God's Purpose 07.31.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday July 31, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 9-12 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%209-12&version=9

Today we will read and learn about the struggles of the righteous and the wicked; that wisdom is better than strength; the wise versus the foolish; and the remembering our creator. Today's message focuses on the purpose God created us for.

"Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment." (Ecclesiastes 11:9). Solomon was famous for his wisdom, but he could be misunderstood if he implied that he was encouraging youth to let passion and pleasure go unchecked, but he reminds us that God will judge all that we do.

Solomon spent his lifetime searching for pleasure from every worldly source, but he used the word vanity over 30 times in the Book of Ecclesiastes and concluded that ignoring the Word of God was the vanity of vanities. Before finishing his message, Solomon restated the basis for true wisdom, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil." (12:13-14).

Since all of us were created for the purposes of God, all else in life should be seen as opportunities to advance the Kingdom of God by fulfilling those purposes. Satisfaction in life results from giving one's time, talents, and resources to fulfill the will of God. This is the only true source of happiness, peace of mind, and genuine enjoyment in life. Once we place God at the center of all that we do everything falls into place and we become prosperous in all that we do and even during trials we find enjoyment.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the statement: God shall bring every work into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Jesus will judge all, "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:" (John 5:22).

Have a great and wonderful afternoon and day!
God bless,
Christina

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Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday July 30, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 5-8 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to yoyr browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%205-8&version=9

Today we will read and learn about cautions against hasty vows; the emptiness of riches; the encouragement of wisdom and goodness; and respect for rulers. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that hypocrisy is an insult to God, as well as spiritually self-destructive.

The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream in which Solomon asked for wisdom. (See II Chronicles 1:7-11). Yet, we have no record that Solomon ever copied the Law by his own hand, as God had instructed Israel's kings to do, and he also broke all of the laws specifically given to kings (See Deuteronomy 17:14-20). As the years passed, he searched for satisfaction everywhere except from the Lord and His Word where it should have. Years later Solomon discovered that the rich and poor were equally obsessed with such fruitless endeavors and the only way to be fruitful is to have the Lord in their lives.

Solomon's thoughts then turned from the secular to the religious life, and he noted that many attended the House of God offering insincere prayers and making vows that were never kept. "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few." (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2). "

The word hypocrisy means to falsely claim of having admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings toward God. It may seem as if God did not hear the groanings of the innocent or see the hypocrisy of the evildoers who intrude into the sanctuary of God. "All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt. And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity." (8:9-10). However, He knew exactly what was going on and always has a meaning for allowing affliction to happen in our lives.

Often God does not immediately intervene or bring His judgment. Not only during life, but even in death itself, the wicked are often praised and buried with all the inappropriate recognition of their popularity. Yet, with all the flare, visibility, and demonstrations of these external appearances which are carried on even to the grave, they failed to deceive either God or a person who has spiritual and biblical knowledge. "When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:). Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it." (8:16-17).

The Psalmist reminds us, "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." (37:1-4).

While the course of life seems to run smoothly for those who live for the world instead of God the sinner begins to imagine that God is indifferent and not necessary. Even Christians, ignorant of God's Word, are staggered by the delay of Divine justice to inflict penalty for the wicked sins of mankind, but the judgment which God's Law attaches to sin is not an empty threat. "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." (Galatians 6:6-7).

The seemingly successful course of sin will have an end, for none have final success. "There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand." (5:13-15)

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who expects us to keep our vows made to Him. (Ecclesiastes 5:4). "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." (Matthew 5:37).

Enjoy the rest of your day!
God Bless,
Christina

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Filling The Void 07.29.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday July 29, 2008 and today we are beginning our studies on the book of Ecclesiastes. Please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiates%201-4&version=9

The book of Ecclesiastes is the twentifirst book of the Old Testament and contains 12 chapters. The book was written by King Solomon to Israel and all believers in general with a special emphasis towards the youth. The purpose of the book is to show all that a life apart from God is never satisfying and will always leave us searching for more to fill the void.

Today we will read and learn about the vanity (emptiness) of living for pleasure and material gain; that there is a reason for everything; and the varied proverbs of wisdom. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that no matter how many possesions we have or people we know all is vanity without God.

It would be easy to be impressed by the achievements of Solomon. He wrote of the many possessions that he had. "I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards: I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits: I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me: I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts. So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me." (Ecclesiastes 2:4-9). The key word here is me. Solomon did all of these things for himself. With each increasing excess, he found less and less pleasure in what he got and was always wanting more.

Solomon's adventure in search of satisfaction apart from God ended in moral and spiritual disaster. Eventually he declared, "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done." (2:11-12). The word vanity means that all is superficial or empty, the word vexation means to face displeasure or an annoyance which means that Solomon declared that without God all his possessions were superficial and displeasing.

Sadly, many today are still trying to gain fulfillment with earthly pursuits while ignoring the will of God. If only they realize their want for more to possess is merely a need for God. The wisest man on earth tried to substitute man's limited knowledge for the limitless wisdom of God in order to gain satisfaction and popularity. He only succeeded in avoiding God's best for himself as well as for his kingdom.

Solomon assumed that his vast material wealth was great not realizing that spiritually he was a beggar. Worldly greatness is deceptive in that men imagine that they will eventually reach satisfaction, but their empty souls always desire more.

Each of us needs to consider what God's purpose is for our brief lives here on earth. Are we doing things to satisfy our own needs or are we following the path that God has chosen for us. We were not created to become satisfied with the things that were set before us, but to become the person He desires us to be and to accomplish His purpose for our lives. This is not merely a decision we make in a moment, but one that determines a lifetime and eternity. Remember, God blesses all who will put Him first. "(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:32-33).

In today's message Jesus Christ is revealed through God, the true source of wisdom, and knowledge, and joy. (Ecclesiastes 2:26). "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ." (I Corinthians 2:16).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As we diligently labor for You it is not to bring attention to ourselves, but it is to bring glory to Your name and further the kingdom of God. Help us to find our place of Christian service where we can develop our gifts and expend our labors for building up the body of Christ. In Jesus' name....Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God bless,
Christina

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Develop A Lasting Relationship 07.28.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday July 28, 2008 and today we are completing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 27-31 in your Bible ot Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2027-31&version=9

Today we will read and learn about advice given to the wise; Agur's confession of his faith; the words of King Lemuel; and the praise of a good wife. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that our activities should not dishonor the Lord.

If we love someone, we want to be with them and to know what pleases them so that we can develop a lasting relationship. We also want to know what they dislike so that we can avoid words or actions that would displease them. Surely, this should also be an important consideration in our relationship with our Lord as well. "Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: but he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father. He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor." (Proverbs 28:5-8).

How can God be attentive to what we have to say if we are not interested in learning what God likes and dislikes about the things that we do. That is why it is so important to learn God's Word, He even tells us how we are to pray so that we are not asking for something that will cause harm to ourselves or others. "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." (28:9).

We can not ask God for things that go against His teaching. "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight." (I John 3:18-22).

The Book ends by describing the virtuous woman, "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life." (31:10-12). The admirable description of the virtuous woman (31:10-31) sets a standard that most Christian wives and mothers pray they can live up to, but there is an underlying behavior pattern here which outlines what God is looking for from all of us, to be godly.

Godly people are to have a heart of compassion and show it through deeds of mercy, even the clothes we wear have an impact on our relationship with God. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." (James 3:17-18).

The conclusion is that all of us, men and women alike, will be greatly blessed because we fear (respect) the Lord. "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." (Proverbs 8:13-14).

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who ascended to and descended from heaven (Proverbs 30:4). Jesus is the only one that ascended to and descended from heaven. "And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven." (John 3:13).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Today, we choose not to live according to our sinful nature that will lead to dishonoring You, we choose to live by Your Spirit that leads to a hope filled life here on earth and for all eternity. Help us in our daily struggles that tempt us to wander from You and keep our hearts in oneness with You. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a great day and week!
God Bless,
Christina

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Seeking Revenge 07.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday July 27, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Proverbs. Please read Chapters 23-26 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & Paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2023-26&version=9

Today we will read and learn about moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings and the excellence of wisdom. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that revenge is not the answer. It is because God has mercy on us that we should be quick to be merciful to others and not seek revenge on those who wronged us.

It seems normal to stand up for our rights and to fight back against those who have wronged us or to get even by causing similar suffering upon them, but, it is a serious sin to be delighted when an enemy suffers or seems to reap what we think he deserves. It is even more serious to harbor a secret hatred and a desire to bring about his downfall. "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Fret not thyself because of evil men, neither be thou envious at the wicked: For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out." (Proverbs 24:17-20).

Attitudes of bitterness, revenge, hatred, or ill will toward anyone are self destructive and are indications that we are not living nearly as close to Christ as we should. No matter how much we think that getting revenge will make us feel better the truth is unless we have a right relationship with God we will never be at peace. We are not to regard anyone as an enemy, since we were all created in the image of God and Christ died to save all of us without an exception. Instead we need to pray for the person and forgive them because it is by doing so that God himself will intervene and take care of them for you. "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." (25:21-22).

In time our enemies may become disciples of Christ and our brothers and sisters in Him. No one is justified in taking revenge and we are definitely not qualified to be judge, jury, or executioner of anyone's life. We dare not assume the position of God, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:18-21).

All thoughts of hatred and revenge are temptations of Satan, but the indwelling Holy Spirit will enable the Christian to reject them and be merciful and forgiving rather than hateful toward all who wronged us. No one has been wronged like Jesus, imagine what He went through as He endured such a painful death for our own sins, but instead of seeking revenge He prayed for His enemies, "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34a). Jesus in the end saw victory as He rose from the dead and rest assure all who have been wronged will see victory as long as they put their faith and trust in Him.

In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed as the One who rewards those who repay evil with good. (Proverbs 25: 21-22). Jesus said, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." (Luke 6:27-28).

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Look upon us, and let all the darkness of our souls vanish before the beams of thy brightness. Help us to forgive those who have wronged us. Fill us with Your love and open to us the treasures of Your wisdom. Give us peace and comfort and help us to get over the past and move on to the great blessings that You have set before us. In Jesus' name......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day!
God Bless,
Christina

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