Some instructions from Solomon, the wisest King of Israel:
*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
*8*Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
*9*Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. *10*Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10.
This passage may seem like a simple list of values, they are quite basic elements of life really. But, maybe Solomon is encouraging us to go back to basics to get the most out of the ‘vain life’ we have here on Earth. Sometimes it is the little things that effect us most either by their presence or absence. Amongst these verses I had 10 thoughts about what Solomon is advising us to do. Consider as you read them - Do you apply them to your own life? What difference would it make if you did?
1. ‘Go, eat your bread with joy’ - Be content. Give your body what it needs, and appreciate that you have it. Enjoy nourishing your body. If your body is satisfied then this can effect your mental and emotional state too. Take care of the body God has given you, and enjoy doing it.
2. ‘drink your wine with a merry heart' - Enjoy what you have. Set your heart and mind to be appreciative, grateful. Take pleasure in the simple things.
3. ‘God has already approved what you do’ - Quit worrying. You are approved and accepted. There is no need to worry about what you have/haven’t done, you are already accepted and valued just as you are. You are who you are meant to be so have confidence.
4. ‘Let your garments be always white’ - Be innocent. Don’t do things you are unsure of, don’t be compromised, but lead a life that is free from reproach. Live in innocence, don’t get entangled in things you know or suspect are not right.
5. ‘Let not oil be lacking on your head’ - Hold your head up high, know your own righteousness, don’t live feeling guilty, but live forgiven and free from sin. You are anointed, you have been set apart and are of value and worth. Live life knowing that.
6. ‘Enjoy life with the wife whom you love’ - Enjoy your family and appreciate marriage. Take time to have fun with your family. Play games, go out, be silly and have a good time with your spouse, and if you don’t have one, do the the same with those who are important to you.
7. ‘Enjoy life….. because that is your portion in life’ - You have one life, so live it, enjoy what you have, eat, drink and be merry - take opportunities to stretch, challenge and have fun. God gave us this life that we may live, not so that we could be dull and bored, but He has given much to be enjoyed - don’t get so busy or distracted that you miss out on that joy.
8. ‘that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun’ - Your spouse and family are given to you to give you relief and enjoyment in the trouble of life. Marriage can be hard work, but it can also be enjoyed. The hard work of married life will be of benefit for the rest of your life. You have been given the family situation you are in for a reason. It may seem like hard work at times, but it can also keep you going in the toil of employment and life in general.
9. ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might’ - Work hard. Don’t hold back, don’t cut corners, have integrity. Work hard at what you have the opportunity to do right now. It may not be the dream job, the end goal, but don't lose focus of the value of what you have in your hands to do now. Do it and do it well.
10. ‘there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.’ - Ahhh, this passage ends with the joyous thought that we are going to die! One day this life will be over so appreciate what you’ve got whilst you’ve got it; Use the; imagination, knowledge and wisdom God has given you whilst you’ve got it. One day it will be too late to do so.
In summary - enjoy the life God has given you, appreciate all the parts that make up your life and know your value in it. Don't hold back in employment, family life or having fun!
Thursday 25 July 2019
Wednesday 17 July 2019
What are you living for?
As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. *3*This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. *4*But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. *5*For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. *6*Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.
*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
Ecclesiastes 9:2–7.
Well, isn’t this inspiring?!
This section of scripture can sound a bit depressing, quite stark, a bit of a downer. It shows us that no matter what kind of person you are - you will die. It doesn’t matter if you are kind or not, generous or not, a christian or not, you will die. That is the end for us all. It doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is like, the things you do to prolong or enhance your existence, you will, one day, die. We don’t tend to like to think about it, but it is true. Just as true as the fact that you came into existence, you will also cease to exist on Earth.
Solomon seems fascinated by this fact. He, the wisest man on Earth, is consumed by the purpose of this finite life. He searched for meaning - an explanation of what life is about. He realised that it so quickly ceases, so there must be a reason for the life lived. Solomon saw and experienced a great many things; good and evil, wisdom and folly, rich and poor, and he still couldn’t make sense of it all. All he discovered was that it all ends, whatever kind of life you have, it ends. One day it won’t matter how much; money, power or influence, you have, because in the blink of an eye you could be dead and all of that will vanish. As the verses above say - once you’re dead you know nothing, you get no reward from your endeavours, even the memory of who you are and what you’ve done will die, you’ll never see the sun again or gain anything from what’s on Earth. So, in light of these considerations, it raises the question - What are you living for?
What are you living for?
If you know at some point you are going to die, you know your life is finite, how are you living in light of that?
Solomon, a man of unfathomable wisdom, discovered that the best way to live life is to look at life back-to-front. He considered the fact that we are all going to die, and from there considered what the important things in life are. Surely, having the reality of death in the forefront of our minds should effect the way we live now. Solomon shows that we should live like we are going to die. There are few people that know the reality of this - some do - I particularly think of those given a terminal diagnosis. They know their life on Earth is ending, so they say the things they have been afraid to say, aim to restore relationships, organise money and possessions. They learn to appreciate the everyday things and every minute they have. People who live like they are going to die make different decisions in their lives, their outlook is different because they know it all soon be over. They will take enjoyment from flowers, the sun, their breakfast, the holding of a hand or the fun of a game. They may have a last minute, once in a lifetime experience, do something they have always wanted to do. They may forgive people, become braver and kinder - choosing to leave this world with no animosity, anger or regret. People do not want to die with envy and hate in their hearts, or even leave that behind for others. People seek peace and contentment, joy and comfort in their last days. So, why should we live our lives any different?
What if we all started looking at life like that - Living like we are going to die?
What would you change about your life? Experiences? Relationships? Time? Who do you need to forgive? What do you need to take up or give up? Is there something you want to work towards?
Don’t put these things off to another day, another year - who knows how many you’ve got left? Once your time is over there’s no replay, you cannot live this life again. You’ve got one shot, so what are you going to do about it?
Appreciate the life you have got and make the most of it - Live like you are going to die.
*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
Ecclesiastes 9:2–7.
Well, isn’t this inspiring?!
This section of scripture can sound a bit depressing, quite stark, a bit of a downer. It shows us that no matter what kind of person you are - you will die. It doesn’t matter if you are kind or not, generous or not, a christian or not, you will die. That is the end for us all. It doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is like, the things you do to prolong or enhance your existence, you will, one day, die. We don’t tend to like to think about it, but it is true. Just as true as the fact that you came into existence, you will also cease to exist on Earth.
Solomon seems fascinated by this fact. He, the wisest man on Earth, is consumed by the purpose of this finite life. He searched for meaning - an explanation of what life is about. He realised that it so quickly ceases, so there must be a reason for the life lived. Solomon saw and experienced a great many things; good and evil, wisdom and folly, rich and poor, and he still couldn’t make sense of it all. All he discovered was that it all ends, whatever kind of life you have, it ends. One day it won’t matter how much; money, power or influence, you have, because in the blink of an eye you could be dead and all of that will vanish. As the verses above say - once you’re dead you know nothing, you get no reward from your endeavours, even the memory of who you are and what you’ve done will die, you’ll never see the sun again or gain anything from what’s on Earth. So, in light of these considerations, it raises the question - What are you living for?
What are you living for?
If you know at some point you are going to die, you know your life is finite, how are you living in light of that?
Solomon, a man of unfathomable wisdom, discovered that the best way to live life is to look at life back-to-front. He considered the fact that we are all going to die, and from there considered what the important things in life are. Surely, having the reality of death in the forefront of our minds should effect the way we live now. Solomon shows that we should live like we are going to die. There are few people that know the reality of this - some do - I particularly think of those given a terminal diagnosis. They know their life on Earth is ending, so they say the things they have been afraid to say, aim to restore relationships, organise money and possessions. They learn to appreciate the everyday things and every minute they have. People who live like they are going to die make different decisions in their lives, their outlook is different because they know it all soon be over. They will take enjoyment from flowers, the sun, their breakfast, the holding of a hand or the fun of a game. They may have a last minute, once in a lifetime experience, do something they have always wanted to do. They may forgive people, become braver and kinder - choosing to leave this world with no animosity, anger or regret. People do not want to die with envy and hate in their hearts, or even leave that behind for others. People seek peace and contentment, joy and comfort in their last days. So, why should we live our lives any different?
What if we all started looking at life like that - Living like we are going to die?
What would you change about your life? Experiences? Relationships? Time? Who do you need to forgive? What do you need to take up or give up? Is there something you want to work towards?
Don’t put these things off to another day, another year - who knows how many you’ve got left? Once your time is over there’s no replay, you cannot live this life again. You’ve got one shot, so what are you going to do about it?
Appreciate the life you have got and make the most of it - Live like you are going to die.
Thursday 11 July 2019
The little things
I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 8:15.
Find reasons to be cheerful.
This seems to be the essence of what Solomon is saying here. It is the everyday things, the basic things, the necessities, the things that most of us take for granted, that we should take note of and enjoy. Yet how much do we take notice of the simple things? let alone take time to enjoy them?
We should, ‘eat drink and be joyful’. I eat and drink during the day, but I don’t even really think about it. I take for granted that once I’ve finished this drink, I can get another, and it’ll probably taste the same, just like food, it’s tasty, and fuels my body, but I don’t really think about it too much. Maybe I should start to. With many of us living a hectic lifestyle, enjoyment and appreciation of the basic things of life seem to pale into insignificance compared to the latest work project, the next obstacle or achievement we are faced with.
We can get so consumed by the big things of life; the successes, disappointments and struggles that we can miss something of the beauty of the small things. However, they are no less powerful and important than the next big thing in our life. In fact, the small things are probably most important - you certainly notice it when you don’t eat or drink for a while! So, why are we so consumed with other things? Why do we give them more time and energy than the things that we actually need? The necessities of life can be overlooked so easily, it is hard to enjoy them as Solomon recommends we do.
Yet, If we appreciated and accounted for all the basic things we have, how can we cease to be grateful and joyful?!
In fact, if we counted up all our basic needs that are met each and everyday they would all mount up to a significant mountain! If we consider all the little blessings in our lives, how could we fail to see the joy and blessing in our lives?
If anyone reading this is feeling down and despondent, I can understand that the struggles of life can weigh you down, things can get on top of you and you can feel alone and distraught, so, instead of focussing on whatever it is that is causing you to feel defeated, I encourage you not to lose sight of the small things. Consider all the basic things in your life that you have, the little things to be grateful for. The beauty of a flower, the refreshment of a good cuppa, your favourite pair of shoes, whatever it is that makes you smile, think about these things. When you do this, you will see that, in fact, you have a the mountain of blessings that far outweigh your biggest problem. We all have many basic things to be happy about and when you see life in this light, you can start tackling your problem in a new way.
‘eat and drink and be joyful’
Could this be the wisdom of Solomon? To enjoy the things we have, to be content, have gratitude and to rely not our own selves but on God?
Another translation of this verse is; ’I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.’ (New Living Translation).
Today, count your blessings, consider the little gifts of joy God has given you.
Ecclesiastes 8:15.
Find reasons to be cheerful.
This seems to be the essence of what Solomon is saying here. It is the everyday things, the basic things, the necessities, the things that most of us take for granted, that we should take note of and enjoy. Yet how much do we take notice of the simple things? let alone take time to enjoy them?
We should, ‘eat drink and be joyful’. I eat and drink during the day, but I don’t even really think about it. I take for granted that once I’ve finished this drink, I can get another, and it’ll probably taste the same, just like food, it’s tasty, and fuels my body, but I don’t really think about it too much. Maybe I should start to. With many of us living a hectic lifestyle, enjoyment and appreciation of the basic things of life seem to pale into insignificance compared to the latest work project, the next obstacle or achievement we are faced with.
We can get so consumed by the big things of life; the successes, disappointments and struggles that we can miss something of the beauty of the small things. However, they are no less powerful and important than the next big thing in our life. In fact, the small things are probably most important - you certainly notice it when you don’t eat or drink for a while! So, why are we so consumed with other things? Why do we give them more time and energy than the things that we actually need? The necessities of life can be overlooked so easily, it is hard to enjoy them as Solomon recommends we do.
Yet, If we appreciated and accounted for all the basic things we have, how can we cease to be grateful and joyful?!
In fact, if we counted up all our basic needs that are met each and everyday they would all mount up to a significant mountain! If we consider all the little blessings in our lives, how could we fail to see the joy and blessing in our lives?
If anyone reading this is feeling down and despondent, I can understand that the struggles of life can weigh you down, things can get on top of you and you can feel alone and distraught, so, instead of focussing on whatever it is that is causing you to feel defeated, I encourage you not to lose sight of the small things. Consider all the basic things in your life that you have, the little things to be grateful for. The beauty of a flower, the refreshment of a good cuppa, your favourite pair of shoes, whatever it is that makes you smile, think about these things. When you do this, you will see that, in fact, you have a the mountain of blessings that far outweigh your biggest problem. We all have many basic things to be happy about and when you see life in this light, you can start tackling your problem in a new way.
‘eat and drink and be joyful’
Could this be the wisdom of Solomon? To enjoy the things we have, to be content, have gratitude and to rely not our own selves but on God?
Another translation of this verse is; ’I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.’ (New Living Translation).
Today, count your blessings, consider the little gifts of joy God has given you.
Saturday 6 July 2019
What power do you have?
In this world, what do we seek?
I think that many of the things we seek after ultimately come down to the desire to have more control - more power in our lives.
We all like to have a bit of power, and usually we’d like more of it. Even as children we wish for more power - many of our battles with our daughter at the moment involve the reality that she wishes to do her own thing no matter what’s going on or who that effects - she wants greater control and to exert the power she has. At heart though, aren’t we all the same as our girl? Aren’t we all stuck in a rhythm in which we desire more power and want our own way? We want the control and power to get life going the way we want it to.
One way we can do this is by seeking an increase of money because we want the opportunity to have different options, really wanting more control in our lives - the power to make different choices. Some desire to make their way up a career pathway, they will end up with more power and control as they increase in responsibility and influence. They then have power over others as well as themselves.
For myself, I have never desired to be the top of any career ladder, I have not sought money, reknown or progression in the jobs I have had. So, you may think I have escaped this power-lust, but I haven’t. I am quite happy to be part of a team and work hard, yet I do not want the power or responsibility of being in charge. I am quite happy with being an assistant, not being top dog at work, because what I actually want is control over my home life. I do not want my life to be dictated to by work. So, you see, even this decision is showing that I desire authority and power, but over life outside work.
It seems that none of us can escape - we are all a bit power-hungry, no matter how we convince ourselves otherwise - we all like control, we all crave power as we yearn to make our own decisions for our own lives. None of us are immune.
Considering this has caused me to consider - how much power do we really have?
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 8:8 (several translations coming up);
English Standard Version
No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.
New Living Translation
None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.
King James Bible
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
Good News Translation
No one can keep from dying or put off the day of death. That is a battle we cannot escape; we cannot cheat our way out.
These verses are all different interpretations of the same verse. They all show that our power is limited. Our ability to control or have power over things has boundaries. Over one of the true major events of life - we have no say. The day we die is already determined and it doesn’t matter how many ways we try to avoid it, elongate it or ignore it, we still have no power to change it.
Some of these interpretations state that we cannot ‘retain the spirit’. Our spirit, the essence of who we are, cannot be imprisoned or controlled, it will depart from our earthly body on the day we die. It cannot be held captive in a vessel that no longer breathes - it lives on, not aimlessly, but moves on to what is next - so where is your spirit going when the guaranteed event the comes to us all comes to you? What is going to happen to you when you die?
Well, there is good news - you do have some authority and power to choose the eternal destination of your spirit. It all depends on what you do now.
There are two options for your life after death - With God or without Him.
It’s your call. You may not have power over your dying moment, but you do have the ability to choose where you are going afterwards. You cannot control how, when or where you die, but you can make a decision now that determines where your life hereafter will be.
So, where will it be?
Where are you choosing to go when you die?
With God? Without God?
You have the power and right to choose for yourself, it does not depend on anyone else to seal your eternal fate, this decision you have the power and authority to make yourself.
It is all about if you accept and live out the forgiveness Jesus gave when he died on the cross. If you believe in him, accept his forgiveness, and live out a new life in him then your spirit will live on with God. So, on the day of death, when the spirit is released from its earthly cage, you have a guaranteed future with God, and the reality of that day approaching should hold no fear for you even though you cannot control it.
What about if you don’t believe in God? Well, then, it is an eternity without God for you. As you choose to live your life now, without Him, so will your life after be. Considering that God is love, that’s not going to be a very pleasant place to be. Imagine living in an environment that is completely devoid of love, the complete opposite to a loving environment, that is what you are choosing for yourself.
Some may read this and think they will put on hold a decision about this, but you and I do not know how long we have to make that decision. You have no power to decide how long you have left, you may not have another chance to decide on your eternal destination, so what will it be?
I think that many of the things we seek after ultimately come down to the desire to have more control - more power in our lives.
We all like to have a bit of power, and usually we’d like more of it. Even as children we wish for more power - many of our battles with our daughter at the moment involve the reality that she wishes to do her own thing no matter what’s going on or who that effects - she wants greater control and to exert the power she has. At heart though, aren’t we all the same as our girl? Aren’t we all stuck in a rhythm in which we desire more power and want our own way? We want the control and power to get life going the way we want it to.
One way we can do this is by seeking an increase of money because we want the opportunity to have different options, really wanting more control in our lives - the power to make different choices. Some desire to make their way up a career pathway, they will end up with more power and control as they increase in responsibility and influence. They then have power over others as well as themselves.
For myself, I have never desired to be the top of any career ladder, I have not sought money, reknown or progression in the jobs I have had. So, you may think I have escaped this power-lust, but I haven’t. I am quite happy to be part of a team and work hard, yet I do not want the power or responsibility of being in charge. I am quite happy with being an assistant, not being top dog at work, because what I actually want is control over my home life. I do not want my life to be dictated to by work. So, you see, even this decision is showing that I desire authority and power, but over life outside work.
It seems that none of us can escape - we are all a bit power-hungry, no matter how we convince ourselves otherwise - we all like control, we all crave power as we yearn to make our own decisions for our own lives. None of us are immune.
Considering this has caused me to consider - how much power do we really have?
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 8:8 (several translations coming up);
English Standard Version
No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.
New Living Translation
None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.
King James Bible
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.
Good News Translation
No one can keep from dying or put off the day of death. That is a battle we cannot escape; we cannot cheat our way out.
These verses are all different interpretations of the same verse. They all show that our power is limited. Our ability to control or have power over things has boundaries. Over one of the true major events of life - we have no say. The day we die is already determined and it doesn’t matter how many ways we try to avoid it, elongate it or ignore it, we still have no power to change it.
Some of these interpretations state that we cannot ‘retain the spirit’. Our spirit, the essence of who we are, cannot be imprisoned or controlled, it will depart from our earthly body on the day we die. It cannot be held captive in a vessel that no longer breathes - it lives on, not aimlessly, but moves on to what is next - so where is your spirit going when the guaranteed event the comes to us all comes to you? What is going to happen to you when you die?
Well, there is good news - you do have some authority and power to choose the eternal destination of your spirit. It all depends on what you do now.
There are two options for your life after death - With God or without Him.
It’s your call. You may not have power over your dying moment, but you do have the ability to choose where you are going afterwards. You cannot control how, when or where you die, but you can make a decision now that determines where your life hereafter will be.
So, where will it be?
Where are you choosing to go when you die?
With God? Without God?
You have the power and right to choose for yourself, it does not depend on anyone else to seal your eternal fate, this decision you have the power and authority to make yourself.
It is all about if you accept and live out the forgiveness Jesus gave when he died on the cross. If you believe in him, accept his forgiveness, and live out a new life in him then your spirit will live on with God. So, on the day of death, when the spirit is released from its earthly cage, you have a guaranteed future with God, and the reality of that day approaching should hold no fear for you even though you cannot control it.
What about if you don’t believe in God? Well, then, it is an eternity without God for you. As you choose to live your life now, without Him, so will your life after be. Considering that God is love, that’s not going to be a very pleasant place to be. Imagine living in an environment that is completely devoid of love, the complete opposite to a loving environment, that is what you are choosing for yourself.
Some may read this and think they will put on hold a decision about this, but you and I do not know how long we have to make that decision. You have no power to decide how long you have left, you may not have another chance to decide on your eternal destination, so what will it be?
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