praying effectively: Invest Wisely (Ecc.11)

(Ecclesiastes 11:1-10)  Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. 2 Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. 3 If the clouds are full, they pour out rain upon the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. 4 He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. 5 Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things.

6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good.

7 The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun. 8 Indeed, if a man should live many years, let him rejoice in them all, and let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything that is to come will be futility.

9 Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things. 10 So, remove grief and anger from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.

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 hoard food for ourselves, but export our produce to other areas of the world (11:1)

- that we do not put all our investments into one place (11:2)

- that if we have a task to do, make sure we complete it and not neglect it (11:6)

- that everything we do, even as a youth, even if it seems "good" in our eyes, know that these things will be judged by God (now, and if we do not deal with our sins, then also forever) (11:9)

- that we go to God for forgiveness and healing and eternal life (11:10)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us purpose in life.  Let us not squander what You have given to us, whether it is our finances, ideas, time or energy...  Let us wisely work, invest and share, knowing that we are accountable to You for everything we do or not do.  

Thank You for being the righteous judge.  Thank You for providing eternal salvation and security to anyone who goes to You.  Thank You for loving us enough to discipline us when we stray.  Thank You for Your instructions and guidance to us avoid straying!  Thank You for Your patience and understanding!  Keep us steadfast in Your love, wisdom and strength.  Amen.