relationships (Ecclesiastes 12:1-14) Our Most Valuable Relationship

(Ecclesiastes 12:1-14)

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years approach when you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 2 before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; 3 on the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and strong men are bent over, the grinders stop working because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; 4 and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly. 5 Furthermore, people are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and the caper berry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while the mourners move around in the street. 6 Remember your Creator before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the spring is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; 7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8 “Futility of futilities,” says the Preacher, “all is futility!”

9 In addition to being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, and masters of these collections are like driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive study is wearying to the body.

13 The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

This chapter is in part prophetic.  It is important to know that for those who have accepted the free gift of salvation, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise which guarantees us eternal life in heaven (Ephesians 1:13).  And so many times, in His word, even though the world can be a scary place, God tells believers that we are not to worry or be afraid!  

Therefore, if the Tribulation should begin in our lifetime, because the Holy Spirit who right now restrains evil will be removed from the earth at that time, we will be raptured (the Greek word for "caught up") to be with Him in heaven to avoid His wrath and judgements here on the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 2 Thessalonians 2).  The judgements of the Tribulation are reserved for the unbelievers, and the unbelieving Jews.  These judgments also serve as the signs signaling the end of the Jewish Age when Jesus returns to earth to bring peace and justice, and fulfill all covenants with Israel (Matthew 24).

Now, before the Tribulation happens, Solomon reminds the Israelites (and us) to seek the Lord God.  We should be seeking God continuously for His help, strength and wisdom, even before tribulations, tests, trials and temptations happen!  When we develop this valuable "habit", which is to rely upon the Lord in and for all things, we will experience a deeper peace when issues and challenges do come our way.  

As verse 11 says, everything written in the Bible are God's words, and they are there for everyone!  So, as we study the scriptures to hear His instructions, truth and wisdom, and as we talk to Him continuously in prayer, even though there will still be struggles, we can be confident because  ...we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  (Romans 8:28)

At some point, everyone will face the Lord Jesus Christ as their Judge.  If one has decided to reject Jesus, then they will be judged according to all the sins they have committed, and go to a place that is void of God and all His goodness.  If one has decided to accept Jesus as their personal Savior, because all their sins have been forgiven, they will be judged and rewarded according to their good deeds.  

The key to everything is to fear and trust God and strive to humbly live in obedience, which is only found through His salvation, which is followed by enjoying a close, personal relationship with our Lord and Savior.  The value in cherishing this relationship is priceless, as He desires to faithfully guide us in truth and love towards a fulfilling life of purpose.  He desires to bless us with His healing, peace and joy.  And His words are sweet and comforting to those who fear and love Him!

relationships (Ecclesiastes 11:1-10) Wisely Prepare and Produce

(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 on the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. 4 One who watches the wind will not sow and one who looks at the clouds will not harvest. 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 everything.

6 Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether one or the other 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 person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but 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 sorrow from your heart and keep pain away from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

In our wisdom, we should learn from the past, and be prepared for both the present and the future, emotionally, physically and financially.  First of all, we should never just throw up our hands and do nothing because we think our efforts will be a waste.  If we don't do anything, we are guaranteed to produce nothing; so we do need to make a good effort.  Secondly, when we do produce income and results, we should not squander, because we do not know what the future will bring.

Another big part of life is choosing the right allies, friends and person to date and marry.  From verses 9-10, we can understand that chasing after things or certain relationships just because they look good or it might feel good, and making decisions based on feelings, is the opposite of being wise.  This is a great way to waste our precious time, as well as get ourselves into trouble.  So many headaches and heartaches can be avoided by using wisdom regarding relationships.

These are all very practical things to practice in order to live "successfully" and not be a burden.  Being a burden to others because of our own stupidity does not help develop healthy relationships.  Someone might show us compassion, but the temptation to be resentful towards us will definitely be there.  But if we have been doing our best and something happens, it will be easier for others to rally around us to help, support and encourage.

Most importantly, in wisdom, we should be prepared spiritually.  All our efforts, strength, resources and/or people in our lives, cannot do anything for us regarding our eternity.  It is only through Jesus Christ that we can be saved, have eternal life, receive healing, and be fulfilled.  And once we are a child of God, while here on earth, He wants to help us and guide us into a life of prosperity, peace and joy, while enjoying healthy relationships with those around us.

Therefore, in wisdom, we should realize that everything we earn, gain and produce here on earth is a gift from God.  Not only should we be thankful for these blessings, but we are to enjoy them.  But even with that, these things will be left behind when we die.  So our trust should be in the Lord, and not in ourselves or anyone or anything else.

There will be struggles, and by putting the Lord first in our lives, it will be the Lord who helps, heals and comforts us.  We might not understand how He is working out all details, but He will give us purpose and perspective.  It is actually in our struggles where we can observe how amazing, faithful, gracious and patient our Lord is!  And the closer we grow to Him, the more things will make sense and work together for good, including the relationships around us.

relationships (Ecclesiastes 10:1-20) Responsibilities and Wisdom

(Ecclesiastes 10:1-20)

Dead flies turn a perfumer’s oil rancid, so a little foolishness is more potent than wisdom and honor. 2 A wise person’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish person’s heart directs him toward the left. 3 Even when the fool walks along the road, his sense is lacking, and he demonstrates to everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the ruler’s temper rises against you, do not abandon your place, because composure puts great offenses to rest.

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like a mistake that proceeds from the ruler: 6 foolishness is set in many exalted places while the rich sit in humble places. 7 I have seen slaves riding on horses and princes walking like slaves on the land.

8 One who digs a pit may fall into it, and a serpent may bite one who breaks through a wall. 9 One who quarries stones may be hurt by them, and one who splits logs may be endangered by them. 10 If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Wisdom has the advantage of bringing success. 11 If the serpent bites before being charmed, there is no benefit for the charmer. 12 Words from the mouth of a wise person are gracious, while the lips of a fool consume him; 13 the beginning of his talking is foolishness, and the end of it is evil insanity. 14 Yet the fool multiplies words. No person knows what will happen, and who can tell him what will come after him? 15 The labor of a fool makes him so weary that he does not even know how to go to a city. 16 Woe to you, land whose king is a boy, and whose princes feast in the morning. 17 Blessed are you, land whose king is of nobility, and whose princes eat at the appropriate time—for strength and not for drunkenness. 18 Through extreme laziness the rafters sag, and through idleness the house leaks. 19 People prepare a meal for enjoyment, wine makes life joyful, and money is the answer to everything. 20 Furthermore, in your bedroom do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich person; for a bird of the sky will bring the sound, and the winged one will make your word known.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Just like a tiny dead fly can completely ruin a bottle of perfume, a few negative words can undo many positive accolades.  Therefore, we should be careful how we speak to people, especially to our loved ones, and most especially to our children.  One critical remark can undo ten positive comments.  The Lord tells us to do and speak everything in love, with self-control, compassion, grace and encouragement, even when there is a need to address bad behavior.  We also need to wisely speak wisdom, in order to guide and influence people towards truth and good behavior.

Now how can we wisely speak wise things if we do not know wisdom for ourselves?  Therefore, we should be continually looking into God's word to learn more about Him and His wisdom, truth and righteous.  And how can we consistently live in obedience as an example to others, if we ourselves still struggle with the flesh?  Therefore, we need to be continually looking to the Lord for His help, guidance and strength.  The more we lean on the Lord, the more "successful" we will be.  Even in our most challenging tasks, we will experience His joy, goodness and contentment!

Whether at home, school, work, church or out in the community, if anyone, even someone of authority, accuses us of something, we should not run away.  That only makes us look guilty and unreasonable.  Also, if we abandon our responsibilities, things will unravel, struggle or fall apart.  Instead, if we did do anything wrong, we should reconcile things.  Then, or otherwise, we should continue in what we are supposed to be doing, to the best of our ability.  We should take our responsibilities seriously, since others are depending on us.  And our responsibilities also include working on our relationships, with the Lord, and with others.  It is all about what is in our hearts, because whatever is in our hearts, like hatred, that will become evident.  So as we allow God and His love to reign in our hearts, this is what others will see.

This chapter shows us how vulnerable we are in this world.  No one is perfect, and life does not always seem fair or just, and countries are not always run as they should be.  But we don't have to worry about the insanity and evil all around us when the Lord Jesus Christ is our personal Savior and King.  We can be confident that the Lord will deliver justice and allow consequences, because He is sovereign, fair, just and perfect.  

Even if we suffer the consequences of other people's actions, we can still learn from our situations and grow stronger in the Lord, understanding that we can trust and rely on Him for everything.  Because He cares and He is able, His will answer our prayers in His way and at the appropriate time.  And as we strive to live a righteous life in His strength, wisdom and love, we can have confidence in the Lord, that He will bless our lives with His peace, hope and joy.

relationships (Ecclesiastes 9:1-18) The Relationship We Can Count On

(Ecclesiastes 9:1-18)

For I have taken all this to my heart, even to examine it all, that righteous people, wise people, and their deeds are in the hand of God. People do not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits them.

2 It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and the unclean; for the person who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good person is, so is the sinner; the one who swears an oath is just as the one who is afraid to swear an oath. 3 This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of mankind are full of evil, and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterward they go to the dead. 4 For whoever is joined to all the living, there is hope; for better a live dog, than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die; but the dead do not know anything, nor do they have a reward any longer, for their memory is forgotten. 6 Indeed their love, their hate, and their zeal have already perished, and they will no longer have a share in all that is done under the sun.

7 Go then, eat your bread in happiness, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart; for God has already approved your works. 8 See that your clothes are white all the time, and that there is no lack of oil on your head. 9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love all the days of your futile life which He has given you under the sun, all the days of your futility; for this is your reward in life and in your work which you have labored under the sun.

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.

11 I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the warriors, and neither is bread to the wise nor wealth to the discerning, nor favor to the skillful; for time and chance overtake them all. 12 For indeed, a person does not know his time: like fish that are caught in a treacherous net and birds caught in a snare, so the sons of mankind are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.

13 This too I saw as wisdom under the sun, and it impressed me: 14 there was a small city with few men in it, and a great king came to it, surrounded it, and constructed large siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it a poor wise man, and he saved the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the wisdom of the poor man is despised, and his words are ignored. 17 The words of the wise heard in calm are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

God's purpose in creating us was that we would have a close, personal relationship with Him and others, and live forever with Him.  But mankind chose to disobey, so we live in a fallen, broken, sinful world.  It doesn't matter how good a person tries to be, or even if they go through all the right motions and say all the right things, in order to go to heaven, we have to be perfect.  This is impossible in our own efforts. 

All have sinned and fall short of God's glory.  So our only hope is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, accepting His free gift of forgiveness and His righteousness, which reconciles our relationship with God for all eternity.  And why wait to make this important decision?  Not only will our relationship with the Lord help us now, we do not know when we will die.

While here on earth, we all can choose to work hard and enjoy the fruit of our labor, but we all must die, whether we are believers, or nonbelievers, whether good or bad.  The questions are: for whom will we live while here on earth, and where will we go after we die?  Even as believers, while we will still go to heaven to enjoy eternity with the Lord, if we decide that we only want to work for ourselves here on earth (good or bad), what we gain can only be enjoyed while we are here on earth.

When we commit our lives and our work to the Lord, to His glory, everything we do is in His hands.  Better to do things in the Lord's strength and wisdom, than our own, which is shortsighted and feeble in comparison.  This involves trusting in Him to do the things that He asks of us, no matter what happens.  In a close relationship with the Lord, we will desire what He desires.  Therefore we will desire to share the good news that the Lord wants to have a personal relationship with everyone. 

When we have an opportunity to share the gospel with someone, they could be interested, disinterested or angry.  We have no control over anyone else's reactions, actions or decisions, we can only control our own.  So no matter the outcome, when our good deeds are done with right motives, which is with God's love, and in His strength, wisdom and righteousness, God will reward us for those things, maybe not right now, but definitely in heaven.  Meanwhile, we are to enjoy, nurture, build and protect the close relationships we have with others, especially the relationship we share with our spouse.  And together, we are to enjoy and celebrate the Lord's love, joy, peace and blessings!

relationships (Ecclesiastes 8:1-17) When to Respect and When to Protest

(Ecclesiastes 8:1-17)

Who is like the wise person and who knows the meaning of a matter? A person’s wisdom illuminates his face and makes his stern face brighten up.

2 I say, “Keep the command of the king because of the oath before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry to leave him. Do not join in an evil matter, for he will do whatever he pleases.” 4 Since the word of the king is authoritative, who will say to him, “What are you doing?”

5 One who keeps a royal command experiences no trouble, for a wise heart knows the proper time and procedure. 6 For there is a proper time and procedure for every delight, though a person’s trouble is heavy upon him. 7 If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? 8 No one has authority over the wind to restrain the wind, nor authority over the day of death; and there is no military discharge in the time of war, and evil will not save those who practice it. 9 All this I have seen, and have applied my mind to every deed that has been done under the sun at a time when one person has exercised authority over another person to his detriment.

10 So then, I have seen the wicked buried, those who used to go in and out of the holy place, and they are soon forgotten in the city where they did such things. This too is futility. 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of mankind among them are fully given to do evil. 12 Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will go well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly. 13 But it will not go well for the evil person and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God.

14 There is futility which is done on the earth, that is, there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked. On the other hand, there are evil people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I say that this too is futility. 15 So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a person under the sun except to eat, drink, and be joyful, and this will stand by him in his labor throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun.

16 When I devoted my mind to know wisdom and to see the business which has been done on the earth (even though one should never sleep day or night), 17 and I saw every work of God, I concluded that one cannot discover the work which has been done under the sun. Even though a person laboriously seeks, he will not discover; and even if the wise person claims to know, he cannot discover.

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Having and using wisdom helps us find enjoyment throughout life.  This covers all aspects of life, including how we consider politics.  God tells us to respect and submit to those in authority and obey the laws of our country.  Here, we are also told to resist joining in on evil plots and political intrigue.  Not that I want to get political on this blog, but as the Bible is covering this exact topic, these verses are so very applicable!  We are to enjoy God's blessings, but I see a few Christians who are so obsessed with the things that are happening (and/or the things that they THINK are happening), that they are living in fear, hate and arrogance.  So, as a Christian, how are we to navigate through this arena?

Over the last few years, we can see how our country is not unified.  While the vast majority just voted for the current president because they agree with the policies being implemented, a portion of the minority are being encouraged to "protest", believing that they are rightly fighting for democracy, by trying to stop everything that the majority of people want to see happen.  Therefore, what is being done in the name of "protesting" and "democracy" is actually working against democracy, as they do the bidding of the ones who are not in control but want to be.  

Things being said and done has become hateful, violent and destructive, causing many people to live in fear... WHAT is happening!?  Hate, division and destruction only adds to the hate, division and destruction!  So as a Christian, it would be very wrong to be part of that movement.  Not only are illegal acts being committed, these antics are hurting our "neighbors" and tearing apart relationships among friends and family.  It is also going against what the president is trying to accomplish (which are good things, if only people would look into it, and listen to every word).  

(FYI, just go to YouTube and search for "white house press briefings", and/or "speeches..." and "full interviews with" the president, or specific congress members, or DOGE... This way, one is hearing the actual news and their intentions, without hearing the biased viewpoints of the various press agencies, because so many of them are trying to push their personal agendas and idealisms.) 

Of course, those in authority are not perfect.  Not everything they do will be perfect.  At least in our country, we have checks and balances, so even on that level, we don't have to be worried or live in fear.  And as we choose to fear the Lord, and look to Him as our sovereign, perfect hope, we do not have to fear anyone or anything, no matter what!  And as the Lord tells us to pray for those in authority, we can then leave all our concerns in His hands to sort out!

As legal citizens of this country, we have the right to vote, write our representatives, as well as hold protests - but there is a right and legal way.  First of all, we need to seek out God's wisdom in a matter, to see if being part of a protest is even the right approach.  We need to know how a protest is going to happen to make sure that everything is abiding by the laws of the land.  We also need to understand what is actually being protested AND what is the desired outcome.  

Pro-Palestinian protests are one thing, but if the desired outcome is to support terrorist activates against Jews and Americans... this is evil at its core.  To protest Hamas so that Palestinians and Jews are kept safe... this would be a good thing.  But guess what, the president is already addressing this issue:  to deal with Hamas, and protect both Palestinians AND Jews.  So why is there a need to protest?  Except where people now feel they need to protest the protesting which is unfairly turning people against them.  Can we not see the insanity in all of this?!

As one who is against abortion, I believe that shaming the women even more than they already feel is not a Christian-like approach.  We should definitely be praying.  And we should be making sure that we are helping to provide alternative solutions,  support and encouragement to the very big dilemmas that these women face.  There are so many reasons why women might think that this is their only option.

Here's another example... protesting coal mining, and oil and gas production.  It's so very easy to say, but not easy, practical or even possible to do.  Many regions of the country and the world do not have access to any other energy source than coal and/ or natural gas, which would be used to heat their homes, for example.  It's also very easy to say that one should only be using green energy such as wind or solar, but these sources do not produce enough energy to supply what is needed.  As well, they are not consistently reliable.  And to make solar panels and windmills requires - guess what? - oil!  Just google-search a complete list of oil-byproducts!  

Now, one can definitely protest the amount of waste and pollution we produce, since God has told us to take care of the earth and be good stewards of our resources.  Even better, one can study, research and develop different ways that would help us do better!  We should be part of the solution, and not part of the problem.  In everything we do - even if we are protesting something - it should be done with God's love, compassion, respect and wisdom!

Well, just as there is a proper way to address issues with the government and our country, there are proper ways to address, approach and view every and any other issue or event... even our fun, leisure activities.  While we can plan for some things, so many things are out of our control.  As verse 7 says, no one knows what will happen, so no one can tell us when something will happen.  Therefore, we need to thoughtfully, practically and prayerfully plan and prepare, keeping in mind that what we do and say will have an impact and/or influence on others.  Others will also have an impact and/or influence on us.  But this is not an excuse, nor can it simply be ignored.  Whatever we do, it should be helping to restore, build, grow and encourage, as well as standing up for fair, timely and righteous justice.  

As believers, our eternal future is secure.  As for the present, even though life doesn't always feel secure or it isn't always fair, verse 12 points out that God will see to it that things go well for us when we fear (awesomely respect) Him, especially when we OPENLY fear Him and make the most of each day.  Because the Lord and His way is more vast than anyone could possibly know or understand, we can be confident in His ability to guide our lives and take care of us.  Whether we live long or not, and whether we are rich or not, as we strive to live obediently in His will, His strength and His wisdom, and trust that He will work in and through us, our lives will not be futile, but will have purpose, fulfillment and joy.

relationships (Ecclesiastes 7:25-29) Finding Perfect Love

(Ecclesiastes 7:25-29) 

25 I directed my mind to know and to investigate, and to seek wisdom and an explanation, and to know the evil of foolishness and the foolishness of insanity. 26 And I discovered as more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, whose hands are chains. One who is pleasing to God will escape from her, but the sinner will be captured by her.

27 “Behold, I have discovered this,” says the Preacher, “by adding one thing to another to find an explanation, 28 which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand, but I have not found a woman among all these. 29 Behold, I have found only this, that God made people upright, but they have sought out many schemes.”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

It is foolish to pursue women who are bitter!  I would say this is applicable to the pursuit of both men and woman, but I'm thinking that the woman is used here as a warning to men, that even though women tend to be physically weaker and more delicate, this does not mean that they are necessarily more loving, kind and compassionate.  This is an illusion.  It would be delusional to assume that someone is loving, kind and compassionate, if and when they were deep down inside actually bitter, angry and resentful.  Just as dangerous, is the person who is self-centered, selfish and manipulative.

This is why it is so critical to get to know someone well enough, before dating, and most importantly before marrying.  This is why it is so critical that believers only date and marry another believer.  Just as critical, is knowing why we should save ourselves for marriage.  When a couple has sex, this is the act of marriage, where the two become one flesh.  All objectivity goes out the window, especially when one has chosen to engage in sex simply because the flesh wanted satisfying.  This means that one is allowing their flesh and emotions drive their decisions.

I know many people will say, "It's JUST sex."  But I pity those people.  Intercourse was created by the Lord as something most precious.  It is the most personal thing we can give to another person.  So when we come across people who want to convince us to engage in an intimate relationship, we must see those are dangerous red flags, and avoid that person and those situations.

We need to use wisdom and truth to drive our thinking and our decisions.  Fall in love with someone using our minds, and then enjoy with the heart.  And, when we understand that the purpose for sex is, not only for procreation, but to experience "oneness", we will then be more likely to remain obedient to God's commandment that we do not commit adultery (which is having sex outside of marriage, whether we are single or not).  Think about it!  If we have sex with someone while we are single, we are being unfaithful to our future spouse!  We are also proving to our future spouse (and others) that we do not have self-control.  Then, how much more likely is one to commit adultery when married?!

We are also mistaken if we think that a spouse can be our rock and our solution to life's happiness.  They are only human and they will let us down.  And to put anyone in the place of God is unfair to those people.  There is no way anyone can live up to the standards of perfection.  Only God is perfect, omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient.

God created man and woman and declared this "very good"!  Since God created us and sex, He knows how things work, much better than we do.  And He desires that we have rich, fulfilling and satisfying lives.  Therefore, He has given us instructions to follow, so we can experience this.  Understand that we can still be single, and have exactly that:  rich, fulfilling and satisfying lives!  Because it is only the Lord who can "complete" us.  

As believers, we have the Lord's Holy Spirit in our souls, always there to guide and help us.  We are to lean on Him, and trust Him in all things.  And when both husband and wife are doing that, their marriage will be so much stronger.  Even those who are single will be so much stronger with the Lord being one's solid foundation of truth, pillar of strength, and template of perfect love.

relationships (Ecclesiastes 7:15-24) Priorities and Moderation

(Ecclesiastes 7:15-24) 

15 I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous person who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked person who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be excessively righteous, and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? 17 Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be foolish. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you grasp one thing while not letting go of the other; for one who fears God comes out with both of them.

19 Wisdom strengthens a wise person more than ten rulers who are in a city. 20 Indeed, there is not a righteous person on earth who always does good and does not ever sin. 21 Also, do not take seriously all the words which are spoken, so that you do not hear your servant cursing you, 22 for you know that even you have cursed others many times as well.

23 I tested all this with wisdom, and I said, “I will be wise,” but wisdom was far from me. 24 What has been is remote and very mysterious. Who can discover it?

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

Life in moderation!  We definitely need to balance out all our relationships, responsibilities and leisure plans with wisdom.  I recently saw an illustration that brilliantly portrayed where the Lord should be placed in our list of priorities.  I've always known that regarding my relationships, God should be first in my life, then my spouse, then my children, then the church family, family and friends...  Well, this illustration had a sign post, with signs nailed onto it, top to bottom, BUT it didn't have God at the top.  RATHER, God WAS the sign post!!!  (Mind blown!!!)  Therefore, with the Lord at the center of everything, as our foundation and pillar of strength, and everything attached to Him, He can help us prioritize, as well as be a part of each relationship, task and event!

When we have God managing all the things in life for us, everything will go much smoother, even and especially when life gets bumpy!  So always, we should be going to the Lord for His strength, guidance and help, in everything.  But then, how does that jibe with verse 16.  Well, I have two ways this makes complete sense.  

There was an occasion when I really wanted to know what the Bible said on a specific topic - immediately!!!  It is a good thing that I want to know what God, Himself, says, and not what someone else says based on their personal research.  But, what happened was, I spent hours and hours a day, from morning to night, reading through the Bible and taking notes, all the while neglecting my family and my household tasks.  Reading and studying the Bible is a very excellent thing, but not to the point that one neglects other important and necessary things.

Another way we can get off track while pursuing excellence, is when we become "too righteous" - meaning - self-righteous.  I've seen this happen with a group of people that got caught up in a "Christian" cult.  They were very well meaning, with very good intentions, but they were wrong when they tried to look more righteous than Jesus!  It became a competition... like: who could be more convicted of something, so they could then compare and judge and put others down, while looking better than everyone else.  So many things became sinful based on their personal preferences... even though these things were not sinful at all.  They then had to take the Bible out of context in order to support and justify their personal "rightness".  It became excessive to the point of stifling their own lifestyles, while causing weaker believers to stumble, leave the church, and even leave their faith.  

I could go on and on about just how dangerous that path can become, but what we need to know is that as believers, we are not to worry or fear, or cause anyone else to worry or fear.  And we are not to judge!  We are not the righteousness-police.  It is not our job to stamp out sin in other people's lives. Verses 21-22 talks about this.  Another way to put this is found in Matthew 7:3.  We shouldn't look at the speck in our brother's eye, when we have a speck in our own.  

No one is perfect!  And we do not know everything (even Solomon, the wisest known man on earth, admitted that he couldn't achieve any great level of wisdom).  So we most certainly cannot know what is in another person's heart or mind.  Only God can judge a person's motives for doing or saying anything.  Therefore, we are told to be gracious and forgiving towards one another, since God, Himself, is also very gracious and forgiving.  

Because of God's forgiveness and grace, believers are free from sin.  This is not a license to sin.  Besides, wisdom reminds us that there will be consequences here on earth.  As well, because we love the Lord, we will not want to sin!  But because we will still sin, even when we don't want to, we all continue to need God's help!

Part of getting God's help is to understand verse 18, where Solomon tells us that we need both (God's) wisdom and (God's) righteousness working together.  If we are studying the Bible, but we are not putting into practice what we have learned, what good is that?  And if we are trying to be righteous, but only based on how our limited knowledge sees appropriate, what is that?  Therefore, in our personal relationship with the Lord, it is all about getting to know Him and His word better, and then asking Him for help in applying and putting into practice His righteousness.