us.

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you.”

3.) God’s plans are intended to give us a hope and a future.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)

4.) We are to love the Lord, our God, with our whole being, and our neighbor as ourselves.

“Jesus said, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” -Matthew 22:37-40 (MSG)

5. We are to be a living sacrifice to the Lord God.

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” -Romans 12:1-2 (MSG)

6.) We are to be imitators of God.

“Follow God’s example in everything you do just as a much loved child imitates his father. Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, for Christ’s love for you was like sweet perfume to him.” -Ephesians 5:1-2 (TLB)

7.) Ultimately, you were created to have fellowship with God:

“…what we have seen and heard we also proclaim to you, so that you too may have fellowship [as partners] with us. And indeed our fellowship [which is a distinguishing mark of born-again believers] is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 We are writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be made complete [by having you share in the joy of salvation].” -1 John 1:3-4 (AMP)

“You were made by God and for God and until you understand that, life will never make sense.” ~Rick Warren

My friend, if you are looking for purpose and meaning to life look no further than the Word of God. Within the pages of the Bible you will find your purpose, and you will come to realize that God created you with a purpose and a plan. Ultimately it was and still is to have fellowship with the Creator of the Universe.

“Teach us to number our days so that we may truly live and achieve wisdom.” ~David (Psalm 90:12 VOICE)

My Prayer:
Oh Lord, teach me to number my days; to realize that you have a purpose and a plan for my life. Remind me that ultimately this is to have fellowship with the Creator of all things; who loves me and sent His Son to die for my sins. Remind me to be an imitator of you, and to love others as you love them. Papa, help me to grow into the person you always intended for me to be. Thank you.

God Alone Knows Your Future -Ecclesiastes 10:14

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 10:14 (NIV)
…and fools multiply words. No one knows what is coming—who can tell someone else what will happen after them?

Ecclesiastes 10:14 (MSG)
Fools talk way too much, chattering stuff they know nothing about.
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“Yet the fool multiplies words, though no man knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after he is gone?” -AMPLIFIED

“There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny.”
~Ravi Zacharias

Today’s text expands on what was discussed yesterday; which was being careful of what we say. Today’s focus is on planning out our future or wisely trusting God with it.

“God has wisely kept us in the dark concerning future events and reserved for himself the knowledge of them, that he may train us up in a dependence upon himself and a continued readiness for every event.” ~Matthew Henry

“The fool babbles on and on, not knowing when to stop. Though no one knows what will happen next, he may think he knows. Who can tell what the future holds?” -(VOICE)

The Teacher’s focus has been on the fool and his mouth. The bottom line that he is bringing across to us that the fool never knows when to keep his mouth shut. Today the Teacher points out that the fool chatter’s on and on about something that he has absolutely no idea about, the future and what it will hold.

“A fool knows all about the future and tells everyone in detail! But who can really know what is going to happen?” -(TLB)

The Teacher reminds us that no one really knows what will happen. The Bible tells us that only God knows what the future holds. Consider something that James, the brother of Jesus wrote. James warned against brashly making plans for the future and leaving God out of the planning.

“Listen carefully, those of you who make your plans and say, “We are traveling to this city in the next few days. We’ll stay there for one year while our business explodes and revenue is up.” The reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow. You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another. It would be best to say, “If it is the Lord’s will and we live long enough, we hope to do this project or pursue that dream.” But your current speech indicates an arrogance that does not acknowledge the One who controls the universe, and this kind of big talking is the epitome of evil. So if you know the right way to live and ignore it, it is sin—plain and simple.” -James 4:13-17 (VOICE)

“The most vital concern for each of us is to have a joyful and fulfilled future… Whatever people hope for in the future, that is what they worship, and whatever people worship, that is what they inevitably serve.” ~Daniel Fuller

The problem with the fool is that he has allowed pride to not only dictate his words, but what he plans his actions to be. In arrogance he plans what he desires the future to look like without consulting the Great “I AM”. Solomon had a few things to say to this fool.

1.) “Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” -Proverbs 27:1 (MSG)

2.) “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” -Proverbs 16:18 (AMP)

The Teacher has taught us that the fool is full of many words, spouting off plans for the future, but in reality he has no idea what the future holds. The future is something that only God knows. Scripture tells us that God is omniscient, all-knowing. We can learn from something that Isaiah recorded that God spoke to the people of Israel. God said:

“Think about this. Wrap your minds around it. This is serious business, rebels. Take it to heart. Remember your history, your long and rich history. I am God, the only God you’ve had or ever will have—incomparable, irreplaceable—From the very beginning telling you what the ending will be, all along letting you in on what is going to happen, assuring you, ‘I’m in this for the long haul, I’ll do exactly what I set out to do,’” -Isaiah 46:9-10 (MSG)

The Teacher has advised us in the past of what his conclusion to all his searching and musing was. It was this:

“So I set my mind on all of this, examined it thoroughly, and here’s what I think: The righteous and the wise and all their deeds are in God’s hands. Whether they are destined to be loved or hated, no one but God knows.” -Ecclesiastes 9:1 (VOICE)

Basically, all we need know about our future is that God is conclusively in control of it. We need to learn to trust Him completely. Solomon told us:

“Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. And don’t think you can decide on your own what is right and what is wrong. Respect the Eternal; turn and run from evil. If you depend on Him, your body and mind will be free from the strain of a sinful life, will experience healing and health, and will be strengthened at their core.”                          -Proverbs 3:5-8 (VOICE)

John, the Beloved, recorded these words from his vision on the island of Patmos. They are a good reminder to us that we need to consider our future, but not get hung up on it. Ultimately God, the Omniscient One, who knows all from beginning to end will deal with our future.

“And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true [they are accurate, incorruptible, and trustworthy].” And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the one who thirsts I will give [water] from the fountain of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes [the world by adhering faithfully to Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior] will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. But as for the cowards and unbelieving and abominable [who are devoid of character and personal integrity and practice or tolerate immorality], and murderers, and sorcerers [with intoxicating drugs], and idolaters and occultists [who practice and teach false religions], and all the liars [who knowingly deceive and twist truth], their part will be in the lake that blazes with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” -Revelation 21:5-8  (AMP)

“Since God knows our future, our personalities, and our capacity to listen, He isn’t ever going to say more to us than we can deal with at the moment.”
~Charles Stanley

My friend, yes, we do need to think about our future, but we need to be careful that we are not leaving God out of the equation; for only God truly knows what the future holds. Trust your future to Him and when thinking about tomorrow, be careful to leave room in it for the Almighty’s guidance. Remember, His plans are bigger and better than yours will ever be. Trust Him!

“Live thoughtfully today and you won’t have to live regretfully tomorrow.”
~Woodrow Kroll

My Prayer:
Omniscient God, forgive me for those times that I have made plans for my future and left you out of them. I do not know what the future holds, but you do. Help my trust in you and your plans for me to grow more. I know that your Word tells me that you have plans for a hope and a future for my life. Lord, I am holding on to that promise. Help me to confidently step out in faith and walk on the water. Thank you.

God Is In Control, Trust Him – Ecclesiastes 9:11

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NIV)
I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (MSG)
I took another walk around the neighborhood and realized that on this earth as it is— The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor satisfaction to the wise, nor riches to the smart, nor grace to the learned. Sooner or later bad luck hits us all.
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“I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the strong, and neither is bread to the wise nor riches to those of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of ability; but time and chance overtake them all.” -AMPLIFIED

“I said all along that God is in control.” ~Tony Dungy

Life is unpredictable and uncontrollable. In today’s lesson from the Teacher we find evidence once again that ultimately mankind does not control events, God does.

“God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with him.” ~Jim Elliot

“I turned and witnessed something else under the sun: the race does not always go to the swift, the battle is not always won by the strong, bread does not always fill the table of the wise, wealth does not always accrue to the skillful, and favor is not always granted to the knowledgeable; but time and misfortune happen to them all.” -(VOICE)

Once again we find the Teacher sharing with us something that he has observed and learned. It is this: success in not always guaranteed. In other words, there is always a certain element of uncertainty and ambiguity in life.

“Again I looked throughout the earth and saw that the swiftest person does not always win the race, nor the strongest man the battle, and that wise men are often poor, and skillful men are not necessarily famous; but it is all by chance, by happening to be at the right place at the right time.” -(TLB)

It was Solomon who taught us that man can make his plans, but it is God who allows them to come to pass. In fact, Solomon had quite a bit to say about God having the final word in our plans. Solomon told us:

“People go about making their plans, but the Eternal has the final word. Even when you think you have good intentions, He knows your real motives. Whatever you do, do it as service to Him, and He will guarantee your success.” -Proverbs 16:1-3 (VOICE)

And he also advised us in this way:

“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], but the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.” -Proverbs 16:9 (AMP)

As well as this tidbit of wisdom:

“We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.” -Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)

“I surrender my anxiety and my sense of urgency. I allow God to guide me in the pacing of my life. I open my heart to God’s timing. I release my deadlines, agendas, and stridency to the gentle yet often swift pacing of God. As I open my heart to God’s unfoldings, my heart attains peace. As I relax into God’s timing, my heart contains comfort. As I allow God to set the tone and schedule of my days, I find myself in the right time and place, open and available to God’s opportunities.” ~Julia Cameron

Let us consider a bit of wisdom that Moses shared with the people of Israel when he was cautioning them to be careful NOT TO FORGET what God had done for them. He advised them in this way:

“If you start thinking to yourselves, “I did all this. And all by myself. I’m rich. It’s all mine!”—well, think again. Remember that God, your God, gave you the strength to produce all this wealth so as to confirm the covenant that he promised to your ancestors—as it is today.” -Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (MSG)

Once again we turn to Solomon for a bit of wisdom when it comes to depending on God with our lives and trusting Him with the outcome. One passage is so very familiar to us:

“If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.” -Proverbs 3:4-6 (VOICE)

The passage goes on to advise us in this way:

“Don’t be conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead, trust and reverence the Lord, and turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health and vitality. Honor the Lord by giving him the first part of all your income, and he will fill your barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines. Young man, do not resent it when God chastens and corrects you, for his punishment is proof of his love. Just as a father punishes a son he delights in to make him better, so the Lord corrects you.” -Proverbs 3:7-12 (TLB)

“There is nothing–no circumstance, no trouble, no testing–that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is–that is the rest of victory!” ~Alan Redpath

My friend, we all must remember that God is always in control. Whatever plans we are making, we must trust the outcome of those plans to Him. Things do not always work out exactly as we had hoped and planned, but God has a reason for allowing things to happen as they do. Will you trust that He has a hope and a plan for every outcome? Will you have faith in your Heavenly Father to bring about what is best for you in your life in His time and in His way? Trust God!

“God may allow us at times to hit rock bottom, to show us He’s the rock-at the bottom.” ~Kirk Franklin

My Prayer:
Oh Lord, please forgive me for those times that I have charged ahead in my plans and did not wait upon you for your guidance and direction. Lord, help me to trust you in those times of waiting. Remind me that you are always in control. No matter what may be happening around me, ultimately your plans will come to pass despite what man may intend. Everything is in your control and nothing happens unless you allow it to do so because you are Sovereign, God. Help me to keep my faith and trust firmly grounded in you, Lord. Thank you.

Our Future Is in God’s Hands -Ecclesiastes 9:1

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NIV)
So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them.

Ecclesiastes 9:1 (MSG)
Well, I took all this in and thought it through, inside and out. Here’s what I understood: The good, the wise, and all that they do are in God’s hands—but, day by day, whether it’s love or hate they’re dealing with, they don’t know.
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“For I have taken all this to heart, exploring and examining it all, how the righteous (those in right standing with God) and the wise and their deeds are in the hands of God. No man knows whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.” -AMPLIFIED

“How you experience your present is completely shaped by what you believe your ultimate future to be.” ~Tim Keller

We oft times tend to focus too much on our future; what it will be, how it will proceed and turn out. We are apt to map out our future to the minute detail; and when the future comes we are often stressed and frustrated because things do not turn out quite as we had planned. The Teacher has a little advice to give us about the future.

“God is more interested in your future and your relationships than you are.”
~Billy Graham

“So I set my mind on all of this, examined it thoroughly, and here’s what I think: The righteous and the wise and all their deeds are in God’s hands. Whether they are destined to be loved or hated, no one but God knows.” -(VOICE)

The Teacher takes a moment to reflect upon the things that he has learned and he has come to a conclusion. It is this: no one knows what the future will hold, good or bad. God alone knows and He is ultimately in complete control. In fact, God holds our destinies in the palm of His hands.

“This, too, I carefully explored—that godly and wise men are in God’s will; no one knows whether he will favor them or not. All is chance!” -(TLB)

Solomon, in his wisdom, warned us that we do not know the first thing about tomorrow. So he warned us not to brag about your future plans; which may never come to pass.

“Don’t brashly announce what you’re going to do tomorrow; you don’t know the first thing about tomorrow.” -Proverbs 27:1 (MSG)

James, the brother of Jesus, warned Christians to be careful about bragging over their plans which they felt were set in stone. He cautioned them that no one truly knows what tomorrow may hold.

“Listen carefully, those of you who make your plans and say, “We are traveling to this city in the next few days. We’ll stay there for one year while our business explodes and revenue is up.” The reality is you have no idea where your life will take you tomorrow. You are like a mist that appears one moment and then vanishes another. It would be best to say, “If it is the Lord’s will and we live long enough, we hope to do this project or pursue that dream.” But your current speech indicates an arrogance that does not acknowledge the One who controls the universe, and this kind of big talking is the epitome of evil. So if you know the right way to live and ignore it, it is sin—plain and simple.” -James 4:13-17 (VOICE)

“It is foolish to move into the future on our own when God is waiting to guide us. His plan is the best. If we yield to Him, He can save us from Satan’s snares.” ~Zac Poonen

Remember, the future is under God’s control, not our own. We can make our plans, but ultimately it is God who allows those plans to come to pass or not to come to pass. We need to remind ourselves of something that Solomon taught us:

“We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.” -Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)

There is no need to get anxious or stressed out about the future or those plans. The “unknown” tends to do that to many people. Instead of becoming anxious trust God. Jesus advised His followers in this way:

“Here is the bottom line: do not worry about your life. Don’t worry about what you will eat or what you will drink. Don’t worry about how you clothe your body. Living is about more than merely eating, and the body is about more than dressing up. Look at the birds in the sky. They do not store food for winter. They don’t plant gardens. They do not sow or reap—and yet, they are always fed because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are even more precious to Him than a beautiful bird. If He looks after them, of course He will look after you. Worrying does not do any good; who here can claim to add even an hour to his life by worrying? Nor should you worry about clothes. Consider the lilies of the field and how they grow. They do not work or weave or sew, and yet their garments are stunning. Even King Solomon, dressed in his most regal garb, was not as lovely as these lilies. And think about grassy fields—the grasses are here now, but they will be dead by winter. And yet God adorns them so radiantly. How much more will He clothe you, you of little faith, you who have no trust? So do not consume yourselves with questions: What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear? Outsiders make themselves frantic over such questions; they don’t realize that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you too. So do not worry about tomorrow. Let tomorrow worry about itself. Living faithfully is a large enough task for today.-Matthew 6:25-34 The Voice (VOICE)

The Apostle Paul gave us some good advice about what to do instead of becoming stressed. He told us to pray; to let God know what our concerns were and our desires. Paul wrote to the Philippians:

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.” -Philippians 4:6-7 (MSG)

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” ~Corrie Ten Boom

I remind you of something that God spoke through Jeremiah to the people of Israel when they were in a very difficult period. God told them this:

“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (GNT)

“There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny.”
~Ravi Zacharias

My friend, trust your unknown future to your known Heavenly Father. Do not worry about your tomorrow. God has a purpose and a plan for your life and His plans are good. He may lead you through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, or beside the still waters, but know this; He will be with you each step of the way. There are no surprises for Him. Trust your future to the Creator of the Universe. He ultimately holds you in the palm of His Hands.

“As we trust God to give us wisdom for today’s decisions, He will lead us a step at a time into what He wants us to be doing in the future.” ~Theodore Epp

My Prayer:
Almighty, All-Knowing Father, forgive me for not trusting you with my future. The fact that you know me better than I know myself should be the clue to me that I can trust my unknown future to the One who created me. Forgive me for being anxious and stressing over things that I have no business worrying over. Help my trust in you to grow stronger. Help me to always remember that you are my constant companion; walking with me through this life, every step of the way. Thank you, Lord.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly -Ecclesiastes 7:13-14

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (NIV)
Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (MSG)
Take a good look at God’s work. Who could simplify and reduce Creation’s curves and angles to a plain straight line? On a good day, enjoy yourself; on a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days so that we won’t take anything for granted.
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“Consider the work of God: Who can make straight what He has bent? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider that God has made the one as well as the other, so that man will not find out anything that will be after him.” -AMPLIFIED

“God will ensure my success in accordance with His plan, not mine.”
~Francis Chan

“Think for a moment about the work of God. Can anyone make straight what God has made crooked? When times are good, enjoy them and be happy. When times are bad, think about this: God makes both good and bad times, so that no one really knows what is coming next.” -(VOICE)

The Teacher asks us to consider a rhetorical question. Can anyone change or make straight what God has made crooked? Can a mere human being change what God has put into place as His purpose and plan? The answer to that question is “NO”; man cannot. What we need to realize is that God allows both good and bad to be part of His plan for us. He can use those bad times, the difficulties, for His glory, just as He uses the good times.

“See the way God does things and fall into line. Don’t fight the facts of nature. Who can straighten what he has made crooked? Enjoy prosperity whenever you can, and when hard times strike, realize that God gives one as well as the other—so that everyone will realize that nothing is certain in this life.” -(TLB)

Often wisdom invites us to ponder great questions. The question, “Can anyone make straight what God has made crooked?” echoes the words of 1:15—“Something crooked cannot be made straight.” Only God can determine what is and what is not. God makes our paths crooked or straight. And we often do not understand why one person’s way is straight and another’s is crooked. The message of the teacher is simple: reverence God regardless of the path you have been given to walk.” -VOICE footnote

Good times and bad, God gives us both. Remember this truth that the Teacher has already taught us: there is a season for everything; including good times and bad times. This is a fact of life and no amount of kicking against the goads will change it.

Lest we fall into a fatalistic mentality, I remind you that ultimately God is in control of everything. What He has determined for each of us mere man cannot change. I remind you again there is a season for everything, a time and a place, the Teacher taught us this back in chapter three. He also told us this:

“I have thought about this in connection with all the various kinds of work God has given to mankind. Everything is appropriate in its own time. But though God has planted eternity in the hearts of men, even so, many cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I conclude that, first, there is nothing better for a man than to be happy and to enjoy himself as long as he can; and second, that he should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of his labors, for these are gifts from God. And I know this, that whatever God does is final—nothing can be added or taken from it; God’s purpose in this is that man should fear the all-powerful God. Whatever is has been long ago; and whatever is going to be has been before; God brings to pass again what was in the distant past and disappeared.” -Ecclesiastes 3:10-15 (TLB)

The purpose behind everything that God allows to happen in our life is that we will fear and respect Him, the All-Powerful One. We need to understand that everything that happens in our lives, good or bad, is ordained and allowed to happen by God. Everything! This includes sickness, pain, pestilence, diseases, and even death. And we need to be able to echo what Paul wrote to the church in Rome:

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” -Romans 8:28 (AMP)

Take notice, what is important is His plan, not ours. God will work all things together for His plan; and yes, He is deeply concerned about us. Remember, He has a hope and a plan for each and every life. (Jeremiah 29:11) Paul goes on to write to us in this passage in Romans words of encouragement and hope. He wrote:

“God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun.” -Romans 8:26-29 (VOICE)

Our attitude and mentality in the good times and the bad times makes all the difference. How we face difficulties and adversities not only shows our maturity, or lack thereof, but identifies us as a child of God. Paul reminded the Thessalonian church of this:

“Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (AMP)

“If you’re alive, there’s a purpose for your life.” ~Rick Warren

My friend, we will have good days, or periods in our lives, and we will have bad days, or periods in our life. God uses them all for His purpose and His plan. Instead of having an attitude when in the difficult times, ask God to show you what it is that you need to be learning in your present circumstances. Remember, whatever you are walking through God is always in control. Be sure that you are praising Him in both the good times and the bad.

“There is no greater discovery than seeing God as the author of your destiny.”
~Ravi Zacharias

My Prayer:
Lord, you are indeed the Author of my destiny. Nothing happens in my life unless you allow me to walk through it. This fact and truth brings comfort to my heart, because it helps me remember that you are always in control. Help me to trust you, no matter what comes my way. Remind me that you are using the good and the bad to bring honor to your name and to help me grow into the person that you desire that I become. Lord, thank you for never giving up on me; for being willing to put up with my kicking and screaming, as well as my squirming. Help me to learn to trust you more and to praise you in the midst of the difficulties. Thank you.

What’s the Point? – Ecclesiastes 6:12

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 6:12 (NIV)
For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days they pass through like a shadow? Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?

Ecclesiastes 6:12 (MSG)
And who knows what’s best for us as we live out our meager smoke-and-shadow lives? And who can tell any of us the next chapter of our lives?
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“For who [limited by human wisdom] knows what is good for man during his lifetime, during the few days of his futile life? He spends them like a shadow [staying busy, but achieving nothing of lasting value]. For who can tell a man what will happen after him [to his work, his treasure, his plans] under the sun [after his life is over]?” -AMPLIFIED

“The narrator is trying to prove that life is not worth living, but the Holy Spirit is using him to show that these conclusions are the tragic effect of living “under the sun”—ignoring the Lord, living apart from God the Father, oblivious to the Holy Spirit—and yet face to face with the mysteries of life and nature.” ~Amplified footnote

We are nothing without God. There are no if’s, and’s or but’s to consider in that statement.

“Moses spent forty years in the king’s palace thinking that he was somebody; then he lived forty years in the wilderness finding out that without GOD he was a nobody; finally he spent forty more years discovering how a nobody with GOD can be a somebody.” ~Dwight L. Moody

“For who knows the best way for us to live during the few days of our fleeting lives? After all, we pass through them like shadows. For who can say what will happen under the sun after we are gone?” -(VOICE)

The Teacher, in his exploration for meaning, has come to the conclusion that life is not worth living without purpose. Every once in a while he has an “aha” moment, a glimmer of the truth; like he did when he stated:

“I know there is nothing better for us than to be joyful and to do good throughout our lives; to eat and drink and see the good in all of our hard work is a gift from God.”                           -Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 (VOICE)

The Teacher asks us a rhetorical question, “Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?” Or it could be asked in this way, “For who knows the future?” The answer to that question is, only God. No man knows what the future holds. No human being can predict what even tomorrow holds; only God can.

“In these few days of our empty lifetimes, who can say how one’s days can best be spent? Who can know what will prove best for the future after he is gone? For who knows the future?” -(TLB)

“Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil-it has no point.” ~Billy Graham

The prophet Jeremiah had a good grasp and understanding of his place in the scheme of things. Jeremiah wrote and prayed these words:

“O Lord, I know it is not within the power of man to map his life and plan his course—so you correct me, Lord; but please be gentle. Don’t do it in your anger, for I would die.” -Jeremiah 10:23-24 (TLB)

Jesus taught His followers the importance of being grafted into the Vine; which was Him. In fact, He told them that if they chose to live life without being grafted into the Vine that they would be unable to accomplish anything lasting; and would in fact be only good for firewood.

“I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken off] branch, and withers and dies; and they gather such branches and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples.” -John 15:5-8 (AMP)

“The most humbling statement we can say is “I am nothing without God”. And the most powerful statement is, “with God I can do anything”.” -UNKNOWN

The Apostle Paul gave these words of admonition to the church in Rome, and they are words to life by. If you want meaning and purpose, if you want a full life, filled with peace, focus on God:

“If you live your life animated by the flesh—namely, your fallen, corrupt nature—then your mind is focused on the matters of the flesh. But if you live your life animated by the Spirit—namely, God’s indwelling presence—then your focus is on the work of the Spirit. A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace. You see, a mind focused on the flesh is declaring war against God; it defies the authority of God’s law and is incapable of following His path. So it is clear that God takes no pleasure in those who live oriented to the flesh.” -Romans 8:5-8 (VOICE)

“Without God, life has no purpose, and without purpose, life has no meaning. Without meaning, life has no significance or hope.” ~Rick Warren

My friend, it is so important to keep the Almighty at the center of our life; seated on the throne of our heart. There is no life without Him. It is He who makes our life complete. Take time to examine your heart today and be sure that He is the One who is giving true meaning to your life. The point is to bring glory and honor to the Almighty.

“Without God at the beginning, there can be only confusion at the end.”                      ~Edward J. Flanagan

My Prayer:
Lord, I totally understand that there is no meaning to life without you. You give me a purpose and meaning to my life. If I want to make any kind of difference in this world I realize that I need to allow you to lead and guide me in everything. Help me to remain grafted and grounded in you, Lord. Open my eyes to who I am in you and help me to bring glory and honor to you. Thank you, Lord.

Trust God’s Plans – Ecclesiastes 6:3-6

Growing with God: A daily devotional with Tonia Slimm.

Ecclesiastes 6:3-6 (NIV)
A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man—even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?

Ecclesiastes 6:3-6 (MSG)
Say a couple have scores of children and live a long, long life but never enjoy themselves—even though they end up with a big funeral! I’d say that a stillborn baby gets the better deal. It gets its start in a mist and ends up in the dark—unnamed. It sees nothing and knows nothing, but is better off by far than anyone living. Even if someone lived a thousand years—make it two thousand!—but didn’t enjoy anything, what’s the point? Doesn’t everyone end up in the same place?
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“If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, however many they may be, but his soul is not satisfied with good things and he is not respected and is not given a proper burial [he is not laid to rest in the sepulcher of his fathers], then I say, “Better the miscarriage than he, for the miscarriage comes in futility (in vain) and passes into obscurity; and its name is covered in obscurity. It has not seen the sun nor had any knowledge; yet it has more rest and is better off than he. Even if the other man lives a thousand years twice over and yet has seen no good and experienced no enjoyment—do not both go to one place [the grave]?”” -AMPLIFIED

“We often can’t see what God is doing in our lives, but God sees the whole picture and His plan for us clearly.” ~Tony Dungy

The Teacher struggles with a quandary today. He still wrestles with the point of life and considers that the unborn child is better off than the man who lives a long life, but never finds meaning or satisfaction. The Teacher has yet to find an understanding of what God’s purpose and plan is for him.

“When you understand that life is a test, you realize that nothing is insignificant in your life.” ~Rick Warren

“If a person has one hundred children and lives for many years but finds no satisfaction in all of the good things that life brings and in the end doesn’t have a proper burial, I say that it would be better if that person had been stillborn because the stillborn arrives in a fleeting breath and then goes nameless into the darkness mourned by no one and buried in an unmarked grave. Though the child never sees the sun or knows anything, it still had more rest than the person who cannot enjoy what he has. Even if a person were to live one thousand years twice over, but could find no satisfaction, don’t we all end up going to the same place?” -(VOICE)

The Teacher uses a hyperbole, an obvious and intentional exaggeration, in order to impress upon us something that he feels that he is trying to understand. He feels that an untimely birth is much better than an unsatisfied life. The Teacher felt that the miscarried child was better off than the man who had lived a long life, but never found satisfaction and/or contentment.

“Even if a man has a hundred sons and as many daughters and lives to be very old, but leaves so little money at his death that his children can’t even give him a decent burial—I say that he would be better off born dead. For though his birth would then be futile and end in darkness, without even a name, never seeing the sun or even knowing its existence, yet that is better than to be an old, unhappy man. Though a man lives a thousand years twice over but doesn’t find contentment—well, what’s the use?” -(TLB)

What the Teacher failed to consider was that God has a purpose and a plan for each and every life; even the life of the miscarried child. No matter how long or short a life is, God has a reason for creating that living soul.

Let us consider what the Eternal One spoke to Jeremiah:

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you: A prophet to the nations—that’s what I had in mind for you.” -Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)

Most of us are familiar with the words the Jehovah spoke through Jeremiah to the people of Israel. These words should fill our hearts with hope and peace:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” -Jeremiah 29:11 (VOICE)

It was Solomon, in his wisdom, who reminded us that we needed to trust God, even when we did not understand what He was doing in our lives.

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, and He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].” -Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)

I remind you of something that Paul wrote to the church in Rome:

“Don’t you know that He who pursues and explores the human heart intimately knows the Spirit’s mind because He pleads to God for His saints to align their lives with the will of God? We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.” -Romans 8:27-28 (VOICE)

The Teacher struggled with understanding the meaning of life; hence why he could not find satisfaction or contentment. It took him a lot of soul-searching and contemplation before he was able to reach a understanding that he could accept. At the end of the book of Ecclesiastes we find that he finally found understanding and closure in this matter. This is what he finally grasped:

“Here is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commandments, for this is the entire duty of man. For God will judge us for everything we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad.” -Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (TLB)

Man was to fear, respect and honor God obediently; this is our purpose. By doing things God’s way we will find contentment and peace.

“Humans cannot always see or comprehend God’s plan, but that does not mean that He does not have one. Pieces of His plan may take place within one person’s lifetime, but other segments will take centuries or even millennia to come to fruition. This can leave humans feeling like they are staggering around in the dark, but the Bible provides some comfort and numerous reminders that, no matter how crazy the world may seem to be, there really is a divine method to the madness.” ~Stephanie Hertzenberg

My friend, God has a purpose and a plan for your life; always remember that. Trust God’s plan and allow Him to prepare you for what He has for you.

“God has plans, not problems for our lives. The life of a Christian is an education for a higher service. God is training you for something.” ~Corrie ten Boom

My Prayer:
Eternal God, I am reminded that you have a purpose and a plan for every life, including mine. When I get caught up in the craziness of life and feel that life has no meaning, please remind me that you have a reason for allowing things to happen. You are preparing me for something great; though I often have no idea what it is. Help me to have faith in your plans, Lord and to trust that you are indeed working all things out for good.  Allow your peace to saturate and permeate my life. Lord, I choose to trust you.