praying effectively: Enjoy Life (Ecc.9)

(Ecclesiasties 9:1-18) For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him.

2 It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. 4 For whoever is joined with all the living, there is hope; surely a live dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor have they any longer a reward, for their memory is forgotten. 6 Indeed their love, their hate and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.

7 Go then, eat your bread in happiness and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. 8 Let your clothes be white all the time, and let not oil be lacking on your head. 9 Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning nor favor to men of ability; for time and chance overtake them all. 12 Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.

13 Also this I came to see as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me. 14 There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it and constructed large siege works against it. 15 But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded. 17 The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will: 

- that we find salvation and practice righteousness all the time (9:8)

- that we enjoy the fruits of our labor with appreciation and happiness (9:7)

- that we enjoy marriage with our "lifetime" spouse (9:9)

- that we enjoy our work (9:10)

- that we are not to know our time of death (9:12)

- that we do not loudly try to force wisdom on others (9:17)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, You bless us with so much!  May we find happiness in every good gift that You give us!  In our marriages, help us work together in Your love, unity, strength and joy.  At our jobs, help us to work as we should as if You are our boss (which ultimately You are) so that we can find satisfaction, inspiration and motivation.  In all things, as we practice and live in Your will, give us contentment so that having Your joy will increase and abound.  Amen.

praying effectively: Obey Laws of Country (Ecc.8)

(Ecclesiastes 8:1-13)  Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.

2 I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.” 4 Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

5 He who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. 6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a man’s trouble is heavy upon him. 7 If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? 8 No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it. 9 All this I have seen and applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun wherein a man has exercised authority over another man to his hurt.

10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out from the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did thus. This too is futility. 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. 12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly. 13 But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:  

- that we are obedient to the laws of the country, unless they contradict God's laws (8:2-3)

- that we openly fear God (8:12)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Fathers, help us respect government leaders, and respect the laws that they put in place.  Give us wisdom to know when they contradict Your laws and how to navigate those issues, while still staying within Your will.  

Let us not put our hope and faith in politics, but guide us in Your strength and confidence to publicly demonstrate an awesome respect and love for You - always putting Your first in every aspect of our lives.  Amen.

praying effectively: Be Ready to Go (Ecc.7)

(Ecclesiastes 7:1-29)  

 A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting,  because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad a heart may be happy.
4 The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, while the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools.
6 For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; and this too is futility.
7 For oppression makes a wise man mad, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning; patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.
9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
11 Wisdom along with an inheritance is good and an advantage to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.
13 Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent?
14 In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.

15 I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? 17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.

19 Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. 21 Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. 22 For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will: 

- that we do not have a heart for anger (7:8-9)

- that we are not self-righteous or show off how much we know (7:16)

- that we realize we are not perfect, but that we do not set out to be wicked or foolish (7:17)

- that we practice GRACE... we do not have to hear everything that is spoken about us, because it is just not necessary... there will be people who do not like us or they are just angry people and that is their issue.  In the same way, because we are not perfect, we have said things about others which would be unnecessary for them to hear (7:21-22)

- that we do not long for the "good ol' days", but instead live in the here and now (7:10)

- that we realize we all must face death and deal with it by focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus which leads to eternal life (7:4)

- that we prefer the rebukes of the wise, rather than the songs of fools (7:5)

- that we consider and respect the work of God that He has done (7:13)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and grace!!!  As soon as we come into this world, we are spiritually dead - so we need You to save us from death.  And because we are not perfect and continue to sin - we need Your grace, and Your continual wisdom and guidance.

Help us extend Your grace to others, realizing that we are not better than anyone else.  May our hearts not be filled with anger, but be filled with Your love and patience.  Help us avoid arguments, and when they do occur, help us to quickly reconcile.

And when You allow us go through struggles as a test, may we stay focused on You, realizing that You intend this for good.  May we continue to do Your will and mature spiritually, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves, and not long for the good 'ol days - which were no better than today!  Help us strive onward in Your strength.  Amen.

praying effectively: Enjoy God's Rewards (Ecc.5:10-20)

(Ecclesiastes 5:10-20)  He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. 11 When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? 12 The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.

13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt. 14 When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. 15 As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. 16 This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind? 17 Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger.

18 Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. 19 Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we enjoy the fruits of our labor which is a reward from God (5:18)
- that if God has blessed us with a lot of wealth, realize that we can enjoy this, which is a reward from God (5:19)
- that we do not hoard our money and neglect supporting and nurturing our family (5:13-14)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, You have blessed us with so much.  When we work, may it not be for the love of money;  but that we love You, and we are representing You, no matter where we are... at work, at home or at play...

Help us never to feel guilty when You reward us with more.  Let us realize that it is more than okay to enjoy the gifts that You have given to us.  And out of great thankfulness and appreciation, let us be generous in our giving to You, as well as to those who are in need, while never neglecting our own families.  Give us wisdom in knowing how to appropriately use and invest the resources which You have blessed us.  Amen. 

praying effectively: Guard Your Steps (Ecc.5:1-9)

(Ecclesiastes 5:1-9)

Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. 2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few. 3 For the dream comes through much effort and the voice of a fool through many words.

4 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.

8 If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them. 9 After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we guard our steps, even when we go to a church, make sure that the church is not apostate, but that they are teaching correct doctrines and living them out (5:1)
- that, even in a church, we should not be hasty to point out an issue or try to change their format (5:2)
- that we should be careful how we talk, especially to a leader in the church (5:6)
- that we should respect our spiritual leaders (5:6)
- that we fear God (5:7)
- that if we make a vow to God, we should be quick to carry that out, for instance with tithing or giving extra financial gifts (5:4)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, guard Your Church!  Convict the hearts of those who are misrepresenting You to turn back to Your word, and to not pick and choose the parts that they like and disregard what they don't like.

Help us to know when we should stay in a church and pray for turnarounds, or when we should find another church.  If it is just a matter of a few issues, keep us from running away or church hopping, but rather help us reconcile and learn how to work together in unity.

Thank You for providing a church to us which lives out Your love and Your word, with pastors who are not afraid to lovingly and wisely challenge and guide us.  Protect our spiritual leaders and keep them steadfast.  Continue to inspire them as to how to effectively shepherd the flock, with strong visions in keeping Your direction.

Keep the church's family members growing and maturing.  Inspire us to love and serve one another.  Help us all to realize that when we tithe - because You have given us everything - You will bless us and the church.  Guide the church in using the funds effectively.  May we be accountable to one another and to You.   Amen.

praying effectively: Rejoice and Do Good (Ecc.3)

(Ecclesiastes 3:12-14)

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; 13 moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we realize everything we need for an eternal life is through God (3:14)
- that we realize there is nothing we can do to earn our way to heaven, or earn favor with God.  God already loves us, and God provides the way (3:14)
- that we fear God (3:14)
- that we realize everything we have is a gift of God (3:13)
- that we should we rejoice (3:12)
- that we should do good (3:12)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, wow!  Usually when reading through Ecclesiastics, a person can get caught up in the theme of the hopeless, empty cycle of "vanity";  or get caught up in observing how Solomon tried all the worldly ways of fulfilling oneself - without favorable results.  Just like we can observe and get caught up in these same things in the world all around us - meanwhile missing or forgetting about the glaring message of light that is right in front of us!!!

Right here in these three verses, I was blown away by how much hopeful information there was.  And Solomon knew this already, yet he still had to try things the world's way.  And because he had the power and the financial means (more than any person on earth ever could) - he could really go all out in his efforts.  Only to find out that (no matter how much education, power, money or pleasure a person has) life is empty and incomplete without You in it.  And Your way provides all the answers for everything!

I know I have periodically tried it the world's way, or my way - and I have seen firsthand that these ways do not work.  And any time I live out Your way, things work out one hundred percent!  The outcome is often not how I would have had it - but then down the road I can see the brilliance of it.  So I confess my rebellious ways.

After all the good things that You have provided to us - AND You paid the price for sin so we could have eternal life as a gift - - - after realizing and choosing salvation - - - why would we ever want to stray?  Why would we not want to rejoice and be thankful?  Why would we not want to do good and obey?  Why would we not want to put You in first place for our life all the time?  Help me to continually keep You on my throne!  Direct my paths from day to day.  Keep me close and direct each step I take.  Amen.

praying effectively: Seek Healthy Relationships (Pv.31:10-31)

(Proverbs 31:10-31)  

10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying:
29 “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that it is allowed for a wife to be praised (31:31)
- that children bless their mother (31:28)
- that husbands praise their wives publicly (31:28-29)
- that husbands are wise and have a good reputation (31:23)
- that husbands trust their wives (31:11)
- that wives are trustworthy and do good for their husbands (31:12)
- that wives are allowed to enjoy the fruit of their labor (31:31)
- that wives are joyfully productive (31:13)
- that wives are industrious and entrepreneurial (31:16-17, 19, 24, 27)
- that wives are willing to help out the people in need (31:20)
- that wives should fear the Lord (31:30)
- that wives are strong, dignified, and have a positive outlook for the future (31:25)
- that wives are wise (31:26)
- that wives teach with kindness (31:26)
- that wives manage the household well (31:27)
- that wives make sure her family and employees are fed well (31:14-15)
- that wives make sure that their family is clothed well and clothed appropriately (31:21)
- that wives make sure they are dressed well (31:22)
- that wives are willing to get up at night if there's an issue with the children (31:18)

Today's prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the families which You have blessed us with, whether they are familial or our church families.  May we graciously work together in unity, all in Your strength, wisdom and love.

May we all realize that we need to be doing our part, working together and using our gifts and talents to serve.  And even when tasks might not be "fun", help us adjust our attitudes so we can strive to do them joyfully.  Help us make ourselves available to wherever there is a need which matches our abilities.  And when it is not something within our abilities, guide us to know what else we can do, and guide us all to be in prayer.  May we always be praying for each other

May we seize the opportunities to be teaching each other, with a spirit of lovingkindness.  Help us respect and honor each other.  And may we also be blessing, praising and encouraging each other.

Help us realize that we do not have to dress in dowdy rags or the latest most expensive brand names - but that we should be dressing nicely and appropriately, because we represent You and each other.  Help us realize that whatever we do - reflects on each other as a testimony to the world.  Guide us to love each other with Your selfless love.  Amen.