today's meditation (Ec.2) Finding Happiness and Satisfaction

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Ecclesiastes 2:1-26)

I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure. So enjoy yourself.” And behold, it too was futility. 2 I said of laughter, “It is senseless,” and of pleasure, “What does this accomplish?” 3 I explored with my mind how to refresh my body with wine while my mind was guiding me wisely; and how to seize foolishness, until I could see what good there is for the sons of mankind to do under heaven for the few years of their lives. 4 I enlarged my works: I built houses for myself, I planted vineyards for myself; 5 I made gardens and parks for myself, and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees; 6 I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and I had slaves born at home. I also possessed flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. 8 I also amassed for myself silver and gold, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers, and the pleasures of the sons of mankind: many concubines.

9 Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. 10 All that my eyes desired, I did not refuse them. I did not restrain my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor; and this was my reward for all my labor. 11 So I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold, all was futility and striving after wind, and there was no benefit under the sun.

12 So I turned to consider wisdom, insanity, and foolishness; for what will the man do who will come after the king, except what has already been done? 13 Then I saw that wisdom surpasses foolishness as light surpasses darkness. 14 The wise person’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I know that one and the same fate happens to both of them. 15 Then I said to myself, “As is the fate of the fool, it will also happen to me. Why then have I been extremely wise?” So I said to myself, “This too is futility.” 16 For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, along with the fool, since in the coming days everything will soon be forgotten. And how the wise and the fool alike die! 17 So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was unhappy to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind.

18 So I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is futility. 20 Therefore I completely despaired over all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. 21 When there is a person who has labored with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and then gives his legacy to one who has not labored for it; this too is futility and a great evil. 22 For what does a person get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 Because all his days his activity is painful and irritating; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is futility.

24 There is nothing better for a person than to eat and drink, and show himself some good in his trouble. This too I have seen, that it is from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? 26 For to a person who is good in His sight, He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is futility and striving after wind.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Solomon, being the wisest and richest man of all time, could not find happiness, fulfillment or satisfaction in drinking, laughing, having fun, working hard, having wealth and power, or even in gaining more and more knowledge... If anyone could have had the resources to test all these things out to the max, it was Solomon.  It might make some sense and be pleasing for a while, but this will all come to an end without any benefit.  Solomon found all of it futile.  Both the wise man and the fool will perish - unless they turn to God.  

All good things come from God, and while here on earth, everyone is able to experience and enjoy these things.  The key is not to make these good things your god and your idols, but to make the Lord Jesus Christ your God and personal Savior.  Then as God blesses us with His goodness, we should be thankful and give Him the praise and the glory, while applying and using everything He gives us in the way He intended.  THEN, and only then, we will find true happiness and satisfaction.  

today's meditation (Ec.1) Finding Purpose

 (Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Ecclesiastes 1:1-18)

1   The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

2   “Futility of futilities,” says the Preacher,
     “Futility of futilities! All is futility.”

3   What advantage does a person have in all his work
     Which he does under the sun?
4   A generation goes and a generation comes,
     But the earth remains forever.
5   Also, the sun rises and the sun sets;
     And hurrying to its place it rises there again.
6   Blowing toward the south,
     Then turning toward the north,
     The wind continues swirling along;
     And on its circular courses the wind returns.
7   All the rivers flow into the sea,
     Yet the sea is not full.
     To the place where the rivers flow,
     There they flow again.
8   All things are wearisome;
     No one can tell it.
     The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
     Nor is the ear filled with hearing.
9   What has been, it is what will be,
     And what has been done, it is what will be done.
     So there is nothing new under the sun.
10 Is there anything of which one might say,
     “See this, it is new”?
     It has already existed for ages 
     Which were before us.
11 There is no remembrance of the earlier things,
     And of the later things as well, which will occur,
     There will be no remembrance of them 
     Among those who will come later still.

12 I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom about everything that has been done under heaven. It is a sorry task with which God has given the sons of mankind to be troubled. 14 I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is futility and striving after wind. 15 What is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.

16 I said to myself, “Behold, I have magnified and increased wisdom more than all who were over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my mind to know wisdom and to know insanity and foolishness; I realized that this also is striving after wind. 18 Because in much wisdom there is much grief; and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Without God in our lives, everything is wearisome... it's futile and vanity... it's all smoke, and in the end it all goes up in smoke.  Even seeking after wisdom and knowledge, if it is without God, it is empty and pointless.  One very quickly realizes that the more you know, the more you know there is to know.  And this does bring one into despair, because it causes you to face your own limitations and shortcomings compared to all the issues in the world!

The biggest problem is that the world is not interested in God.  In fact, the world prefers to try to explain Him away, like with the theory of evolution, which says that everything is just an accident.  But the all-powerful and all-knowing God created us and everything for a reason!  And the Lord has given all of us a choice to make: we can try to do everything on our own, in our own way, without purpose and in futility - or - we can go to Him to be saved, and then do things in His perfect way, with joy and purpose!

today's meditation (Pr.31:10-31) Serving God and Each Other

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Proverbs 31:10-31)

10 An excellent wife, who can find her?
     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 linen,
     And works with her hands in delight.
14 She is like merchant ships;
     She brings her food from afar.
15 And she rises while it is still night 
     And gives food to her household,
     And portions to her attendants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
     From her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She surrounds her waist with strength 
     And makes her arms strong.
18 She senses that her profit 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 watches over the activities 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.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

After yesterday's devotion about not being controlled by wealth, power... and in particular, "women" (sex and/or relationships), today we see a perfect example of a spouse and relationship   Just as Jesus is our example to follow, He is perfect because He is God (part of the trinity).  Now, we know, and obviously God knows, that we cannot be perfect (yet), but it helps to get a visual on the things we SHOULD seek and strive towards.

Most times we notice the attributes of this perfect wife:  God-fearing, loving, joyful, generous, supportive, wise, confident, strong, ready to help, hardworking... she even is entrepreneurial and works outside of the home (buying and selling).  Let's also not neglect to look at the children and the husband.  The children are well-behaved and respectful, although this will have a lot to do with both parents pouring into them love, instruction and discipline.

The husband, meanwhile, trusts his wife to manage money and have a healthy balance between work and family life.  He encourages her and praises her and allows her to enjoy the fruit of her labor.  As well, we can see that this household has servants.  Well, most of us do not!!!  This is where teamwork steps up!!!  Just as it's okay for a woman to work outside of the home, it's more than okay for a man and the children to help out around the house.

It actually all comes down to a very simple thing.  While the rest of society is centered around "me" and "myself" and "what do I get?"... as believers, just as Jesus came to serve, we all should be striving to do just that - serve!  Serve God and serve each other!  And in our service, use God's strength and guidance, and have God's love as our motive in all that we say and do.

today's meditation (Pr.31:1-9) Not Being Controlled

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Proverbs 31:1-9)

1   The words of King Lemuel, the pronouncement which his mother taught him:

2   What, my son?
     And what, son of my womb?
     And what, son of my vows?
3   Do not give your strength to women,
     Or your ways to that which destroys kings.
4   It is not for kings, Lemuel,
     It is not for kings to drink wine,
     Or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink,
5   Otherwise they will drink and forget what is decreed,
     And pervert the rights of all the needy.
6   Give intoxicating drink to one who is perishing,
     And wine to one whose life is bitter.
7   Let him drink and forget his poverty,
     And remember his trouble no more.
8   Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak,
     For the rights of all the unfortunate.
9   Open your mouth, judge righteously,
     And defend the rights of the poor and needy.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Whether we are of royalty or not, we should not be controlled by wealth, power, sex or alcohol.  Now, as Christians, we are children of God, so we do have this higher calling to be above reproach... to be more like our heavenly Father.  And because of this, our treasures are in heaven, and our strength and power come from God Himself in order to live as we should in His will.  Let nothing else distract us from looking to the Lord first for our peace, joy and hope.

today's meditation (Pr.30) Being Content

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Proverbs 30:1-33)

1   The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, the pronouncement.

     The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:

2   I am certainly more stupid than any man,
     And I do not have the understanding of a man;
3   Nor have I learned wisdom,
     Nor do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.
4   Who has ascended into heaven and descended?
     Who has gathered the wind in His fists?
     Who has wrapped the waters in His garment?
     Who has established all the ends of the earth?
     What is His name or His Son’s name?
     Surely you know!

5   Every word of God is pure;
     He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
6   Do not add to His words 
     Or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar.

7   Two things I have asked of You;
     Do not refuse me before I die:
8   Keep deception and lies far from me,
     Give me neither poverty nor riches;
     Feed me with the food that is my portion,
9   So that I will not be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?”
     And that I will not become impoverished and steal,
     And profane the name of my God.

10 Do not slander a slave to his master,
     Or he will curse you and you will be found guilty.

11 There is a kind of person who curses his father 
     And does not bless his mother.
12 There is a kind who is pure in his own eyes,
     Yet is not washed from his filthiness.
13 There is a kind—oh how lofty are his eyes!
     And his eyelids are raised in arrogance.
14 There is a kind of person whose teeth are like swords 
     And his jaw teeth like knives,
     To devour the poor from the earth 
     And the needy from among mankind.

15 The leech has two daughters:
     “Give” and “Give.”
     There are three things that will not be satisfied,
     Four that will not say, “Enough”:
16 Sheol, the infertile womb,
     Earth that is never satisfied with water,
     And fire that never says, “Enough.”
17 The eye that mocks a father 
     And scorns a mother,
     The ravens of the valley will pick it out,
     And the young eagles will eat it.

18 There are three things which are too wonderful for me,
     Four which I do not understand:
19 The way of the eagle in the sky,
     The way of a snake on a rock,
     The way of a ship in the middle of the sea,
     And the way of a man with a virgin.
20 This is the way of an adulterous woman:
     She eats and wipes her mouth,
     And says, “I have done no wrong.”

21 Under three things the earth quakes,
     And under four, it cannot endure:
22 Under a slave when he becomes king,
     And a fool when he is satisfied with food,
23 Under an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
     And a female servant when she dispossesses her mistress.

24 Four things are small on the earth,
     But they are exceedingly wise:
25 The ants are not a strong people,
     But they prepare their food in the summer;
26 The rock hyraxes are not a mighty people,
     Yet they make their houses in the rocks;
27 The locusts have no king,
     Yet all of them go out in ranks;
28 The lizard you may grasp with the hands,
     Yet it is in kings’ palaces.

29 There are three things which are stately in their march,
     Even four which are stately when they walk:
30 The lion, which is mighty among animals 
     And does not retreat from anything,
31 The strutting rooster or the male goat,
     And a king when his army is with him.

32 If you have been foolish in exalting yourself,
     Or if you have plotted evil, put your hand on your mouth.
33 For the churning of milk produces butter,
     And pressing the nose produces blood;
     So the churning of anger produces strife.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

It is pride that causes us to look to our own strength and abilities in order to protect and provide for ourselves.  When we do this, it will never be enough.  And when we are discontent and dissatisfied, we will be unhappy, jealous, frustrated and angry, which will only bring us more strife.  

We can be content in the Lord.  Because He is all-powerful, generous and loving, He is able to provide us with what we need.  What is more, He will satisfy our souls and fill our hearts, so no matter what amount of wealth God gives us, it will be enough.  

This is not to say that we should give up or stop working.  And we should never tolerate or accept sin or injustice.  As we strive to be obedient in His will, He will bless us, which includes being content.

today's meditation (Pr.29) Being Humbly Obedient

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Proverbs 29:1-27)

1   A person often rebuked who becomes obstinate 
     Will suddenly be broken beyond remedy.
2   When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
     But when a wicked person rules, people groan.
3   A man who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
     But he who involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
4   The king gives stability to the land by justice,
     But a person who takes bribes ruins it.
5   A man who flatters his neighbor 
     Is spreading a net for his steps.
6   By wrongdoing an evil person is ensnared,
     But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7   The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor;
     The wicked does not understand such concern.
8   Arrogant people inflame a city,
     But wise people turn away anger.
9   When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person,
     The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 People of bloodshed hate the blameless person,
     But the upright are concerned for his life.
11 A fool always loses his temper,
     But a wise person holds it back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to falsehood,
     All his ministers become wicked.
13 The poor person and the oppressor have this in common:
     The Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with truth,
     His throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and a rebuke give wisdom,
     But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked increase, wrongdoing increases;
     But the righteous will see their downfall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
     He will also delight your soul.
18 Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained,
     But happy is one who keeps the Law.
19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
     For though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Do you see a person who is hasty with his words?
     There is more hope for a fool than for him.
21 One who pampers his slave from childhood 
     Will in the end find him to be rebellious.
22 An angry person stirs up strife,
     And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing.
23 A person’s pride will bring him low,
     But a humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
     He hears the oath but tells nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare,
     But one who trusts in the Lord will be protected.
26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
     But justice for mankind comes from the Lord.
27 An unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,
     And one who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Even though unbelievers hate Christians and don't understand, Christians should still desire that they become believers.  As we look to the Lord for justice, He will protect us.  And as God desires that all come to know Him, and desires that we share the good news with everyone as opportunities present themselves, God will equip and help us accomplish His will.  

There is absolutely no need to argue or debate!  In God's love, strength and wisdom, there will be changed hearts, comfort and delight - all in His timing - as He convicts and works on hearts.  So we should not worry... at all.  Even if we only have the opportunity to plant a tiny seed, or do a bit of watering, no matter the outcome, God will be pleased with our humble obedience.

today's mediation (Pr.28) Being Satisfied and Prosperous

(Dear Lord Jesus, guide me and give me insight as I read and study Your word, and let it be the meditation of my heart...)

(Proverbs 28:1-28) 

1   The wicked flee when no one is pursuing,
     But the righteous are bold as a lion.
2   Due to a wrongdoing of a land its leaders are many,
     But by a person of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
3   A poor man who oppresses the helpless 
     Is like a driving rain which leaves no food.
4   Those who abandon the Law praise the wicked,
     But those who keep the Law strive against them.
5   Evil people do not understand justice,
     But those who seek the Lord understand everything.
6   Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity,
     Than a person who is crooked, though he is rich.
7   He who keeps the Law is a discerning son,
     But he who is a companion of gluttons humiliates his father.
8   One who increases his wealth by interest of any kind,
     Collects it for one who is gracious to the poor.
9   One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law,
     Even his prayer is an abomination.
10 One who leads the upright astray in an evil way 
     Will himself fall into his own pit,
     But the blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich person is wise in his own eyes,
     But the poor who has understanding sees through him.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
     But when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
13 One who conceals his wrongdoings will not prosper,
     But one who confesses and abandons them will find compassion.
14 How blessed is the person who fears always,
     But one who hardens his heart will fall into disaster.
15 Like a roaring lion and a rushing bear 
     Is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding,
     But a person who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 A person who is burdened with the guilt of human blood 
     Will be a fugitive until death; no one is to support him!
18 One who walks blamelessly will receive help,
     But one who is crooked will fall all at once.
19 One who works his land will have plenty of food,
     But one who follows empty pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful person will abound with blessings,
     But one who hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good,
     Because for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 A person with an evil eye hurries after wealth 
     And does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 One who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor 
     Than one who flatters with the tongue.
24 He who robs his father or his mother
     And says, “There is no wrong done,”
     Is the companion of a person who destroys.
25 An arrogant person stirs up strife,
     But one who trusts in the Lord will prosper.
26 One who trusts in his own heart is a fool,
     But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.
27 One who gives to the poor will never lack anything,
     But one who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves;
     But when they perish, the righteous increase.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

It doesn't matter if you appear to be good or religious, God looks at the heart.  He will only save those who confess their sins.  And as verse 13 points out, after confessing our sins, we should want to abandon our sinful ways.  Wisdom is understanding that sin hurts and destroys us and others; while obeying the Lord, living in His will and trusting Him and what He says - will satisfy and prosper us.