“I gave my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I perceived that this also is a searching after wind and a feeding on it. For in much [human] wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 ->me: These set of verses to close out the first chapter of the Ecclesiastes are very reminiscent of Paul’s words in Romans 1:21&22 – “Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves].” The thinkers of this world become so frustrated. No matter how much they ponder all things, they cannot straighten out life’s anomalies; they cannot reduce all they see to a neat system. Their wisdom may help in some things, but it cannot solve the fundamental problem of life. The writer of Ecclesiastes is making it super clear that without God (without faith) the world is a hamster wheel that spins and spins. All of creation groans with the hope of when the cycle of decay and corruption end (Romans 8:20-21).
[QTVOTD] Starting Ecclesiastes
“Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities, says the Preacher. Vapor of vapors and futility of futilities! All is vanity (emptiness, falsity, and vainglory). What profit does man have left from all his toil at which he toils under the sun? [Is life worth living?]” Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 ->me: I have moved my daily quiet times to a journey through Ecclesiastes. I am very excited. The introductions I have read say that it is either Solomon himself who wrote this book or someone observing his wisdom and writing it down. Ecclesiastes means “the Preacher” or “one who addresses an assembly”. The timing of the writing does not matter – these words and wisdom are timeless. The first couple of verses of this book paint a pessimistic picture. “Everything is vain and futile…why is life even worth living?” -> But what about when faith is introduced? “All is vanity” is still true, but it is not the whole picture. With my faith in God new factors are brought in (the generosity of God, divine providence, divine judgement). The vanity of life is not erased or forgotten; however, these new factors transform the perspective and turn pessimism into faith! My new perspective will not cancel the old one out but I am living in an overlap -> my new perspective revolutionizes my outlook. I cannot wait to learn more from this book!!!
[QTVOTD] Wrapping up Colossians.
“Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in everything willed by God.” Colossians 4:12 ->me: Today I finished up my reading through Colossians. One of the things that stood out to me the most in chapter 4 is prayer. I like the analogy of prayer being used like a combat radio in battle. Calling in reinforcements or air strikes to break open doors for the gospel to spread. We can also use this radio to call enemy positions or call for aircover for a nearby fire team. Thanksgiving must also accompany these radio conversations – Thank you Sir for clearing the enemy out of the area; we were able to recover prisoners of war. We were able to retake the town for the Kingdom thanks to your intervention, Thank you. All too often we use prayer as like a household conventional intercom -> Hey, can you bring a pillow down to the den to make me more comfortable? One more thing, can you have the kitchen staff make some Danishes tonight after dinner? Lord, help me to be not only respectful and understanding of my mission but help me to not rest to comfortably in the things of this world -> help me to keep a vigilant eye on who needs Your help and what I can do further Your purposes; grasping every opportunity before me to win more souls for You.
[QTVOTD] Walk to win souls…
“Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].” Colossians 4:5-6 -me: Evangelism == making the Mystery of Jesus clear to the unsaved. I must walk in wisdom – Wisdom is received from God. How do I walk in wisdom if my nose is not in the Word of God every day, if I am not in tune with the direction of the Holy Spirit, and not in steadfast prayer? I am to give the world no reason to criticize or gossip about the behavior of Christians. A blameless life lays the foundation for a gracious witness. I must regard every moment as an opportunity to share my faith. What I am learning from these 2 verses today is that I need to move forward actively working to make my witness interesting, lively, and colorful [salty]; and at the same time, make sure I have mastered the doctrine of my faith so that I may answer any question put my way by a new believer or newborn Christian. Having the right answer is not enough; I must be careful that my answers are gracious and the questioner feels loved and respected.
[QTVOTD] How you pray…
“Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life], being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving and at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ (the Messiah) on account of which I am in prison; that I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty.” Colossians 4:2-4 ->me: This passage is such an awesome call and explanation of how to pray. Pray proactively for all things. Be on the lookout for things to pray for the Lord’s hand in. Don’t forget to be deliberate in prayer of thanksgiving. Pray for my pastors as they spread the Word of the Gospel, that the word would fall on ears that God has opened and that those people would respond. A little extra tidbit for you today that really touched me through a message I was listening to yesterday -> for those of you with loss, trial, illness, chronic pain, or emotional depression -> God never gives a thorn without this added grace: He take the thorn to pin back the veil that hides His face….BAM!!!
[QTVOTD] Who do YOU work for??
“Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him. Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).” Colossians 3:22-24 ->me: In my current place as an employee of a major software company, my focus must be that my work and execution is representative of my devotion to my Eternal King and Heavenly Master. My focus cannot be an effort to elicit favor from men or even for myself -> it must be to glorify the One Who has redeemed me from the death I deserve. This is most important on the days I am tired, discouraged, frustrated, or even lazy. I have work to do in this area of my witness. I have allowed my pride and selfishness to impact my effectiveness. That changes today.
[QTVOTD] LOVE your kids…
“Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or fret your children [do not be hard on them or harass them], lest they become discouraged and sullen and morose and feel inferior and frustrated. [Do not break their spirit.]” Colossians 3:21 -> me: I fear that I have been too hard lined on the rails of life my kids must follow. I feel that the Lord is telling me to let-go-and-let-Him. I would be mortified if Bella, Sophie, or Prim felt discouraged or dispirited. My job is to live out the gospel to my children: that is, to assure them that they are loved and accepted and valued for who they are, not for who they ought to be, should have been, or might (if only they would try a little harder) become. Obedience must never be construed as a condition of my love. When I am obedient to acts of genuine love towards my kids, their obedience may become like that of a follower of Jesus to God -> a glad and loving response.
[QTVOTD] A husband should model…
“Wives, be subject to your husbands [subordinate and adapt yourselves to them], as is right and fitting and your proper duty in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives [be affectionate and sympathetic with them] and do not be harsh or bitter or resentful toward them.” Colossians 3:18-19 ->me: These last couple of years, as we have led our Young Marrieds Life Group, the understanding of the Lord’s stance on husbands and wives has been paramount. Here is the best way I think about these roles in God’s eyes. The bible is full of hierarchy – The Father is the Head of Jesus, Jesus is the Head of the husband, and the husband is the head of his wife. In the spiritual sense wives and husbands are seen no differently in God’s eyes – See Galatians 3:28. However, in role and function God does see a distinction. Being subject does not mean slave or door mat, only that the wife should resist the temptation to manage her husband out of his role as the head of the home; his role as subject to his head -> Christ. If a husband wants to see his wife be subject to him then he should model what it means to be submissive to his head (Jesus) for her. Only when this hierarchy is in alignment will God work powerfully through prayer their marriage – See 1 Peter 3:7
[QTVOTD] Just do these 5 things…
“And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 ->me: This verse really goes hand in hand with verse 12 (Clothe yourselves). In the previous verses to 17 Paul talks about making our hearts the home of the Gospel of Jesus. Here are the 5 things that Paul tells us to do in order accomplish living the virtues and attributes worthy of the Father -> 1) Clothe ourselves as God’s chosen ones. 2) Let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts 3) Let the spoken word of Christ the Messiah, have its home in our hearts. 4) We are to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ 5) Give thanks to the Father through the Person of Jesus. When I focus myself on these things there is almost no possible way to act in a manner that is counter to the Lord’s will in my life.
[QTVOTD] The Bond of Perfection
“And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].” Colossians 3:14 ->me: The bible also tells us that God IS love so when this verse says that love is ‘the bond of perfection’ it makes sense. The virtues: Tenderhearted Pity, Mercy, Kindness, Selflessness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, and Forgiveness all become distorted and unbalanced when they are pursued without LOVE. If I am saved then I am IN Christ and He is in me. If He is love then the fruit of my life will be these virtues enveloped in LOVE.