Date:
September 6-10, 2013Interlude of Rare Insight
The interlude in Ecclesiastes 3:11-15, though brief, brings into perspective several things Solomon had missed in his search for purpose and direction.
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Rejoicing and Doing Good
God gives us the ability to do good. True good deeds don’t come from an exchange mentality, when you give expecting something back. True good works are selfless.
Confessions of a Cynic
In the final paragraph of Chapter 3, Solomon is alone with his thoughts. He admits his disillusionment and confusion.
Suffering and Injustice
One day God will judge all people for the injustices committed. But for now, God is patience with us and so the injustice on earth continues. Even though His judgment is delayed, it’s more certain than tomorrow’s sunrise.
Rose Petals and Posies
When we acknowledge God is in control (not us) it makes a difference in how we live...and in how we die.
All that Lasts
Everything you have is on loan. You can’t take any of it with you when you die. What matters most is what you pass on. When you make your life a gift to others, you’re investing in eternity. And that’s a great way to live.
Worth the Wait
Some things are worth waiting for. Do you struggle with God’s timing? Think of Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Trust that God knows what He’s doing and wait patiently for Him to act.
A Time to Laugh
There may be people in your life who are causing conflict and tension—take it first to God in prayer. Refuse to retaliate and trust God for the outcome.
Impatience
Waiting for God isn’t easy. It’s because His timing is different than ours. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “God has made everything beautiful in its time.” This means we must wait for God. He will make everything beautiful in its time.
Stop Procrastinating and Start Following Through
Though often overlooked in our comfortable society, laziness is a dangerous sin…with the potential to cripple us spiritually. Chuck Swindoll calls us to begin actively pursuing right living…rather than indulging in slothfulness.
